About Africa Lodge Safaris

For a little extra comfort whilst on safari our small group lodge safaris may be just the ticket. With a maximum group size of ten and an exciting range of itineraries in Southern and East Africa, discover the wonders of this diverse and captivating continent whilst staying in a variety of standard to mid range lodges, chalets and tented chalets, set within beautifully scenic surrounds. Accompanied by a knowledgeable and experienced guide who is also the driver, with local guides and rangers during game drives and at specialist sights.

lodge safari style

lodge safaris - non participation

In Southern Africa our non participation lodge safaris (Cape Adventure Garden Route, Elephant Lodge Safari, Botswana Lodge Explorer and Namibia Lodge Safari) run with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 10 passengers, accompanied by a guide, who is also typically the driver. Most of the breakfasts and dinners are provided in the restaurants of the lodges. The guide will prepare lunches and on certain days (such as when we stay inside a national park) breakfast and dinner as well. These are non-participation trips, meaning that group members do not need to assist with food preparation or general camp duties.

In East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania) our Kenya Uncovered and Tanzania Wildlife Week non participation lodge safaris run with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 passengers. All meals are provided by the lodges, including picnic lunches.

On all of our non participation lodge safaris we make use of mid-range typical African standard lodge accommodation situated either in the national parks, on the banks of a river or other place of interest. Lodge safaris offer accommodation with a mix of lodges, chalets and tented camps; all of which have a private bathroom with shower/bath and toilet. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools and/or bar areas.

lodge safaris - semi participation

Please note that our World In One Country, Beach & Wildlife Voyager and Botswana Untouched are semi participation lodge safaris. Semi participation means that travellers are responsible for performing and helping with certain tasks, such as setting up and breaking down camping equipment (eg tables and chairs, unpacking the vehicle and assisting with the preparation of meals).

These safaris run with a minimum of 4 and maximum of 10-12 passengers and the tour groups are a combination of camping and lodge safari passengers. We offer the lodge safari option as standard, giving passengers the additional comfort of bedded accommodation every night. However, should you wish to camp this can also be arranged, please contact us for details.

We make use of properties that have camping facilities as well as accommodation, in order for all passengers to travel and stay together throughout the trip. Accommodation is mid-range typical African standard lodges, chalets and permanent tented camps. Most accommodation has private bathroom with a shower and toilet, whilst on some occasions shared ablutions are available. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools and/or bar areas.

On these safaris camping and accommodated passengers will enjoy their wholesome meals together, often around the camp fire. Whilst the tour guide is responsible for the shopping and the cooking of any meals, passengers on this trip are asked to assist with the preparation of food and cleaning dishes. World in One Country is on a bed and breakfast basis and therefore passengers are not required to assist with meals.

local payment

The Semi participation safaris have a local payment. World In One Country and Botswana Uncovered has a local payment that needs to be paid to the guide in South African Rand CASH upon arrival, while Beach & Wildlife Voyager's local payment is payable in US Dollars. For details of this please refer to the relevant tour page. This local payment covers on-the-road expenses, such as national park entrance fees, excursions and activities, as well as the use of local guides. This provides the guide with sufficient funds on the road and ensures that your money goes directly to the African communities.

vehicles

In Southern Africa we will be travelling in either custom-built 10 seater 4x4 Land Cruisers, a Toyota Quantum Mini Bus or a 12 seater 4x4 Isuzu Safari vehicle. Throughout East Africa the vehicles used vary from a safari minibus to custom built 4x4 safari vehicles dependent on group sizes and itineraries. We do reserve the right to use different vehicles due to unforeseen circumstances or during high season.

guides

All our lodge safaris are lead by an experienced tour guide who is also the driver on most occasions. Our guides are there to ensure that your safari runs smoothly, dealing with border formalities, finances, maintenance of the vehicles and any unforeseen issues that may arise. They have excellent driving skills and local knowledge, enabling them to advise on wildlife, flora, local cultures, history, geography and a host of other subjects. Above all, our tour guides are passionate about their jobs and the countries in which they guide. We also use the services of specialist local guides/rangers in many of the national parks.

luggage

It is essential that you pack light and use a backpack or soft bag, not a suitcase as it will be easier to store during long drives and room for luggage is limited. Don’t bring too much clothing, as there are washing opportunities along the way.

In Southern Africa there is a luggage allowance of 12kgs. This luggage allowance is stipulated as there is limited space for luggage and an overloaded vehicle is a danger to both clients and the guide. This allowance does not include photographic equipment and a small daypack.

In East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania) the luggage allowance is up to 20kgs, although again, we do recommend that you pack light.

packing essentials

• Camera with spare batteries and spare memory cards/films

• Adaptor • Towel • Mosquito Repellent • UV protection

• Walking shoes/trainers • Sandals • Sun hat • Binoculars

• Light trousers/jeans • Shorts • T-shirts • Windbreaker

• Long sleeved tops • Swimwear • Torch and batteries

accommodation

The level of accommodation used on our lodge safaris is typical mid-range African lodges, chalets and permanent tented camps. It is rare in Africa for lodges and camps to be given a star rating (eg 2,3,4 or 5 star) and therefore the standard can often be hard to categorise. Typically the accommodation used is the equivalent of 3 - 4 star standard although at times it is necessary to utilise simple lodges/camps to allow us to be in the best areas. Our emphasis is always on comfort, cleanliness and well managed lodgings, whilst ensuring we make the most of our surroundings. In certain destinations, to add to the true wilderness experience, simple accommodation in a spectacular location is preferable to accommodation with more amenities in a less desirable location. 

pre and post tour accommodation

Pre and post tour accommodation can be arranged upon request. In cases when tours depart very early on day 1 and return in the afternoon on the final day, we highly recommend that you book extra accommodation to ensure that you are well rested before the tour starts and to account for inevitable delays which may occur on return. Be sure to take this into account when booking flights. Please contact us for pre/post accommodation prices.

private safaris

If you prefer not to travel as part of a group, or if we do not have a suitable tour date, all of the Lodge Safaris in this section can be arranged on a private basis. To start on a date of your choosing and amend the tour to your requirements simply contact us and we can tailor the itinerary to your needs. If you wish to upgrade any of the accommodation used throughout a tour this can easily be done, please contact our expert tailor-made team for further details.