Choosing Where to Stay on African Safari
Experiencing Africa is truly transformative. There is so much to see, though many agree that the most important experience for your first-time is the Safari experience. The beauty of the raw natural world and Africa’s unique culture will affect you in such a deeply positive and emotional way. You don’t leave Africa the same person you were before you arrived – and that’s the truth. One of the key decisions you’ll make when planning your Safari trip with us is choosing the right lodging experience. Lodging in the African Safari is very unique, so for your first visit it’s helpful to understand the three main types of lodging experiences you’ll have to choose from while planning. Let’s dig into your accommodations options so we can get you on your way to an incredibly memorable experience!
Where you stay on African safari is important to the entire experience
While we always have these conversations with our clients during planning, it’s nice to have a level of introductory knowledge ahead of time so that we can help you mold your experience to best fit you. More than a typical trip, where you stay on African safari is important to the entire experience. Each of the following lodging experiences serve a different purpose and offer a difference experience for your time in Africa.
Private Reserve: Luxury and Exclusivity
Set in secluded areas, these reserves offer a very private safari experience, often with fewer guests and less restricted access compared to public parks. Reserves are created by the government in order to protect the ecosystem, but now privately managed by the community and conservation funds to benefit conservation. Grumeti for instance was created to protect the annual wildebeest migration which contributes to the ecosystem in the area. The benefit of staying on a private reserve is that it’s exclusive-use, so you will have a more authentic experience in Africa by the nature of how the reserves are set up. Because they are private, you won’t be caught in a line of cars all looking at the same animal. Private Reserves offer a much more private and exclusive experience. Activities in private reserves may also include night drives and off-road safaris, which are not typically allowed in national parks. Of course in the case of Grumeti, you can pop in and out of the Serengeti at any time during your game drives too.
Private Concession: Conservation Meets Comfort
Private Concessions also offer a private experience, but are owned by the National Parks. The National Park grants permission to a company to operate a lodge on that specific area of land for a period of time. What is nice about Private Concessions is that the access is restricted, and only a certain number of vehicles are allowed. This means you have a lot of fluidity and privacy on your game drives. Many times you’re also able to go off-roading to further enhance the level of privacy and intimacy with the animals. This is not allowed in National Parks. While slightly less exclusive than private reserves, private concessions still offer significant privacy and often support conservation efforts through tourism revenue. Guests can enjoy guided walks and night drives, contributing directly to wildlife and habitat conservation. The accommodations are designed to be eco-friendly, blending seamlessly with the environment while offering comfort and elegance.
National Park: Naturally Accessible
National Parks are the most accessible option for your safari. National Parks are open to the general public for anyone who is staying nearby with an entrance fee. Because the parks are open to anyone there is tendency in the high season for the park to be over-crowded, even causing traffic jams on drives. In order to maintain conversation efforts with so many visitors, safari drives tend to be much more restricted. Unlike private concessions and private reserves for example, drivers are not able to off-road or ignore any road rules. The experience, while remarkable with animals can become a bit overwhelming and feel a bit inauthentic because of this level of tourism.
Each type of lodging—be it a Private Reserve, Private Concession, or National Park—offers a distinct experience. Your choice will depend on what you value most: the exclusivity and luxury of a private reserve, the approach of a private concession, or the ease of a national park. By understanding the nuances of each lodging option, you can tailor your safari experience to fit you. Okay, now that we’ve introduced your lodging experience options in Africa, are you ready to embark on your African safari adventure? Start planning your trip to Africa today! We’ll help you find the perfect accommodations to suit your adventure style and help you plan an unforgettable experience into the heart of Africa’s wilderness.
