Accommodation

Top waterholes in Africa

Written by Julie Graham

Waterholes in Africa are where a lot of the action happens on a safari.

The waterhole is where birds and wildlife flock. It is an oasis in the middle of the bushveld, where the promise of refreshment (and potential prey) lures animals of all shapes and sizes.

During your safari, you will most likely seek out waterholes on game drives, and spend time in silence waiting for the magic of nature to unfold. However, there are some top luxury lodges and camps that have active waterholes right on their doorsteps. And not only that. Our top recommended lodges and camps with waterholes in Africa are designed with unique viewing hides, where guests are blended into nature at eye-level with the animals coming to drink, hunt, or be hunted. This is the perfect example of the ‘unobserved, observing’ and takes the safari experience to a whole new level.

Here are a few of our top waterholes in Africa, located at some of our favorite luxury safari lodges and camps.

Ol Donyo Lodge, Kenya

A large elephant outside the waterhole at Ol Donyo

A large tusker observed from the hide at Ol Donyo

Kenya’s Ol Donyo Lodge is located on 111,000 hectares of pristine, private land bordering Chyulu Hills National Park. This game-rich region is wedged between Amboseli and Kenya’s Tsavo East parks and lies on the foothills of the great Mount Kilimanjaro. One of Ol Donyo’s best safari experiences is quietly observing wild game that gathers around the waterhole from their unique log-pile hide.

Wine and a cheese board set up in the hide at Ol Donyo

Sundowners set up at the hide at Ol Donyo

One of Ol Donyo’s best safari experiences is quietly observing wild game that gathers around the waterhole from their unique log-pile hide.

This soulful experience places guests right in the heart of the action from the safety of a mass of dried tree trunks and branches which blends seamlessly into the surrounding bushveld. The waterhole attracts fringe-eared oryx, giraffe, warthog, large cats and even Africa’s largest tusked elephants.

See the action happening right now at Ol Donyo’s waterhole HERE.

The Hide, Zimbabwe

Elephants gather at a waterhole at The Hide in Zimbabwe

Elephants gather at the waterhole at The Hide in Hwange National Park

The Hide is one of the few camps in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park and has been consistently voted one of the country’s best safari lodges. Its prime position offers world-class game viewing and one of the most incredible safari experiences in Africa. Safari tents overlook an active waterhole, visited frequently by elephants, lions, rhino, cheetah and more.

Safari tents overlook an active waterhole, visited frequently by elephants, lions, rhino, cheetah and more.

Cheetahs drinking from a waterhole at The Hide in Zimbabwe

A coalition of cheetahs gather at the waterhole at The Hide in Hwange National Park.

The camp’s namesake refers to its breathtaking underground hide that acts as a ‘window on the waterhole’. This allows guests to experience the animals like never before. Without the need for a guide, the underground tunnel puts you right into the action as a silent observer to Mother Nature in all her glory.

Savute Elephant Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana

A waterhole at Savute Elephant Lodge

Savute Elephant Lodge in Chobe National Park, Botswana

Located alongside the enigmatic Savute Channel in the Chobe National Park, Savute Elephant Lodge offers front row seats to nature unfolding in the wild. This luxury tented oasis is renowned for its extremely high concentrations of elephants, as well as lions and other predators. Situated near an active waterhole, the lodge’s unique viewing hide places guests right in the heart of the action.

An elephant at the waterhole at Savute Elephant Lodge in Botswana

A large elephant walks away after a drink at Savute Elephant Lodge

This luxury tented oasis is renowned for its extremely high concentrations of elephant, as well as lion and other predators.

From dusk to dawn, the hide offers a safe space for guests to blend into nature and witness groups of elephant, hyena, cheetah, lion pay a visit to the waterhole for a drink. After a day of unforgettable sightings, Savute Elephant Lodge is the perfect space to relax and unwind in true Belmond style.

Mhondoro Safari Lodge, South Africa

An elephant at the waterhole with Mhonodoro Safari Lodge in the background.

An elephant viewed from the unique concrete hide at Mhondoro Safari Lodge

Mhondoro Safari Lodge is a luxurious private safari lodge in the Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo. This game-rich Big Five safari destination plays host to one of the most unique underground waterhole hides in South Africa. The hide is connected to the main lodge and is reached via a 65 meter long underground concrete tunnel rigged with motion sensor lights.

The hide is connected to the main lodge and is reached via a 65 meter long underground concrete tunnel rigged with motion sensor lights.

Sunset at Mhondoro Safari Lodge

Sunset at the waterhole at Mhondoro Safari Lodge

This modern design takes guests deep into the centre of the waterhole at eye level with the animals. As a result, encounters with wildlife are closer than ever! This particular hide is a true engineering feat, providing a truly unique experience for guests.

Get in touch with our expert team today to experience a safari that places you in the very heart of the action!

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