Spacious and durable, safari tents were built for adventure. Even when you think of a safari tent, images of the African savanna come to mind. (They don’t call it the Land of Safari for nothing.)

But exactly what is a safari tent? What’s the glamping history of a safari tent? And what makes it the best tent for such adventures?

Join us as we explore some of the special wilderness-worthy features of a safari tent!

What Is a Safari Tent?

A type of wall tent inspired by African overland safaris, safari tents are large canvas structures with a frame made of steel metal or wood post supports (or sometimes a combination of the two). Four tall vertical side walls and a high, gently sloped A-frame roof make these shelter-style tents a wonderful way to spend time outdoors.

The canvas’ breathability and insulative nature also mean you can use them in any season, making them an excellent option if you’re in the market for a four-season canvas tent. This is especially thanks to features like mesh screen doors and a stove jack hole for wood-burning stoves.

By comparison to other canvas-style tents, safari tents are large and heavy, which makes them ideal for long-term stays andcreating a semi-permanent home. Think of a rugged outfitter tent during winter hunting season or a multipurpose tent space like a yoga room or art studio in your backyard. A safari tent could even work as an outdoor retreat or communal space at a luxury campground. With all that interior space and additional cozy touches, and depending on their size, you can sleep anywhere from two to six people quite comfortably.

The History of Safari Tents

In the vast history of luxury camping, safari tents became popular around the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when wealthy European colonials began to explore regions of Africa. During this time, these explorers and hunters traveled through harsh hot climates teeming with dangerous wildlife. So, they used wall-style safari tents as a basecamp shelter for extended stays.

Of course, these British safari expeditions brought the comforts of home along with them. Comforts such as rugs, hot water for baths, folding campaign furniture, and even desks where they could pen a letter home or document their adventures. In time, these dressed-to-the-nines tent shelters became a symbol of luxury.

Skip forward to today, and you’ll still find a safari tent filled with modern amenities and creature comforts. But today, safari tents are also used for much more than a cool shaded shelter in the African wilderness. Outdoor hospitality groups use safari tents for glamping accommodations at luxury campgrounds and eco-tourism destinations around the world. Beyond Africa, you can also find safari tents used in places like the Australian Outback, the rainforests of Costa Rica, and the jungles of Thailand.

Made for Adventure: The Benefits and Features of Safari Tents

So what are the features and features of a safari tent? How can you distinguish a safari tent from bell tents, yurts, and other tent styles? Here is what to expect:

• Sturdy Frame Construction: Safari tents are designed durable with tough canvas and a sturdy frame to withstand the elements and harsh conditions. However, unlike bell tents that come included with all their stakes and a metal center pole, a safari tent might not come fully equipped – just yet! The durable, heavy canvas of safari tents is well-crafted but often designed for a substantial framework that requires some DIY craftsmanship on your part. But don’t worry – tent manufacturers will include easy-to-follow instructions for a pole angle kit that guides you on how to attach frame poles.
• Thick Canvas Materials: Safari tents are crafted from heavy-duty cotton canvas. In addition, the canvas is often water repellent, mildew resistant, and – due to its tightly woven threads – has amazing heat retention to keep the interior warmer for longer. Safari tents also sometimes have a detachable tarp floor (made of coated nylon for easier cleaning), inviting you to choose your flooring, whether hardwood or tiles.
• Tall Vertical Sidewalls: Safari tents have four tall vertical walls that allow more headroom than the average sloped pyramid-shaped tent. Although some A-frame wall tents like the Life inTents Scout About have vertical walls (and some headroom with a center height of just over 6 feet), they still don’t offer tons of standing room. On the other hand, safari tents have walls tall enough on each side to create a spacious interior.
• Spacious Interiors: The spacious height and overall size of safari tents allow for a very homey interior where, along with camp cots or beds, you can arrange seating and dining areas. Many safari tents even offer wall dividers to separate a fully equipped kitchen and an ensuite bathroom.
• Extra Amenities: Because of the space for these homey touches like a bathroom and kitchen, safari tents can be easily hooked up to resources like water and power connections. Of course, one of the greatest advantages of safari tents is the ability to incorporate a wood-burning stove for warmth.

Stay In a Safari Tent

Safari tents don’t have to be situated in African-like deserts. Remember! These four-season tents can be used to create an adventurous basecamp practically anywhere.

From the East Coast to the West Coast, from Maine to California, safari tents make the most luxurious glamping accommodations for outdoor hospitality retreats. For the true experience, you can even stay in a safari tent at a real safari destination located in Northern California.

And if you’re looking for a rugged and durable shelter as your deer camp hunting tent or a tent for long-term camping, a safari tent might just be what you need.

Check out our heirloom and handmade canvas safari tents.