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Just like Charles Darwin’s natural selection, some of the best traditional safari camps in Africa evolve to fit in their environments.
Everything from their unique designs to their plush utilities is all about adapting and making the most of their challenging (but remarkable) locations. Running these safari camps takes great ingenuity and skill, but the best always succeed.
From spacious tents and comfy beds with fresh sheets and duvet to sparkling clean bathrooms and flush toilets, to the friendly crews and scrumptious meals, the experience in these lodges is hard to beat.
But the real thrill is not in that five-star-ish service, it’s from the sights and sounds of the true African wilderness. From the calls of laughing doves above your tent to the sight of a magnificent elephant grazing gently just ten feet away, there’s no spontaneous place like an African traditional safari camp.
Top Traditional Safari Camps in Africa
Here are our top traditional safari camps in Africa where you can get to experience the ultimate wildlife adventure:
1. Arumeru River Lodge, Tanzania
The Arumeru is constructed on a former commercial coffee farm and is located along the Arusha-Moshi road, just a 15-minute drive from Arusha and 35 minutes to the Kilimanjaro International Airport.
This safari camp is spread over 12 acres of natural bushland and beautifully furbished gardens, and borders the glorious Arumeru River. The lodge provides a comfortable lounge, a souvenir shop, a solar-heated swimming pool, and a top-of-line restaurant that offers exquisite African and international cuisines.
The terrace restaurant overlooks beautiful tropical gardens and has magnificent views of the great Kilimanjaro and Meru Mountains. You can also drive to the foot of the Kilimanjaro where you’ll come across a variety of exotic wildlife.
2. Buhoma Lodge, Uganda
The Buhoma Lodge is an intimate, top-quality property that commands a spectacular, uninterrupted view of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas.
There are two lodges at this safari camp, but only situated within the National Park. A professional guide is available to take you through the park for gorilla tracking and other exciting activities including:
- Nature walks
- Bird watching
- Community walks to the nearby villages
- Visiting the Batwa pygmy tribe and learning about their interesting culture
- Curio shopping for souvenirs
Buhoma also boasts of its central elevated lounge area, fine spa, bar, and dining facilities, as well as a comfortable environment where you can be one with nature. The staff is warm and welcoming, and the food is freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients.
3. Busanga Bush Camp, Zambia
In the heart of the expansive Busanga plains lies the Busanga Bush Camp. This safari camp is prized for its breathtaking sunsets and incredible wildlife.
Hidden on a tree island of sycamore trees, this lodge has four well-equipped en suite tents each with spacious verandas to take in the incredible views.
The bar and lounge area is under canvas with a sweeping view of the Busanga plain. The dining area is under a canopy of evergreen trees from which a unique chandelier hangs and romantically lights up the dinner tables.
Activities at the Busanga Bush Camp include walking safaris and game drives led by professional guides. You also get a chance to go for an exclusive hot air balloon ride over the beautiful plains.
4. Davison’s Camp, Zimbabwe
The Davison’s Camp is located in the dense Linkwasha Concession which is considered to be the most prolific wildlife area in Hwange National Park.
This African safari camp has one family unit and eight tents which overlooks a beautiful plain and a waterhole.
The lodge comprises of a spacious dining and lounge room which leads to an open campfire area and an expansive hardwood deck, perfect for stargazing.
From the elevated camp area, you’ll get to see a great variety of wild animals including zebras, wildebeests, elands, elephants, and over 400 species of birds.
5. Kwihala Safari Camp, Tanzania
This traditional safari camp is a plush tented lodge situated in one of the best locations in Ruaha, Tanzania. It is set in the Mwagusi Valley which enjoys scenic views and sunsets.
With just six comfortable tents set in this untouched Ruaha frontier, the Kwihala camp is a perfect resting spot for any safari enthusiast.
In addition, game drives can be taken on foot or in vehicles under the guidance of professionals who will bring you closer to the African wild than you have ever been before.
Enjoy the African Wild in These Exquisite Traditional Safari Camps
If you love the great outdoors, then traveling to Africa should be on your bucket list. This great continent is home to some exotic wild animals and birds the world has ever seen.
Forget your weekend camping trips, an African safari trip is the ultimate outdoor experience that you shouldn’t miss out on.
