Tented suite at Marataba Safari Lodge in South Africa. Photo courtesy of MORE Family Collection
Your African safari will be defined by the types of safari accommodations you choose. Understanding your options is the first step toward crafting the perfect journey. While most travelers anticipate the thrill of a game drive, few are prepared for the sheer quality and variety of accommodations available. They are immersive sanctuaries, often described as "art galleries in the bush," where exceptional service, stunning design, and a deep connection to the wilderness are paramount.
For the luxury traveler, there are three main categories of safari accommodation: lodges, luxury tented camps, and mobile camps, and exploring the unique character of each will help you design your ultimate African adventure.
Extraordinary travel begins with a human touch, and our destination specialists design every journey with care, insight, and personal attention. As you consider an African safari, use the following information to guide you in choosing your accommodations. Then, connect with our travel experts to help you plan your trip.
Lemala Nanukie Tented Lodge in Eastern Serengeti, Tanzania. Photo courtesy of Lemala
While definitions can blur and names are often used interchangeably, luxury safari accommodations broadly fall into three categories: lodges, luxury tented camps, and mobile camps. Whether you are exploring the best places to visit on an African safari or deciding between the best countries in Africa to visit on safari, you will discover a common thread of outstanding service and unique experiences that define your stay, regardless of the style you choose.
The accommodation is often the great unexpected treat of your journey, an essential part of the experience rather than just a place to rest. Each property is designed to be a complement and an antidote to a day of thrilling exploration. They are tranquil havens that gently pull you down from the high of a day’s adventure. It’s here, amidst the rugged charm of the wild, that you can relax and reflect.
Guest fire pit at Lions Sands River Lodge in South Africa. Photo courtesy MORE Family Collection
The safari lodge is the classic and most widely recognized type of safari accommodation. It offers a hotel-like sanctuary in the heart of the wild. These are permanent, solid structures, built from materials like stone, wood, and thatch, meaning they blend in seamlessly with their environment. Often situated in lofty, prime locations with commanding views, lodges provide an exceptional level of comfort and a wide array of amenities. They are the ideal choice if you are looking for the security of a traditional hotel structure combined with five-star service and spectacular wilderness access.
For more information, take a look at our Reasons to Stay at a Safari Game Lodge.
Duba Plains Suite guest tent in Okavango Delta, Botswana. Photo courtesy of Great Plains Conservation
Embodying the romance of a bygone safari era, the luxury tented camp offers a more intimate and sensory connection to the wilderness without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. These permanent or semi-permanent camps feature spacious, heavy-duty canvas tents erected on solid foundations, often with private verandas. Inside, you’ll find all the opulent finishings of a high-end hotel room, including king-sized beds and full en-suite bathrooms. This style of accommodation is perfect if you want to feel fully immersed in nature while enjoying sophisticated luxury.
To find out more, see our Glamping on Safari: The Thrill of the Wild Paired with 5-Star Comfort.
Mobile tented camp in Botswana. Photo courtesy of andBeyond Savute Under Canvas
If you are a safari purist seeking the ultimate immersion in the wild, the mobile tented camp is the definitive choice. These temporary camps are designed to be lightweight and move with the seasons, often following vast wildlife migrations to ensure they are always in the heart of the action. Providing unparalleled exclusivity, a mobile camp may cater to just a single group of guests, providing a truly private and personal window into the African wilderness. This type of camping is surprisingly comfortable, as well as being an adventurous way to access the most remote and untouched corners of the continent.
Zicasso’s Reasons You Should Stay at a Mobile Tented Camp provides further advice.
Game viewing from veranda at Sirkoi House in Kenya. Photo courtesy of Sirikoi
Africa delights in its inimitability. Just like the diverse wildlife that graces the continent, the accommodations can be wonderfully distinctive. From a luxurious tent hidden deep in nature to a grand lodge perched on a crater rim, the assortment of unique and wonderful options provides indelible highlights and continuous memoirs of your African safari. Understanding these choices is the key to crafting your perfect trip.
Learn more about what’s possible with our African safaris or find more information in our African safari guide to begin planning your adventure.
Trips curated by the world’s top destination experts
Concierge-level service leading up to and during your trip
Unique, exclusive experiences and insider access