It isn’t easy
Choosing the right safari camp
So while going on an African safari is a dream for many travellers (and for good reason) it’s not always easy to choose what’s right in terms of a safari camp.
A safari camp stay is one of the most unforgettable ways to connect with nature, experience close-up wildlife encounters, and immerse yourself in some of the planet’s most beautiful and remote landscapes. But before you find yourself watching elephants at a waterhole or waking to the roar of a distant lion, there’s one crucial decision to make: what kind of safari camp will suit you best?
Unlike traditional luxury lodges, safari camps are designed to bring you closer to the wilderness, offering a more immersive experience. Some are mobile and move with the wildlife. Others are semi-permanent, balancing comfort with proximity to nature. And some are permanent, offering high-end amenities in exceptional locations. Understanding the differences can help you plan a safari that fits your style, interests, and sense of adventure.
Let’s break it down.
Mobile safari camps
Allowing you to move with your camp
For travellers who crave adventure and flexibility, a mobile safari camp is an exciting option. These camps are designed to move with you, setting up in new locations as your safari unfolds. Don’t worry – you won’t be pitching your own tent. Our mobile safaris are typically fully serviced, with a support team who handles logistics, camp setup, meals, and everything in between. Your job? Simply enjoy every moment truly immersed in some of Africa’s great landscapes.
Why choose a mobile safari camp?
There’s some solid reasons to consider and choose the mobile safari camp option.
Unparalleled immersion: These camps are often located far from busy tourist areas, giving you a more intimate connection with the wilderness. You’ll feel like you have the bush all to yourself.
Follow the wildlife: Mobile safaris are perfect for following seasonal wildlife events, like the Great Migration in East Africa or green season movements in Botswana’s wilderness.
Intimate experience: With just a few tents, mobile camps are either private or small group only, creating a more personal and connected experience.
Eco-friendly: Designed to leave a light footprint, mobile camps are temporary structures that don’t disrupt the environment.
Best suited for: Adventurous travellers, keen photographers, and those looking for a true back-to-nature experience without compromising on comfort.
Semi-permanent and tented safari camps
A balanced approach
If you like the idea of tented accommodation but would prefer a few more creature comforts, a semi-permanent safari camp could be ideal. These camps remain in place for months, even a few years at a time in the one location. They are often purpose-built around the natural environment so they blend seamlessly. This allows a more refined experience – think wooden decks, ensuite bathrooms, gourmet meals and sometimes even plunge pool!
Why choose a semi-permanent safari camp?
Again there’s some great reasons to choose a semi-permanent safari camp for your adventure.
Enhanced comfort: Semi-permanent camps have more robust infrastructure, such as raised floors, proper beds (not camp stretchers), and ensuites more comfortable than their mobile camp siblings.
Prime locations: These camps have great positions in spectacular landscapes – they will be nestled on river banks, tucked under tree lines for shade or even up in the trees! So you really do feel blessed to stay here in the ‘thick of things’. And wildlife will be abundant because that’s why the positions are chosen!
Diverse experiences and activities: Semi permanent tented camps usually offer a diversity of experiences depending on their location. Think horseriding safaris, walking safaris, boating safaris, night drives or cultural visits, depending on where you are.
Best suited for: Travellers seeking a traditional safari with a touch of luxury and a wider variety of activities.
Permanent safari camps
Location is king
Permanent safari camps are built to stay put – and they make the most of it. These camps are strategically located in some of Africa’s top wildlife areas, often beside rivers, floodplains or migration routes. Whether you’re watching animals from your deck or heading out on expertly guided game drives, these camps make wildlife watching effortless.
Accommodation varies wildly – from rustic bush camps to five-star luxury retreats – but what they all offer is access to incredible scenery and year-round wildlife.
Why choose a permanent safari camp?
Unrivalled locations: Think riverside settings, salt pans, and dramatic escarpments – all prime territory for wildlife.
Diverse safari styles: Each camp has its own flair – some focus on walking safaris, others on water-based experiences or photographic safaris.
Multiple ecosystems: Travel between camps to explore vastly different landscapes, from open savannahs to wetlands, deserts and forests.
Something for every budget: Permanent camps range from simple and budget-friendly to all-out luxury.
Best suited for: Travellers who want variety, excellent access to wildlife, and the option to mix and match camp styles throughout their journey.
Can I mix and match safari camp styles?
Absolutely. In fact, combining different types of camps is one of the best ways to create a rich, layered safari experience. You might begin in a remote mobile camp to get deep into the bush, then transition to a semi-permanent camp with more comfort, before finishing in a luxury permanent camp where you can unwind and reflect.
Each type of camp offers a different way to experience Africa – and together, they can create the adventure of a lifetime.
More things to consider
Travel style and group size: Are you travelling as a couple, solo, or with family or friends? Some camps cater specifically to certain demographics or interests.
Photography: Many camps offer photography-friendly setups, such as low vehicles, hides, and guides who understand how to get the perfect angle.
Seasonality: Wildlife movements and weather conditions change throughout the year. Choosing the right type of camp can help maximise your sightings.
Choosing the right safari camp
It’s about your ideal safari experience…
Choosing the right safari camp isn’t just about comfort – it’s about how you want to connect with Africa. Whether you’re drawn to the raw immersion and simplicity of a mobile camp, the stylish balance of a semi-permanent one, or the luxury and ease of a permanent lodge, the right fit is out there. And remember: you don’t have to choose just one.
Here at Encompass Africa, we love to mix things up giving you an awesome range of experiences. Every holiday is tailored exactly right for the guest – personalised to meet your travel parameters and realise your dream safari holiday. With deep knowledge of Africa’s camps and parks, we’ll guide you to the best combination of camps to suit your style – so you can simply focus on the adventure. We do like the choose your own adventure books from the 80’s, so we always give you accommodation options along the way to choose from – it’s your holiday after all.
Are you ready to start planning your dream safari – we’re here to help.