You’ve been dreaming of going on a safari for years, maybe even a lifetime, and you’re finally ready to plan your trip. But there are so many accommodation options available and you aren’t sure how to choose Where to stay lodges or tents? We have put together detailed explanations of the types of accommodation available and the characteristics of each one so you can determine which best suit your desired experience.
On Pristine Trails safaris, you have the choice of three categories of accommodation, catering to a range of budgets and tastes – standard, luxury and exclusive. In each of these three categories, there are permanent hotels/lodges and tented camps; within the tented camp designation, there are permanent tented camps/lodges and mobile tented camps. Many of our itineraries include multiple accommodation styles, based on what is available in certain locations, value and experience. We also highly recommend at least a few nights spent under canvas for a true safari experience. Read on to find out more about each type of accommodation.
Permanent Hotels and Lodges
Dotted around the safari circuit are brick and mortar hotel structures providing the experience and amenities you can expect from a western-style hotel. These are typically large properties with capacity for 50-150 guests. There are properties catering to more modest budgets costing $150-200 per person per night, ranging up to high-end boutique hotels priced over $1,000 per person per night.
While this option does suit many travelers, those who are looking for an immersive safari experience may opt for tented accommodation where available.
Modern Conveniences: A familiar experience to other hotels around the world, with traditional hotel rooms, modern plumbing, 24-hour electricity and large common areas. Many of these properties also have swimming pools and Wi-Fi access.
Price: Some of these properties are modestly priced and may be well suited for those with a strict budget. Others are priced very high and offer unmatched customer service and high-end amenities.
Customer Service: At some of the largest properties, customer service is often sacrificed for serving the masses and may cause your experience to feel impersonal. On the contrary, at the higher-end boutique lodges, customer service will be at its best.
Fixed Location: Relevant to those looking to follow the Great Migration in the Serengeti, these properties cannot move with the wildlife. So for certain periods of the year, these hotels may be poorly located in terms of proximity to the migrating wildebeest herds you are seeking to observe.
Immersive Experience: You may lose the true feel of a safari when walls separate you from the surrounding nature.
Mobile Tented Camps
Mobile camps are available inside the Serengeti and are designed to move seasonally with the migrating wildebeest herds. Therefore, they do not have any permanent structures. You will find canvas sleeping tents, dining and lounging tents. These camps are most often small, sleeping 12-25 guests, providing an intimate experience out in the bush.
Amenities: An experience that can be described as rustic luxury, you will be comfortable inside your tent with a bed and en-suite bathroom. Because these tents are mobile, 24-hour electricity and modern plumbing are unlikely. Showers are often large bucket pulley systems that are filled from the outside by the camp staff, and operated by you inside.
Price: Prices range from moderate to expensive, depending on the standard, luxury or exclusive categorization.
Customer Service: Expect personalized service at these camps, due to the small and intimate nature of the experience. The level of service does tend to correlate to the price of accommodation.
Mobility: These camps get you as close to the action as possible. Because they are mobile, your stay will be quite close to the animals you came to see. Again, this is mostly relevant with the migrating wildebeest in the Serengeti, which are moving locations throughout the year.
Immersive Experience: While safely sleeping in the comfort of your own tent, you are as close to the surrounding nature as possible. You can expect to hear lions in the distance as you drift off to sleep and may even see animal tracks throughout the camp. This is the true safari experience, but do not worry! Guards will accompany you as you walk throughout the camp and keep you safe.
Permanent Tented Lodges and Camps
These camps and lodges are found in fixed locations throughout the safari circuit, offering individual chalets or tents, with partly permanent structures. You will experience the comforts of a lodge while still getting the under-canvas experience. For example, it is common to find permanent flooring, plumbing and utilities, housed within canvas walls. These properties are often small, providing an intimate and luxurious feel.
Amenities: A mix between a traditional hotel and a mobile camp, you will be extremely comfortable in your room, likely to have 24-hour electricity and plumbing, spacious lounge areas, sometimes Wi-Fi and swimming pools.
Price: Prices range from moderate to expensive, depending on the standard, luxury or exclusive categorization.
Customer Service: Expect personalized service at these properties, due to the small and intimate nature of the experience. The level of service does tend to correlate to the price of accommodation.
Fixed Location: These properties are in fixed locations, with many options available in the various locations throughout the national parks. In the Serengeti, if your goal is to observe the Great Migration, these fixed properties may not get you as close as you would like, but there are enough of these dotted throughout the park to get you close enough, where a short drive would have you among the herds.
Immersive Experience: As with mobile camps, you most often just have canvas walls separating you from the outdoors. You can expect to hear animals in the distance as you drift off to sleep and may even see animal tracks throughout the camp.
