How to choose the best lodge for your experience?

There are many lodges to choose from and each seems as lovely as the next. Choosing a game lodge that meets your expectations is about more than just the location and the price. There are many more factors to consider and if you want to be certain that you’re getting a good once in a lifetime experience that will leave you with many happy memories.

Decide which reserve you want to visit as different areas have unique features that should be considered. Once you have chosen the area that meets your needs, you can select the reserve that is best for your visit and then choose a lodge that will enhance your experience.

Animals

You want to see wildlife and effective marketing has told you that you want to see the Big 5. Decide before hand what is important to you and what do you want to see. Then do the research to ensure that the particular animal you want to see is on the reserve you have chosen. If you want to see a good selection of animals and not necessarily all of the Big 5 then you have even more options available to you. Next decide how important it is to you that the animals are free roaming and not in enclosures and how important the conservation ethics of the reserve are. Finally, make sure you can see the animals you want to see in the place where you’re going.

Setting

The setting of a lodge is often what makes it unique and can go a long way towards creating the atmosphere of a place. Consider whether you want a waterhole view, a view of the open plains, a river view, a dry riverbed view, a valley view or if you want to be secluded in the bush to feel part of the surroundings.

Style – Tented or not

Tented camps have evolved to offer a wide range of facilities and cater for even the most discerning traveler. Most tents are built on raised platforms, have large en-suite bathrooms and is a blend between canvas and concrete creating a secure yet intimate bush experience. Tented camps are ideal for the slightly more adventurous but are not suited to light sleepers. There is nothing like falling asleep to the sounds of the African bush but if you have a wild imagination, then you may prefer a quieter setting. Mobile safaris are the only ones who sleep in traditional tents. Modern camps with tented accommodation can often be some of the most luxurious and is a highly recommended experience.

Malaria and other medical concerns

Compared to city hotels, game lodge staff are usually better trained to act in a medical emergency and have a back up company to assist with urgent airlifts to the nearest hospital. If you require any medicines or need to be close to a hospital for whatever reason, then ensure you choose a lodge that has suitable access and is not located in the deep bush. Malaria is a serious risk to travelers visiting a tropical and subtropical area. Infected mosquitoes deliver a deadly bite, but not all mosquitos are dangerous. Be aware of the risk of malaria to the area you are traveling to. Take precautionary measures to reduce your chances of being bitten. Discuss your travel plans with your doctor and comply with the prophylactic prescribed, preferably one that won’t affect your safari experience. If you become ill with flu-like symptoms, after traveling to a malaria risk area, see a doctor immediately.

Who is going with you?

The size of your group and the reason for your trip will influence your choice. If you’re a single traveler, find a lodge that is social, caters for single travelers and won’t be filled with newlyweds and couple orientated events. The age of the children you are traveling with will play a large role in choosing your lodge. Game drives are typically three to four hours long and this may be a bit long for the younger minds who can benefit from a shorter drive focused on their curiosities. If you’re a group of friends traveling together it may be worth your while fining a property that you could book exclusively and if you’re on honeymoon you may prefer a smaller property where you will be left alone.

How long to you want to stay?

The length of time you have available and the amount of time you want to spend in the bush, will affect the type of lodge you select. Some lodges recommend a two night stay others recommend a four night stay. If you are on a tight schedule then it is recommended to stay for two nights. Should you decide to stay for longer than two nights, then look for a lodge that offers more than game drives such as walks, spa treatments, daily excursions or other activities.

Driving, walking or on horse back?

There are different ways to encounter the animals of the African bush and each holds its own appeal to various travelers.

Vehicle Safari

Game drives take place from the comfort of a vehicle and you can usually select a guided drive or a self drive. The most popular safari option is a guided game drive, ideal for first time visitors. Specially adapted 4x4 vehicles drive along a complex road network and some times, off road all in search of the perfect National Geographic style wildlife sighting. Trackers sit on the front of the vehicle and use animal tracks to seek out animals while qualified game rangers take you up close to the animals. The ranger and tracker have an extensive knowledge of the animals and their surroundings and can usually answer any question you may have about animals, plants or bird life. Some vehicles have a roof structure which keeps out the sun during the summer months and protects you from rain in the winter months. The open vehicles are better for a view of the animals and bird life but are more exposed to the elements. The 4x4 vehicles are usually comfortable with essential items such as blankets, ponchos and water being supplied.

Should you choose to visit a National Park or another reserve where you can drive yourself through the wildlife area. The roads are usually well maintained and your small rental should survive the trip, however, the lower vehicles may not have the best view over the bush thicket. If you do decide to take a self drive, remember to obey the rules and to stay in your vehicle at all times. Please note that many private game reserve do not permit guests to drive their own vehicles through the reserve

Walking Safari

Often combined with a vehicle safari, the walking safaris are always conducted by an experience guide who will be armed. Visitors are usually not permitted to walk on their own. On a bush walk, you have the opportunity to experience the sounds, the smells, and the smaller aspects of the bush life. You can see animals in their tranquil environment but you have less chance of seeing the Big 5 up close. You won’t get as close to an animal as a vehicle would, but there is a thrill in seeing an animal at eye level.

Horseback Safari

Ideal for those who love horses and have experience as a rider, this is unique way to experience the bush. Enjoy getting close to an animal, in the quiet setting of the bush, without the hum of an engine. You need to be confident and able to control a horse as they are regarded as natural prey and predators such as lions could stalk them.

Elephant back safaris

Quiet and gentle, this is an inspiring experience from the high vantage point of the largest land animal. Not very common, the elephant back safaris are highly trained in the bush and in handling elephants in the wild, allowing you to get up close to other animals in the bush. You will certainly enjoy the privilege of meeting an elephant this intimately.

Luxury or Rustic

Some lodges will cater to your every whim while others offer you a comfortable bed and a warm meal. Decide how important the level of service, the standard or comfort and the quality of cuisine is and then find the lodge that suits your needs.