Africa Accommodation Guide: Lodges, Camping, Hotels & More
Planning ahead is key for accommodations in Africa. Lodges require bookings well in advance, while hotels and hostels book up fast during peak seasons.
- Lodges & Tented Camps: Signature stays in Southern and East Africa, often in prime wildlife areas with all-inclusive packages.
- Camping: Southern Africa excels with sites from basic wilderness spots to fully equipped grounds; rarer elsewhere.
- Hotels: Options span budget basics to luxury chains, though many are simple and functional.
- Guesthouses & B&Bs: Common in places like South Africa and Burkina Faso.
- Hostels: Abundant along routes from Nairobi to Cape Town.
Camping
Camping saves money and is essential in some national parks or remote areas. However, it's not always necessary—many sites offer basic cabins with or without bedding and utensils. Official campsites vary in quality and security, and most backpacker hostels allow tent pitching.
In Southern Africa, particularly Botswana and Namibia, 4WD rentals often include complete camping gear: tents (ground or rooftop), bedding, and cooking equipment. Book campsites well ahead.
Avoid wild camping to prevent trespassing or wildlife risks. In rural areas without sites, seek permission from a village chief to camp nearby—you'll likely be welcomed warmly and gain authentic cultural insights.
Homestays
In rural areas, arrange informal homestays by politely requesting a bed and meal in exchange for fair payment (typically a budget hotel rate). Avoid hard bargaining to respect local hospitality.
Guesthouses & B&Bs
In Southern Africa, guesthouses and B&Bs are often interchangeable, ranging from home rooms to luxurious setups with antique decor, private verandas, gardens, and pools. South Africa's are top-tier, especially along the Garden Route, with hearty breakfasts of eggs, bacon, and more.
In West Africa, like Burkina Faso, they're known as chambres d'hôtes or maisons d'hôtes, offering intimate, personal experiences over standard hotels.
Hostels
Backpacker hostels thrive along popular routes from Nairobi to Cape Town, with dorms and private rooms. They're hubs for travel info, safaris, and tours—but you may interact more with other travelers than locals.
Hotels
Hotels range from basic no-frills to opulent luxury. This includes guesthouses, B&Bs, rest houses, Mozambican pensaos, or West African campements (simple rural spots with campsites). East African budget hotels are gestis; hotelis serve basic meals.
Budget options rarely have private baths or AC; fans or nets cost extra. Midrange hotels abound with solid standards, especially private ones.
Lodges & Tented Camps
These represent safari luxury; 'camp' often means upscale tents or chalets, not basic sites. Book via central offices—contact numbers are for reservations only.
Rates typically cover full board, activities like game drives or boat trips, drinks, and sometimes laundry or transfers (often extra). Prevalent in Southern and East Africa, with select high-end options elsewhere.
