Safari Accommodation Differences

Safari Lodges

Safari lodges are larger, permanent structures built of brick and mortar. Lodges are smaller than hotels but have the same full amenities and similar facilities such as restaurants and swimming pools. The safari lodges range from three-star levels to ultimate five-star luxury.

Safari Tented Camp

Tented camps are made up of large, walk in, canvas tents set up on permanent frames. These camps are generally smaller than lodges and have the amenities similar to that of a lodge or hotel such as separate en-suite bathrooms, restaurants and swimming pools. The tented camps aim to provide all the comforts of a lodge while giving guests a smaller, intimate, tented yet luxurious safari experience. Same it ranges from three-star levels to ultimate five-star luxury.

Safari mobile camp

These small, intimate camps move around, following herds of migratory animals. Camp operators construct semi-permanent camps that are constructed in the open bush. There are no barriers and animals can roam free but these mobile camps are safe and guests’ safety is a top priority. The camps are fully serviced by a permanent staff and the camps aim to offer up a luxury experience in the wilderness. Meals are served by a camp chef and eaten in the ambience of Africa, water is heated by staff for bathing, and generators power the mobile camps. When staying in a tented camp, guests have the opportunity to truly connect with nature. December – April mobile tents are set in Ndutu areas, May to June – North and west Serengeti, July to October – North Serengeti.

Budget Camps

Budget camping fits in the tented camps category. The experience is however completely different, making it deserve to be regarded separately.

You get to stay in public campsites, inside bivouac tents, sleeping on mattresses laid on the tent floor, or in sleeping bags. Basic washroom facilities are available in the public campsites, and are shared by everyone at the campsite. Campsites are the most basic of accommodations in terms of facilities and amenities. However, out here you will most likely have the most authentic experience and get as close to nature as nowhere else.

There are two types of budget campsites

Public campsites

A public campsite, there may be other travelers camping on the same site as you. There is an ablution block with showers and toilets. While you share the ablution block with other campers, showers and toilets are arranged as single cabins. There will be a kitchen block where meals are prepared, and dishes washed by your camping crew.

Private campsites

A private campsite, is in essence just a bare field, cleared of vegetation – that’s it. There are no permanent structures, no buildings and most importantly – no other people far and wide. All equipment, all food is brought by our team and nothing is left behind. The only thing that will separate you from nature and the wild, is the canvas of your tent.