Getting “back to nature” takes on an entirely new level in Southern Africa, especially in game reserves where being so close to wildlife – including big cats, elephants and hippos – is a major part of the thrill. There’s no shortage of lodge and camp operators from which to choose, offering something for all budgets. African ecotourism and conservation brand, Singita has a stable of ultra-luxury properties in in South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda and Zimbabwe, such as lodges, houses, villas and camps.

And it’s the latter that often has me wondering, how can a ‘camp’ be high-end? I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking that camping is essentially roughing it, or going back to basics, yet Singita has three, the latest of which only reopened in June after an extensive refit – Singita Mara River Tented Camp. The other two are Singita Explore and Singita Sabora Tented Camp.

I’m sure there are some frontline sellers out there who are reluctant to push the camping experience over the security of solid walls that a lodge, house or villa can offer.

With that in mind, LATTE chatted with Lisa Carey, PR & Communications Manager with Singita to get a better understanding of how the camp experience operates.

Lisa, fundamentally, how does a luxury camp – be it semi-permanent, permanent of relocatable – differ from a lodge?

“All Singita’s tented lodges/camps reflect its signature levels of comfort and luxury, and guests have the freedom to enjoy unfiltered time and space. Although the products differ in location, décor, look/feel the service levels, exclusivity, food & wine, and wildlife experience remains consistently outstanding throughout.”