Accommodation
Bush Camps
Safari accommodation is mainly camping; seldom will you find
a permanent concrete and steel structure in the bush. Reasons for this type of
lodging is mainly the fact that governments will not allow the property owners
to build anything that will have too much of on an impact on the ecosystem. This
is also the reason most these camps are decked slightly above the ground, they simply aren't allowed to even cut the grass, or disturb the grubs and ants. This works very well in keeping the camps green and reducing their footprint on the natural eco systems.
However do not fear, the safari camps here are some of the best places to stay in
the world; designers, architects, interior designers and landscapers are
contracted to execute some very glamorous camps. Staying in these deck and canvas
camps will beat any brick and mortar lodge/hotel in the countries you visit for safari. Most of these
camps are fitted with the plushest of bedding, curtains and even thick mats, in
fact you will be surprised by the quality you find in the middle of the jungle.
I think the guy (or girl) who coined the term glamping might have been on safari at one of the bush camps.
As you can see on the selection of pictures from random camps across the best safari destinations, accommodation is absolutely top notch. The vast majority of this camps are a match to the very best 5 star hotels on the world, but they beat them with the view and service do to their low capacity and location.
These camps also have highly qualified chefs and world class menus, the only downturn is, they will feed you like you are an elephant. For every hour they have snacks, bush tapas, sundowners, ice tea breaks, sampling etc., they overdo it. But then again having paid an arm and leg you deserve it, and its a vacation so calorie watch is not really allowed.
The one thing that you may find unusual is that almost all the beds have netting on them, this is done to keep your bed free from the bugs and most of all mosquitos. The bush being the bush and these camps being integrated into the bush does mean a few unwanted guests do show up often.
Welcome guests are also ever present, think elephant on your window and a giraffe by the door. DO NOT FEED THEM, otherwise they will trample your tent in search of that nice short bread you just fed them!
OVERLANDERS and BACKPACKERS
A tent, one you have to erect and then secure yourself is what you are going to sleep in, unless you are driving one of those purpose built overland cars with everything built in, they have fancier tents are a bit more livable. All you need is a map of the parks you'll visit and within it will be marked campsites, at these campsites are decent restrooms and portable water. Choosing to camp like this mean you have to be fully sufficient, with plenty of water and foodstuffs.
I maintain that camping like this is the way to experience safari because it adds so much to the experience.
To go about this you can either bring your own overland truck (enthusiast overlanders do this) or rent a fitted car locally. The cars will have a fridge, recovery, GPS and loads of containers for you food and water.
STAYING IN TOWNS
Sometimes you don't have to spend a night on the bush, this means you will have to stay on lodges/hotels located on towns that are nearby the safari destination. Accommodation quality will vary greatly in where you are, Trip Advisor will help you tons here.
Catch my next post on what expect on safari where I will cover a few more........
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