7 HELPFUL TIPS On Camping In Africa
Traveling to Africa is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You get to see the country's incredible wilderness, vast African plains, wild animals, and diverse regions of forests, deserts, and salt pans.
Camping in Africa will take your trip to the next level.
Camping in Africa offers the most memorable experience, enabling you to connect with nature. Whatever your budget, camping provides a beautiful experience of comfort and all the trimmings in the great outdoors. You can stay in a luxury campsite or camp rustically under the stars while on safari.
Sleeping out in the wilderness of Africa can be as exciting as going on game drives. Enjoy drifting off to sleep while immersed in the sounds of untouched nature and awaken at sunrise to wild animals starting their day.
Here at BornWild, we know a thing or two about camping in Africa. So in this 'Helpful Tips' series, we put together 7 incredible tips for camping in Africa.
So, read more here if you are thinking about going, deliberating, or wondering why anyone would want to go camping in Africa.
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Camping in Africa / Image: David Clode
What part of Africa is the best for Safaris?
The Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania are two of Africa's best places for safaris. These regions are known for their expansive beauty, vast plains, and fantastic wildlife.
Both Kenya and Tanzania take wildlife conservation to heart. You are almost guaranteed numerous sightings of the Big 5 in either of these parks. They are world-renowned for their unique lion, leopard, elephant, and cheetah populations.
The Serengeti is famed for The Great Migration. During this annual migration, thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles gallop across the plains in search of fresh grazing. It's a wondrous sight to behold and is a focal point for any game drive. Just be sure to be there between July and November to experience it.
Experiencing a safari is as exhilarating as it is exhausting. That's why camping in Africa is an excellent option if you are out on safari. It's easier, saves time, and adds a new level of excitement to your adventure.
Is camping on Safari Safe?
Camping is relatively safe while on safari. However, you should follow several rules and guidelines to ensure your camping trip is as safe as possible.
If you are camping in Africa in an area with wild animals, stay inside your tent once you go to bed. It's crucial to keep your tent completely closed. This is because some wild animals are nocturnal and very dangerous if you encounter them face-to-face. But, generally speaking, you are safe if you are inside your tent. Also, do not keep food within your enclosure overnight. Animals have a strong sense of smell and hunt for scraps overnight, so keep food away from you while you sleep. Call for a camp escort if you need to leave your tent at night.
Are you safe from animals in a tent?
A tent, in theory, does not offer any protection against big animals. However, these animals won't notice you if you take the necessary precautions while camping in Africa. Close your tent securely, do not leave your tent alone at night, and keep food out of your tent. Wild animals fatally attacking people in the first place is extremely rare.
Camping in Africa / Image: Magdalena Kula manchee
Where can you camp in Africa?
Camping in Africa can be a magical experience! Here are our top tips on where you can camp in Africa.
Technically, you can set up camp anywhere in Africa with permission. However, the easiest and best way to camp is to rely on designated campsites. These sites offer bathrooms, kitchens, and hot water facilities that will make camping in Africa more enjoyable.
Here are 5 of our favorite places for camping in Africa:
Masuma Dam in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Okaukeujo Camp in Etosha National Park, Namibia
Pimbi Camp in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Planet Baobab in Makgadigadi Pans, Bostwana
Croc Valley Camp in South Luangwa National park, Zambia
Can you camp in the Serengeti?
Yes! Camping in the Serengeti is very popular. There are many beautiful campsites to stay at that offer various unique experiences. From luxurious to affordable camping, the Serengeti has everything! What's great about camping here is that it allows you to feel as close to wildlife as possible. There's nothing like watching firelight shadows flicker across your tent and drifting off to sleep with nature as your soundtrack. While camping in Africa, it's fantastic to think all there is between you and the wilderness is the thin canvas of your tent.
Camping in Africa / Image: Wei Pan
Is it safe to camp in Africa?
Camping in Africa is overall very safe, but it can be dangerous depending on where you go. For example, camping in Africa can be dangerous if you trespass on private land, encounter wild animals, or camp in areas with high crime rates. It's best to stick to regulated and approved campgrounds. There are many regulated grounds in national parks that are safe and guarded for camping in Africa. Make sure you research and investigate the area properly before traveling.
Depending on your budget, there are various types of opportunities for camping in Africa.
Budget campsites: Budget campsites are for the thrifty traveler. These sites give you a basic tent. You usually have to share bathrooms and don't have access to electricity. Keep in mind that some cheaper campsites don't have fences.
Mid-price camps: These campsites cost a little more than budget sites, but they are comfier and safer. You still get a basic tent and share a bathroom, but the area is usually fenced for an extra layer of safety.
Luxury camps: Glamping is the way to go if you love nature but want modern-day conveniences while camping in Africa. Luxury tents have electricity, private bathrooms, beds, and other perks.
On BornWild's African Lion Safari, most of our nighttime accommodations are outside in luxury camps. It's the most exciting way to experience camping in Africa at night. It's a unique experience that makes you feel a million miles away from home.
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4 Reasons why people love camping in Africa?
You get to immerse yourself in the wilderness and feel as close to the wildlife as possible.
It's a unique opportunity to listen to Africa's nature soundtrack as you fall asleep.
You stay in incredible locations with breathtaking views.
Camping in Africa gives you the best chance to star gaze at night.
With careful planning and the proper precautions, camping in Africa can be a truly magical experience!
If you are considering a safari or are ready to try camping in Africa, check out BornWild's African Lion Safari. It's the perfect opportunity for a new adventure, and we take care of all the planning. Camping in Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you don't want to miss!
Camping in Africa / Image: David Clode
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Our expedition takes us on a thrilling route through Tanzania - exploring one of the most extraordinary journeys in Africa.
Our African safari trip will highlight Lion Conservation and we will be exposing travellers to resources and experiences you will only encounter through this adventure. Experience lion conservation from the worlds best lion conservation experts and registered conservation charities to enable you to broaden your safari experience above and beyond your wildest dreams.
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