6 Safari lodge deck designs that inspire

Outdoor enthusiasts around the globe dream of a stay in Africa’s famous luxury lodges. A beautiful deck, preferably with a wide view on the open wilderness, adds value to the property, lasts for decades and meets the eco-friendly expectations of nature-loving visitors.

Architects, designers and owners increasingly embrace sustainable materials that respect and reflect their natural surroundings. Bamboo, with its elegant aesthetic, durability and low environmental impact, has become a preferred choice for outdoor decking in eco-conscious hospitality projects. From elevated viewing decks to tranquil outdoor lounges, these six inspiration projects showcase how bamboo decking enhances the guest experience while meeting the practical demands of remote, high-exposure environments.

Madwaleni River Lodge

In keeping with the luxury design of the new Madwaleni River Lodge in South Africa, the owners were looking for a high-end quality deck. "We tested out five different decking products in the harsh African sun on the banks of the Umfolozi River for a year. At the end of the year the MOSO^® Bamboo X-treme decking was still in perfect condition and had fared the best of the 5 products. That, combined with their stored carbon, led us to choose MOSO^® Bamboo," explains Andrew McGill, Product Manager at African Habitat Conservancy.

Madwaleni River Lodge
Design: Luxury Frontiers
Photography: Sven Musica, Love Africa Marketing
Location: Babanango Game Reserve, South Africa

Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge

Those who want to stand eye to eye with the big animals of Africa and at the same time do not want to sacrifice luxury will get their money’s worth at the Belmond Savute Safari Lodge in Botswana. Sustainability and sophistication are seamlessly integrated into the overall experience, including the installation of Bamboo X-treme decking boards, which store enormous amounts of CO2. 

Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge
Design: Luxury Frontiers
Photography: Mark Williams
Location: Chobe National Park, Botswana

Imagine Africa Tented Camp

Both the private decks and the boardwalks crossing the Tented Camp, and the communal areas at the pool deck, lounge and restaurant, are made of Bamboo X-treme decking. Around 900 m² of decking boards contribute to the luxury atmosphere in and around the tents. Remarkably, the strength of the material was validated when a 4-ton elephant tested the bamboo deck and it came out with only a tiny scratch.

Imagine Africa Tented Camp
Photography: Tim Baynham
Location: Balule Nature Reserve, South Africa

Matla Game Lodge

The terrace of the privately owned Matla Game Lodge provides undisturbed views on the surroundings and the wild animals that come to drink at the waterhole in front of the lodge. 

Matla Game Lodge
Design:  Deck Traders
Photography: Joanne Carty
Location:  Madikwe, South Africa

Puku Ridge Safari Lodge

Puku Ridge offers a luxury safari experience while ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding environment. The philosophy of designer Luxury Frontiers centers around durability and sustainability. Therefore, excessive laying of concrete was avoided by constructing a lightweight timber structure on Zambian timber columns instead, and using MOSO^® Bamboo UltraDensity flooring for the interior floors. MOSO^® Bamboo X-treme was used for the exterior decking of the lodge and accommodation units.

Puku Ridge Safari Lodge
Design: Luxury Frontiers
Photography: Scott Ramsay
Location: South Luangwa NP, Zambia

Tanda Tula Safari Camp

Designed by Nicholas Plewman Architects, Tanda Tula Safari Camp blends seamlessly into its surroundings in the Timbavati Nature Reserve. Its suites open onto sweeping riverbed views. MOSO^® Bamboo X-treme decking was selected for the outdoor terraces and walkways. The decking provides a refined, natural look that aligns with the camp’s design philosophy and commitment to sustainability. 

Tanda Tula Safari Camp
Design:  Nicholas Plewman Architects
Location: Timbavati Nature Reserve, South Africa

The importance of sustainability and environmental measures

The people who visit these luxury wilderness lodges are typically well educated, have a love of nature and the environment, and are well aware of the interlinked and globally complex issues around conservation, environmental protection and human activities. For such guests it is not sufficient for a lodge to be situated in a beautiful and pristine natural area, but they are increasingly expecting that the establishments must be developed, constructed and operated in more sustainable and environmentally friendly ways. One such international guest commented that “I come to these places to be in touch with nature, and I don’t want to go to a lodge that is making the global environment and climate change worse by using tons of chemicals, plastic and rain-forest wood.”

Imagine Africa Tented Camp, photography by Tim Baynham - Wildlife Safari Solution

Why bamboo fits sustainable construction

MOSO^® Bamboo is the world leader in the supply of high quality engineered bamboo products. The company is founded on the principles of sustainability, excellence and innovation. Bamboo is one of the world’s fastest growing plants, and bamboo plantations generate a completely sustainable harvest every year, with no deforestation and no use of fertilisers, pesticides etc. The very rapid growth rate of bamboo means that bamboo forests absorb an enormous amount of CO2. In fact a bamboo forest absorbs much more CO2 per hectare per annum than even the most dense tropical rainforests. When combined with the fact that these bamboo products are harder, stronger and more durable than many commonly used hardwood timbers, bamboo becomes a viable and responsible alternative to traditional timber products which are so widely used.

Want to learn more about how bamboo can elevate your next safari lodge project?

Read more about the benefits of bamboo or get in touch with our team for expert advice and tailored support.