Types of Accommodation in Africa

We've been in the Africa safari business long enough to know what visitors to Africa want, and what they don't want. And one of the make-or-break conditions is accommodation.

First time visitors to Africa often have a number of questions about accommodation on safari: is it good enough? What's the food like? Is it safe?

Well, wherever you choose to lay your head, you'll find that our recommended Africa safari accommodation surpasses your expectations: the professional service, gourmet dinners, astonishing views, luxurious furnishings will all conspire to steep you in an atmosphere that is uniquely and distinctly African - no matter what Africa travel accommodation type you visit.

Africa travel accommodation: safari lodges and hotels

For those whose creature comforts are not negotiable, we recommend the intimate accommodation of a safari lodge. Built from permanent materials, comfort levels are as you would expect from a luxurious hotel. Lodge sizes vary from 3 to as many as 50 rooms, with the larger hotel-like establishments found in East Africa. Southern Africa's lodges rarely contain more than 25 rooms, with the average around 10.

Africa travel accommodation: tented camps

Often consisting of a permanent tent with en-suite toilet facilities and permanently constructed public areas, tented camps provide the ultimate blend between comfort and intimacy with the environment. Beautifully appointed and architecturally integrated into the landscape, the quality and romance of tented camps can make them the most expensive of all African safari lodges, camps and hotels.

Africa travel accommodation: bush camps

Often located deep in Africa's wild areas, this style of camp is becoming increasingly rare. What makes this type of property so special are the limited number of chalets (often only three or four); the people who run them, no electricity and their remoteness. Generally, this style of camp is simple and rustic, but still has all the creature comforts like good food, hot water, flush toilets and of course, the best locations.

Africa travel accommodation: private mobile camping safaris

Extremely efficient and organised, your camp is set up at your day's destination before you arrive. Tents are large and surprisingly comfortable, with simple but adequate en-suite facilities. The support crew ensures, of course, that all your needs are taken care of.

Looking for specific hotel and lodge recommendations? We've listed our favourite accommodation in Africa here.

Need more information? Read our travel article Africa's Top Tented Camps and find out more.

Read more about Private Mobile Camping Safaris here and get our top recommendations.

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