Jungle Book fever: 5 awesome African safari lodges

Mowgli is one lucky little dude. His epic journey in The Jungle Book—now in theaters—provides him close encounters with the kinds of untamed wildlife most of us only dream about. Then again, imagine how happy this little boy might’ve been if he were to experience Africa through the lens of an upscale accommodation? With that in mind, here are 5 awesome African safari lodges.

Also: To which country does your state travel the most?

Mara Explorer in Kenya

Mara Explorer: Kenya
We want to go here, like now. The Mara Explorer in southwest Kenya is smack dab in the middle of the Massai Mara National Reserve—one of the country’s most celebrated areas for viewing wildlife. While most camps and lodges serve as an excellent base of exploration, at Mara Explorer migrating wildebeest, watering elephants and big old hippos can often be seen from one of the lodge’s ten, river-facing luxury tents. What really gets us though are the deep-soaking, outdoorbathtubs and the thought of getting all sudsy with the sounds of the bush just steps away. Take us there now!

Neptune Ngorongoro Crater Luxury Lodge in Tanzania

Neptune Ngorongoro Crater Luxury Lodge: Tanzania
Turn your head in one direction and you might spot a sea of pink flamingoes while on the other side of you there may be a pair of languid cheetahs. Such is the splendor of the Ngorongoro National Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and of the seven natural wonders of Africa. Perched upon the lip of the crater is the all-inclusive Neptune composed of 20 private log cabins with fire place, king-sized canopy beds, large showers and an on-call butler service.  There is also a swimming pool and the Mvua African Rain Spa on site, but you may be too captivated by the views of the crater to even notice.

Chobe Marina Lodge in Botswana

Chobe Marina Lodge: Botswana
Ready for close encounters of the elephant kind? Chobe Marina Lodge, located a stone’s throw from the entrance to Chobe National Park, offers all kinds of creature comforts such as microwave ovens, patios, minibars, 24-hour room service and an outdoor pool while being in close proximity to all the creatures you’ve come to Botswana to see. Speaking of which, Chobe National Park is flush with all kinds of jungle critters including leopards, wildebeests, cheetahs, hippopotamuses, zebras, wild dogs, lions and tons of elephants. End each amazing day with a round of golf at nearby Mowana Golf Course.

Ntwala Island Lodge in Namibia

Ntwala Island Lodge: Namibia
Talk about rare and exclusive, the Ntwala Island Lodge is comprised of just four luxury suites making it an incredibly private camp. Each contains its own private plunge pool, furnished patio, outdoor sala bed, private outdoor shower and luxury bathroom with double vanity. Fly fishing is a big deal here, but if you’ve come to see animals you can get up close and personal with them from the comfort of your own guided mokoro—as each suite comes with its own guide and boat! Chobe National Park is only a short distance away and the Victoria Falls are close enough for a day trip.

Bakubung Bush Lodge in South Africa

Bakubung Bush Lodge: South Africa
Kruger National Park might be the bigger name, but Pilanesburg Game Reserve is no slouch when it comes to top-notch animal viewing. The park puts safari goers in close proximity to more than 10,000 large mammals including big cats, elephants, zebra, buffalos, kudus, impalas and both black and white rhinoceros. Family-friendly Bakubung Bush Lodge, meanwhile, offers spacious grounds including flood-lit tennis courts, a volleyball court, swimming pool, spa, playground and rooms which feature their own private balcony and patio—perfect for viewing the nearby hippo pools.

Tagged: Family time