So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and plan a safari of a lifetime… you’ve chosen the places to visit but now choose where to stay!
From luxury lodges to rustic tented camps, the choices are abundant and diverse. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the range of options for where to stay on safari, each one perfectly tailored to differing tastes and needs. Whether you’re seeking opulence or a close-to-nature experience, there’s a perfect safari stay waiting for you…
- Luxury Safari Lodges
Luxury safari lodges offer extremely high-end comfort with spacious rooms or suites, gourmet dining, and top-notch amenities such as private pools, spa services, and gyms! They are often situated in prime locations with stunning views and abundant wildlife. These lodges can often be found in private conservancies, offering an extra degree of privacy as you share the wilderness only with the other guests at the lodge.
Tented Camps
A classic, traditional tented camp can range from 3* basic to 5/6*luxury. Basic walk-in tented camps provide essential amenities like comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms and shared game drives. They commonly will have 10 rooms or more. As you move up the luxury scale, luxury tented camps will feature large tents with high-end furnishings, private decks, cordon bleu cuisine, fine wines and even plunge pools. They provide a more immersive and close-to-nature experience without sacrificing comfort. Bush camps are typically smaller, more intimate camps that focus on providing an authentic safari experience. Accommodations can range from basic to semi-luxurious, often with an emphasis on eco-friendly practices. They offer guided walking safaris and game drives with expert guides, providing a close-to-nature experience. Examples include Kicheche Camps in Kenya and Elewana and Asilia camps in Tanzania & Kenya and Nomads Camps in Tanzania.
3. Tented Mobile Camps
Mobile camps are temporary setups and could be described as the most authentic way to safari. They typically move with the seasons and with the guests to follow wildlife migrations. They offer a more rustic and adventurous experience, often with a little less luxury but still large walk-in tents with own shower and bathroom area. These camps provide an authentic safari experience and the opportunity to stay in remote locations with fewer tourists. Cuisine is personalised & usually to a high standard. They are booked exclusively, guiding excellent and usually way off the beaten track, they are a ‘home away from home’ and definitely do not sacrifice on comfort, service or food!
Safari Lodges
Safari lodges are permanent structures that offer various levels of comfort and amenities. They are generally located within or near national parks and reserves, providing easy access to game drives and other activities. Lodges vary from mid-range to luxury often having more than 20 rooms offering options for different budgets. Examples include Serena Mara Lodge, Tawi Lodge in Amboseli & Kichwa Tembo Camp in Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
5. Treehouses and Star Beds!
For a unique experience, some lodges offer treehouses or sleep under the stars decks, where you can spend the night under the stars. These accommodations provide a thrilling and romantic adventure, often equipped with comfortable beds and full bathroom facilities. E.g Loisaba Starbeds, Larsens Starbeds in Kenya.
