Aside from beautiful photos and locations, there are a few key things to consider when choosing a safari lodge and planning your next African holiday.
Even if safari-goers intend to use a travel expert, most of them prefer to do some pre-trip research to determine their desired destinations and what they hope to see and experience. Our team at Wild Safari Guide revel in the opportunity to make recommendations and create customized itineraries for our clients, but we also understand that everyone is different in terms of how involved they want to be in this process.
We recommend scrolling through your Instagram feed or flipping through travel blogs to start generating ideas for your trip, with one of the most important considerations being your accommodation. Aside from beautiful photos and locations, there are a few key things to consider when choosing a safari lodge and planning your next African holiday.
Type of Safari Accommodation to Consider
Your intended aesthetic is something to think about when choosing your accommodation. What is your style? What makes you feel the most at ease? After a day of exciting guided game drives, where do you want to lay back and relax? Do you prefer traditional bush lodges or have you been dreaming of falling asleep in a luxury canvas tent? All these options can make it tough to choose. And, while it’s a matter of personal taste, we recommend choosing something that best meets your needs, as you’ll be spending a lot of time in the lodge.
Consider Your Budget When Choosing a Safari Lodge
A safari is one of the most thrilling and unforgettable vacations you’ll ever take. Many elements influence the cost of a safari lodge, including location, time of year, and the level of comfort you’re looking for. Depending on your budget, you can choose to stay in a luxury safari lodge or a budget lodge. To avoid a hefty price tag, plan your safari in a national park, such as Etosha in Namibia or the famous Kruger in South Africa. These national parks are open to the public for a reasonable fee and offer a variety of affordable lodges and camps in and around the area.
What amenities are you looking for?
Although facilities are a matter of personal opinion, you should make sure that your safari lodge choice has all of the amenities that will make your vacation memorable and comfortable. Certain amenities may or may not be available depending on the type of lodge you choose, so keep that in mind as you plan your trip. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a safari lodge in Africa:
• Is Wi-Fi a must-have for you? Or do you prefer to be ‘off the grid’? We frequently hear from guests who prefer to disconnect from technology while in Africa and get back in touch with nature. However, many lodges have excellent Wi-Fi facilities in case you need to stay connected.
• What is the purpose of your safari? Some lodges have family-friendly suites, while others are strictly above 12 years of age. Honeymooners and couples seeking privacy during their stay can enjoy a host of options.
• Are you interested in using outdoor showers and tubs? Even though both are stunning and provide a truly unique experience, some guests choose to bathe indoors.
• Is having a pool essential? While many lodges include plunge pools or infinity pools with views of stunning landscape, some more conventional or mobile camps do not.
• Sky beds and treehouses are a fun way to see Africa and connect with nature. This is usually an add-on experience that isn’t available at all safari lodges.
Consider wildlife viewing when choosing a safari lodge
Because wildlife moves freely across the African continent, it’s difficult to predict exactly what you’ll encounter at each safari lodge. If you want to see specific species or landscapes, you’ll want to ensure that the lodge you choose is in a reserve or national park that has the species or landscape. Some parks are noted for showing some of the more elusive species, while others are known for showcasing the famous Big Five. If you’re seeking a more unique safari adventure, some parts of Africa offer unique activities such as water-based safaris, or dune surfing in some of the world’s most unusual desert locations.
Consider sustainability when choosing a safari lodge
This is an important component of vacation for us and many safari-goers, and not all lodges are created equal in this sense. We are seeing an increasing number of travellers who believe they have a responsibility to guarantee that their tourism dollars go toward environmental conservation and community development. Many African lodges provide incredible travel experiences, as well as opportunities to help animals and local communities by contributing significant funds to conservation efforts and projects across the continent. If you’re looking for eco-friendly lodging, make sure the lodge operators and facilities are aware of these initiatives so you may travel with purpose.
