Top 10 Most Remote Camps in Africa
Read our guide to Africa’s most hidden and exclusive destinations.
Although we all love to think of Africa as a pristine and untouched wilderness, the reality is that much of Africa is inhabited, and even popular “wilderness” spots have many camps and lodges operating in close proximity to each other. That’s why at Stanley Safaris, we have a special love for the remote, hidden and exclusive spaces, where guests can feel like they truly are the only people on earth. Sure, they’re a little more tricky to get to, but this off-the-beaten-track feel is all a part of the charm, and we use our expert knowledge to make the logistics as simple as possible! Here’s our top 10 most remote camps in Africa:
1. Echo Camp and Whichaway Camp, Antarctica
It comes as no surprise that Antarctica’s only safari camps are mentioned first on our list. White Desert’s Echo and Whichaway properties are a marvel of modern logistics and are most certainly some of the most exclusive and remote camps that could be included in a safari itinerary. In fact, the closest you’ll get to other people is when the international space station and it’s astronauts orbit directly above you! These properties can only be reached with a five hour flight from Cape Town, and once you’re on the continent, your only neighbours will be the emperor penguins!
2. Alphonse Island, Seychelles
A hidden jewel that forms part of the Seychelles’ outer islands, Alphonse is another secluded property we had to include on our list. The island is an hour’s flight from the capital of Mahé, and home to just one luxury resort. Because of its isolated location, Alphonse Island is a pristine natural haven, with untouched beaches and coral reefs teeming with life.
One of the reasons Stanley Safaris loves Alphonse is the great variety of activities available here. Don’t let its isolated location fool you – there’s SO much to do here, including snorkelling, diving, sea kayaking, boating and cycling to name a few!
3. Masoala Forest Lodge, Madagascar
Venturing south, the next remote camp on our list can be found in a far flung corner of Madagascar. Masoala Forest Lodge is located on the northeast coast of the island. Logistically, it can be a bit of a challenge to get to this unspoiled lodge, but the effort is well worth it! With the Masoala National Park surrounding it and the Tampolo Marine Park on its shore, Masoala Forest Lodge is the only luxury lodge in the area and shrouded in natural beauty.
Activities at Masoala Forest Lodge include forest walks in search of lemurs and chameleons, snorkelling, sea kayaking and even whale watching at certain times of the year. They also offer an expedition to Blue Lagoon, only accessible by boat, where guests can stay in an exclusive use cabin for absolute exclusivity and privacy.
4. Tswalu, South Africa
When it comes to remote wildlife camps in Africa, Tswalu has it all. Tswalu is South Africa’s largest privately owned protected area, and is located in the northern central part of the country. Mountains, arid savanna and red dunes are some of the breath-taking landscapes that can be expected here.
The reserve has only three camps that can sleep a maximum of 30 guests, making the ratio of guests to wilderness space one of the lowest in South Africa. This, along with guaranteed access to a private safari vehicle are what make Tswalu an excellent choice for travellers wanting exclusivity and luxury.
5. Wolwedans Boulders Camp, Namibia
Namibia is renowned for its remote and unspoiled landscapes, and Wolwedans Boulders Camp in the NamibRand Nature Reserve is an excellent example of just that. Boulders Camp is located three hours’ drive south of its closest neighbour.
This secluded tented camp’s mission is to facilitate reconnection with yourself and the natural spaces surrounding you. A minimum of three nights is required when booking at Wolwedans Boulders (you need at least this to fully experience this luxury camp), and guests can look forward to scenic safaris, ebiking and desert sundowners – all designed to draw you closer to the natural world around you.
6. Okahirongo River Camp, Namibia
Venturing north all the way to the Angolan border, our next Namibian property has the same isolated feel in a completely different environment. Sanctuary Retreats’ Okahirongo River Camp is a secluded tented camp perched on the banks of the Kunene River. With just five tents, this is not only one of Africa’s most remote accommodations, but also an exclusive luxury option.
Guests can look forward to taking in the astonishing beauty of the dunes and river on walking safaris, scenic drives and river cruises.
7. King Lewanika, Zambia
King Lewanika Camp is one of the most unspoiled safari lodges in Africa. This luxury camp can be found in Zambia’s Luiwa Plain National Park, and is the only permanent camp in the entire park! With just six tents, you are guaranteed exclusivity. Luiwa Plain National Park was once ravaged by poaching, but with lots of careful conservation efforts, it has been restored to its original beauty and is home to the world’s second largest wildebeest migration, as well as plentiful lion and cheetah.
We love King Lewanika’s beautiful conservation story just as much as we love its remote location!
8. Takwela Camp, Zambia
Next on our list is Takwela Camp, a tiny tented property operated in the remote North Luangwa National Park in Zambia. The South Luangwa is an iconic national park, but few people know about its shy northern sister. The North Luangwa is isolated and wild, with very few roads, which means excellent walking safaris!
The North Luangwa is also one of the few places in Zambia that visitors can see the Big 5. A stay at Takwela Camp means incredible wildlife sightings, plenty of authentic activities and a chance to truly feel like the only people on earth!
9. Greystoke Safari Camp, Tanzania
Nestled into the foot of forested Mahale Mountains overlooking a glassy lake, Greystoke Safari Camp is located in Western Tanzania, but feels like it might as well be on the edge of the world. Here on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, visitors will find the home of some of the best chimpanzee tracking on earth.
Greystoke’s charm lies in it’s castaway feel. Each banda suite and the main camp area itself are made of reclaimed dhows that once sailed the lake. This creates a luxury, hidden civilization feel that pulls you in and makes you feel at home. Guests can look forward to kayaking, dhow cruises, hiking, and cultural visits along with the incredible chimp tracking here.
10. Sangha Lodge, Central African Republic
Last but certainly not least on our top remote camps in Africa list, we venture up the twisting Congo River to a space unaffected by the passing of time. Sangha Lodge in the Central African Republic is a hidden gem isolated from civilization by hundreds of kilometres of rainforest. Getting here involves long traverses up rivers, but the complicated logistics are well worth it.
At Sangha, you will discover forests teeming with life, inexplicable baïs and incredible forest adapted animals, including the fascinating lowland gorillas.
Africa is home to many unspoiled and exclusive properties, just waiting for the adventurous traveller to discover them! If you’re itching to explore these remote and secluded spaces, get in touch with us at Stanley Safaris. We’ll create a bespoke safari itinerary perfect for you and your family.
