When someone says they are going on a tent safari in Africa, don't assume they are roughing it at some public campsite. While that is an option, it may be a glamorous luxury tenting experience like my latest safari through Kenya.
It can be hard to explain what the lodging and dining is like on one of these luxury safaris, so I wanted to put up a visual tour through some of the places I was just at. They ranged from very comfortable lodges, with dining areas overlooking beautiful waterholes filled with animals, to the classic luxury tent camps where a butler wakes you up in the morning with hot coffee delivered to your bed.
Both the lodges and the tent camps were located right in the middle of the wilderness. We could hear animals sounds all around us. Mostly bird noises, and monkeys, but I definitely heard some animal getting eaten by a big predatory, probably a leopard, one night. It still feels like the wild African experience that the great white hunters must have felt a century ago.
Enjoy the visual tour and photos from the different camps. And feel free to hit me up if any of you are planning on going to Africa or have any questions about a safari. It is a true bucket list destination, and one that never disappoints. And as you can see, it can be done quite comfortably... the five star experience in the African bush.
One of my favorite views, the lookout at Kilaguni Serena Lodge in West Tsavo National Park, Kenya. We saw many different kinds of animals visiting the waterhole, including a rogue elephant that came right up to the railing one night!
The view looking inside my classic safari tent at the Kichwa Tembo Luxury Tent Camp in the Masai Mara Reserve, Kenya.
The view from our infinity pool at Kichwa Tembo, Masai Mara. It is a beautiful view across the African savanna. It is a great place to sip a cup of coffee while watching the sun rise and hot air balloons drift across the plains.
The food is plentiful and delicious. There are always meat and vegie options. They even flew in some kingfish from the Kenyan coast.
These chefs were just awesome!
The view at night of our open-air dining area at Kichwa Tembo.
Another view of the inside of a safari tent.
Private dinner up in the 'lookout' at Kichwa Tembo.
Breakfast in the bush. Our guide, Jackson, set up this tablecloth-worthy feast for us while surrounded by the wildebeest of the great migration.
Another view of a bush breakfast .
There is nothing quite so nice as a hot cup of coffee or tea to break up a long safari game drive. You just have to find the one tree out in the middle of the plains.
View of the outside of my safari tent.
Entry to Kichwa Tembo Luxury Tent Camp in the Masai Mara.
My tent, over the bridge, past the river, hidden in the forest.
Another bush meal, lunch this time.
I always like to be the first vehicle out of the gate in the morning. 6am sharp for the morning game drive because the early bird gets the worm.
The buffet breakfast just before opening at the Kilaguni Lodge in West Tsavo, Kenya. Omelette station engaged!
After dinner its time for sharing stories of the day around a huge campfire with a glass of Amarula or Pinotage. If you don't know what those are, look them up.
Heading out from my room at the Amboseli Serena Lodge early in the morning. Make sure you fully close your doors or else the monkeys will raid everything!
As you can see, it is very possible to travel in style while on safari in Africa. If the game drives get you a bit dusty, you just come back and wash it off in the pool with a cool gin and tonic.
Africa is a rare experience, and I must say, the second I get on the plane to come home, I am already ready to return for my next safari in Africa.
Check this post out on pinmapple.com as well
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And keep on traveling,
Dai Mar Tamarack