A few years ago, these bivouacs were usually very basic, with small dome tents that fit two people, and not one more. A sleeping mat and a sleeping bag made up the entire furnishings. A bush shower and long-drop toilet were the height of comfort! Lightweight bivouac in Tanzania \u00a9 Tawisa<\/p><\/div>\n Since then, even though this type of setup still exists, standards have improved considerably, now offering comfort on a par with a fixed tented camp. Yet it remains true to the essence of the bivouac: being out in the wild, with no barrier or \u201cprotection\u201d between camp and bush. Choosing quality<\/strong><\/p>\n Countless travel formulas exist, offered by just as many safari operators. The ultimate place to live this experience is without question Botswana. Here, mobile bivouac safaris are superbly organised by a handful of highly professional companies offering remarkable service. Don’t expect it to be cheap, as all this comes at a cost. An entire logistical operation has to be run \u2014 for you alone \u2014 with vehicles, equipment, staff (drivers, guide, cook, camp assistants) and camping fees payable to park\/reserve authorities and local communities. You cannot simply camp anywhere in Botswana’s national parks. Depending on the season and preferences, any of the country’s regions accessible by road and not too far from logistics bases can be considered (Moremi Reserve<\/a> in the Okavango, Savute<\/a>, Chobe River<\/a>, the Central Kalahari<\/a> and Deception Valley).<\/p>\n Mobile camp, Botswana \u00a9 All rights reserved<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n andBeyond Explorer Safari, Botswana \u00a9 &Beyond<\/p><\/div>\n In Namibia, only a small part of this vast country allows for a good quality mobile tented journey, without being confined to so-called \u201cpublic\u201d campsites alongside other travellers, or set apart from a lodge on the same property. As you can imagine, that is a very different experience. Basic bivouac for an expedition on the Skeleton Coast, Namibia \u00a9 Christophe Courteau<\/p><\/div>\n In Zimbabwe and Zambia, it is possible to organise this type of safari in certain parks, but these are not the travel formulas we favour if quality service is a priority. Fixed seasonal camps or lodges will be more suitable.<\/p>\n Bivouacking in the heart of the bush in Kenya and Tanzania was fairly common just a few years ago. Mobile Camp, Tanzania \u00a9 All rights reserved<\/p><\/div>\n In southern Tanzania (Ruaha, Selous…), the distance from logistics bases makes organisation complicated, costly and demanding. As a result, it no longer makes sense, and the superb fixed or seasonal tented camps<\/a><\/span> are the better choice.<\/p>\n There remain, however, excellent opportunities in northern Tanzania and Kenya to organise outstanding mobile bivouac safaris, notably in the Serengeti. Some are every bit as surprising as they are luxurious!<\/p>\n
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\nAs a result, it is not unusual for a lion, hyenas or even an elephant to walk right through camp, even in broad daylight or in the evening during dinner. There is no shortage of stories!
\nBut there is real pleasure in opening your tent in the morning with the feeling of experiencing the world’s first day. The sounds and smells of the savannah do the rest…<\/p>\n
\nWe focus on what are known as \u201cnon-participatory\u201d operations.
\nWe believe you are there to make the most of your trip, not to pitch and strike camp, cook, wash dishes, or load and unload vehicles. Moreover, the two \u201cstrategic\u201d windows in Africa for observing and photographing wildlife are the two hours after sunrise and the two hours before sunset. If, instead of making the most of the bush, you have to gather firewood, set up camp for the night or take it down at dawn, help with the cooking, and so on, the most rewarding moments of your trip will simply be lost.<\/p>\n
\nSouthern Africa<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/a><\/a>
\nKaokoland<\/a><\/span> and Damaraland<\/a> are the regions most often favoured, and a few areas further east are also worth considering. The Skeleton Coast Park, meanwhile, is reserved for a more expedition-style approach, in small groups, with very lightweight bivouac logistics to spend a week in total self-sufficiency. Here, the word desert takes on its full meaning, and the Skeleton Coast lives up to its name!<\/p>\n<\/a>
\nEast Africa<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nSince then, things have changed. Except for basic bivouacs geared more towards treks and\/or participatory trips, local operators have gradually shifted their focus to mobile safaris staying in seasonal tented camps or lodges. The rising cost of running quality logistics, against a backdrop of declining demand, no doubt explains this shift.<\/p>\n<\/a>