When you get into planning a trip to Africa, you will begin to interface with two (02) commonly used phrases; Safari Camp & Safari lodge. Your next question might be “what is the difference between a Safari Camp and safari Lodge. In this article dubbed “Safari Camp Vs Safari lodge”, we will take time to clearly explain the difference and also mention a few examples of each just so you know what to expect.
Safari Camps (Safari Camp Vs Safari lodge)
Safari camps In Africa are often (but not always) comprised of tented accommodation. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you are camping. The level of comfort offered by safari camps can range for basic shoestring ( a bed with linen included and a cold bucket shower) to sheer luxury where you enjoy all the amenities like a bubble bath and champagne in the middle of the African wilderness.
Basic shoestring Safari camps
These offer basic camping in dome-shaped tents with minimal linen provided. They will use shared bathrooms and a central dining area. Such places are popular with student travellers operating on a tight budget. They have a teeny vibe and if you are looking to have some fun while on safari, then they will work perfectly. The price charged will often only include a very basic breakfast comprising of a coffee or tea and a piece of toast if lucky. Plan to bring some personal bites if staying at such properties. Some off-head examples of Basic Shoestring Camps include; the Redchilli Rest camp in Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park and the Nile River explorers Camp in Jinja.
Midrange Safari camps
Just like the phrase suggests, these are moderately priced and offer a balance in service. They will offer self-contained tented rooms with solar power, and sometimes a warm showers and they are the perfect way to experience Africa – without having to break into a bank.
Kasenyi Safari camp located at the rim of the Bunyampaka Salt Carter Lake in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Savannah Lodge (its more of a camp, not a safari lodge) in Kidepo Valley National Park
For our clients going on a Kenya safari to the Masai Mara, we like to recommend staying at the Tipilikwani Mara Camp, Mara Leisure Camp and
Upmarket Safari Camps
upmarket safari camps are a great way to get that feeling of adventure on safari while feeling a bit more enclosed and enjoying little luxuries like 24-hour electricity and running hot water. Some of our favourite upmarket Safari camps include the opulent Gorilla Forest Camp in Bwindi Forest National Park – home to the mountain gorillas in Uganda, the elephant bedroom camp in the Samburu Game Reserve in Kenya.
Luxury Safari camps
Luxury safari camps deliver un-faultable service and are the true definition of glamping. They capture the spirit of another era with all the modern luxuries. There are not that many luxury Safari camps in East Africa but among the notable ones we like to recommend is Singita’s explore Mobile tented Camp – Designed for private use, and accommodates a maximum of six (06) tented suites catering for families or friends, and is pitched and set up based on the requirements of each booking.
Safari Lodges
The notable differences between a safari camp and a safari lodge is usually the size. Safari Lodges often tend to be generally bigger than safari camps and traditionally built of thick brick walls. Safari lodges also come in four categories; Budget, midrange, upmarket and luxury safari lodges. Depending on your safari budget, your safari consultant at Realm Africa Safaris™ will recommend an appropriate safari lodge.
Budget safari lodges
These are often priced to match their service. The rooms are very basic and bathrooms/toilets may be shared and with cold showers. While a basic breakfast of coffee/tea and a piece of toast may be included, all other meals are often charged separately on a pay-as-go basis. Dinning is in shared space and meal times may be scheduled. This category of accommodation is only for the very basic and perhaps younger travellers looking to explore on a limited budget. Hornbill Bush Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park is our favourite recommendation for our low-budget travellers.
Midrange Safari Lodges
The midrange Safari lodges are a step above the budget Safari lodges. These will often be located inside or bordering the Safari Park or an attraction. They offer great value for money and is our most commonly recommended Safari lodge category – you don’t lose a lot of money but instead enjoy well-priced modest accommodation. Most of the midrange safari lodges offer Full-board prices that include a queen-sized – sufficient breakfast, lunch and dinner. The modern Adere Safari Lodge is our best recommendation of a midrange safari lodge in Kidepo Valley National Park. For our clients visiting Kenya’s Masai Mara, we recommend staying at the Sopa Mara Lodge, Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Upmarket/Luxury Safari Lodges
These are fairly smaller in size and offer modern amenities and good service. Some of our favourites include Bwindi Volcanoes Lodge, in Bwindi Forest National Park, Kyambura gorge Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Virunga Lodge overlooking the Twin lakes of Ruhondo and bulera in Rwanda or the well-placed private Mt. Mgahinga Lodge.
There is a place to stay that fit every travel style and budget and you can even enjoy a well-seasoned blend of all categories throughout your trip to give yourself some variety in style and price. Speak to us whenever you are ready to start planning your next African Safari.
