Tented Camps and Lodges
Tented Camps and Lodges
For mid-range and luxury safari packages, we use lodges and tented camps.
The term "tented camp" can be confusing because it sounds similar to basic camping, but the experience is very different. In a tented camp, the tents are large enough to stand inside and are usually room-sized, furnished, and self-contained. They often include beds, lighting, and private bathroom facilities.
Lighting may be solar-powered or generator-operated during set hours. Hot water is usually available for showers. Meals are prepared by the camp or lodge chef and served in a communal dining tent or dining area.
Many tented camps also have a shared bar or lounge. Some have swimming pools or evening entertainment. Some camps operate seasonally and move according to where the migration herds are usually found at that time of year.
Accommodation Examples
One mid-range tented camp we often use is Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp in the Seronera area of central Serengeti.
For luxury tented camps, Kubu Kubu Tented Camp is one example, also located in the Seronera area of the Serengeti.
Lodges vary widely in price, from around $250 per night to more than $8,000 per night. One mid-range lodge example is Rhino Lodge in Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
At the top end, properties such as Four Seasons Serengeti and Nanyukie Tented Lodge are considered exclusive options, with prices available on request. Serena Ngorongoro Lodge is an example of a luxury lodge just below the very top-end category.
Choosing the Right Accommodation Style
We can book a wide range of lodges and tented camps, depending on your route, comfort level, and budget.
Safari prices are usually based on three broad categories:
- Budget: basic camping
- Mid-range / standard: comfortable lodges or tented camps
- Luxury: higher-end lodges and tented camps
Your itinerary does not have to stay in one category for the whole trip. You can camp on some nights and stay in lodges or tented camps on other nights. You can also mix standard and luxury options in the same itinerary.
Final pricing depends on the accommodation selected.
Booking Accommodation
During busy safari months, especially February and June to September, we recommend booking at least 4 months in advance to secure preferred accommodation.
There is no strict deadline for booking, but accommodation cannot be secured until a deposit has been made. The original page notes that accommodation is typically held for 10 days before payment is required, and that payment is not made until a deposit has been received.
