As African safaris have developed over time, so have the number of accommodation types. Accommodation in Africa is diverse and the variety stretches the imagination.
Some of the terms used for accommodation in Africa can be a bit confusing and overlap into different categories.
Here, we try to explain what distinguishes a safari lodge from a safari camp. Although they sound similar, your accommodation type is typically the first decision you have to make about your safari experience, as it can be quite crucial.
By the mere sound, a safari lodge is a more permanent operation; that sort of thing: thatched apartments with timber beams, big observation decks and cosy communal areas; a swimming pool and sun loungers. Although safari lodges go up the expense scale and you start to enjoy comforts like air-conditioning, excellent wine and dining with the services of private guide, butlers and chefs, they are more expensive than camps.
Conversely, a safari camp will often be tented accommodation, with spacious, occasionally massive, tented suites with own toilets and some sort of private outside viewing area. Some safari camps are situated on the ground, whilst others are on raised platforms. Socialising areas will be smaller and more humble; there might or might not be a pool; most often, your bathroom amenities include a hot-water sophisticated bucket shower, a canvas washstand and a toilet.
Remember, too, that sometimes lodges and camps can be in the same area. Hence, wildlife viewing is the same for guests whether they are in a lodge or camp. In some areas, however, they are in different wildlife areas, meaning you only have one choice when in this particular area.
Safari camps and safari lodges differ mostly in cost. Deciding between a safari lodge and a safari camp is only the start. Other questions to keep in mind are,
- What is your travel style?
- What makes you feel the most at ease?
- What amenities are you looking for?
- After a day of exciting guided game drives, where do you want to lay back and relax?
All these questions can make it tough to choose.
Add to these questions the following …
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE?
As mentioned, whether you stay at a lodge or a camp, often the game viewing experience is the same; but, if you wish to see the wildebeest migration, for example, or a pack of wild dogs, or indeed the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo), then your choice of accommodation should consider your wish list for wildlife.
The migration occurs exclusively in Kenya and Tanzania; wild dogs are limited to a few areas, especially in southern Africa; if you truly, really want to see the Big Five, then there are only a handful of areas – at most – that can almost certainly guarantee them. Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater and South Africa’s private Kruger game reserves.
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO ON SAFARI?
The question above is the most asked one. Where do you want to go on safari? This is often determined by what you would like to see. Botswana is excellent for wild dogs,
Gorilla trekking. You can trek gorillas in either Uganda or Rwanda; Uganda is less expensive overall. You fly in/out of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the lodging usually is more rustic—that is, simpler. Rwanda has shorter travel time and often more pleasant lodging but is more costly. Your preferred choice.
And then there are several safari destinations. One good example is South Africa’s Kruger National Park, a well-known safari spot that is sometimes crowded with vehicles and guests; animal sightings are erratic. Simply go next door to a private reserves, like the Sabi Sands, Thornybush and Londolozi, and you will have a more exclusive experience guaranteed great sightings of animals.
You will also hear about camps and resorts situated on “private concessions” and “conservancies” close to or even inside sites like the Masai Mara, Serengeti or Okavango Delta. These are privately managed areas of land, leased for tourism. While staying in a well-known national parks makes sense, staying in a concession provides animal viewings better than in the national park, due to their less restrictions. Although all these activities are not allowed in state-run parks and reserves, your guide is allowed to drive off the road in conservancies, and you will get bush walks and night drives as well. These activities are not allowed in national parks and game reserves.
HOW MANY COMFORTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
There is always a minimal comfort level. You will always have a suitable bed, storage, seating, and a private bathroom wherever African safari lodge or camp you choose. There will always be electric light, a ventilation fan, and somewhere to charge your batteries. There is always a bar; accommodation will be insect-proof, hot water accessible. Most safari camps are at this level: pleasant with all you require.
Then, more often found in BIG safari lodges (we call them hotels in the bush), there is a second degree of comfort and conveniences. We are now discussing Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a swimming pool, maybe a boutique shop and spa centre.
It is important not to forget that top-end safari camps and safari lodges are situated in the very best places, both for beauty and wildlife, even while I maintain that game viewing is essentially the same whether you stay at a lodge or camp.