The Most Important Questions to Ask when Choosing your Safari Lodge

An African safari promises adventure, immersion in nature, and unforgettable memories. To ensure your journey is memorable for all the right reasons, choosing the right lodge is essential. A well-reviewed lodge with high safety standards can make all the difference. Once you have a shortlist of potential lodges, there are several more questions to consider. In this post, I will guide you through those important questions.

Understanding Your Safari Goals

Before diving into lodge specifics, think about the type of safari experience you want. Are you seeking luxury, thrill, or a family-friendly atmosphere? For instance, if you're traveling with children, look for lodges that offer family suites and kid-friendly activities like educational nature walks or guided wildlife storytelling sessions. If luxury is a priority, consider lodges that provide butler service, spa treatments, and private game drives.

Determining Your Budget

How much do you intend to spend on this trip? To adequately prepare yourself and your finances, keep in mind that it will likely cost more than you anticipate. Additionally, spending a bit extra on a higher-end lodge is essential for safety and quality standards.

Location, Location, Location

Types of Game area

The location of your lodge impacts your overall experience. Being near national parks or wildlife reserves can greatly enhance your time.

A National Park will have more budget friendly lodges and will have larger game viewing area with potentially more animals to view, but they will also have more safari vehicles in one viewing area and unable to off road which can limit your ability to get up close to the animals.

A Private Wildlife Reserve will be a smaller area (typically 20,000-40,000 square KM) but will have more dense viewing, fewer trucks and the ability to offroaod. However the lodges will be more expensive,

Check out my blog post Tips for the Ultimate African Safari where i break these two options down further.

Landscape & Terrain

Various landscapes and terrains, such as rivers compared to deserts, offer distinct animal encounters and experiences.

Elephant crossing Okavango Delta

Questions to Consider:

• How far is the lodge from major parks? For example, lodges near Serengeti National Park or Kruger National Park usually boast greater wildlife diversity. However lodges on a private reserve will have animals nearby and be more familiar with the wildlife.

• What wildlife can you see nearby? Some lodges advertise the specific species that frequent the area, like elephants or lions, which could be a deciding factor for wildlife lovers.

• What are the health considerations and travel requirements? Various countries and regions may have different vaccine requirements or concerns about tsetse flies. Additionally, mosquito populations can vary depending on the time of year. For instance, we visited Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa in May. The winter months are typically drier and have fewer mosquitoes. Your healthcare provider can guide you on the vaccine requirements for any destinations you plan to visit.

  
  
  
  

Safety Standards

Safety is paramount when choosing a safari lodge. Ask about emergency protocols and the staff's training. Lodges that prioritize safety often have regular drills and trained staff ready to handle any emergencies.

Questions to Consider:

• What safety training do the guides and staff receive? For example, well-regarded lodges mandate weeks of wildlife management training and certification, in addition to first aid certification.

• How old are the guides? Some lodges will hire 15 year old boys to be safari guides with little to no experience.

  
  

Accommodation Quality

The comfort of your lodge can significantly influence your safari experience. Lodges that provide top-quality amenities ensure a restful stay after long days in the field.

Questions to Consider:

• What kinds of rooms are offered? Seek out roomy tents or suites featuring en-suite bathrooms and cozy bedding. Since temperatures can exceed 100 degrees depending on the season, check if the lodge offers air conditioning. For those seeking a genuine back-to-nature experience, many lodges have screens instead of glass windows, allowing you to hear the wildlife at night. If you would rather avoid this immersive experience, inquire if the lodge is fully enclosed with glass.

We chose both types of lodges, our first lodge was ulta luxurious and the second lodge was what I would call a framed heavy canvas tent with screens and a full bathroom. The first night we were in our tent i heard every animal walking past us and it was a bit alarming. Dave slept like a baby but I had a horrible night sleep. However after talking with the staff the next morning and embracing nature I ended up enjoying it and sleeping peacefully the next two nights. When else do you get the opportunity to hear those types of noises in a safe environment.

• What amenities are available? Do they offer a gym, spa, wine cellar, same-day laundry service, or photography equipment rental? Additionally, I would like to know about the water supply. If the lodge is very remote, they might only have well water. Be prepared to wash your hair before arriving and possibly not use the laundry service.

  
  

Dining Options

Dining plays a crucial role in your travel experience. Inquire about the food offerings and how they accommodate special diets.

Questions to Consider:

• What cuisine is served? Many lodges offer a blend of local dishes and international favorites. This can enhance your experience, such as trying traditional African stews or freshly caught fish. You may also want to ask what a typical day of meals look like to see if the menu meets your expectations .

• Are dietary restrictions catered to? Vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary needs should be accommodated by a lodge committed to guest satisfaction.

• Dining Arrangement? Many resorts offer dining in a family-style setting, which is great for those who like to socialize and meet new people. However, if you're on your honeymoon or seeking more private moments, this might not be the best choice for you.

Activities and Excursions

Your safari is not just about game drives; many lodges offer additional activities. Understanding what's available helps you plan effectively.

Questions to Consider:

• What activities are included in your stay? Some lodges offer guided walks, birdwatching tours, or cultural visits, which can enrich your experience.

• Are there costs for certain activities? Knowing upfront helps avoid unexpected expenses.

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

Guest Reviews and Recommendations

Before making a final decision, researching what past guests have to say can guide your choice. Online travel platforms often feature detailed reviews.

Questions to Consider:

• What do guests say about their experiences? Look for comments about exceptional service or wildlife sightings that stand out.

• Are there common complaints? If multiple guests mention issues such as accessibility or cleaning standards, take note, as these might significantly impact your stay.

  
  
  
  

Accessibility and Transportation

Ultimately, the ease of reaching the lodge is important. Take into account both the journey to the lodge and getting around once there. This involves coordinating transportation and selecting a trustworthy company or driver. Many lodges are located 1-2 hours away from the nearest airport. We spoke with several couples at airports who experienced flat tires on the way and some missed their flights. Although this can occur even with a reliable company, A reliable driver will be better equipped in their capability to resolve such issues and their preparedness to prevent them initially.

Questions to Consider:

• What transportation options are available? Some lodges provide transfers from airports, while others may require a 4x4 vehicle for access.

• Is the lodge accessible for those with mobility issues? Ensuring facilities like ramps and accessible rooms are available can enhance the experience for all guests.

  
  

Using a Travel Agency

As a travel and food blogger and a career project manager, I usually plan all my trips. However, for this vacation, due to the unfamiliarity, safety concerns, and numerous stops and transports, I decided to entrust the planning to professionals. By selecting a reputable travel agency, we could unwind, savor our travel experiences, and let the experts handle the coordination and planning.

After interviewing three companies, we chose African Adventure Consultants. Tracy and Ciara handled everything. After just a couple of meetings and several email exchanges, we received a comprehensive, detailed daily itinerary. The itinerary was even available on an app for easy mobile access. Everything went smoothly. As we were visiting four countries with multiple excursions, there were several flights and drivers to coordinate. Each evening before a pickup, our hotel received a call from our driver to confirm the pickup time. Nothing was overlooked and we were never late nor waiting around for our drivers!

Do you need a travel agent or can you book on your own?

If you are planning to visit one lodge, then you could plan this on your own, by contacting various lodges and asking them the questions in this post. Reach out to me if you want some recommendations on who to call.

If you are planning multiple stops, which i highly recommend so you get a wide breath of animal experiences, then I would recommend using a qualified travel agent that specializes in African safaris.

No matter, what you choose this will become one of your favorite travel experiences. Dave and I are already planning another trip in the near future! This was my favorite trip of all times!