Kenya and Tanzania, with their vast wildernesses and innovative tourism industries, offer some truly unique safari accommodation ideas that go beyond the traditional lodge or tent. Here are a few to spark your imagination for your next East African adventure:
1. Treehouse Lodges: Imagine sleeping high above the ground, nestled in the canopy with panoramic views of the African bush. Treehouses offer a sense of adventure and incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing right from your bed. Some notable examples include Sarara Treehouses in Kenya’s Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy and various options in Tarangire National Park and other regions, offering both rustic charm and luxurious comfort.
2. Star Beds and Sleep-Out Decks: For an unforgettable night under the African sky, consider a star bed or sleep-out deck. These elevated platforms, often with minimal or no roof, allow you to drift off to sleep while gazing at the constellations and listening to the sounds of the bush. Some camps, like Linkwasha Star Bed in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park (easily combinable with a Kenyan or Tanzanian itinerary) and sleep-out options in Botswana, offer this incredibly immersive experience.
3. Eco-Lodges with Unique Designs: A growing number of safari accommodations prioritize sustainability and unique architectural designs that blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings. Look for lodges built with local materials, powered by solar energy, and with innovative waste management systems. Examples include the “Nest” suites at Chisa Busanga Camp in Zambia (offering a “Silent Safari” experience) and various eco-friendly options in Kenya’s Chyulu Hills and Tanzania’s Ngorongoro region.
4. Luxury Tented Camps with a Twist: While tented camps are a classic safari experience, some elevate this with exceptional design and unique features. Think spacious canvas suites with private plunge pools, outdoor bathtubs with bush views, and themed décor that reflects the local culture or a bygone era, such as Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp in the Masai Mara. Mobile tented camps that follow the Great Migration also offer a unique and dynamic way to experience the Serengeti.
5. Private Safari Houses and Villas: For families or groups seeking exclusivity and personalized service, private safari houses and villas offer a home-away-from-home in the bush. These often come with private chefs, guides, and a flexible itinerary, allowing for a tailor-made safari experience. Many lodges in Kenya and Tanzania have exclusive-use options.
6. Underwater Rooms (Venturing Slightly Beyond Traditional Safari): While not a typical “safari” experience focused on land-based wildlife, for those combining their safari with a coastal stay, consider the unique underwater room at The Manta Resort on Pemba Island, Tanzania. This offers a surreal experience of sleeping surrounded by marine life.
7. Mobile and Walking Safaris with Fly Camps: For the adventurous traveler, mobile and walking safaris often include nights spent in fly camps – lightweight, temporary camps set up in remote wilderness areas. This provides an incredibly intimate and immersive experience, getting you closer to the bush with minimal impact.
When choosing unique safari accommodation, consider your priorities: immersion in nature, luxury and comfort, cultural experiences, or adventure. Each of these options offers a different lens through which to experience the magic of an African safari.