Safari camps are often tented, but that does not mean that you will have to “rough it out”. Camps in our selection feature large (most often larger than hotel rooms) walk-in tents in a totally wild and natural setting.

Thick canvas with large windows or roll-up viewing panels make up the walls of the tents; allowing for good air circulation and for spotting wildlife passing through the camp, while keeping insects out. Inside, large beds with premium pillows, crisp linens and duvet, along with side and dressing tables, wardrobe, carpets, fans, as well as adjoining en-suite flush toilet, basins and shower with hot and cold running water.

Many camps even have an additional outdoor shower or bath ‘under the stars’ to bring you even closer to nature.

Representing a more bricks-and-mortar form of luxury accommodation in the wilderness, safari lodges allow guests to enjoy the comforts of a room within close proximity to the African bush. 

All rooms are fitted with most amenities you would expect from a 5-star luxury hotel anywhere else in the world like air-conditioning and WiFi (but perhaps without the TV). Guests are pampered with facilities such as a fully equipped gym, a spa, a curio shop, etc. 

Safari lodges tend to be larger in size; catering to different types of guests – from couples, families with young children and elderly, to groups of friends or even small management teams. For the safety of this wide spectrum of guests, it is common to find fences strategically fitted around the lodge to keep wildlife from coming too close.

Catering to those seeking the ultimate and authentic bush experience, mobile camps are the answer. 

Though these camps tend to be more rustic and simpler in design (as they need to be moved regularly to shadow wildlife movements), they are equally comfortable and special. These camps usually accommodate fewer guests and are set up in stunning private areas to take advantage of game movements – such as the wildebeest migration in Tanzania and Kenya.

Expect sturdy canvas tents with private verandahs, fitted with deluxe beds (with duvets, blankets and hot water bottles for the cooler months), en-suite toilets (usually eco-flush), basins, old-style bucket showers with hot and cold water, as well as good lighting.

Certain safari lodges and camps offer special experiences for guests to get even closer to nature, by sleeping “outside”. 

Sleep outs are offered in few, specialised locations – particularly in desert areas – where there is little likelihood of rain and the clarity of light is pure and stunning. Beds are often set up on platforms some distance from the lodge or camp, so as not to be affected by any noise or light; offering complete privacy. Fly camping, on the other hand, is the simplest of camps set up in a remote location. Typically combined with a walking safari, camp staff will travel ahead to set up so that by the time you arrive, a fire is lit and a welcome drink is waiting for you.

You will not need to worry about any inquisitive animals during the night as camp staff will be keeping watch nearby while you sleep.