Lodge or Camp?
Botswana Camps and Lodges come in all shapes and forms! What's in a name? To clarify, not all camps are tented, and don't be misled into thinking they are 'budget', likewise, the Lodges can be tented (but don't let this put you off! It usually just means that some part of the structure is made of canvas).
Most of the Botswana Camps offer a traditional tented safari experience: large, walk-in tents, usually erected on wooden platforms, with private en-suite showers, wash hand basins and flush toilets. All bedding is provided, along with towels, insect repellent and basic toiletries such as shampoos, soaps and conditioners. Beds are comfortable, and usually you can state your preference for a single (twin) or double bed. Most tented camps do offer an outside shower; open to the elements above, making for a truly magical experience.
A “lodge” usually refers to a small chalet, either made from local materials or bricks, which is often open-sided, with
no glass windows, thereby allowing the sounds of the surrounding bush to be heard at night. These too have private en-suite facilities, and are usually charming in their design, which is in-keeping with a safari style. Lodges also often
offer outside shower facilities.
On the budget side, you will often find that accommodation is offered in small dome tents, pitched on the ground, or
sometimes on a wooden platform, and just large enough to accommodate two single beds, with a bathroom area behind the tent which will comprise a bush loo and bucket shower (hot and cold water).
At the other end of the spectrum, there are a few extremely luxurious accommodation styles on offer in Botswana: huge chalets or tented rooms complete with lounges, en-suite bathrooms, private plunge pools, and in some cases, even air-conditioning!
Most Botswana Camps or Lodges have a communal main area, which includes a dining room, a lounge, a bar and a place to sit and watch the surrounding bush, from where one can usually spot passing game.
Remember – a safari is not really about the cost of the cotton sheets or the availability of a Spa – it’s ALL about the Game and the Guides!!
Most of the Botswana Camps offer a traditional tented safari experience: large, walk-in tents, usually erected on wooden platforms, with private en-suite showers, wash hand basins and flush toilets. All bedding is provided, along with towels, insect repellent and basic toiletries such as shampoos, soaps and conditioners. Beds are comfortable, and usually you can state your preference for a single (twin) or double bed. Most tented camps do offer an outside shower; open to the elements above, making for a truly magical experience.
A “lodge” usually refers to a small chalet, either made from local materials or bricks, which is often open-sided, with
no glass windows, thereby allowing the sounds of the surrounding bush to be heard at night. These too have private en-suite facilities, and are usually charming in their design, which is in-keeping with a safari style. Lodges also often
offer outside shower facilities.
On the budget side, you will often find that accommodation is offered in small dome tents, pitched on the ground, or
sometimes on a wooden platform, and just large enough to accommodate two single beds, with a bathroom area behind the tent which will comprise a bush loo and bucket shower (hot and cold water).
At the other end of the spectrum, there are a few extremely luxurious accommodation styles on offer in Botswana: huge chalets or tented rooms complete with lounges, en-suite bathrooms, private plunge pools, and in some cases, even air-conditioning!
Most Botswana Camps or Lodges have a communal main area, which includes a dining room, a lounge, a bar and a place to sit and watch the surrounding bush, from where one can usually spot passing game.
Remember – a safari is not really about the cost of the cotton sheets or the availability of a Spa – it’s ALL about the Game and the Guides!!
