While it’s true that one doesn’t decide on safari accommodation on account of its swimming pool, it should nevertheless be pointed out that a fabulous pool is worth considering. Baking hot weather? Jump in. Feel like a drink? Here’s the pool menu. Want to see some animals? Look over the edge of the tiles.
We’ve chosen our favourite safari lodge swimming pools, spread out across East and Southern Africa. Sure, a pool may not be so important if you are travelling in mid-winter, but safari season takes in some of Africa’s hottest months; if you are on safari in Green Season or – even warmer – the Amber Season – then by lunchtime you’ll be thankful you chose a lodge with a pool.
ABOVE THE BAOBABS: RUAHA, TANZANIA
Arguably the most sophisticated lodge in wild Ruaha National Park, Jabali Ridge has effortlessly panoramic views in almost every direction and none more so than from the infinity pool. It’s a uniquely African view – spiky-leaved palms, squat baobab trees, disappearing horizons – and you can choose to gaze at in from a sun-lounger or in the shade. Getting thirsty? There’s also pop-up pool bar.
INFINITE VIEWS: SOSSUSVLEI, NAMIBIA
There’s something about a great big view of … nothing. Well, that’s not strictly true: the Namib Desert is a land of silent red-sand oceans with towering dunes the size of apartment blocks. It’s a stunning, mesmerising landscape of element-blasted mountains and geological extravagance, and at andbeyond Sossusveli Desert Lodge you can choose to enjoy the views from the main split-level pool, or from your private plunge pool.
WILDLIFE BELOW: MADIKWE, SOUTH AFRICA
Set in a malaria-free private reserve, Royal Madikwe Safari Lodge makes the most out of its elevated location: its suites – and their private plunge pools – look out over a local waterhole much frequented by Madikwe’s wildlife, which includes the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino). There’s also a large infinity pool surrounded by green lawns at the Clubhouse, the social area of the lodge. Pssst! Want the best view of the waterhole? Book the Lenyalo Suite.
PRIVATE POOLS: SOUTH LUANGWA, ZAMBIA
There’s a large swimming pool at main camp but each of the six luxury suites at Chinzombo has its own plunge pool as well as a soaking hot tub so there’s no excuse of the wrong kind of weather! Lying on the banks of the Luangwa River, the views from your pool take in one of the region’s most prolific wildlife destinations, and the best views of animals at the river coincide with the best time to be in the pool – the warmer months of the dry season.
SPOILT FOR CHOICE: TONGABEZI, VICTORIA FALLS
Making its way from tents and bucket showers to one of Conde Nast’s Top 20 Hotels, Tongabezi lies upstream from Victoria Falls and offers suites themed for their guests, whether at the Honeymoon House or in the Nut House. Private pools accompany the suites, some larger than others but all with views over the Zambezi River slowly sliding by. And for the ultimate infinity pool, book a Livingstone Island tour which includes an optional dip in Devil’s Pool, set on the edge of Victoria Falls itself.
BIG SKY PLUNGE: TSWALU, SOUTH AFRICA
Loapi means ‘the space under the clouds’ in Setswana, the language of the Kalahari. And it is at Loapi Camp in the exclusive Tswalu Reserve that you can best relate to the sentiment: this is South Africa’s biggest private reserve and the views are all yours. Tswalu is a destination of desert animals – including super-rare ones like aardvark and pangolin – and it gets hot for most of the year – real hot. Cool off in your private plunge pool, part of the extraordinary architecture of this revolutionary new lodge.
OVER THE LAKE: KARIBA, ZIMBABWE
Cleverly set to maximise its views over Lake Kariba, the infinity pool at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge certainly lives up to its name: peer over the edge and the mighty lake carries the view over the horizon. It’s tempting but not advisable to take a swim in the lake but you can even get around that: the lodge’s 8-sleeper cruising boat allows you to explore the lake and cool off in its own plunge pool – perfect for summer in Zimbabwe.
WARM WATER, WARM HEART: LAKE MALAWI
Pumalani Lodge lies in thick hilly forest with a path that leads down to a sandy beach where you’ll find kayaks and sailing craft waiting for you. It may take a bit of time to realise that this is not the Indian Ocean coast but a freshwater lake in the middle of Africa; famous for its warm welcome, Malawi is equally famous for its amazing lake, complete with shoals of fish and warm, sub-tropical water. Take it all in from the comfort of Pumalani’s infinity pool and order something from the bar.
LOUNGE & LEARN: SAVUTE, BOTSWANA
Raised high off the ground and surrounded by sturdy poles and thick rope, the swimming pool at Savute Safari Lodge needs its protection: Savute is elephant country and if there is no natural standing water, then you can guess where the elephants will turn to. Luckily, the infamously fickle Savute Channel is now flowing and bringing water to the area: grab a sun lounger, dip your feet in the pool, and watch the elephant herds below.
ON THE ROCKS: NILE RIVER, UGANDA
Swimming pools at African lodges are often quiet, serene places, where people gently float and chat while watching animals or the views. At Lemala Wildwater Lodge, you may need to raise your voice – a lot. This lodge is built in the middle of the Nile River with the raging, swirling, thundering water all around you, racing past on its way through Africa. Set on a wooden deck, the pool lies only a few metres away from the river, getting you in the mood for what this place does best: white water rafting.
