Explaining mobile safaris

posted 1st December 2024 by Danica Wilson in Accommodation

A mobile safari is a journey like no other. 

Put simply, a mobile safari is an adventure where your camp moves every two or three nights, setting up in a new remote location for fresh perspectives and wildlife experiences.

 It’s a brilliant way to explore a region because you never backtrack – instead, you follow a circuit or loop, traversing your chosen area so every day feels fresh and new.

Another reason it’s so incredible is how immersive it is. Camping out in the wild means you’re surrounded by the sounds, scents, and rhythms of Africa.

And when we say “camping,” don’t worry – it’s more like glamping, with a level of comfort and style that far exceeds a typical Aussie camping holiday!

 On a mobile safari, you’ll also have a dedicated crew with you. Unlike a lodge or permanent camp, where staff change based on shifts, your mobile safari team stays with you for the entire adventure. They’ll set up and dismantle the camp, prepare your meals, and take care of you throughout. This continuity is wonderful for all ages, in particular families, especially children, who often form close bonds with the crew and learn so much from them. By the end of your trip, they’ll feel like part of the family.

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Mobile safari options

Mobile safaris come in various styles, so it’s worth considering which one suits you and your travelling friends and/or family best.

 Small-group mobile safaris

 The first option is to join a small-group mobile safari, travelling with other guests. It’s comfortable and immersive, offering an authentic way to explore Africa’s incredible wilderness. It’s also a great choice if you’re travelling with teenagers or adult kids, as the shared experience adds an extra layer of fun and camaraderie.

Within small-group safaris, you’ll typically choose between two styles:

Semi-participatory mobile camps. Here, you’ll get hands-on with tasks like carrying your bag from the truck, helping set up tents, or assisting with meal prep. Families with teenagers often enjoy this style for the life skills and teamwork it fosters.

Non-participatory mobile camps. In this option, everything is set up for you – tents, meals, and camp logistics – so all you need to do is relax and enjoy the wilderness.

Private mobile safaris

 The second option is to book a private, tailor-made mobile safari, offering an exclusive and personalised experience.

With a private safari, your group of friends and/or family will be the only guests. You’ll travel with an expert guide, a private 4×4 vehicle, and a dedicated camp crew, giving you unparalleled flexibility. You decide where to go, how long to stay, and the pace of your adventure. Spend evenings around the campfire, enjoy a mix of activities like game drives, walking safaris, and even boating, and soak up the magic of Africa at your own rhythm. While small-group tours follow a set itinerary, private safaris are entirely customisable – and at Encompass Africa we’ll help you design one that’s just right for you and your travel buddies.

Levels of luxury

 Speaking of customisation, mobile safaris vary enormously in style and comfort, depending on your tastes and budget. Here’s a snapshot of what’s available:

Classic mobile safaris

For most travellers, a classic mobile safari strikes the perfect balance between immersion in the wild and essential comforts.

Expect a simple, spacious canvas tent set in a secluded location, bringing you close to nature. Inside, you’ll find comfortable camp beds or a swag-style mattress, basic storage like hooks or a small shelf, and soft lighting from hurricane lamps. Bathrooms offer eco-friendly privacy and practicality.

 This type of safari is all about connecting with nature without compromising on comfort, and the magic of waking up to the sounds of the bush just outside your door. You’ll not only leave your heart in Africa, but also a lighter footprint.

Luxury mobile safaris

 At the other end of the spectrum, luxury mobile safaris take indulgence to a whole new level. If you have a big (and we mean big!) budget, there are experiences that are so next-level, they’re usually the remit of royalty, celebrities and the über-rich.

 Your tent will feel like a boutique hotel suite, with ample space to move, and elegantly styled with rich furnishings that evoke classic safari glamour. Picture a king-size bed dressed in high-thread-count linens and plush duvets, with luxurious rugs underfoot, leather armchairs and antique-style accents. You might even have crystal decanters of whisky or gin on hand, and a private deck for stargazing. There will be thoughtful touches and incredible lighting, and your private en-suite bathroom will rival that of a five-star lodge.

Dining is a refined affair, with gourmet meals served under the stars. Best of all, you’ll have the finest guides in the business and wilderness experiences curated to the highest standard, with exclusive moments that go far beyond what most safaris can offer – extraordinary, one-of-a-kind opportunities you’ll never forget.

Your mobile safari, your way

 Whether you choose a simple, classic mobile safari or the ultimate in opulence, it’s all about immersing yourself in the wild, sharing extraordinary moments with your friends and/or family, and creating holiday memories you’ll treasure forever.

The best place for a mobile safari

Botswana is the ultimate destination for mobile safaris, offering an unmatched opportunity to explore its diverse wilderness in the most authentic and intimate way. Whether you choose private classic, private luxury, or small group tours—participatory or non-participatory—you’ll have access to the country’s best wildlife areas. Mobile camping safaris in Botswana immerse you in nature like no other experience, taking you to unfenced, private campsites where it’s just you, your loved ones, and the untamed beauty of Botswana’s landscapes. Picture elephants strolling past as you sip a cold drink, the sun setting on an exhilarating day of game drives. Fully-serviced mobile safaris ensure comfort without compromising the wild experience. Some feature spacious walk-in tents with proper beds, ensuite bush bathrooms, and meals prepared over an open fire. More affordable mobile safaris are dome tents and swag style mattresses. Either way, you’ve got a dedicated camp crew handling logistics so you and your friends and/or family focus on the adventure, creating lifelong memories in one of the best safari countries on the continent. 

Ready to get in touch?

Let us know when suits you best to talk about your dream safari holiday. As Africa travel experts, we offer a 10 minute obligation free safari briefing to determine if we're a good fit. Then the fun process really begins!

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