Safari Toilets: Squatting, Bush Breaks, and Luxury Outposts

Are you worried about female hygiene on Safari?

The Mara Bush Camp vs a bucket - How do you go to the bathroom on Safari?

When you go to a country you have not been to before. Or, if you go to Africa for the first time. It is usual to worry about sanitation and hygiene. All, I can say is that if you are on a luxury safari, you do not need to worry.

If you are on a budget, Safari - then it might be less comfortable, and you can walk out of your tent to the shared bathroom at night. I did this, and I do not recommend it.

Safari Tier	Toilet Experience	My Advice
Budget	Shared blocks / 100m walk	Bring a headlamp for night trips.
Mid-Range	En-suite / Flush toilets	Perfect balance of comfort/price.
Luxury	High-end porcelain / Eco-flush	Zero stress; feels like a hotel.
On the Road	National Park gates / Behind Jeep	Always carry tissues & hand gel. Also a bag if you have

How do you go to the bathroom on Safari?

If you are in the middle of the bush, then you might have to go behind the jeep.

Do I have to pee in the bush? Safari toilet facilities in Kenya.

No. Many outposts or gates in the National Parks in Kenya have toilets. It is very common for the rangers or drivers to stop and let everyone out for toilet breaks. So, you can go to the bathroom on Safari when on a game drive. The issue is only if you are desperate when you are out in the wild.

Are there toilets in the Masai Mara?

YES. There are! So you do not have to go behind the truck. You will have to stop at the entry gates.

Personally, I could not go to the loo in the national park on the grounds. Although many in my group did during one of the budget Safaris.

I would be too afraid of insects and bugs, and that is the last place where I want to be bitten!

In mid-range or luxury accommodation, you will have a toilet in your room or just outside.

In budget accommodation, you might have to walk up to 50-100 meters to a toilet. It is also shared.

Squat toilets vs. western toilets Africa

All toilets are like European toilets. To be honest, I have seen worse toilets on holiday in France, where there is just a hole in the ground, and you are supposed to squat. 

If you are a woman, over 50, or worried about going to the bathroom on Safari, then you must go on a mid-range or luxury safari where you will have no issues with toilets.

Also, the rangers are trained. The groups are smaller. The guides will ask and prepare you for what is to come.

Join me for my April and May 2026 dates. I have the best mix of culture and adventure.

Let’s embark on this unforgettable journey together! 🌍✨

Worried about mud and mosquitoes, read my Tsetse flies post.

My women's safari hygiene posts... Or want to know about what shoes I wore to survive the mud? Real-life Safari Shoe Guide for Women

Thinking about a safari? Check out my Women's Ethical Tours.