A public rest camp mainly sells location, basic accommodation and self-drive freedom; a private game lodge usually bundles guiding, scheduled drives, meals and service. Compare the complete safari day rather than the room rate, and pay the premium only when the included access, expertise and convenience matter to your group.
For a two- or three-night safari, stay inside the national park when early and late self-drive hours are the priority. Stay outside when you need a wider choice of rooms, restaurants or family facilities, but book close to the correct gate and budget for daily entry and the commute.
Choose a guest house for local contact and a smaller property, a hotel for predictable services and staffed facilities, or self-catering for space and meal flexibility. The best type is the one that fits the location and daily routine; the label alone does not guarantee quality or convenience.
