Camping vs lodge safaris: which is best for your Kenya adventure?/Kenya car rentals
Camping Vs Lodge safaris: which Is Best For Your Kenya Adventure? You have probably heard or read the words’ camping” and “safari lodge” when filtering “accommodation type” while booking our trips. While these terms might sound obvious, there is a difference, and they are the epitome of beauty in the various safari destinations you will stay in during wildlife viewing.
At 4×4 kenya car rentals, we always provide our clients with two types of organized safaris: those seeking camping experiences to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the wilderness, and those looking for lodge safaris for their Kenya adventure. We will provide you with an overview of the two different accommodation options available during your safari and help you find the one that appeals to you.
Whichever option you choose, most of our Kenya adventures start and end in Nairobi, much as there are several exceptions to this.
Camping safaris for Kenya adventures
Camping safaris often (although not always) cater for the budget visitors, especially the young (in age or those simply young at heart), as well as those ready to put up with discomfort. These are basically the kinds of “no-frills safaris”, providing only essential and not fancy or luxurious amenities such as running water, flushing toilets, and iced drinks.
Camping safaris are generally so demanding, depending on which part of Kenya you intend to explore, and you will be expected 
to lend a hand here and there. For instance, while setting up tents, sometimes even preparing meals, thus ending up dusty and sweaty, and there may well be showers available, but you can expect cold ones.
However, camping safaris provide the raw and unmatched African wilderness experiences, with nothing between you and the wildlife at night, except a sheet of canvas and the ashes of the dying fire. It isn’t uncommon for Hippos, warthogs, or elephants to trundle through the safari Camp at night, or even a lion roaring from a distance. However, don’t be scared of being eaten or trampled on, as it doesn’t usually happen during our Camping safaris in Kenya.
Another exciting thing about these safaris is the fact that you will probably find yourself with visitors from the four corners of the earth. Our packages with Camping safaris usually include three meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) prepared by seasoned cooks/chefs, although on other occasions, visitors will be expected to offer a helping hand in the preparation of food and even cleaning up. Additionally, camping gear (except the sleeping bag, which you carry or hire locally) is provided.
Most of the Tents provided during Camping safaris accommodate two guests and are of the type that accommodates two guests. These are erected by the staff of the Campsite or Park Rangers managing the Camping area. For single travelers who aren’t interested in sharing, there’s an option of paying a “single supplement”, which is usually 20% to 25% on the price of the trip, hence allowing privacy.
For packing, we recommend footwear and clothing to cater for the cold nights and hot days of the Camping safari, but ensure that the baggage doesn’t exceed the limit (or domestic and international flights if any). A flashlight (torch), a pocket knife, a bed sheet, and mosquito nets should be included, unless provided at the campsite.
Generally, camping safaris provide an immersive experience in nature, are exclusive and intimate, provide unique and up-close experiences (ensuring animal sightings), promise peace and tranquility, and cultural enrichment.
Lodge safaris during your Kenya adventure
Several things about lodge safaris set them apart, and these include the presence of amenities (such as air-conditioning, hair dryers, electricity, and others), the four solid walls around accommodations, and generally, for travelers yearning for luxury and more comfort at night, and in between activities. Interestingly, there is a wide array of spectacularly conceived and beautifully 
sited Safari Lodges in Kenya’s main safari destinations- National Parks and Game Reserves, where visitors can expect a fully self-contained cottage, Banda, or room, delicious cuisine of an international standard enjoyed from a restaurant or outdoor terrace, a terrace or pool bar with ice cold drinks, a swimming pool in some Lodges, and plenty of committed staff to cater for all travelers’ needs and requirements.
The majority of the Safari Lodges you will encounter or stay in during your Kenya adventure overlook a salt lick or watering hole, hence making it possible for guests to sit on their viewing terrace and watch wildlife roaming close by. These areas usually become floodlit at night, hence drawing animals, including nocturnal wildlife such as lions, leopards, and hyenas.
However, expect to pay a higher rate for your Kenya lodge safari, compared to camping safaris, as most of the travelers that stay in them are package travelers with attitudes and expectations that are quite different from those booking camping safaris. For travelers opting for Lodge safaris, it is usually a Holiday instead of an in-depth involvement in Nature, people, culture, and wildlife. Additionally, if you are prepared and have extra money, it is recommended to taste a mix of lodge and camping safari just for a taste of both Worlds.
Still on cost, expect to pay four times more than what you would during a camping safari, but it also comes with several advantages that include value for money (location with the best views, and intimate/personal services), polished luxury (air-conditioning, hair dryers, and swimming pools), and so much more.