Safari/Game Drives accommodation.

[oncemoreuntothebeachdearfriends]

We're hoping to go to Kenya, Tanzania or Botswana, but can't find what we want.

1. Must be a package deal .
2. No extended beach stay, maybe 2-3 days IF there are things to do nearby.
3. No tents - which seems to be a major stumbling block.

Any ideas, please ?

What is your worry about tents? Safari tents are nothing like camping tents - they feel as solid as an actual building.

I think it will be really challenging to find a lodges only trip to any of those destinations, we did basic camping in Kenya and Tanzania, but they have some super luxurious tented camps in those destinations, it's not camping in any conventional sense, it's double beds, ensuite bathrooms etc (budget permitting). You could call trail finders or Audley and see if they have any options using lodges. You could definitely do a lodges only tour somewhere like Namibia, the below link is a group tour (not sure what you expect by a package) but it's not solely wildlife viewing. Lots of other companies offering Namibia using lodges, Audley would definitely have something more luxurious than what's linked below.
https://www.explore.co.uk/holidays/namibia-safari-tour

Even buildings are made to be like tents in some places! I think you’lL struggle as tents are part of the ‘experience’. Buildings are uncommon but we had some in Namibia in Etosha and in Zambia. Tanzania was all (amazing) tents.

@TeamGeriatric Thank you, we hadn't thought about Namibia.

I won't bore all of you with the details, but some close friends had their tent cut open & suitcases stolen.
The Tour Manager's reaction was basically "it's good you weren't killed".

In smaller camps id be almost certain that couldn’t happen. They are small and exclusive with more staff than guests. I can see why that would put you off though.

That wouldn’t happen in a remote camp!

http://www.namibia-tracks-and-trails.com/

these guys are really good

Where were your friends btw? There is a huge difference between countries and lodges. Particularly the comment on being killed

Take a look at Kuoni.

We've had a couple of fantastic safaris in Kenya with them, and never stayed in a tent!

If budgets not a problem, then Hayes and Jarvis are excellent, but thats reflected in the price.

Much of the accommodation in Kafue (Zambia) is tents although you will find some older lodges with proper buildings. They're all really remote too and crime is fairly unheard of. Whether you'd find a package holiday there is open to debate, but definitely no beaches in Zambia.

Many of the lodges in Chobe National Park (the Chobe River is the border between Namibia and Botswana) are proper buildings because they are occasionally exposed to flooding from the river during rainy season. Safaris can be by vehicle or by boat, or sometimes both.

You could combine either of these with a trip to Victoria Falls - Kasane is about an hour's drive from Livingstone.

@RockyBirdy Thanks, I'll look at them.

@InveterateWineDrinker
Thank you. We had a holiday 7-8 years ago that included V.F. & lodges in Zambia & Botswana, so we're a bit surprised that so many holidays include tents.
BTW, there was a theft at 1 of these lodges ! One of our party had a watch stolen. The pile of poo in the room was a bit of a clue. Despite being told very firmly to keep doors & windows closed, she left the door open "I only popped to the loo", & the baboons got in.

Most luxury tented camps it’s a wooden frame with tent walls. Remote enough that the baboons are your only risk!!

so tent can mean many things!

Also, they’re tented because they’re not allowed to build permanent structures in most of the reserves. That’s why you see it a lot