After a heady day within the wild African bush, seashore or bustling metropolis, there’s something irresistibly indulgent about cooling off in a beautiful swimming pool – or chilling with a glass of bubbles in a beautiful scorching tub or jacuzzi beneath the celebrities by night time. In Africa, there are numerous “Cool Swimming pools” the place you additionally get to get pleasure from a front-row seat to nature – be it watching the solar setting over the Zanzibari horizon or watching ellies quenching their thirst and having fun with a mud tub simply meters away from your personal pool. Listed here are only a few of essentially the most spectacular swimming spots …
Mara Bushtops on the perimeter of the Masai Mara in Kenya
Mara Bushtops in Kenya encompasses a breathtaking infinity pool, which stands out for its panoramic views over the bush and its wildlife-rich salt lick which attracts wildlife from miles round. By day, friends can watch elephants, zebras, and antelope collect under, and by night time, the bush is illuminated for stargazing, usually with telescopes obtainable for constellation recognizing.
The infinity pool on the award-winning Amani Spa is an absolute deal with after a protracted day exploring the wilderness with solar loungers, a scorching tub, attentive butler service, and therapeutic massage tent for wellness therapies. However its magic is actually revealed at nightfall because the sky turns shades of pink and orange and the celebrities begin twinkling by. Your Maasai butler lights a roaring campfire, the cocktails and pre-dinner snacks come out – and the pool lights up with distinctive fibre optics, mirroring the constellation of Orion’s Belt. Pure magic!
Bawe Island, simply off the coast of Zanzibar
Bawe Island’s infinity pool takes your breath away as you dock on the jetty of this ultra-exclusive “one island, one resort” simply off the coast of Zanzibar’s mainland. The pool seamlessly blends into the horizon, overlooking the protected Changuu-Bawe Marine Reserve with its good blue waters. Company loosen up on the deck recognizing conventional wood dhows or get pleasure from direct entry to water sports activities and diving amongst vibrant coral reefs.
Many of the island’s villas even have their very own non-public swimming pools of their gardens, however the principle infinity pool is particularly notable for its panoramic Indian Ocean views and easy accessibility to wellness, culinary and journey actions. The island’s strict conservation ensures unrivalled marine biodiversity proper beneath the floor, making this pool spectacular for each leisure and exploration.
Fairlawns Boutique Resort in Johannesburg, South Africa
Fairlawns Boutique Resort & Spa in Johannesburg brings a slice of Bali to Africa with its heated spa pool nestled in tropical gardens.
The pool encompasses a rim circulate jacuzzi, soothing rainfall showers, and is surrounded by leisure pods for meditation or unwinding in an oasis of greenery. The Balinese-style spa is widely known for its tranquil ambiance and in depth hydrotherapy circuit, which helps friends loosen up and rejuvenate as if in a serene Asian forest, all simply moments from the bustling metropolis. There’s additionally a second outside pool to chill off in within the stunning gardens of the principle resort.
All the things you have to plan your journey in 2025
Camp Kala in Onguma Nature Reserve, Namibia
Onguma Camp Kala, positioned on the perimeter of Namibia’s Etosha Nationwide Park is widely known for its exceptional mix of wilderness immersion and personal luxurious. Camp Kala boasts simply 4 elevated suites overlooking a vibrant watering gap – and comes with an virtually decadent selection of each a plunge pool and scorching tub!
The suites’ plunge swimming pools are perfect for cooling off throughout scorching days after your safari, while the wood-fired scorching tubs (fuelled by undesirable invasive wooden species) are good for cold nights, providing cosy (generally very toasty!) heat beneath a blanket of stars. Suites additionally characteristic outside showers, fireplace pits, and shaded, netted salas with daybeds for leisure and even sleeping out all night time, full with personalised butler service and all-day culinary choices. A cinematic safari-from-the-tub expertise!
The Cavern Drakensberg Resort in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
The Cavern is a well-liked mountain retreat within the Northern Drakensberg with a variety of out of doors actions to maintain the entire household busy from climbing and biking to bowls, tennis, pickle ball, horse driving and fishing.
The Cavern additionally has a stupendous swimming pool within the grounds, surrounded by lush gardens which are alive with birds – surrounded by panoramic views of lush, rolling mountains. There’s additionally a kiddies swimming space with water slide and comfy loungers to loosen up and soak all of it up.
Adventurous friends may hike to pure mountain swimming pools, the grotto and a beautiful waterfall, the place wild swimming is feasible in crystal-clear waters surrounded by steep ravines and forest.
Madikwe Safari Lodge in South Africa
Madikwe Safari Lodge is an actual winner for households as there isn’t a have to spend all day in a recreation drive automobile to get pleasure from a spectacular safari, with plenty of household time on the pool!
Their beautiful infinity pool at Lelapa Lodge is positioned immediately beside a busy waterhole with front-row seats to all of the wildlife motion. Company can benefit from the safari from throughout the cool pool, sipping cocktails on a lounger (and feasting on essentially the most scrumptious selfmade ice-cream!) and even get pleasure from lunch beneath the bushes whereas they watch a gradual stream of elephants, rhinos, zebra and antelope queue to drink and bathe all through the day. It makes for distinctive photograph alternatives. As well as, every chalet additionally has its personal non-public plunge pool when you favor a little bit extra privateness.
Mashatu Euphorbia in Mashatu Recreation Reserve in Botswana
Mashatu Euphorbia Villas have set a brand new normal for inexperienced luxurious in Botswana, with every villa that includes a solar-heated non-public plunge pool overlooking the Limpopo riverbed. Elephants are usually seen wandering this wild hall; it’s possible you’ll spot them out of your non-public plunge pool or solar deck.
The camp’s environmentally aware design merges photo voltaic power and water conservation, letting friends loosen up in type whereas surrounded by Mashatu’s famed wildlife, which incorporates large cats, hyenas, distinctive desert creatures, and colossal baobab bushes. Really the long-lasting “Land of Giants”.
Sirikoi in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
Sirikoi is an unique safari lodge with simply 4 tented suites, Sirikoi cottage (sleeps 4) and Sirikoi Home (sleeps 6). The lodge, with its beautiful infinity pool, enjoys unimaginable views over the sport wealthy Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
The home is surrounded by lush lawns, an expansive deck, and superbly manicured gardens set towards the dramatic backdrop of Lewa’s wilderness. Its giant, heated pool is ideal for a refreshing dip after a recreation drive or enjoyable whereas animals graze close by. Sirikoi Home additionally comes with a non-public information, chef, and safari automobile.
Warangi Ridge within the Serengeti, Tanzania
Warangi Ridge within the Serengeti provides one of many largest, most dramatic rock swimming pools conceivable. It actually took my breath away the primary time I noticed it. Positioned on a granite cliff overlooking limitless savanna of the central Serengeti, this predominant pool supplies sweeping views of the plains and wildlife, together with lion, elephant and cheetah.
The infinity pool is good for cooling off after your safari and is superbly lit up by night time giving the center of this lodge an actual magical really feel. The rock pool’s sheer scale makes it perfect for each train and enjoyable in these cinematic environment. Every pangolin-shaped luxurious tent at this lodge additionally boats its personal non-public plunge pool on its deck, a few of which will be heated on request.
Lemala Wildwaters in Uganda
Lemala Wildwaters should absolutely boast one of many world’s most Instagrammable swimming pools!
Situated on a non-public island encircled by the thunderous rapids of the mighty Nile River, this lodge is accessible solely by boat. It has a beautiful rock pool carved into granite which overlooks the dramatic white water, making it certainly one of Africa’s most photogenic swimming spots. Company take within the hypnotic sounds and sights of the Nile whereas having fun with guided walks, wildlife recognizing (together with large otters and lots of uncommon chicken species), spa therapies. It should absolutely be Uganda’s final riverfront leisure spot!
Sala Seaside Home in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Sala Seaside Home on South Africa’s Dolphin Coast boasts a wonderful infinity pool perched on the sting of the cliff, with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean—and is a perfect spot for watching dolphins and whales taking part in within the surf in addition to having fun with the dawn.
Only a few stairs down from the backyard you end up on the gentle white sand of Thompson’s Bay which is a Blue Flag rated seashore with a preferred tidal “Charlie’s Pool” and lovely rock swimming pools, crammed with marine life. You possibly can snorkel amongst greater than 50 species of fish, unwind on the sand, or hike scenic trails alongside the shoreline. This family-owned boutique resort is understood for its personalised touches and relaxed, trendy vibe, lately gaining its official 5-star premium grading —making each the principle pool and tidal pool particular locations for wildlife, water sports activities, and pure tranquillity.
Ol Lentille in Laikipia, Kenya
Ol Lentille is an unique, conservation-focused safari lodge set inside an unlimited non-public conservancy in northern Laikipia. It’s recognized for its secluded luxurious, panoramic views, and shut partnership with native Maasai and Samburu communities. Additionally they have one of the iconic infinity pool with 270-degree views over rolling hills, valleys, and two busy watering holes.
From this dramatic vantage level, friends incessantly watch elephants and different wildlife under whereas basking in luxurious privateness. The pool is lined with shaded loungers and daybeds, making it a surprising setting for recreation viewing, swimming, and sundowners. The lodge’s elevated place ensures breathtaking panoramas, and every of its villas supplies five-star facilities for a really unique safari retreat.
Reserving your personal journey, with loads of cool swimming pools…
My most up-to-date journey to Kenya and Tanzania, the place I used to be very fortunate to get pleasure from plenty of these cool swimming pools first hand, was organized by Timbuktu Journey, who specialize in curating tailor made safaris throughout Africa. They provide a 13-night journey together with all home flights and highway transfers. For instance, your itinerary may additionally begin in Kenya with 1 night time at Nairobi Tented Camp and three nights on safari at Mara Bushtops, a non-public conservancy on the perimeter of the Masai Mara Nationwide Park, earlier than flying immediately into Tanzania to remain 3 nights on the new Warangi Ridge Lodge in central Serengeti after which 2 nights at Lemala Osonjoi in Ngorongoro Crater. Your journey may finish with 3 nights of seashore bliss on the unique Bawe Island simply off the coast of Zanzibar, a historic tour of Stone City and a closing night time on the Zanzibar Serena Resort earlier than heading residence. Timbuktu Journey was voted Journey + Leisure’s ‘World’s No.1 Tour Operator’ for 2024 and runner up in 2025 so you understand you’re in skilled fingers.
Claire Roadley
Claire Roadley is Founding father of Umlingo. Umlingo promotes genuine, sustainable accommodations and safari eco lodges throughout Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. If you want to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog to be able to elevate your profile, please contact us.
Did you get pleasure from this text?
Obtain comparable content material direct to your inbox.
