Boutique Accommodation

Establishments in this category are generally small, have lots of character and either a high standard of comfort, a lot of personal attention, or both.

They include many permanent tented camps, some small lodges, all seasonal bush camps and seasonal migration camps in Africa, and boutique hotels (often family-run Bed & Breakfast style) in France, Spain and Portugal.

In Africa all these places, whether permanent or seasonal tented camps or small lodges, have a main lounge and dining area, and separate large accommodation tents or chalets. The bar offers drinks, ice, cool beers and sodas, a selection of South African wines, and a choice of international and local spirits.

The accommodation tents or chalets commonly have some veranda space with chairs, and the inside is typically divided into at least two sections, the bedroom and the en-suite bathroom area with one or two washbasins, a shower and toilet. One tent or chalet usually sleeps 2 people with a king-sized or 2 single beds. They all have some form of mosquito netting. The bedroom areas usually have a writing desk, bedside lights and overhead lights.

Permanent tented camps

Permanent tented camps and small lodges are similar to each other. Both are fixed structures. Camps are built with varying amounts of canvas and tentage, and lodges are constructed of other local materials such as timber or stone.

Seasonal tented camps

Seasonal tented camps are generally smaller, more intimate camps with fewer tents than the permanent tented camps.

We separate them into two main types – seasonal migration and seasonal bush camps. Seasonal bush camps are usually in remote areas and are closed down during the wetter months. They are found in Zambia, Zimbabwe and in southern Tanzania. Seasonal migration camps are in northern Tanzania in the Serengeti National Park and surrounding areas. They move seasonally at least once a year, following the route of the migratory herds.

They may differ from permanent camps in a few ways. Lighting in the tents is often powered by solar batteries that charge during the daytime. They may not have plumbed water in the bathroom. Some provide a jug of water by the washbasin, and hot showers may need to be requested and prepared beforehand (safari shower). Power for charging batteries will either be in your tent or there will be a charging station in the main area. Most, but not all, seasonal camps have WIFI. They usually do not have swimming pools, although some are near waterholes where wildlife come to drink.

Aside from these small differences they resemble the permanent tented camps.