Safari Lodges and Camps Guide 2026

Q: What is the difference between a lodge and a tented camp?

A lodge is a permanent building — solid walls, often a pool, spa and restaurant. A tented camp puts you under canvas, from simple bush tents to ultra-luxury suites with proper beds, en-suite bathrooms and private decks. Tents feel closer to the wild (you hear the night); lodges offer a touch more comfort and facilities. Both include game drives, meals and expert guides. See our safari guide.

Q: What is included in a safari lodge or camp rate?

Most quality camps are all-inclusive: accommodation, all meals, most drinks, twice-daily game drives with a guide (and often a tracker), park and conservancy fees, and laundry. Premium and fly-in camps may also include local flights, guided walks, night drives and sundowners. Cooee confirms exactly what each rate covers before you book.

Q: Are safari camps suitable for families and children?

Many are — look for family-friendly lodges (some with family suites, junior-ranger programs and flexible game drives) and malaria-free private reserves in South Africa (Madikwe, Shamwari) and Kenya's Ol Pejeta. Minimum ages vary (often 6+ or 12+), and gorilla trekking is strictly 15+. We match camps to your children's ages. See our things to do in Africa.

01 · Where you stay

Lodges, camps & tents under the stars.

Where you sleep shapes your whole safari. From grand lodges with pools to intimate tented camps where lions call in the night, here's how to choose the right style of stay — and what your rate actually includes.

Safari stays at a glance

Lodges — permanent, comfortable, facilities
Tented camps — canvas, from simple to ultra-luxe
Mobile camps — move with the wildlife
Fly-in camps — remote, exclusive, maximise game time
Most rates are all-inclusive
Malaria-free options for families

02 · Choosing your stay

Lodge, tented, mobile or fly-in.

🏆 Most popular ★ 4.8

Lodges & classic camps

Comfort & character

Permanent lodges bring solid walls, pools and restaurants; classic tented camps add canvas romance with proper beds and en-suites. The heart of most safaris — all-inclusive, with twice-daily game drives and expert guides. See our safari guide.

💰 AU $600–1,200 pp / night

Value ★ 4.6

Mobile camping

Move with the game

Comfortable mobile camps follow the wildlife, setting up in prime spots ahead of you — a more affordable, adventurous and immersive way to safari. Popular in Botswana, Tanzania and Zambia. Simpler than a lodge, but big on atmosphere.

💰 from AU $300–500 pp / night

Premium ★ 4.9

Fly-in & exclusive camps

Remote & intimate

Light aircraft hop you between remote, low-guest camps in the Okavango, Serengeti and private conservancies — skipping long drives and reaching country few others see. The pinnacle of safari, and worth booking early. See our Africa tours.

💰 AU $1,500–2,500+ pp / night

03 · Explore further

Plan the right stay.

Southern Africa Guide

Tours

Africa Tours

Find your perfect camp.

Brisbane-based, family-run since 1974. We've stayed in them, so we match you to camps that fit your budget, style and the wildlife you're chasing — then handle every booking, flight and transfer.

Start Planning → 📞 +61 409 661 342

FAQ

Lodges & camps — straight answers.

What is the difference between a lodge and a tented camp?

A lodge is a permanent building — solid walls, often a pool, spa and restaurant. A tented camp puts you under canvas, from simple bush tents to ultra-luxury suites with proper beds, en-suite bathrooms and private decks. Tents feel closer to the wild (you hear the night); lodges offer a touch more comfort and facilities. Both include game drives, meals and expert guides. See our safari guide.

What is included in a safari lodge or camp rate?

Most quality camps are all-inclusive: accommodation, all meals, most drinks, twice-daily game drives with a guide (and often a tracker), park and conservancy fees, and laundry. Premium and fly-in camps may also include local flights, guided walks, night drives and sundowners. Cooee confirms exactly what each rate covers before you book.

How much do safari lodges and camps cost?

Rates are per person per night, all-inclusive. Budget and mobile camps start around AU $300–500; mid-range lodges and classic tented camps sit at AU $600–1,200; and premium and exclusive fly-in camps run AU $1,500–2,500+. Botswana skews higher (low-volume, high-value); South Africa offers the widest range. See our Africa tours.

Are safari camps suitable for families and children?

Many are — look for family-friendly lodges (some with family suites, junior-ranger programs and flexible game drives) and malaria-free private reserves in South Africa (Madikwe, Shamwari) and Kenya's Ol Pejeta. Minimum ages vary (often 6+ or 12+), and gorilla trekking is strictly 15+. We match camps to your children's ages. See our things to do in Africa.

Are the camps safe, being unfenced?

Yes, with common sense. Many camps are unfenced so wildlife can move through, but staff escort you to and from your tent after dark, and there are clear protocols. Following your guide's instructions is the golden rule. Serious incidents are very rare at reputable, well-run camps — the kind Cooee books.

Safari lodges & camps.