Accommodations Are Available on an African Safari

There are plenty of options for accommodation on an African safari, from tented camps to luxurious lodges. Each style offers a unique experience that will be perfect for your travels.

Often considered one of the most popular types of African Safari accommodations, tented camps offer an unrivalled sense of space and nature. The tents are spacious, featuring en-suite bathrooms with private decks and dramatic landscapes that create a spectacular backdrop for your stay.

These are a popular option for honeymooners and families, offering a more intimate experience with unmatched views across vast plains. Most tented camps have communal areas such as lounges and dining areas as well as swimming pools.

What Type of Accommodations Are Available on an African Safari?

They can be found all over Africa and are ideal for those looking to connect with the natural world without stepping far from their comfort zones.

These lodges are a great option for a first or last stop on your safari. They are often as close to a hotel as you can get in the bush and can range from 10 to 50 rooms with a large restaurant, hot showers and western-style toilets.

Some lodges also have private plunge pools for guests to relax and enjoy, as is the case at Ol Donyo Lodge in Chyulu Hills National Park. This Relais & Chateaux property is located inside the Maasai-owned Mbirikani Group Ranch and is known for its stunning views of zebra and giraffe and for its horseback-riding safaris.

For those looking for a more opulent and exclusive experience, there are some wonderful private houses spread across Southern Africa (primarily South Africa, Zambia and Kenya). Many have en-suite bedrooms and comfortable lounge and dining areas.

Dedicated guides, butlers and chefs can be arranged for these houses. Some even have dedicated vehicles for transfers.

A mobile walking camp is an excellent option for those who are interested in spending more time in the bush than a tented camp might allow and is also great for seeing more of the wild animal population. These walking safaris take place for a short period of time, often two or three nights, and the location of the tent changes each day to give you the most opportunities to see animals.

The camp itself will often have a main area for meals and activities, but it will also be a mobile unit, so there won’t be any electricity in the main tents. These tents are more modest than the ones at a permanent tented camp, and they’ll usually have a bucket shower and en-suite flush toilets.

Another type of camping is self-catered, and you can find these in most of the countries on your trip. These are often more affordable than the other types of accommodations and can be a good option for those who like to get off the beaten track, or for those on a budget who want to see as much wildlife as possible.

Alternatively, you can spend an entire night under the stars in a so-called “sky bed” – a real bed crafted onto an animal-safe wooden platform that is raised off the ground and is designed to let you sleep with your back to the savannah. During your sleep-out, the rustling of leaves and sounds of wild animals are sure to provide an unforgettable experience that will be remembered forever.