1. Start with Your Safari Priorities
Ask yourself:
- What is my budget?
(Safari accommodation can range from under $50/night camping to over $2,000/night luxury.) - What kind of wildlife or activities matter most to me?
(Big Five, birding, walking, cultural, family fun, exclusivity, photography?) - Do I want a classic, luxury, or adventurous safari feel?
(Tented camp, lodge, mobile camp, houseboat, or self-catering?) - How important is comfort, privacy, and amenities?
- Who am I traveling with?
(Solo, couple, family, kids, multi-generational, friends, group, or special interest?) - How much structure or independence do I want?
(All-inclusive or flexible? Shared or private?)
2. Understand the Main Types of Safari Accommodation
Luxury Lodges & Camps
- Five-star service, gourmet food, spas, pools, private guides, high staff-to-guest ratio.
- Often in exclusive private reserves or prime park locations.
- Price: $$$–$$$$
Classic Tented Camps
- Canvas rooms with real beds, en-suite bathrooms, elegant safari atmosphere.
- Close to nature but comfortable—great guiding and food.
- Price: $$–$$$
Mobile & Adventure Camps
- Temporary or semi-permanent setups following migration or water.
- Bucket showers, bush toilets, close to wildlife, campfires, small groups.
- Price: $–$$
Mid-Range & Family Lodges
- Solid, affordable, often with pools and family units.
- Great for self-drivers, first-timers, and those seeking value.
- Price: $–$$
Budget Camps, Guesthouses & Hostels
- Simple rooms or tents, shared facilities, communal spaces, social vibe.
- Usually outside parks or community-run; sometimes camping.
- Price: $–$$
Self-Catering & Private Villas
- Cottages, bush houses, Airbnbs, or villas with kitchen; ideal for families or groups.
- Freedom to set your own pace and meals.
- Price: $–$$$
Public & Private Campsites
- For overlanders, backpackers, or those wanting wild adventure.
- Bring your own tent/gear or use furnished tents.
- Price: $
3. Decide on Location: Inside the Park, Private Reserve, or Buffer Zone?
Inside the National Park
- Quickest access to wildlife, game drives, and scenery.
- Some parks require you to stick to opening/closing hours.
- Usually more expensive, but unforgettable.
Private/Community Conservancies & Reserves
- Fewer vehicles, off-road driving, night drives, walking, cultural visits, and flexible activities.
- Conservation fees support local communities.
- More privacy, often higher cost but exclusive experiences.
Buffer Zones/Outside the Park
- More affordable, better for self-drivers and families.
- You may drive further to main wildlife areas each day.
4. Factor in Safari Activities & Experiences
- Included Activities:
Are game drives, walks, boat/mokoro rides, or night drives included? - Guide Quality:
Good guides make a huge difference—check reviews. - Private vs. Shared:
Private vehicles/activities cost more but offer full flexibility. - Cultural Experiences:
Community visits, village tours, or local guiding enrich your safari. - Unique Features:
Waterhole views, sleep-outs, photography hides, spas, star beds, houseboats.
5. Check Accommodation Features and Amenities
- Room Type:
Tent, chalet, suite, cottage, family unit, dorm? - En-Suite Bathroom:
Most mid-range and up, but some adventure camps have shared or bucket showers. - Power & Wi-Fi:
Solar, generator, or 24/7 electricity? Limited or reliable Wi-Fi? - Food & Drink:
All-inclusive, set menu, buffet, self-cater? Special diets catered for? - Facilities:
Pool, spa, children’s play area, shop, medical facilities.
6. Family & Group Considerations
- Child Policy:
Some camps have age limits or offer special activities for children. - Family Tents/Cottages:
Interconnected rooms or group chalets? - Activities for Kids:
Junior ranger programs, safe grounds, flexible meal times. - Group/Private Use:
Exclusive-use lodges or houses for privacy.
7. Eco, Community, & Ethical Choices
- Eco-Credentials:
Solar power, local sourcing, low-impact design, waste management. - Community Involvement:
Locally owned, jobs for local people, profit-sharing. - Conservation:
Direct support for wildlife protection, anti-poaching, and habitat restoration.
8. Accessibility & Health/Safety
- Physical Accessibility:
Wheelchair access, medical care, special needs. - Safety Protocols:
Fenced or unfenced, security, staff escorts at night. - Malaria-Free:
Some destinations (e.g., South Africa’s Madikwe) are suitable for young kids or health concerns.
9. Compare Value: What’s Included in the Rate?
- Park/conservancy fees
- All meals and drinks
- Laundry
- Transfers (flights/road)
- Game drives and other activities
- Conservation/community levies
- Taxes and service charges
Sometimes, “cheap” rates are less value when you add on all the extras.
10. Read Reviews & Ask Questions
- Read recent reviews on TripAdvisor, SafariBookings, Google, or trusted operator sites for honest, up-to-date experiences.
- Ask about flexibility:
Cancellation policy, refund rules, change of dates, or last-minute upgrades. - Ask about COVID/health protocols (if relevant).
11. Book Early—Especially for Peak Seasons
- Top camps and lodges fill quickly for wildlife migrations, holidays, or special events.
- Booking 9–12 months ahead is common for high-demand destinations.
12. Top Tips for a Perfect Safari Stay
- Mix and match:
Combine luxury and adventure camps for a varied experience. - Stay in at least one private conservancy for flexible activities and fewer crowds.
- Check logistics:
Some camps require light aircraft flights—factor in transfer costs and luggage limits. - Travel with purpose:
Consider properties supporting local communities or conservation projects. - Be open-minded:
Some of your best memories might be in a simple, owner-run bush camp with great guiding and genuine hospitality.
Safari Accommodation Comparison Table
| Type | Budget Range (pppn) | Comfort & Amenities | Best For | Activities | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Lodge/Camp | $$$–$$$$ | High, private, all-inclusive | Romance, special occasions, wildlife connoisseurs | Private, flexible, all | Private reserves, top park sites |
| Classic Tented Camp | $$–$$$ | Very comfortable, immersive | Safari lovers, couples | Drives, walks | Inside park/conservancy |
| Mobile/Adventure Camp | $–$$ | Simple, wild, authentic | Adventurers, solo, budget | Walking, migration | Remote, moving |
| Mid-Range Lodge/Camp | $–$$ | Good, reliable, practical | Families, self-drivers | Drives, some extras | Park edge, buffer zones |
| Guesthouse/Hostel | $ | Basic, sociable | Backpackers, budget | Add-on tours | Nearby towns |
| Self-Catering/Villa | $–$$$ | Full kitchens, private | Groups, long stays | Flexible | Park edge/private estate |
| Campsite | $ | Bring gear, wild, fun | Overlanders, backpackers | Self-guided | Inside or near park |
*pppn = per person per night. $ = budget, $$$$ = high-end luxury
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right safari accommodation is about balancing comfort, adventure, location, and budget to create your perfect experience.
- Set your priorities and be clear on what’s included.
- Don’t just book by price—consider reviews, guiding quality, and conservation impact.
- Book early for bucket-list destinations and remember: the wild heart of Africa is waiting for you, no matter your style or budget!