Accommodations

Finding the Right Safari Accommodation:

Where you sleep undeniably plays a large part in planning a trip. For some, it’s first class all the way. For others, “clean, safe, and without frills” is the name of the game. Some love the idea of indoor/outdoor living while others don’t consider a lizard on the wall the idea of fun on vacation. Will you be unhappy without air conditioning? What about Wi-Fi? Finding the right safari accommodation is a complicated puzzle, and the amenities are just the tip of the iceberg.

Understanding who our clients are and what gets them excited is the most important part in making the right match. It helps to have a basic understanding of what is out there so you can gather questions to ask your Safari Specialist. You might find there are some must-haves you never dreamed you’d have to say aloud, but also hopefully some inspiration to stoke the fires of this big dream.

Deciphering Accommodation in East Africa:

Standard hotels need little explanation, but we sometimes note a hint of fear in client’s voices when talking about where they would be sleeping on safari. “Tent” does not mean the same as it did camp as a kid, but like everything in life, there’s a very wide range. Finding the right tented safari camp (if that’s your thing) is all about balancing your levels of comfort and adventure.

Mobile Tented Camps:

As the name suggests, these camps relocate 2-3 times throughout the year to predetermined locations and are most associated with Tanzania’s Serengeti. The locations of these camps align with the traditional movements of the Great Wildebeest Migration. Though outfitted with comfortable beds and linens, outstanding food, and a lantern-lit ambience, these camps do not have running water. Instead, you’ll find a pitcher of filtered water beside your sink and on-demand bucket showers.

Permanent Tented Camps:

In contrast to the mobile camps, these tents enjoy a fixed position throughout the year. As such, you’ll find more creature comforts like plumbed water (though not always) and certain features characteristic of more permanent structures like raised decking, a boma (outdoor dining area), bathtubs, fireplaces, and even the occasional swimming pool.

After an evening beside the crackling campfire, you’ll still enjoy falling asleep to the sounds of wildlife in the bush. You’ll just have a few more amenities to soften your stay as you call it a night. Permanent tented camps can run the gamut from rustic to ultra-luxury, and we’ll match you with the perfect one according to your preferences.

Safari Lodges:

 Safari lodges are permanent structures with solid walls (rather than canvas), doors, and windows. We recommend safari lodges for several reasons. Safari lodges might be the right choice for you if:

• You’d be uncomfortable with an insect making its way indoors,
• You need climate control (think air-conditioning rather than a standing fan)
• You’re traveling with kids and need the reliability of a good swimming pool in the afternoon, or
• You’re looking for more polish and fine dining (though some tented camps have very fine dining, too!).

Safari lodges range as much in size (anywhere from 4 luxury suites to 50+ rooms) and price points, as they do styles (rustic to ultra-glam). Finding the right safari lodge still can be daunting because there are so many options to choose from. Just because a lodge (or tented camp) looks beautiful and gets top online reviews though, doesn’t mean it’s in a good area for wildlife. Your Northland Safari Specialist will start by figuring out what is the most important to you – the wildlife, the accommodation, the natural wonders – and then create a custom itinerary that perfectly meets your needs.