01 · Where you stay
Camping safaris put you in the same parks, on the same drives, with the same park fees. What changes is where you sleep and who puts up the tent.
You stay at public campsites inside or beside the parks, in dome tents, with a cook travelling with the group who prepares meals over gas. Facilities are shared and basic — cold showers are common and hot water is not guaranteed.
The saving is real and large, because accommodation is the single biggest variable in a safari quote. Park fees do not change, which is why a camping safari is cheaper but not as much cheaper as people expect.
02 · The detail
What it involves
Dome tents, usually put up for you
Two-person tents with mattresses. Whether the crew pitches them or you do varies by operator, and it is worth asking.
A cook travels with the vehicle
Cooked meals, not packets — soup, stews, fresh fruit, and a surprising amount of it.
Shared, and basic
Public campsites have shared blocks. Cleanliness varies and hot water is not something to count on.
03 · Safari packages
Packages under canvas, at public campsites
04 · Practical
