Types of Safari Accommodation: What to Expect

1. Traditional Lodge Accommodation

This can mean many things: from a classic thatch-and-stone safari lodge to contemporary bush chic. The common thread is that you’ll usually stay in individual chalets or cottages with en suite bathrooms and similar appointments as in a hotel room. Though the safari ambience gives it a remarkably different feel, and the experience is much more “lodge-like” than “camping-like”.

Depending on the surrounding terrain, these are sometimes fenced (but very unobstrustively so you would not know). This is especially the case if the lodge is family-friendly as unfenced lodges mean wild animals can wander through the camp.

Will there be electricity and Wifi? – generally you will have electricity, normal plug points, Wifi at least in some parts of camp. Some lodges deliberately restrict access in some areas to encourage conversation. Others ONLY have Wifi in the main areas so it varies.

What it feels like: communal mealtimes are common, (occasionally shared tables, mostly private), and there’s usually a central lounge and bar area with a strong sense of safari atmosphere.

Best for: first-time safari visitors, families, anyone who loves comfort without “roughing it”.

2. Safari Tented Accommodation

These are not the tents of your childhood! Yes, you still get the safari romance – the canvas, lanterns, sounds of the bush – but with proper beds, furniture such as desks, carpets, hanging space and chairs, plus an en-suite bathroom. In fact, some tented camps can be every bit as stylish and luxurious as any hotel suite. (They range from super-luxurious to more classically comfortable.)

Tented or traditional Lodge is more a matter of personal preference. And also destination. As some safari destinations, think Botswana, are virtually ALL tented. And others, think South Africa, only have a few tented camps.

A common misconception is that tented accommodation will be cheaper than bricks and mortar. No, this is generally not the case. In fact in some countries, such as Kenya and Tanzania, tented camps are considered far superior and thus more expensive than the much larger safari lodges (which can have many rooms.)

The important reality of remote luxury:
However, in more remote areas, some modern conveniences aren’t always possible even at a high price point. Power may be solar-sourced (enough for lights and for charging cameras and phones. But not always enough for hairdryers or air-conditioning, (though this is gradually changing). Bathrooms are often shower-only to conserve water and can even be alfresco. Air-conditioning is common in tented camps in South Africa but rare elsewhere in Botswana for example.

So it’s always worth checking the specific camp details to check it works for you.

Best for: that “classic safari” feel; romantic couples; photographers; anyone who wants atmosphere.

3. Bush Camp

Bush camps are often seasonal: rebuilt at the start of the dry season and removed afterwards to keep a low human footprint. This means a simpler, more “in-the-wild” style of living.

Instead of a traditional lodge building, the main areas may be “mess” tents for dining/lounging, and the tents are often a little smaller and less luxurious. You’ll still have en suite facilities, but these may be semi-open.

These are virtually never fenced

Bucket showers

These camps may not have permanent plumbing so showers can be “bucket showers” where your shower is filled with hot water, either on demand, or at a specific time – usually after you return from your afternoon game drive. They are large enough to have a decent shower & wash hair, but if you like to stand under the shower for 15 minutes, the water will eventually run out.

Best for: people who value wilderness, authenticity, and a lighter footprint over extra facilities.

4. Mobile Tented Accommodation

On a mobile safari, tents are set up in one location for a short stay (often 2 – 3 nights), then the camp moves. These tents are smaller and closer to “proper camping but still upgraded with a proper bed (or occasionally a stretcher bed), more limited space, you usually have en suite facilities, but sometimes a shared shower (depending on which mobile safari you choose).

This is safari in the footsteps of the early pioneers:  dining around a campfire, deeply immersed in the bush. It can be utterly magical, but it doesn’t suit everyone.

However note that even mobile tented camps now vary considerably in levels of luxury. Some are now designed to be combined with traditional lodges or tented camps so that you stay in a ”Mobile” camp for a few days and then a traditional camp. This allows them more time to erect and take down the “mobile camp”.

A mobile camping safari can be enchanting for a private family or multi-gen family group.

SEE BLOG ARTICLE ON MOBILE SAFARIS

Best for: adventurous travellers, repeat safari-goers, people who love “wild first, luxury second”.

5. Safari House or Private Bush Home

These are like a lodge but taken on an exclusive-use basis so it feels like your own home in the bush. Often there are several bedrooms under one roof (ideal for families who don’t want children in separate chalets). Sometimes there are extra exterior rooms which can be added to the core house for larger multi-gen groups. This can be great for grandparents to keep their afternoon siesta sound-proofed!

Best for: families, multi-generation travel, friends travelling together.

Link: Private Safari Houses

Are safari lodges safe?

Some safari lodges are fenced (especially family-friendly ones), but the majority are not. So animals can wander through the camp. This is a lovely experience to see antelope grazing by your tent. But naturally you do need to be aware of your surroundings. It also means that after dark, you are ALWAYS escorted to your tent or chalet for safety.

Cedarberg Accommodation Ratings

Our Cedarberg ratings cover the full range of safari accommodation (including the lodge styles above).

Top of Class

Reserved for “best in class” properties: standout ambience, refinement, food and wine – and, for safari lodges, the very best guiding, lodge design and game viewing opportunities.

Luxury

In cities this broadly indicates five-star. In safari areas, luxury lodges may not have “hotel-like” facilities in remote places – but the experience, guiding and setting are exceptional. These would be our higher priced lodges and tented camps.

Premier

Premier indicates a good standard of accommodation – think four-star hotels, boutique lodges, upmarket guest houses. Plus many of the more affordable private game lodges and tented camps fall in this category.

Comfortable

Our lowest rating: simple (sometimes rustic). Often used for rest camps in national parks (where location trumps the alternatives), moderate B&Bs or country inns in South Africa, some Namibian guest farms. Some bush camps may also be “comfortable” even if the quality of the guiding/location/price are high.

Links

• Planning a Tailor-made Safari, Safari primer page 7 (where we can help you choose the right fit)

• Back to First Time on Safari

• Mode of Travel

• A Day on Safari – for the rhythm of safari life)

• Safari Costs & Typical Pricing, Safari primer page 5 (accommodation is a major drier of cost lever)