Hostel on Wheels: Camping Safari
Have you ever heard of a hostel on wheels? Sounds crazy, right? Let me tell you, that’s exactly how I felt when I experienced the Camping Safari tour with the Kruger Park Hostel!
Hi, I’m Mayra, a solo traveler and a wildlife photographer. I want to share a bit about my experience with the Kruger Park Hostel.
As a solo traveler, I always look for hostels to connect with people from all over the world. I never thought I could find everything I look for in a hostel in a single tour.
Before the tour even begins, you connect with everyone participating during dinner at the hostel. The next day, the journey starts with the search for animals.
It felt like an extension of the hostel, not just a tour. All of us in the vehicle were not only searching for animals but also sharing stories, chatting, and getting to know each other. And all this in air-conditioned comfort, like a cozy “living room” where people usually gather to talk.
Upon reaching the campsite, each person shares a tent with another participant, like dormitories. There’s also a shared kitchen, with the only difference being that we didn’t need to bring food—it was all included. But everyone cooked together, having fun under the moonlight and stars or watching a beautiful sunset.
On top of that, there’s a "bar" (our beloved cooler) available at all times. During the safari, we had our drinks chosen before heading to the campsite.
While playing games or having lanches, there were always animals around the campsite, like squirrels, bushbucks, and even elephants. Seeing them was one of the most beautiful experiences. At night, you could see hyenas trying to steal our braai because it smelled so good.
And don’t worry, it’s not difficult to sleep despite the noises, unless you’re scared of lion roars. They’re so close at night it feels like the sound is inside the tent!
As a wildlife photographer and nature lover, this safari provided me with amazing sightings and great opportunities for pictures. Everyone had a perfect spot to see the animals properly. Besides, their guide is very knowledgeable—I can now share many interesting facts about most of the animals we saw! It was a life-changing opportunity.
This experience of camping with Kruger Park Hostel was one of the best I’ve ever had. If you’re a solo traveler like me and don’t have all the necessary camping equipment but want to connect with other solo travelers, I would choose this experience. It combined all the elements I love about hostels and more, all while being surrounded by the beauty of nature and wildlife. It’s an adventure you’ll never forget!
