After a heady day in the wild African bush, beach or bustling city, there is something irresistibly indulgent about cooling off in a gorgeous swimming pool – or chilling with a glass of bubbles in a lovely hot tub or jacuzzi under the stars by night. In Africa, there are many “Cool Pools” where you also get to enjoy a front-row seat to nature – be it watching the sun setting over the Zanzibari horizon or watching ellies quenching their thirst and enjoying a mud bath just meters away from your own pool. Here are just a few of the most spectacular swimming spots …
Mara Bushtops on the fringe of the Masai Mara in Kenya
Mara Bushtops in Kenya features 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 around. By day, guests can watch elephants, zebras, and antelope gather below, and by night, the bush is illuminated for stargazing, often with telescopes available for constellation spotting.
The infinity pool at the award-winning Amani Spa is an absolute treat after a long day exploring the wilderness with sun loungers, a hot tub, attentive butler service, and massage tent for wellness treatments. But its magic is truly revealed at dusk as the sky turns shades of pink and orange and the stars start twinkling through. Your Maasai butler lights a roaring campfire, the cocktails and pre-dinner snacks come out – and the pool lights up with unique fibre optics, mirroring the constellation of Orion’s Belt. Pure magic!
Bawe Island, just 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” just off the coast of Zanzibar’s mainland. The pool seamlessly blends into the horizon, overlooking the protected Changuu-Bawe Marine Reserve with its brilliant blue waters. Guests relax on the deck spotting traditional wooden dhows or enjoy direct access to water sports and diving among vibrant coral reefs.
Most of the island’s villas also have their own private pools in their gardens, but the main infinity pool is especially notable for its panoramic Indian Ocean views and easy access to wellness, culinary and adventure activities. The island’s strict conservation ensures unrivalled marine biodiversity right beneath the surface, making this pool spectacular for both relaxation and exploration.
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa in Johannesburg brings a slice of Bali to Africa with its heated spa pool nestled in tropical gardens.
The pool features a rim flow jacuzzi, soothing rainfall showers, and is surrounded by relaxation pods for meditation or unwinding in an oasis of greenery. The Balinese-style spa is celebrated for its tranquil ambiance and extensive hydrotherapy circuit, which helps guests relax and rejuvenate as if in a serene Asian forest, all just moments from the bustling city. There is also a second outdoor pool to cool off in in the beautiful gardens of the main hotel.
Everything you need to plan your trip in 2025
Camp Kala in Onguma Nature Reserve, Namibia
Onguma Camp Kala, located on the fringe of Namibia’s Etosha National Park is celebrated for its remarkable blend of wilderness immersion and private luxury. Camp Kala boasts just four elevated suites overlooking a vibrant watering hole – and comes with an almost decadent choice of both a plunge pool and hot tub!
The suites’ plunge pools are ideal for cooling off during hot days after your safari, whilst the wood-fired hot tubs (fuelled by unwanted invasive wood species) are perfect for chilly nights, offering cosy (sometimes very toasty!) warmth under a blanket of stars. Suites also feature outdoor showers, fire pits, and shaded, netted salas with daybeds for relaxation or even sleeping out all night, complete with personalized butler service and all-day culinary offerings. A cinematic safari-from-the-tub experience!
The Cavern Drakensberg Resort in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
The Cavern is a popular mountain retreat in the Northern Drakensberg with a wide range of outdoor activities to keep the whole family busy from hiking and biking to bowls, tennis, pickle ball, horse riding and fishing.
The Cavern also has a beautiful swimming pool in the grounds, surrounded by lush gardens that are alive with birds – surrounded by panoramic views of lush, rolling mountains. There’s also a kiddies swimming area with water slide and comfortable loungers to relax and soak it all up.
Adventurous guests can also hike to natural mountain pools, the grotto and a gorgeous waterfall, where wild swimming is possible in crystal-clear waters surrounded by steep ravines and forest.
Madikwe Safari Lodge in South Africa
Madikwe Safari Lodge is a real winner for families as there is no need to spend all day in a game drive vehicle to enjoy a spectacular safari, with a lot of family time at the pool!
Their stunning infinity pool at Lelapa Lodge is positioned directly beside a busy waterhole with front-row seats to all the wildlife action. Guests can enjoy the safari from within the cool pool, sipping cocktails on a lounger (and feasting on the most delicious homemade ice-cream!) and even enjoy lunch under the trees while they watch a steady stream of elephants, rhinos, zebra and antelope queue to drink and bathe throughout the day. It makes for exceptional photo opportunities. In addition, each chalet also has its own private plunge pool if you prefer a little more privacy.
Mashatu Euphorbia in Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana
Mashatu Euphorbia Villas have set a new standard for green luxury in Botswana, with each villa featuring a solar-heated private plunge pool overlooking the Limpopo riverbed. Elephants are regularly seen wandering this wild corridor; you may spot them from your private plunge pool or sun deck.
The camp’s environmentally conscious design merges solar energy and water conservation, letting guests relax in style while surrounded by Mashatu’s famed wildlife, which includes big cats, hyenas, unique desert creatures, and colossal baobab trees. Truly the iconic “Land of Giants”.
Sirikoi in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
Sirikoi is an exclusive safari lodge with just four tented suites, Sirikoi cottage (sleeps 4) and Sirikoi House (sleeps 6). The lodge, with its gorgeous infinity pool, enjoys incredible views over the game rich Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The house is surrounded by lush lawns, an expansive deck, and beautifully manicured gardens set against the dramatic backdrop of Lewa’s wilderness. Its large, heated pool is perfect for a refreshing dip after a game drive or relaxing while animals graze nearby. Sirikoi House also comes with a private guide, chef, and safari vehicle.
Warangi Ridge in the Serengeti, Tanzania
Warangi Ridge in the Serengeti offers one of the largest, most dramatic rock pools imaginable. It literally took my breath away the first time I saw it. Positioned on a granite cliff overlooking endless savanna of the central Serengeti, this main pool provides sweeping views of the plains and wildlife, including lion, elephant and cheetah.
The infinity pool is ideal for cooling off after your safari and is beautifully lit up by night giving the heart of this lodge a real magical feel. The rock pool’s sheer scale makes it ideal for both exercise and relaxing in these cinematic surroundings. Each pangolin-shaped luxury tent at this lodge also boats its own private plunge pool on its deck, some of which can be heated on request.
Lemala Wildwaters in Uganda
Lemala Wildwaters must surely boast one of the world’s most Instagrammable pools!
Located on a private island encircled by the thunderous rapids of the mighty Nile River, this lodge is accessible only by boat. It has a gorgeous rock pool carved into granite which overlooks the dramatic white water, making it one of Africa’s most photogenic swimming spots. Guests take in the hypnotic sounds and sights of the Nile while enjoying guided walks, wildlife spotting (including giant otters and many rare bird species), spa treatments. It must surely be Uganda’s ultimate riverfront relaxation spot!
Sala Beach House in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Sala Beach House on South Africa’s Dolphin Coast boasts a fabulous infinity pool perched on the edge of the cliff, with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean—and is an ideal spot for watching dolphins and whales playing in the surf as well as enjoying the sunrise.
Just a few stairs down from the garden you find yourself on the soft white sand of Thompson’s Bay which is a Blue Flag rated beach with a popular tidal “Charlie’s Pool” and gorgeous rock pools, filled with marine life. You can snorkel among more than 50 species of fish, unwind on the sand, or hike scenic trails along the coastline. This family-owned boutique hotel is known for its personalized touches and relaxed, stylish vibe, recently gaining its official 5-star premium grading —making both the main pool and tidal pool special places for wildlife, water sports, and pure tranquillity.
Ol Lentille in Laikipia, Kenya
Ol Lentille is an exclusive, conservation-focused safari lodge set within a vast private conservancy in northern Laikipia. It is known for its secluded luxury, panoramic views, and close partnership with local Maasai and Samburu communities. They also have one of the most iconic infinity pool with 270-degree views over rolling hills, valleys, and two busy watering holes.
From this dramatic vantage point, guests frequently watch elephants and other wildlife below while basking in luxurious privacy. The pool is lined with shaded loungers and daybeds, making it a stunning setting for game viewing, swimming, and sundowners. The lodge’s elevated position ensures breathtaking panoramas, and each of its villas provides five-star amenities for a truly exclusive safari retreat.
Booking your own adventure, with plenty of cool pools…
My most recent trip to Kenya and Tanzania, where I was very lucky to enjoy a number of these cool pools first hand, was arranged by Timbuktu Travel, who specialise in curating tailor made safaris all over Africa. They offer a 13-night adventure including all domestic flights and road transfers. For example, your itinerary could also start in Kenya with 1 night at Nairobi Tented Camp and 3 nights on safari at Mara Bushtops, a private conservancy on the fringe of the Masai Mara National Park, before flying directly into Tanzania to stay 3 nights at the new Warangi Ridge Lodge in central Serengeti and then 2 nights at Lemala Osonjoi in Ngorongoro Crater. Your trip could end with 3 nights of beach bliss on the exclusive Bawe Island just off the coast of Zanzibar, a historical tour of Stone Town and a final night at the Zanzibar Serena Hotel before heading home. Timbuktu Travel was voted Travel + Leisure’s ‘World’s No.1 Tour Operator’ for 2024 and runner up in 2025 so you know you are in experienced hands.
Claire Roadley
Claire Roadley is Founder of Umlingo. Umlingo promotes authentic, sustainable hotels and safari eco lodges across Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Did you enjoy this article?
Receive similar content direct to your inbox.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form
Please visit:
Our Sponsor