Where you sleep shapes your trip as much as what you see. Accommodation in Africa runs from simple campsites to luxury tented camps with private plunge pools, and the right choice depends on your budget, your travelling party and how close to nature you want to be.
Types of accommodation
| Type | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Safari lodge | Permanent buildings with hotel-style rooms, a restaurant and often a pool | Families, groups, comfort |
| Tented camp | Canvas tents on raised platforms, usually with a private bathroom and a veranda | Feeling close to the bush |
| Mobile or seasonal camp | A small camp that moves with the seasons or the herds | A classic, intimate experience |
| Public campsite | Basic camping in the park, usually with shared facilities | Budget travellers |
| Hotel or guesthouse | In cities and towns such as Arusha, Nairobi, Cape Town and Stone Town | Nights before and after your trip |
| Beach resort | From small boutique hotels to large all-inclusive resorts | Relaxing after a safari |
| Treehouse or boma | Elevated or fenced rooms in the bush | Memorable one-off stays |
| Mountain hut or camp | Simple huts or tents on trekking routes | Climbs on Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya |
Safari lodges
Lodges are the most familiar choice. They have proper rooms, dining rooms, bars and often pools, and can handle large groups. Many sit on hills or crater rims with big views. They are usually larger and busier than camps, and some are outside the park gate, so you spend more time driving to the wildlife.
Tented camps
Do not imagine a camping tent. A tented camp usually has a real bed, a private bathroom and a veranda, with canvas walls that let you hear the bush at night. Standards range from simple to extremely luxurious. Smaller camps offer a more personal feel and fewer vehicles at sightings.
Where the property is
- Inside a national park: the shortest drive to the wildlife, and the most expensive. Park fees may be charged each night.
- On the edge of a park: often cheaper, but a longer drive to the gate each morning.
- In a private conservancy or concession: fewer vehicles, and activities that national parks restrict, such as night drives and walking safaris. Typically higher priced, and often benefits local communities directly.
- In a town or city: convenient for arrival, departure and extra nights.
What it costs
| Level | Per night, per person or room | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | About $60 to $150 | Basic lodges and camps, simple rooms, shared facilities in places |
| Mid-range | About $150 to $350 | Comfortable rooms or tents, a pool, good food |
| Luxury | $400 and up | Spacious suites, private guides, fine dining and the best locations |
Rates are higher from June to October and at Christmas. Check whether the nightly price covers meals, drinks and activities, because at many camps it does, and at lodges and hotels it often does not.
What to check before you book
- What is included: meals, drinks, game drives, laundry, transfers and park fees.
- Location: the distance to the best wildlife areas and the airstrip.
- Room type: a private bathroom, hot water, a fan or air conditioning, and a mosquito net.
- Power and wifi: many camps run on solar power, with limited charging times and weak or no internet.
- Safety: how guests are escorted at night in unfenced camps.
- Child policy: many small camps set a minimum age or have limited family rooms.
- Accessibility: steps, boardwalks and distances between the room and the dining area.
- Dietary needs: tell the camp in advance. Remote kitchens need notice.
- Reviews: read recent guest reviews and any replies from the owner.
Travelling with children
Lodges with pools, family rooms and flexible meal times work best. Some camps do not take young children, or offer private vehicles and activities for families. Ask about the rules before you book.
Responsible stays
- Look for places that employ and train local people, buy from local suppliers and share income with neighbouring communities.
- Choose properties that save water and power, manage waste and avoid single-use plastic.
- Ask how the camp treats its staff, and whether it supports conservation.
How to choose
- Pick the area first. A camp in the right part of a park saves hours of driving.
- Compare the full price, not just the nightly rate.
- Mix stay types. A tented camp for wildlife, a lodge for comfort and a beach resort to finish is a classic combination.
- Think about who is coming, and check child policies and accessibility.
- Book early. Small camps sell out six to nine months ahead for June to September.
Browse accommodation on TTO with prices, photos and reviews, or ask a tour operator to choose it for you as part of a package.