Providing an exciting alternative to standard lodges and permanent tented camps, adventure camps are the most economical way of getting deep into the African bush. In typical backpacker fashion, clients often assist with setting up and breaking down their own tents, but all the gear is normally supplied. Adventure camps are available for as few as 2 people (1 tent) and for as many as 20 (10 tents).

Adventure camps are placed in public camp sites within government parks and reserves, or on private land with abundant game. Public camp sites usually include permanent toilet and shower blocks, and when placed on private land adventure camps set up a toilet and shower tent for use by the group.

The individual tents are typical backpacker tents, ranging from igloo to string-ups and sized for two throw-down sleeping bags. A few adventure camps provide cots or spring beds. The camp is lighted with kerosene or pressure lamps.

The staff to client ratio can become as small as 1:5. Staff includes a cook who prepares outstanding, hearty dishes over charcoal fires.

The adventure camp is carried in the same vehicles that are used for the actual trip, including game viewing, so it remains with the clients from start to finish.

Used by hunters and explorers from the earliest times, a classic camp affords the isolation and magic of being deep in the African wilderness while conserving basic comforts. Classic camps are available for as few as 2 people (1 tent) and for as many as 20 (10 tents).

Classic camps are placed on special camp sites within government parks and reserves, or on private land with abundant game. These sites are large and scenic, and in many cases are located in remote areas far from the ordinary tourist circuits.

The individual tents are large enough for two spring beds and a few chairs, occasionally a small writing table. Some classic camps provide a bit of solar electricity but most are lighted with kerosene or pressure lamps.

There is a great variety among classic camps for the showers and toilets. Showers are almost always "hot-bucket" showers, and the bush toilets are either "long-drops" or chemical toilets. More expensive classic camps may attach a private bucket shower and bush toilet to each individual tent. Less expensive classic camps will share these facilities.

The staff to client ratio is usually around 1:1. Staff includes a cook who prepares outstanding, hearty dishes over charcoal fires. The staff also includes a camp manager, but he generally remains out of sight. The large and comfortable dining tent serves as the central meeting place for the entire camp.

Most classic camps are too large to move when clients move as an Adventure Camp does, so a night is required elsewhere if the same camp is being moved from one location to the next.

LUXURY CAMPS are private semi-permanent tented camps which are erected on private special campsites inside government parks and private reserves and generally taken down during the rainy season. While they cannot provide the level of amenities that a permanent camp or lodge can, many are surprisingly comfortable including flush toilets and four-poster beds. Luxury camps are exclusive and small; rarely are there more than 6-8 tents.

The purpose of a private luxury camp is precisely to become removed from the established tourist circuits and reclaim the original vision of safari travel, which was to head out into the wilds far from others.

Today's luxury camps camps carry with them many modern conveniences. Each tent has a complete bedroom and its own bathroom attached by a zipped doorway. Every bathroom has a flush toilet, shower and dressing room with towels and toiletries provided. The tents have gauze windows and a zipped-in floor making it insect- proof. All beds are made up with a comfortable 7ft mattress, crisp clean linen, a duvet, pillows, bed cover and extra blankets.

The main public area is the spacious mess tent which during non-meal times becomes the lounge and library, which is always sited overlooking a panoramic view. This is the center of your social activity and usually includes a very well-stocked bar. The camp is generated powered for refrigeration, so cold drinks are always on offer and you can always charge your camera batteries.

Luxury camps pride themselves on the quality of the meals prepared far from a stove. Five and six-course dinners rival the best a permanent camp can provide. The staff to client ratio may be as high as 5:1.

The exclusiveness and small size of luxury camps usually means their cost is much higher than luxury permanent camps.