Luxury sustainable safari experiences & the best eco-friendly lodges

Learn about the top luxury sustainable safari experiences, including the best eco-friendly African safari lodges & parks.

Written by

Ker & Downey® Africa

Sustainable travel has risen significantly in recent years reshaping the industry as individuals seek greener ways to explore the world. Eco-friendly resorts, offsetting carbon emissions, greener transport options, community-centric experiences, and regenerative tourism are all opportunities that offer more meaningful, socially conscious, and responsible ways to travel.

One key travel industry that has seen exponential growth is luxury sustainable safari experiences. With wildlife at the forefront of these experiences, it makes sense that travelers wish to lower their carbon footprint to protect some of the most majestic wildlife and landscapes on the planet.

We are a specialist luxury sustainable safari experience provider that has been pioneering responsible travel itineraries to Africa for more than two decades. Our wealth of expertise enables you to leave a positive legacy in Africa by booking a luxury, sustainable safari experience with us.

Here we share some of the best eco-friendly African safari lodges and experiences, and how we make a difference in Africa by providing responsible travel experiences that have the earth’s best interests at heart.

What is luxury sustainable travel in Africa?

Luxury sustainable travel in Africa combines high-end, exclusive travel experiences with environmentally and socially responsible practices. It focuses on providing travelers with immersive and luxurious safari or adventure experiences while minimizing negative impacts on the local environment, supporting local communities, and promoting wildlife conservation.

What are the best eco-friendly safari lodges in Africa?

We work with an exquisite selection of Africa’s best eco-friendly safari lodges. These include:

Nimali Lodges

Nimali Lodges is located in some of the most iconic areas of northern Tanzania with each of the three eco-friendly lodges embodying everything that is special about Africa. The ethos of Nimali Lodges is respect for people and the planet, offering a luxury, sustainable safari experience that is second to none. The Nimali brand is rooted in conservation and sustainability to reduce its environmental impact. Nimali encompasses three lodges, Nimali Tarangire, Nimali Serengeti, and Nimali Mara, offering a suite of luxury safari experiences for the senses and the opportunity to witness some of Africa’s most majestic animals amidst the vast wilderness.

Tswalu

Tswalu offers a true wilderness experience located on the southernmost edge of the vast Kalahari in South Africa. Tswalu offers three luxury safari camps, each offering a low footprint, luxury, sustainable travel experience, which is vital to the conservation work of Tswalu. Through Tswalu’s luxury camps, guests help conserve 114,000 hectares and impact the lives of nearly 300 local residents, including providing vital medical services. Guests can enjoy privileged access to a handpicked selection of safari experiences designed to limit environmental impact while enjoying the camp’s luxury surroundings and first-class service offerings.

Lemala Camps

Lemala Camps offers an exquisite collection of intimate tented camps, luxurious villas, and inspiring lodges in Uganda and Northern Tanzania. All properties are located in the heart of the wilderness, enabling guests to connect deeply with nature and the local environment while offering luxurious service and elevated levels of comfort. Authentic safari experiences sit at the heart of Lemala Camps, with every element carefully considered to protect the environment and support local communities. Lemala Camps is fully committed to providing luxury, sustainable safari experiences and supporting various philanthropic projects.

How do we support luxury sustainable safari experiences?

As a leading luxury sustainable safari provider we excel at curating incredible eco-friendly safari experiences that help you leave a lasting, positive legacy in Africa.

Our team of luxury sustainable safari specialists boasts in-depth knowledge of Africa and have access to the best eco-friendly African safari lodges. We support sustainable travel in Africa through three core pillars. These include:

Wildlife conservation

All our partners work to rehabilitate and protect African wildlife, helping to preserve Africa’s delicate ecosystems. The eco-friendly lodges we work with also allow you the opportunity to actively participate in wildlife conservation projects alongside industry experts, offering a memorable experience that leaves a lasting legacy.

Community impact

We only work with suppliers that empower local communities in which they operate. Our luxury sustainable safari experts can also recommend initiatives and organizations that work with local communities, enabling you to connect with local people and learn more about each destination’s unique culture.

Environmental awareness

Protecting the natural wonders of Africa is pivotal to everything we do at Ker & Downey Africa. We only work with eco-friendly lodges in Africa that purposefully limit their impact on the local environment and encourage guests to be mindful of their carbon footprint, including being aware of their consumption habits. With every luxury safari experience booked through us we donate a portion of the proceeds to Greenpop, a forest restoration and urban greening non-profit organization.

How can I limit my carbon footprint while on a luxury safari experience in Africa?

There are several ways you can limit your carbon footprint while on a luxury safari experience in Africa. This includes:

Choosing eco-friendly accommodations, such as luxury African lodges handpicked by us. All our eco-friendly African lodges are rooted in conservation efforts and prioritize sustainability without compromising on luxury.
Opting for low-impact transportation, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, and utilizing carbon offset programs when flying,
Practicing responsible wildlife viewing, including limiting disruption to wildlife by traveling in small parties and avoiding unnecessary off-road driving that can harm fragile ecosystems.
Supporting conservation initiatives, such as lodges and safari operators, like us, that partner with groups and organizations that make a positive impact on Africa’s wildlife and local communities.
Minimizing water and electrical usage by turning off lights, air-conditioning, and electrical appliances when not in use, and taking shorter showers, for example.
Choosing locally sourced ingredients and sustainable cuisine. All the eco-friendly lodges that we work with serve locally sourced food to minimize their carbon footprint and to support the local economy and communities.

What are some of the best conservation destinations in Africa for a luxury, sustainable safari experience?

Some of the best destinations for responsible travel in Africa include:

Bangweulu Wetlands, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia
Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Malawi
Liwonde National Park, Malawi
Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Our team can arrange a luxury sustainable safari experience in any of the above destinations. Contact our safari specialists today.

How we can help you book the best eco-friendly African safari experience

As a leading Africa safari specialist prioritizing luxury sustainable safari experiences, we excel at curating eco-friendly safari experiences that help you leave a positive legacy in Africa. We have access to the best eco-friendly African lodges and will curate a bespoke safari itinerary that precisely meets your requirements. Contact us today.

Curated Packages

Signature journeys across Africa

Our expert team crafts journeys that transcend luxury. Each itinerary is shaped by the spirit of the land and the wisdom of its people — opening doors to experiences few can imagine, and even fewer will ever access.

May - October

10 DAYS

South Luangwa Walking Safari

Journey through 3 distinct areas of South Luangwa National Park on this walking safari in Zambia before exploring the adventure capital of Africa: Victoria Falls.

All Year Round

11 DAYS

Luxury Egypt Experience

Discover ancient wonders, endless desert landscapes, the winding Nile River and glittering Red Sea on this 11 day Luxury Egypt Experience.

Jan, Feb, Jun – Sept

5 DAYS

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Track Silverback mountain gorillas and encounter the rare golden monkey troop of the Volcanoes National Park on this Rwanda adventure.

All Year Round

10 DAYS

The Active Africa Circuit – A Luxury Sport Safari

All Year Round

13 DAYS

Amboseli, Lewa and Masai Mara Safari

Discover Kenya’s wild beauty across Amboseli, Lewa, and the Masai Mara – from elephant-dotted plains to thrilling big cat encounters.

All Year Round

12 DAYS

Tanzania & Zanzibar Honeymoon Safari

A romantic Tanzania & Zanzibar Honeymoon Safari getaway which perfectly balances an African Safari adventure with a barefoot luxury island experience.

June-October

10 DAYS

Electric Vehicle Safari in Kenya

Explore three groundbreaking conservation areas on this exclusive eco-conscious 10-day Electric Vehicle Safari in Kenya.

All Year Round

9 DAYS

Luxury Adventure through Namibia

A 9-day trip to Namibia is the perfect way to experience the country’s absolute beauty while staying at superb lodges along the way.

All Year Round

9 DAYS

‘Out of Africa’ Safari in Kenya

Inspired by the 1985 Hollywood film ‘Out of Africa’, this itinerary transports guests through Kenya’s wilderness to relive the movie’s famous scenes.

15 June - 15 November

7 DAYS

Luxury Tented Safari in Tanzania

Soar above the savanna on a hot air balloon, track the Big Five, and enjoy mobile safaris, all paired with luxurious stays at iconic camps.

All Year Round

17 DAYS

Luxury Mauritius & South Africa Experience

Experience an exclusive South African safari followed by luxury Mauritius island living on this 17-day safari and beach experience.

June – October

18 DAYS

Tanzania and Seychelles Luxury Safari

Experience the wild and the tranquil on this 17-night luxury safari through Tanzania and Seychelles, where the Great Migration meets island serenity.

All year round

9 DAYS

Beaches of Seychelles Vacation

Explore Seychelles’ most breathtaking shores on this 9‑day luxury escape across Mahé and Praslin’s iconic white‑sand beaches.

All Year Round

10 DAYS

Botswana & Victoria Falls Adventure

This Botswana & Victoria Falls Adventure experience offers an African sightseeing and safari in the heart of Southern Africa.

Year Round

11 DAYS

Adventure and Exploration in the Seychelles

Disconnect and recharge on this 10-night luxury Seychelles escape, blending island adventure, yoga, ocean experiences, and barefoot wellness.

All Year Round

16 DAYS

Ultimate East Africa Safari

Soar above the plains on Tanzania on a hot air balloon, walk wild trails on foot, and encounter Rwanda’s mountain gorillas face-to-face.

All year round

9 DAYS

9-day Victoria Falls to Botswana Luxury Safari

Embark on a luxury safari from Victoria Falls to Botswana and experience the ultimate combination of breathtaking scenery and epic wildlife.

Dec – Mar

7 DAYS

Wildebeest Calving Season Safari

Witness one of the seven wonders of the natural world as millions of wildebeest migrate through the Serengeti during calving season.

June - Sept

8 DAYS

Rivers & Rainforests: A Ugandan Safari

Discover Uganda’s Nile River and trek gorillas in Bwindi on this 7-night luxury safari, with boat safaris, waterfalls, and rainforest encounters.

June - Sept

15 DAYS

Gorillas & Big Five Safari Adventure

Encounter gorillas, chimpanzees, and the Big Five on this 15-night luxury safari through Uganda and Kenya, combining primate trekking with the Great Migration.

Year Round

18 DAYS

Southern Africa Luxury Bush & Beach Escape

Discover the best of Southern Africa on this 17-night luxury journey – from Cape Town to the Winelands, Big Five safaris, and Mozambique’s beaches.

All Year Round

9 DAYS

Botswana Okavango Honeymoon LuxVenture®

This luxury Botswana honeymoon allows you to indulge in a pristine wilderness getaway while reveling in unapologetically romantic lodges.

June-October

7 DAYS

African Wild Dog Safari

Our exclusive 7-day African wild dog safari in the Kenya is filled with adventure, thrilling wildlife sightings, and rich Kenyan culture.

All Year Round

13 DAYS

Elephant Safari in South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana

This 13-day Elephant Safari takes you through South Africa, Victoria Falls and Botswana to connect with Africa’s iconic gentle giants.

All Year Round

8 DAYS

Luxury Namibia Safari

This 8-day fly-in luxury Namibia safari invites you to marvel at the country’s vast, otherworldly beauty from the sky and beyond.

All Year Round

10 DAYS

Luxury Tanzania Honeymoon LuxVenture®

This luxury Tanzania honeymoon takes couples into iconic parks, romantic safari lodges and includes unique activities and surprises on the way.

Year Round

11 DAYS

Luxury Seychelles Honeymoon and Couples Vacation

Experience barefoot luxury and island romance on an 11-day Seychelles honeymoon across Desroches and Félicité.

All Year Round

12 DAYS

Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari

This exclusive trip unites luxurious XO Private properties for the ultimate Tanzania and Zanzibar safari, seamlessly blending bush and beach.

All Year Round

7 DAYS

Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda

This thrilling gorilla trekking safari takes you deep into the mountainous slopes of Rwanda to witness gorillas and other primates like never before.

June-October

9 DAYS

The Great Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania

This Great Migration Safari will take you to four scenic regions to witness millions of wildebeest cross the Serengeti into the Masai Mara National Reserve.

June-October

9 DAYS

Sub Saharan Kenya Safari Experience

Over your nine days on our Sub Saharan Kenya Safari Experience exploring this wildlife mecca you will visit four of the best game-viewing regions in Kenya.

All Year Round

12 DAYS

Stargazing Desert Safari in Namibia

This carefully crafted itinerary combines thrilling wildlife encounters and desert adventure with remote luxury lodges that are sure to maximize your celestial safari.

All Year Round

10 DAYS

Africa Safari: Uganda & Zambia’s Great Waterways

All Year Round

10 DAYS

Tanzania & Zanzibar Family Holiday

Crafted for families, this 10-day trip invites you to combine a stellar African safari experience with an idyllic island escape on the shores of Zanzibar.

June-February

13 DAYS

A Cultural Safari Tanzania Zanzibar

Journey through Tanzania and Zanzibar on a cultural safari showcasing the best of East Africa’s culture, people and wildlife.

Year Round

10 DAYS

Natural East Africa Wonders Safari

Visit 3 regions on this luxury safari which combines the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, a scenic flight over Kilimanjaro, and the Great Migration in the Serengeti.

All Year Round

12 DAYS

Culinary Journey to Morocco

Embark on a culinary odyssey through Morocco, where every dish tells a story and every spice unlocks a new adventure.

March to June

10 DAYS

Zimbabwe Victoria Falls & Safari LuxVenture®

This Zimbabwe Victoria Falls itinerary combines a safari in Mana Pools and Hwange with one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, the mighty Victoria Falls

All Year Round

13 DAYS

Elements of Southern Africa: A Curated Safari

A curated Southern Africa safari blending Cape Town design, Sabi Sand wilderness, and Mozambique’s Indian Ocean into one seamless, elevated journey.

All Year Round

12 DAYS

South Africa Art, Wine & Wilderness Safari

Experience an enriching Art Safari through South Africa, from Cape Town’s galleries to the Winelands and wild beauty of Kruger National Park.

May to October

8 DAYS

Mad Max Safari Adventure

Follow in the footsteps of Mad Max across Namibia’s surreal landscapes on this 8-night luxury safari, blending desert adventure, cinematic scenery, and exclusive lodges.

Feb – May, Sep – Dec

10 DAYS

Luxury Journey Through Morocco

Uncover Morocco’s rich history, from winding medina alleys and Sahara desert camps to sunrise hot air balloon flights over Marrakech.

April-October

10 DAYS

Best of Botswana Safari

This Best of Botswana LuxVenture® takes you to new heights, revealing extraordinary experiences in the world’s most remote corners.

July-September

6 DAYS

Horseback Safari in Kenya

Travel through the wild for 3 days on this exciting horseback safari in Kenya, exploring Samburu in a nomadic camping style

All Year Round

Day Trip to Antarctica LuxVenture®

Fly from South Africa to Antarctica in a single day. Stand at the edge of the world, where ice, wind, and vast white horizons redefine adventure.

June-October

8 DAYS

Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari

Our Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari takes you through four of the top safari regions & countless thrilling experiences including the Great Migration.

Year Round

8 DAYS

African Wild Dog Safari in Zimbabwe

Designed for travelers with an interest in conservation, our wild dog safari puts you in the heart of the action, inviting you to leave a positive legacy in Africa.

All Year Round

11 DAYS

Luxury Safari in Zambia

Explore Zambia’s wild heart through game drives, walking safaris, cultural encounters, and Zambezi river adventures.

All Year Round

11 DAYS

Cape Town Safari & Whale Coast Adventure

Take the road less traveled and discover 3 unique landscapes on this safari which takes you from Cape Town to the Whale Coast and the Little Karoo.

May-October

8 DAYS

Luxury Treehouse Safari to Botswana LuxVenture®

This luxury safari to Botswana takes you to 3 iconic wildlife hotspots and includes a night in a treehouse as well as a stay at one of the newest camps in the Okavango Delta.

June - Sept

11 DAYS

Uganda Done Right

Track gorillas, chimpanzees, and big game on this 10-night luxury Uganda safari, staying in refined lodges across Bwindi, Kyambura, and Kyaninga.

May to October | November to April

11 DAYS

Spirit of Zambia Safari

Experience Zambia on this 10-night luxury safari featuring river cruises at Victoria Falls, walking safaris in South Luangwa, and wildlife photography in Lower Zambezi.

All Year Round

6 DAYS

Luxury Morocco Vacation

Trek through the Ourika Valley and fly over the palm groves of Marrakech in a hot air balloon on this luxury Morocco adventure.

June-August

12 DAYS

Rovos Rail and Zambezi River Escape

Sit back and allow this luxurious adventure to unfold on the ultimate slow travel safari on the Rovos Rail and the Zambezi Queen houseboat.

All Year Round

17 DAYS

Southern Africa: Framed and Untamed

Discover Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique’s iconic backdrops on a 17-day photographic safari to Sossusvlei, Cape Town, Kruger and Benguerra Island.

All year round

12 DAYS

Luxury Family Safari: South Africa & Victoria Falls

This epic 12-day family safari combines Cape Town, the Winelands, Sabi Sands and Victoria Falls for the ultimate travel adventure together with your loved ones.

All Year Round

8 DAYS

Luxury Kenya Safari

The birthplace of wilderness safaris, Kenya is renowned for its abundant wildlife, colorful culture, and pristine natural beauty.

March-December

10 DAYS

Luxury Private Safari in Zambia

This Luxury Private Safari invites you to escape the crowds and discover a slice of privacy in Zambia’s untamed wilderness, just for you.

All Year Round

9 DAYS

Luxury Safari in Kruger National Park & Cape Town

Experience a luxury safari in Kruger National Park’s Sabi Sands as well as Cape Town & the Cape Winelands on this exciting bush and beach trip.

All Year Round

14 DAYS

Southern Africa’s Finest: SA, Victoria Falls & Botswana

Experience the very best of a Southern Africa safari as you visit some of the most iconic locations in South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana in one trip.

Jan, Feb, Jun – Sept

13 DAYS

Gorilla Trekking, Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti

A luxury bucket list safari showcasing 4 iconic wildlife destinations in East Africa visiting Tanzania, Serengeti and Rwanda.

All Year Round

14 DAYS

Luxury South Africa and Mozambique Honeymoon

Experience the ultimate South Africa and Mozambique honeymoon, where bush and beach escapes come together in one unforgettable 8-day journey.

All Year Round

10 DAYS

Cairo + Luxury Nile Cruise

Explore the wonders of ancient Egypt on this 10 day Cairo + Luxury Nile Cruise with exclusive access to famous archeological sites, museums and beguiling temples.

Year Round

15 DAYS

The Ultimate Southern Africa Bush & Beach

Experience the wild and the serene on a luxury bush and beach safari through Southern Africa, crafted for romance, wellness, and adventure.

All Year Round

7 DAYS

Chobe River Cruise & Okavango Delta Safari

Explore the famous Chobe National Park by luxury cruise down the Chobe River on the world famous Zambezi Queen.

All Year Round

8 DAYS

Best of Egypt LuxVenture®

Discover the best of Egypt on this premium private itinerary that combines famous archeological sites with a cruise down the River Nile.