Plan ahead: Safaris and other adventures after placement

3 Types of Safaris

Usually most tours and accommodations are all inclusive (including meals and drinks) with transportation, regardless of the type.

1.Budget Safari

This type is very similar to camping in a park. These tours will provide a standard tent and a guide with meals. Washroom facilities may or not may not on site and showering may not be provided on daily basis. Usually with these safaris the tour guide will take you on the game drive and transportation between sites. This type of safari is good for those who do not mind "roughing it". For those who wish a shower and bed daily, this would not be the best options. This would be a great option for those who love to camp and be "one with nature". Another advantages is that in some cases you can camp right in the park and be closer to the animals.

2. Lodges

These type of accommodations are for those who are not used to "roughing it" and never have camped before. Lodges are similar to hotels as they have restaurants and swimming pools and spas. These are typically not in the park but located just outside the park and some will highlight views of animals in the park or scenery. In all cases, the lodges are going to be priced higher than standard budge safaris and in some cases, lodges are more expensive than luxury tents. For these accommodations, each lodge will provide a separate game drives at scheduled times.

3. Luxury camping

This is a combo of lodges and budget camping. This is great option because it provides the camping experience but the tents have washroom facilities and showers located within the park grounds. Also the beds are raised. This type of safari provides the hotel experience in the wild. Unfortunately these accommodations fill up quickly and are highly priced. Like the lodges, luxury camping will provide scheduled game drives with a guide from the camp grounds.

Our Selections

We decided to do a little of type 2 and 3, lodges and luxury camping, respectively. We didn't pick option 1 due to the sleeping arrangements (the lack of a bed) and daily shower and toileting facilities. We decided to splurge (after all, how many times will I visit Kenya), so we choose 2 days in luxury camping and 3 days in lodges. We tried to get a 3rd day in luxury camping, however it fills up very quickly. So my advice is that if you know you are traveling to Kenya and you know what you want, better to book far in advanced.