Lodge vs Camp?
What’s in a name? It can be very confusing when properties for your African Safari are referred to as Camps or Lodges, sometimes interchangeably.
Although a ‘Camp’ is generally tented accommodation, don’t let this put you off! Tents come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of luxury – including the air-conditioned!
Lodges are frequently wood and thatch, or brick and thatch, even reed and thatch…and different countries may have different building regulations, especially in eco sensitive areas, and National Parks. Levels can vary greatly, from the comfortable and rustic, to the nearly palatial.
Botswana, in particular, is very good that ensuring that should a lodge be ‘removed’ no sign that it was ever there should be left…. so no permanent buildings allowed.
Many of Zambia’s “Camps” for example are ephemeral (especially in parts of the South Luangwa National Park), and are rebuilt each year of reed an thatch, yet still offer incredible comfort, with luxurious touches, top class cuisine, and incredible settings.
Naturally prices do vary greatly, but there is generally something to suit all tastes, and pockets. Many of the family friendly Safari lodges, for example, also offer accommodation specifically designed to allow parents and children to be in the same unit, albeit in separate rooms.
At the end of the day, your experience should be about the Natural beauty and Wildlife, the excellent staff and where you will feel most comfortable... there is literally nearly something for everyone when it comes to Camps and Lodge accommodation.
Although a ‘Camp’ is generally tented accommodation, don’t let this put you off! Tents come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of luxury – including the air-conditioned!
Lodges are frequently wood and thatch, or brick and thatch, even reed and thatch…and different countries may have different building regulations, especially in eco sensitive areas, and National Parks. Levels can vary greatly, from the comfortable and rustic, to the nearly palatial.
Botswana, in particular, is very good that ensuring that should a lodge be ‘removed’ no sign that it was ever there should be left…. so no permanent buildings allowed.
Many of Zambia’s “Camps” for example are ephemeral (especially in parts of the South Luangwa National Park), and are rebuilt each year of reed an thatch, yet still offer incredible comfort, with luxurious touches, top class cuisine, and incredible settings.
Naturally prices do vary greatly, but there is generally something to suit all tastes, and pockets. Many of the family friendly Safari lodges, for example, also offer accommodation specifically designed to allow parents and children to be in the same unit, albeit in separate rooms.
At the end of the day, your experience should be about the Natural beauty and Wildlife, the excellent staff and where you will feel most comfortable... there is literally nearly something for everyone when it comes to Camps and Lodge accommodation.
