Safari Lodges and Camps
This is the definitive accommodation types and styles guide. Here you will be able to understand what to expect from each type of accommodation – what is provided and offered, during your stay.
SAFARI LODGE
Ranging from 5 to 3 star to comfortably basic, a safari lodge is an accommodation facility which is located in a wildlife area. The buildings are permanent hard material structures such as stone, natural unprocessed timber poles and thatch. Game activities such as drives and walks are offered at the lodge.
The dining experience varies between butler serviced, white linen and the very best wines and champagnes, to self-service buffet and good wines.
LUXURY & DELUXE TENTED SAFARI CAMP
A deluxe tented camp is a superior canvas establishment that prioritizes service and quality in the food and accommodations – and does not necessarily have to be in a wilderness area.
TENTED LODGE
This refers to an upmarket permanent establishment that features canvas in the design, the accommodations are of a very high quality, the cuisine is world-class ad attention to furnishings, service levels and comfort are of a very high order.
SAFARI CAMP
Generally refers to a permanent tented establishment in a wildlife game reserve. Sometimes on the same property as a safari lodge.
REST CAMP
A Rest Camp is generally associated with state run, national parks and nature reserves and provides accommodations in the form of self catering huts, guest houses, chalets and tents. Ablutions and cooking facilities may be en-suite or shared.
SERVICED CAMP SITE
Provision of demarcated camping areas, where you pitch your own tent, bring your own food and supplies and do your own cooking and cleaning. Some may offer your own 250V power point. Public ablution blocks.
SAFARI HOTEL
This is a multi-roomed establishment, not IN, but offering access to a wilderness area for game activities. The building is generally thatched and decorated in African style.
Nature Reserve Lodges & Camps
BUSH LODGE
An accommodation facility which is located in a wildlife or nature area. The buildings are permanent hard material structures such as stone and thatch or a mixture of the two. Game activities such as drives and walks are offered at the lodge.
BUSH CAMP
Located in a wildlife areas, for the more adventurous, basic accommodations in tents, wooden cabins or a mixture of both. Pit latrines, basic services.
HUTTED BUSH CAMP
Very basic thatched type accommodation, with a limited facilities, usually a one night sleep over on trails.
BRING YOUR OWN TENT
Provision of demarcated camping areas, where you pitch your own tent, bring your own food and supplies and do your own cooking and cleaning. Public ablution blocks.
Other Lodges
A lodge is an accommodation facility which is located and designed to optimize the feeling of being closely in touch with nature. The building style should feature natural materials and colouring such as wood, stone and thatch. An outdoor experience should be offered at the lodge, such as guided walks, game drives etc.
WILDERNESS LODGE
A wilderness lodge refers to a brick and mortar structure in any wilderness area – not necessarily a big game area. It could be in a coastal reserve, nature reserve or mountain retreat.
DESERT LODGE
A desert camp indicates an establishment constructed of hard materials such as stone and brick that is totally surrounded by desert and possible safari activities.
DELUXE DESERT LODGE
A deluxe desert lodge indicates a permanent establishment that is surrounded by the desert. The service, food and décor is of very high standard.
TENTED DESERT CAMP
A tented desert camp is an establishment under canvas and located in a desert region with 360 degrees of desert experience.
ISLAND BUSH CAMP
An Island Bush Camp signifies a an establishment located on an island and totally surrounded by water, and bordering on rustic that may have en-suite facilities or bucket showers and pit latrines.
TENTED BUSH AND WATER CAMP
The tented bush and water camp describes an establishment under canvas that is located on or facing on a body of water and features water land wilderness activities in equal measure. It could be on a large island that is a proclaimed reserve or private wilderness area – and usually less than 20 rooms. Could be bucket showers and pit latrines.
TENTED BUSH CAMP
A tented Bush Camp signifies an establishment that is leaning to rustic and is located in a remote wilderness area – could be self catering and rarely more than twenty rooms. Could be bucket showers and pit latrines.
WATER CAMP
A water camp describes an establishment of canvas or natural materials that sits on the water or is totally surrounded by water and allowing only for water-associated activities.
WATER LODGE
A water lodge describes an establishment of brick and mortar and is surrounded by water – allowing only for water based activities.
The More Unusual
TRAIN: DELUXE or LUXURY
Rail sojourns through the country, in deluxe, or luxury suites and carriages focusing on excellent food and service, business casual in the day. Black tie to dinner.
HOUSEBOAT: BASIC, DELUXE or LUXURY
This describes a vessel operating on a lake or river, and where guests can overnight on the boat – so literally a hotel on the water. Meals are served on the boat. Activities will vary according to where the boat is located and can include fishing, game watching and birding.
CULTURAL ACCOMMODATION EXPERIENCE
This indicates accommodation that is designed to interpret the cultural aspects of the region it is located in and the staff and activities are geared to showcase the culture as the main attraction. The food is also representative of the culture.
CULTURAL VILLAGE INTERACTIIVITY
The Cultural Village indicates an establishment that is located in a working cultural village. The accommodation need not be “cultural” but activities and food must represent the experience.
Self Catering Accommodation
PRIVATE
A self-catering establishment may be one of the other accommodation types above, and offers dedicated self-catering facilities.
The unit features a fully equipped kitchen to cater for the maximum people to be accommodated; including refrigerator, stove, micro-wave, cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils &cleaning equipment. If it is a city or country establishment, it should include flat-screen TV with DVD and possibly global satellite reception.
LODGE
A permanent establishment in a wilderness or safari area that is not part of a rest camp, and which is not catered, meaning guests have to bring in their own supplies. A fully equipped and exclusive kitchen is available for guests.
BUNGALOW or CHALET
The same as the lodge, above – but the kitchen area is communal. This is particular to national parks and nature reserve
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