Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the African wilderness? Get ready for an incredible experience as we dive into the top things you need to know about staying in tented safari camps. The safari tent is one of the most recognizable glamping structures. When I hear or say the word “safari” - I imagine myself dressed in a full khaki outfit observing lions and giraffes through a large set of binoculars while perched in a small tree.
The tent I imagine we’d return to after a day on the plains of Africa would naturally be our “Safari Tent,” so I suppose my imagination isn’t too far-fetched. An African Safari is definitely on my bucket list and I will insist on a safari tent during said Safari. The rest I’ll leave to a trusted guide.
In the glamping world, safari tents are among the most common glamping structures used around the globe. They are fairly easy to set up, durable enough for all 4 seasons, spacious enough for multiple people with gear, and not expensive to purchase compared to many other types of glamping structures. Prices can vary for sure based on the size of the tents and materials used, but generally speaking…safari tents offer a lot of bang for the buck.
Let me just tell you that as a non-camper, I was very happy with my decision to stay in a tented safari camp on my trip to the Serengeti in Tanzania. I’m here to share my firsthand knowledge and insider tips to make your tented safari camp experience a success and to answer your most burning questions.
From the thrill of hearing hyenas laughing in the distance to falling asleep to the symphony of nature’s nocturnal creatures, there’s nothing quite like the charm and authenticity of these tented havens amidst the wild. So, let’s dive in and unveil the secrets that will ensure your stay is nothing short of extraordinary.
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Before we dive into the top things to know about staying in tented safari camps, it’s important to note that every camp and experience is unique. What I’m about to share is based on my personal adventures and may not fully encompass the diverse range of safari camps out there. However, I hope that by sharing my own experience, I can give you a glimpse into the world of tented safari camps and help you prepare for your own incredible journey.
Understanding Safari Tents
The name “Safari Tent” name evolved over the years from the bland-er original name of “Wall Tent.” It was called a wall tent because…well…it had 4 walls. It’s believed that wall tents date back to the 16th century in the U.K. Civil War. Mobility and durability are what made this type of tent popular over the years and not much has changed - which is why it’s still popular today.
If high-grade materials are used and moderate care is applied, safari tents can easily withstand all 4 seasons, last for years, and won’t break the bank to get started. This is what makes this type of glamping accommodation so popular - low cost, efficient and durable. The low cost of start-up means lower costs for glampers as well which is a win-win.
Generally speaking, safari tents are comprised mainly of a heavy waterproof fabric (often cotton, polycotton or nylon based canvas), metal and/or wood for the frame, and rope for support and stability. There are definitely some more unique options out there for the exteriors of safari tents. For example, “Berber Tents” are a type of safari tent made out of sewn together camel and goat hair. This type of tent is popular in many desert camps like Erg Chigaga Luxury Desert Camp in Morroco.
Another popular material is bamboo for both the framing AND for the Canvas. One of the leading providers globally of bamboo tents is Mocadazu. Options are varied as far as what’s used for the exterior of safari tents. The drastic differences are found on the inside. You could say this is where the magic happens…or can happen if the furniture and adornments are styled in a stylish, comfortable and memorable way. These options definitely hit the “Glam” note in glamping.
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Obviously the price usually goes up as the level of glam increases AND I should note - glamping doesn’t need to look and feel like you are royalty. But it’s fun to live the fantasy every once in awhile.
Types of Safari Accommodation
Whether you’re rolling large or working with the basics on the inside - the safari tent will more than suffice as a comfortable glamping structure. While comfort is undeniably important, there is more to consider when choosing your safari accommodation. The first thing to consider is what type of tented safari camp to choose.
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.
Camping
If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, basic camping is a great option. This is what people typically associate with traditional camping - think a small tent in the midst of the wilderness. While basic camping may lack the luxuries of other tented camps, it offers an immersive and authentic outdoor experience.
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 safari range.
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You’ll be able to fully appreciate the sounds of nature, gaze at the star-filled sky, and bond with fellow campers. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking a closer connection with the wilderness while keeping costs in check.
Adventure camping is hands-on. The campsites are located either inside or near national parks, and facilities will vary from location to location. With adventure camping, accommodation is in 2-man dome tents with a groundsheet, mosquito netting, and basic camping cots.
Fully Serviced Camping
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. 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.
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.
Tented Safari Camps
Tented safari camps can vary widely in amenities and range from basic (a step up from camping) to super luxurious. The differences are seen in the bathroom set up (shared vs. private), furnishings & décor, level of service, types of meals offered, etc. However, in general, you can think of tented safari camps as hotel rooms with canvas walls plopped down in the middle of an elephant’s habitat.
We ended up leaning toward a more luxurious one because I was not down with shared bathrooms or cold showers. You may have also heard the term mobile migration camp when looking into tented safari camps.
Tented camps may sound basic, but don’t let the canvas exterior fool you. These camps are designed to provide comfort and style. As you settle into your canvas abode, expect a blend of rustic charm and modern comforts. The spacious tents are thoughtfully furnished with comfortable beds, providing a cozy retreat after a day of safari adventures. You’ll have access to bathroom facilities (ours were private and located within our tent).
Wake up to the melodies of nature and step outside to witness the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife roaming freely nearby. In our case, we were located in the middle of the wildebeest migration.
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.
Mobile Tented Camps
Mobile tented camps are moveable tented camps located in private concessions, national parks, and game reserves. This style of safari accommodation is perfect for small groups looking for authentic wildlife experiences. 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 migration camps in the Serengeti take glamping to a whole new level. These camps follow the footsteps of the Great Migration, ensuring you’re always at the front row of nature’s greatest spectacle. Just when you think the animals are done , the camp picks up and relocates, giving you a ringside seat for the next awe-inspiring act.
Safari Bush Camps
Favouring solar power and off-grid settings, safari bush camps emphasise nature, the bush, and the wildlife that surrounds them. Comfortable tents, en suite bathrooms, campfire dinners, and personalised service all set bush camps apart. Eco-friendly and off-grid, safari bush camp spaces are often open-air, putting you in nature throughout your stay.
Mid-Range Safaris
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.
Safari Lodges
Safari lodges are solid structures that come with all the modern conveniences of hotels.
Luxury Safaris
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.
Located in urban centres, hotels and guesthouses are great options for before and after your safari.
Table: Comparison of Safari Accommodation Types
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (USD per day) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Camping | Basic 2-man tents, minimal facilities | $150+ | Affordable, immersive nature experience |
| Fully Serviced Camping | Spacious tents, full safari team support | N/A | Comfortable, convenient, emphasis on safari |
| Tented Safari Camps | Hotel-like tents, varied amenities | $100 - $1200+ | Comfort and style, private bathrooms, migration camps |
| Mobile Tented Camps | Moveable camps, authentic wildlife experiences | N/A | Follows wildlife movements, intimate groups |
| Safari Bush Camps | Eco-friendly, open-air, personalised service | N/A | Nature-focused, off-grid |
| Mid-Range Safaris | Mid-tier lodges, comfortable amenities | $350 - $550 | Hot water, flush toilets, guided activities |
| Safari Lodges | Solid structures, hotel conveniences | N/A | Modern amenities, comfortable |
| Luxury Safaris | High-end amenities, personalised services | N/A | Butlers, private chefs, spa treatments |
Unique Safari Accommodation Experiences
As the safari travel market grows, it pushes innovation and offers more unique experiences all over Africa.
Houseboats
If water is your thing, a stay on a houseboat is a must. 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. 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.
Treehouses
Everybody loves a treehouse, and a safari treehouse is a special opportunity to connect with your inner child. Surrounded by wildlife, nature, and creature comforts, safari treehouses take the romance of Africa to the next level.
Safari Eco-Lodges
In today’s world, sustainability and living with nature have become an important factor when booking safari accommodation. Safari eco-lodges put the environment first, and they seek to have minimal impact on their surroundings.
Safari Villas
Safari villas are properties that cater specifically to small groups of up to around 16 guests.
Fly Camping
Fly camping is an immersive safari camping experience. 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.
Train Lodges
Housed within a meticulously restored old train, this tribute to the explorers from the past offers a luxury stay. In-room spa treatments, including manicures and massages, provide relaxation after a day of safari adventures.
Affordable Luxury Glamping | Safari Tents | GridFree
Staying Safe in a Tented Camp
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.
Ah, the million-dollar question! Rest assured, staying in a tented safari camp should be very safe as long as you follow the guidelines set in place. These camps are well-prepared to keep you safe during your safari adventure. Experienced guides and camp staff are there to ensure your safety and provide valuable insights into the local wildlife.
They know the do’s and don’ts, the lions’ preferred bedtime stories, and the hyenas’ favorite pranks. The camps also implement safety measures like the curfew I mentioned above to keep the guests safe.
For our safety, we were instructed not to leave our tents without a guide to accompany us to the communal tent or the dining tent between sunset and sunrise. In our location in the Northern Serengeti, walkie-talkie communication was extremely spotty, which the guides seemed to attribute to the cloudy sky.
The good news was we had a super easy low-tech way to ask for an escort: flashing a flashlight twice towards the main tent. Once we did that, a guide would promptly escort us to the living room/bar tent or to our dinner spot.
In the unlikely event of an emergency, remember that you are in the middle of nowhere. The best course of action is to seek help from a camp worker who can assist you. It’s highly recommended to consider travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuations.
Amenities and Practicalities
Bathroom and Shower Facilities
The bathroom and shower situation will vary widely across tented safari camps. At our mobile migration camp, we had a private bathroom and shower located in our tent that was sectioned off from our main living room.
The shower was an interesting setup. To get a hot shower, you would request that hot water be delivered to your tent. The camp employees would then heat up the water over a fire and put it in a giant, hanging container in the back of the tent. Once available, you’d pull the lever in the shower and voilà…hot water! We had to keep our showers relatively short, but I had no trouble washing my long hair, as long as I used the water sparingly. You could also order more water, if needed, but we were fine sharing our hot water bucket between the two of us.
Culinary Delights
Indulge in delectable cuisine prepared by talented chefs using fresh, local ingredients. Each night, we were treated to a delightful three-course meal that showcased the flavors of the region. We would start off with a delicious soup, crafted with locally sourced ingredients. The main courses offered a taste of traditional dishes and you cannot forget dessert to satisfy that sweet tooth!
As for breakfasts, they were a hearty affair, ensuring we had enough fuel to kickstart our adventurous days. And when it came to lunchtime, boxed meals prepared by the camp were the perfect solution, allowing us to maximize our time on safari without sacrificing a delicious lunch.
Electricity and Connectivity
When it comes to electricity at tented safari camps, it’s important to remember that each experience can be quite different. In our camp, we had the convenience of lamps illuminating our bedrooms and an overhead light in the bathroom. However, when it came to charging our essential gadgets, a strategic plan was in order.
