African Safari Accommodation: What to expect from tented camps, lodges and more

Going on an African safari adventure opens up a world of diverse safari accommodation styles with endless options.

While comfort is undeniably important, there is more to consider when choosing your safari accommodation. When picking your accommodation, things to consider include location, safety, cost, catering, levels of service, and the availability of extra activities.

Understanding what you are looking for from your safari accommodation can help you, or your safari consultant, plan the perfect African safari for you.

From budget camping to glamping, treehouse cabins and luxury tented camps to eco-lodges and unique safari accommodation experiences, African safari stays offer more than just a vacation. African safaris are immersive sensory experiences where getting into the wild is part of the adventure.

In this blog post, African Budget Safaris explains the main types of safari accommodation.

Camping Safari Accommodation in Africa

Tented Camp Safari bedroom

Camping safari accommodation can be the most affordable, budget-friendly option. However, camping comes in all shapes and sizes and can be an exclusive luxury affair with lounge areas, ensuite bathrooms, and private viewing decks. Here are the main kinds of African camping safaris you might encounter on your African adventure.

INFO BOX: Budget Accommodation

The African budget safari aims to keep things simple. Starting at around US$150 per person per day, budget safari accommodation is the best way to save money. From basic camping in 2 man tents to B&Bs, and safari guest houses, there are many options in the budget range. Participation (assisting with setting up and taking down camp), exclusivity (travelling in a large group vs travelling as a couple), and location (staying close to or in the action vs on the fringes or further afield) are all factors that will affect your safari budget.

Safari Adventure Camping 

Budget Camping Safari tent

Adventure camping is hands-on. Participation is the name of the game, so guests are required to help set up and take down camp, prepare meals, do dishes, and pack the vehicle.

The campsites are located either inside or near national parks, and facilities will vary from location to location. Some will have hot and running water, while others will be in the middle of nowhere, meaning bucket showers and bush loos.

With adventure camping, accommodation is in 2-man dome tents with a groundsheet, mosquito netting, and basic camping cots. Depending on the camping safari, you may need to bring your own sleeping bag and, on some tours, your own sleeping mat.

The pros of adventure camping on safari

• The most budget-friendly option, adventure camping is great for a safari on a shoestring and is also sometimes referred to as budget camping.
• Excellent for those who like to be actively involved.
• Adventure camping safaris often attract larger groups, so if you are social and like meeting new people, or have a large group of friends, adventure camping is a great option.

Fantastic value-for-money camping safaris include

• 8-Day Northern Namibia & Etosha Camping Safari 
• 10-Day Botswana & Victoria Falls Camping Safari 
• 12-Day Budget Namibia Camping Safari
• 15-Day Botswana Wilderness Camping Safari 
• 16-Day Zambia & Malawi Camping Safari

For more options, check out our super affordable Overland Camping Tours and our more exclusive Small Group Camping Safaris

Fully Serviced Safari Camping

Exclusive Camping Safari accommodation

Fully serviced camping frees you up to enjoy being in the bush, relaxing, and taking in the safari atmosphere. An experienced safari team accompanies you and takes care of everything from setting up camp, cooking, cleaning, and taking everything down again. Guests are not required to lift even a finger.

Fully serviced camping entails smaller, more intimate groups. They use mostly fixed campsites with permanent ablution blocks, though some exceptions involve bush toilets and showers. While groups are going on game drives and experiencing the African safari wilderness, a separate vehicle and support crew takes care of making and breaking camp, meals, and any other logistics.

Tents on fully serviced camping safaris are basic but spacious and comfortable 2-man dome or Meru-style tents. Modern camping equipment makes these trips comfortable with conveniences like lighting, refrigeration, and hot water showers, but the emphasis is on the safari experience. There are different levels of comfort and while some tours have actual beds, budget varieties use camping cots with foam mattresses.

Fully serviced camping has all the adventure of an African safari without the adventure of cooking over a fire or making and breaking camp.

Fully serviced tented camp safari

The pros of fully serviced safari camping

• Smaller groups offer more privacy and a more intimate bush experience.
• Perfect for those who prefer to look, listen and absorb without worrying about anything else.
• All the feelings of a real African safari adventure, without worrying about chores and logistics.

Excellent fully-serviced camping safari packages include

• 4-Day Private Tanzania Safari - Camping & Lodge
• 6-Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Safari in Tanzania
• 7-Day Private Tanzania Safari - Lodge & Camping
• 7-Day Botswana Camping Safari - Chobe to Okavango Delta
• 11-Day Moremi, Okavango Delta & Chobe Safari in Botswana

For more ideas see our Exclusive Small Group Camping Safaris​

Luxury Tented Camps

Fully serviced safari camp

Luxury tented camps are the epitome of style and class. Expect unique wildlife settings and outstanding cuisine prepared on site. Couple this with epic landscapes, luxurious sleeping quarters, feature en suite bathrooms, and exceptional service and you’ve got the picture. Luxury tented camps deliver high-end African safari experiences.

The pros of staying at luxury tented camps

• Experience the epitome of luxury and comfort on safari.
• Pristine wilderness settings with phenomenal guides, and game viewing.
• Exclusive safari experience - perfect for those wanting to spoil themselves.

Well-priced Luxury Tented Camping Safaris include include

• 3-Day Fly In Masai Mara Safari to Exclusive Camp
• 4-Day Fly In Masai Mara Tented Camping Safari in Kenya
• 4 Day Kruger & Sabi Sands Tented Camping Safari in South Africa
• 9-Day Fly In Botswana Safari - Delta & Chobe Tented Camps

For more luxury camping tours see our Tented Camp Safaris

Mobile Tented Safaris

Mobile tented camp safari accommodation

Mobile tented camps are moveable tented camps located in private concessions, national parks, and game reserves. The most famous are the mobile camps that follow the Great Wildebeest Migration.

This style of safari accommodation is perfect for small groups looking for authentic wildlife experiences. These camps will not have Wi-Fi connectivity, but they will have charging stations, hot showers, flushing bush toilets, and high-quality food.

While permanent tented camps are erected in fixed areas, mobile camps are set up in certain seasons and sometimes get moved to follow wildlife movements. Mobile tented camps are perfect for adventurous travellers seeking an intimate safari experience and a close connection to nature or for those wanting to be at the centre of the action.

The pros of mobile tented camps on safari

• Low-impact safaris that cater for small, intimate groups in remote wilderness areas.
• Comfortable and fully serviced, mobile tented camps focus on the essentials that they supply with style, like comfortable beds and professionally prepared meals.
• Mobile tented safaris put you in the middle of some unique wilderness areas accessible to only a few.

A few of the best Mobile Tented Safaris include

• 5-Day Tanzania Safari - Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire
• 7-Day Best of Tanzania Safari to Serengeti & More
• 8-Day Botswana Mobile Safari: Kalahari & Makgadikgadi Pans
• ​11-Day Private Botswana Camping Safari (Moremi & Chobe Mobile Camps)

To find out more about Mobile Tented Safaris contact African Budget Safaris

Safari Bush Camps

Bush camp safari

Bush camps aim to blend seamlessly with their environment and are perfect for those seeking an intimate safari experience with nature as the focal point.

Favouring solar power and off-grid settings, safari bush camps emphasise nature, the bush, and the wildlife that surrounds them. Bush camps exude rugged charm and comfort without the creature comforts provided by a safari lodge, like spas, bars, and swimming pools.

Comfortable tents, en suite bathrooms, campfire dinners, and personalised service all set bush camps apart. Perfect for safari aficionados, bush camps are remote, exclusive, and specialise in connecting guests with the African wilderness.

The pros of staying at a safari bush camp

• Eco-friendly and off-grid, safari bush camp spaces are often open-air, putting you in nature throughout your stay. Bush camps are built to blend in with nature.
• Truly immersive, bush camps are in pristine wildlife areas, providing comfort and rugged charm while leaving nature intact for guests to enjoy.
• Small and secluded – bush camps offer exclusivity and privacy.

Our favourite Bush Camp Safaris include

• 2-Day Cape Town Safari to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
• 4-Day Cape Town Safari to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
• 4-Day Kruger Bush Camp Safari in South Africa
• 5-Day Kruger Park Safari to Bush Camp Lodge

To plan your intimate Bush Camp Safari talk to a friendly expert at African Budget Safaris

INFO BOX: Mid-Range Safari Accommodation

Mid-range safaris offer affordability and a higher level of comfort than budget safari options. Mid-range safaris start at around US$ 350 and go up to US$ 550 per day. Typically, mid-range safaris use mid-tier lodges, tented camps, B&Bs, and guest houses to get the most value for visitors. They enjoy hot water, flush toilets, comfortable beds, and the occasional swimming pool. On mid-range safaris, some of your meals are included in the tour price, as well as some added extras like guided walks and game drives. Overall, mid-range safaris offer a more comfortable safari experience.

Tented lodge in South Africa

African Safari Lodges

This is the most popular type of African safari accommodation with a huge array of lodge options available.

Permanent Safari Camps

Safari lodge in Africa

Permanent safari camps, also known as tented lodges, feature permanent tents in exclusive African wilderness settings.

At permanent tented camps, you will stay in tents on raised platforms that feature proper beds, en suite bathrooms with running water, electricity, a restaurant, and bar facilities.

With just a canvas wall between you and the bush, tented camps deliver the full safari experience without compromising on comfort.

Tented camps are more exclusive, and come in a range of options from budget to luxury.

The pros of staying at a permanent safari camp

• Permanent tented camps are in pristine wilderness environments, and thus deliver unique safari experiences, often with elevated vistas, watering holes, and regular wildlife visitors.
• Being accommodated in wilderness areas maximises your proximity to wildlife, wildlife sightings, and bush ambience.
• With limited space, permanent camps are exclusive, intimate, and secluded.
• Permanent camps give a wilderness experience without compromising on comfort.

The best value-for-money permanent safari camp options include

• 5-Day Kenya Lodge Safari: Masai Mara, Nakuru & Aberdare
• 6-Day Greater Kruger Park Tented Camp Safari
• 7-Day Chobe, Okavango Delta & Moremi Lodge Safari
• 7-Day Kenya Safari: Masai Mara, Tsavo & Amboseli
• 9-Day Zambia Safari: South Luangwa National Park
• 12-Day Kenya Game Parks Lodge Safari

To design your own custom safari staying at permanent safari camps, chat with African Budget Safaris

Safari Lodges

African safari lodge accommodation

Safari lodges are permanent establishments that are located either inside or outside of national parks, reserves, or conservancies.

Safari lodges are solid structures that come with all the modern conveniences of hotels. They come with a full spectrum of entertainment options from swimming pools, restaurants, bars, conference facilities, and business centres, to spa rooms, bomas, fire pits, and even the occasional library.

While safari lodges can be the epitome of luxury, style, and class, in reality, they too come in all shapes and sizes, and fit all budget ranges from high-end to budget.

Safari lodges are a good choice for first-time safari travellers needing the safety of solid accommodation, and the modern conveniences of restaurants and family areas.

The pros of staying at safari lodges

• Safari lodges offer convenience and relaxation when you are between safari activities.
• Comfort and luxury are offered surrounded by African landscapes.
• Secure environment with en suite bathrooms and modern conveniences, that provide a relaxed safari base.
• Safari lodges offer loads of activities for guests like the usual dining experiences, game drives, and safari walks, to more exotic activities like balloon rides and nighttime adventures.
• Good choice for first-time safari guests and families.

Excellent-value Lodge Safari Tours include

• 5-Day Kruger Private River Lodge Safari in South Africa
• 7 Day Big Cats, Etosha & Desert Namibia Safari
• 9-Day Botswana Lodge Safari: Chobe, Okavango & Deception Valley
• 12-Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holiday Package
• 13-Day Best of Kenya & Tanzania Lodge Safari

​For loads of other options view our Budget Lodge Safaris​

INFO BOX: Luxury and Ultra Luxury Safari Accommodation

Luxury safaris are the epitome of style and comfort. Whether it’s a bush camp, safari lodge, or tented safari, luxury accommodation offers everything from butlers and personal chefs to plunge pools, private guides, spa treatments, and front-row seats to some of the best wildlife action in Africa. Within the luxury spectrum, there is a vast range of accommodations to choose from. Starting at around US$ 450 and rising, anything is possible, from basic luxury to grand opulence, for those willing to pay.

City Hotels and Guesthouses

Grand Old Hotel, safari accommodation by Graeme Churchard

Hotels and guesthouses offer varied and comfortable accommodation options when travelling in Africa.

Located in urban centres, hotels and guesthouses are great options for before and after your safari. While hotels are usually larger, cater to groups, and have more facilities, guesthouses are a little more intimate and provide a home-away-from-home feel.

You will find both guesthouses and hotels conveniently located close to airports, national parks, and reserves, making them perfect for overnighters.

Hotel and guesthouse rooms come in a range of options from budget to high-end and will vary widely in levels of service and comfort

Pros of staying in a hotel or guesthouse on a safari

• Hotels and guesthouses offer convenience by being located close to travel hubs, before, during, and after safaris.
• Hotels, because of the amenities, are popular with families.
• Guesthouses, being smaller and more intimate, are a favourite with couples.
• Hotels and guest houses provide a huge amount of variety and budget options.

Affordable African safaris with memorable city stays include

• 4-Day Victoria Falls Tour - Zimbabwe Safari Package
• 4-Day Victoria Falls Tour Package - Zambia Safari Adventure
• 4-Day Cape Town Tour - Winelands & Culture Package
• 4-Day Cape Town Big 5 Safari, Winelands & Peninsula Tour

For more ideas and help booking your city stays, chat with one of our African travel experts

African safari safety

INFO BOX: Safety from Wild Animals

Whether you are staying in a tent, tented camp, or safari lodge, staying safe from wild animals is a big concern. Many of the best safari accommodations are unfenced, allowing animals to walk through the camps at will. It is in the best interest of every safari operator to keep you safe while visiting on safari. When on safari, safety starts with a safety briefing about dos and don’ts around the safari camp. Children must never walk alone, after dark experienced watchmen always accompany guests, and tents will often come with whistles and walkie-talkies in case of close encounters. While safari incidents with wild animals are incredibly rare, your guides and hosts will always put your safety first.

Unique Safari Accommodation

As the safari travel market grows, it pushes innovation and offers more unique experiences all over Africa. These are some of the more unique safari accommodations available.

Houseboat Safari Accommodation

Elephant houseboat accommodation by amanderson2

If water is your thing, a stay on a houseboat is a must. You'll find houseboats on the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers, amongst other watery places.

These floating houses take you as close to nature as possible. Float gently down the river by day and see a huge variety of wildlife along the banks. Enjoy sundowners on the deck of the boat (or in the pool, on some houseboats), before drifting off to the sound of grunting hippos.

Houseboats come in various sizes that sleep from eight up to over twenty guests, usually in double cabins. They, too, differ in levels of luxury, some coming with private decks attached to the cabin. On houseboats, most rooms have en-suite bathrooms. The boats have a main, communal area with a bar and dining room, pool, and/or jacuzzi and viewing deck.

Houseboats generally run with a full staff that takes care of guests and serves meals.

If you're dreaming of a houseboat safari, ask one of our travel experts to design a trip just for you.

Safari Treehouses

Safari treehouse dining

Treehouses make the ultimate safari lodge.

Everybody loves a treehouse, and a safari treehouse is a special opportunity to connect with your inner child. Besides their undeniable charm, safari treehouses offer a unique perspective of the African bush.

Surrounded by wildlife, nature, and creature comforts, safari treehouses take the romance of Africa to the next level. The best part about safari treehouses is their low ecological impact.

Semi-permanent, eco-friendly, and with aesthetically pleasing design, treehouses offer an exceptional safari experience.

Budget-friendly African safaris with treehouse accommodation include

• 3-Day Kruger Safari - Lodge & Treehouse Tour
• 4-Day Kruger Park Safari - Treehouse & Private Lodge
• 5-Day Kruger Safari - Treehouse & Private Game Reserves
• 6-Day Kruger Safari - Treehouse & Private Game Lodge

Safari Eco-lodges and Camps

Luxury safari lodge

In today’s world, sustainability and living with nature have become an important factor when booking safari accommodation. Many safari destinations have taken the lead on sustainable practices, with Zambia and Botswana being the African safari trendsetters.

Safari eco-lodges put the environment first, and they seek to have minimal impact on their surroundings. Some eco-innovations include running on solar power, using sustainably sourced charcoal for heating water, and using eco-friendly cleaning products, in-house water filtration systems, biodegradable coffee cups, and beeswax wraps.

Many eco-lodges even include guests in their conservation initiatives like tree planting, guided field trips with research teams, or visits to local communities who directly benefit from the eco-lodges activities.

Safari eco-lodges are a fantastic way to travel with purpose.

Some of the finest eco-safaris that won't break the bank include

• 3-Day Kruger Park Safari to Private Tree Camp
• 4-Day Kruger Eco Camp Safari in Private Game Reserve
• 5-Day Kruger Park Safari to Eco Tree Camp
• 8 Day Botswana Safari: Okavango Delta & Kazuma Pans​
• 8 Day Botswana Safari: Okavango Delta, Moremi & Chobe

Talk to a safari expert for help planning your eco-safari on a budget.

African Safari Villas

Safari villas are properties that cater specifically to small groups of up to around 16 guests. Located in game reserves or private concessions, safari villas offer exclusivity and privacy.

The villas usually include meals and some safari activities with a private guide like game drives and walks.

While they vary in comfort levels from mid-range to fully serviced luxury, safari villas offer an intimate safari getaway that is perfect for large families and tight-knit groups who want flexibility and privacy.

Fly camping safari accommodation

Fly Camping Dinner by Kicheche

Fly camping is an immersive safari camping experience. The aim of fly camping is to experience fully immerse yourself in the African bush.

Fly camping involves walking into the bush accompanied by a guide/cook who takes care of all the camping logistics like setting up camp, showers, fire, and cooking. After spending a night in the bush, the crew takes the camp down and you walk through the bush to another temporary camp for the following night. Equipment is lightweight and easy to carry, but relatively comfortable.

Fly camping is exclusive and available to small groups, and while there are no fixed toilets or showers it offers a certain level of comfort.

This kind of camping is a great safari option to experience the enormity and splendour of the African bush and to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the wilderness.

Fly camping is a great option for the adventurous who are comfortable with the basics.

Stay on a train in Kruger National Park

One of the most unique stays in Africa is the Kruger National Park’s Shalati Train, which sits on the Selati Bridge above the famous Sabi River.

Housed within a meticulously restored old train, this tribute to the explorers from the past offers a luxury stay. The luxurious locomotive features floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a dedicated viewing deck, and a pool extending beyond the train tracks for breathtaking views.

In-room spa treatments, including manicures and massages, provide relaxation after a day of safari adventures. Nearby the Kruger Station, features a restaurant, bar, deli, coffee and ice cream shop, a kid’s play zone and a 360-degree cinema.

The Kruger Shalati offers an unparalleled and enchanting experience for adventurers and dreamers alike.

Are you ready to plan your African Safari?

Safari Lodge Lounge by John Hickey-Fry

Whether you prefer communal or individual dining, prioritise game viewing, or value relaxation, your choice of accommodation will affect both your safari budget and your African safari experience.

When planning your African safari, remember that not all accommodations are equal. Each offers a unique experience, from dining under the stars to comfortable bedrooms and various amenities to self-catering and homey B&Bs.

With private and tailor-made safaris, it is possible to customise your safari itinerary to suit your comfort levels and budget.

African Budget Safaris has a team of expert travel consultants with years of experience tailoring safaris for happy clients. Talk to one of our Africa travel experts to find the right accommodation for your African safari.