There’s no question about it, safaris are a trip of a lifetime. But venturing into remote habitats necessitates spending both time and money.
Often, travelers use up significant PTO and budget on one, but with the right approach and reconnaissance, a safari can be done successfully in under two weeks, and without forking over a small fortune.
After joining several, I can say that when planning a safari, certain choices help to reduce the overall expenditure. Going to a public park over a private reserve, for example, and opting for tented over lodge accommodations can stretch funds.
Additionally, flying into locations near major international airports or staying at one camp instead of moving between various habitats can trim down the time you need to take off. I also highly suggest working with a local tour operator, which can yield better pricing that works with stricter timeframes.
With these tips in mind, I compiled some memorable safari accommodations that are all located in national parks and make the most out of your time and money without sacrificing comfort or experience in any way.
In this article
Ndzhaka Tented Camp in South Africa
When you stay at Ndzhaka Tented Camp, you’ll fly into OR Tambo International Airport, from where you’ll get chauffeured to the outer edges of Kruger National Park. This is where Ndzhaka’s elevated tents are immersed within the park itself.
Unfenced, wild game often wander right through them, as a watering hole just below the campground attracts wildlife, making for an easy spot.
Rates at Ndzhaka include all meals (drinks are on you) and twice daily guide-led game drives. A notch above camping, food is served in the lodge restaurant and private tents are thoughtfully appointed with mosquito nets and mini bars.
The property also includes plumbing (though water is sourced from a borehole and bathrooms are open-air) and sparse solar-powered electricity. If you want to feel the exhilaration of unbridled nature, this rustic camp puts you in the middle of the wild while still offering considered comforts.
Out In Africa Camps in Tanzania
Composed of a cluster of 10 canvas tents on the plains of the Serengti, Out In Africa is a well planned base camp for those with an adventurous spirit.
With close proximity to wildlife zones, the campus is prime for spotting the legendary herds that roam through the savannah. The tented accommodations are outfitted with practical comforts like en-suite walled bathrooms and Wi-Fi, but make no mistake, this is an immersive wildness experience.
After a golden sunset turns on the black night, it’s time to retire to your tent. The wildlife roams through the campsite at night, so be prepared to hear a hyena outside your tent in lieu of white noise.
The Safari Cottages in Kenya
Located four hours from Nairobi, this cattle rancher’s house-turned-safari camp is a love letter to Kenya.
The Safari Cottages are situated in Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which is known for its rhino population. The fact that the property is owner operated is felt by guests, who are wooed by the camp’s warm hospitality.
The Safari Cottages put an emphasis on premium service, offering a secluded and bespoke experience for each guest, including a private chef and guide.
Each dining experience is tailored to guests’ dietary restrictions and preferences, and upon request, adventurers can dine for lunch in the bush itself.
Tilenga Safari Lodge in Uganda
On the northern entrance of Murchison Falls National Park, nestled up to the Nile River, Tilenga Safari Lodge offers a front row seat to Uganda’s diverse biomes.
Famed for the majesty of the Murchison Falls, the earth-shaking waterfall that dwarfs the power of Niagara, the park spans both savannah and Nile river habitats.
Guests can opt for game drives or river boat safaris, exploring multiple habitats from a single base. When guests aren’t watching the rich bird life or fishing in the river, the lodge’s swimming pool offers a welcome respite.
Tilenga also offers guests choices: (savannah or river? tent or lodge?) and the freedom to make the safari experience their own.
Ang’ata Kimarishe Camp in Tanzania
Ang’ata is a trusted network of safari camps located across Tanzania, with Kimarishe being the latest edition to their portfolio.
The stays at Ang’ata Kimarishe are all-inclusive safaris where nightly rates cover tented accommodations and twice-daily game drives through the Serengeti National Park in search of the big five.
A nearby watering hole attracts a local hippopotamus population, positioned in perfect view for the guests at Kimarishe. Be forewarned, the rhinos and Serengeti wildlife may stop by the campsite to make friends.
Adventurers looking for a change of scenery can also conveniently add another Ang’ata campsite to their itinerary to continue the expedition.
The Shortcut
Staying in a national park instead of a private reserve is one of the fastest ways to bring down safari costs without giving up wildlife access.
Flying into an airport near your camp cuts transit time significantly. All five properties here are accessible from major international hubs without a multiday journey to reach them.
All-inclusive pricing sounds like a splurge until you do the math. When meals and twice-daily game drives are bundled into the nightly rate, the per-day cost often beats building the same trip à la carte.
One base camp beats moving between properties if you're short on time. You lose some habitat variety but gain full days in the field instead of spending them in transit.
