Fall asleep to the sounds of the bush, wake up to a chorus of birdsong and relax outside your camp while watching the local wildlife walk by.
We all know what “camping” is. But what is a camping safari in Africa?
Are you pitching your own tent every night, sleeping on the ground and carrying all your equipment with you?
The simple answer is no! A camping safari hits differently. It can be simple nights under canvas in camps that hark back to the 1960s, it can be beautiful Bush Camps with solid ‘huts’ and home from home comforts or it could be a 4 x 4 self-drive experience.
The one thing you’re unlikely to find on a camping safari in Africa is WiFi, which creates mental and physical tranquilty that is hard to find in this modern world.
Keep reading to find out more about camping safaris with the Wild Insights Team and some of the beautiful places we stay.
Just before you do, we must let you know all the camps we talk about below are private camps.
What does this mean?
When you stay at these camps through Wild Insight Safaris you have exclusive use of the whole camp (without the hefty price tag). This creates ultimate privacy for families, groups, couples or those wanting some peace and quiet from the world.
1960s style camping safari
We’re lucky enough to visit some incredible camps on safari in Africa and although simple, this camp is no different. Northampton Camp on the Klaserie Game Reserve is our best-kept secret. The owners of this private bush camp do not advertise and we are lucky to take guests here. Set in 5,000 hectares of the South African bush, it’s 1960s safari style – beautiful and authentic with a personal touch. By day we’re out bushwalking, self-driving or Big Game viewing, and by night we return to this camp to relax around the Boma (campfire) to reminisce about the day’s adventures and the animals encountered.
Northampton Camp is a special place where thee African landscape will feed your soul.
The best viewing deck you’ll find
Abelana is an intimate safari camp with a spectacular viewing deck overlooking a watering hole and views of the 15,000ha Abelana Game Reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park.
The Meru-style ensuite tents are simple yet comfortable and equipped with beds offering a twin or king size configuration. Lighting is provided by solar power and guests can relax and connect in the tented lounge and dining area. Abelana has a large tented mess and lounge area with an honour bar system and a range of reference books. There is a charging station for camera batteries and phones.
Beautiful and basic Bundox
Bundox Camp breathes authenticity. It harks back to the days when exploring Africa was a true adventure for those who dared.
Nested in the Olifants West section of the Greater Kruger National Park, privacy comes in the form of uncomplicated and effortless surroundings with four double tents providing somewhere comfortable for guests to sleep. There’s good food, a place to relax and unwind, a method of cooling off in the summer heat, awesome views and excellent game viewing in a truly wild environment.
A place of happiness
Tsakane Bush Camp is a private camp we operate in Balule National Park, South Africa. In Tsonga, Tsakane means “place of happiness”. So, after a day of bushwalking, self-driving or Big Game viewing, you can return to your private bush camp to relax around the Boma (campfire) and reminisce about the day’s adventures.
Tsakane Bush Camp sleeps 8 people in two-person lodges. As we mentioned at the start all these safari camps operate on a private basis; if there are 4 people in your safari party, the whole camp is still exclusively for you. And the best news? You don’t pay more, the nightly rate will be for 4 people!
Here you’ll find detailed information about Tssakane and everything this safari camp has to offer.
Drive into the unknown
Where rough, winding roads, tent boxes, starry skies and dealing with the unexpected lead to unforgettable experiences. If you’re looking for a truly authentic African safari, on request, we can design and arrange guided, self-drive 4 x 4 safaris in South Africa and Botswana.
“Having contemplated an African safari for some time & with so many different companies to choose from, I finally settled on on a 4×4 trip with Wild Insight Safaris. I was not disappointed, in fact it was one of my better decisions. Four legged animals galore, and the most amazing birdlife spotted. And not from afar either. Though we kept a respectful distance from the animals when viewing, Graham and Steve just seemed to get us in the right spot at the right time.
A group of seven of us did the Safari, so it wasn’t too many people. You were able to get some one one one time with the guides and ask them anything. I felt safe and informed the entire twelve days.
It was always exciting to wake up in the morning and to search for prints around camp to see what kind of animals visited us during the night.”
Facilities on a camping safari
When you’re wondering what is a camping safari, high up your list are probably things like the facilties, will it be comfortable, is the camp safe?
Where you stay and whether you visit some of the safari camps mentioned above, depends on the safari itinerary we craft together. From your initial enquiry to the final itinerary information, together we create your trip of a lifetime. We have a small, hand-selected collection of Bush Camps across the 7 African destinations we visit. At most of the camps we stay in you will find:
Swimming pool, viewing lounge*, eco-conscious accommodation, mosquito nets, ensuite rooms*, WiFi*, flexible catering, toiletries*, towels*, outside dining with Boma (campfire).
*Varies camp to camp, and WiFi in particular is not often found in Bush Camp. Please specify in advance if these items are non-negotiables for you.
This is by no means a comprehensive list and detailed information of what’s available at every camp can be supplied as we create an itinerary together. Our team have stayed at every safari camp we use before taking guests, so we know you’ll have an incredible experience.
Did you know…
…all our safaris can include a mix of accommodation options so why not blend safari styles and add a dash of luxury to camping safari? Explore our private luxury lodges here.
Stories you’ll share for years to come start with a conversation.
