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ABOUT PLANET AFRICA

A bespoke safari company committed to highly-personalised safari design

BESPOKE AFRICAN SAFARIS

Planet Africa is a bespoke safari company committed to highly-personalised safari design. The safari design process is done efficiently, capably and cleverly to give our travelers the best value and best experiential safari. We draw on our extensive in-house expertise, as well as connections and relationships with in-the-field partners who listen to our preferences and needs, and execute them beautifully. These partnerships result in start-to-finish flawless trips, where it’s possible to just take it easy or to climb a mountain, to stay in the most luxurious or the most rustic.

We treasure designing each safari from scratch – listening to our travelers’ interests and knowing the latest from the field. To discover who we are and what we do, contact us so we can begin working together to ensure that you make the safari you have been dreaming about a reality. Karibu sana!

EXPERTS IN AFRICA

Our team has a tremendous love for Africa – we have all lived and worked ‘on the ground’ and have all travelled far and wide across this incredible continent. We love the energy of Africa, the adventures waiting to be experienced in breath-taking landscapes and amongst an abundance of wildlife. The very essence of Africa, from the Serengeti’s plains, to mythical Mount Kilimanjaro and the meandering waterways of the Okavango Delta – this continent is in our blood and is our passion. We work from offices in Arusha (Tanzania), Nairobi (Kenya), Kigali (Rwanda) and Cape Town (South Africa) and are specialists in creating personalised, authentic safaris throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.

Mary , our founder, on a trip to Botswana

HAPPY TRAVELLERS

Needless to say, it is very important what our guests say about us. We take all feedback received from our clients carefully into consideration, and continuously improve for future travellers.

Please browse through our client testimonials on TripAdvisor or SafariBookings . If you have travelled with us before, we of course love to hear your personal experience, and advice for other travellers.

TRAVEL & ENJOY WITH A CONSCIENCE

As avid travelers ourselves, we particularly enjoy adventures with a conscience. We are engaging in conversations about how we can do small things to bring a level of integrity into the business. Most of our conscientious actions are admittedly small things – like using locally made organic cleaners – but we support initiatives and lodges doing big things on the ground.

The Okavango Delta in Botswana

Intimate experiences

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17 unforgettable African safaris

Set off into the wild and see the world like never before with this guide to the best experiences in 11 countries.

Chobe National Park in Botswana holds one of Africa’s largest elephant populations.

What images come to mind when you hear the words “African safari”? Sitting in the bush on a moonlit night, so close to a lion that you can feel the rumble of its roar in your chest?

Many travelers might conjure up visions of tented camps, gourmet meals under a baobab tree, game drives through golden savanna, and sundowners at the end of the day. But safaris can also involve self-guided rental cars , game walks, and fly-fishing. Safaris can be as varied as the continent of Africa itself.

One recent trend: expeditions that enlist travelers in the fight to save endangered wildlife. Tourists make a difference by joining rhino or lion conservationists at work in South Africa or accompanying researchers working on a chimpanzee habituation project in Kibale National Park in Uganda . ( Read about the dark truth behind wildlife tourism. )

Three zebras line a waterhole in South Africa's Kruger National Park.

No matter where you go and what type of safari you choose, timing is key. Once you’ve narrowed your options, look into the best time to visit. South Africa’s summer (December through February), for example, is prime safari season in that region. You’ll still see wildlife if you go during South Africa’s winter (June through August), but pack a jacket, as temperatures can be chilly, especially before the sun rises.

Set off into the wild and see the world like never before with our guide to top safari experiences in 11 African countries.

Spot animals in these natural wonders.

South Africa

Kruger National Park: South Africa ’s largest game reserve, Kruger National Park makes a perfect home base for self-guided and first-time safaris. Stay in one of the park’s fenced camps, such as the Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp on the northern bank of the Crocodile River. Head into the bush early to explore the Southern Circle, famous for its competing lion prides and their varied hunting practices. Don’t miss the nearby hippo pool, but be sure to stay in your car outside of the camp. ( Take a solo safari through South Africa’s wild grasslands. )

Hazyview: Not far from Kruger’s southwestern Phabeni Gate, Hazyview is a family-friendly hub for horseback safaris, zip-lining, safari golf, and trout fishing. Check in to one of the lodges, such as Hippo Hollow Country Estate , and then head out into the Kruger before sunrise on a self-guided game drive to scout lions and white rhinos. Break for lunch in the town of Skukuza.

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve: The rugged Timbavati is one of the private nature reserves that make up the greater Kruger area. Guests can choose from eight lodges there. An upscale chalet at fence-free Simbavati Safari Lodges , for example, is perfect for families. Wake up early for game drives, perhaps to search for African wild dogs . Mid-morning, kids head into the bush for a scavenger hunt with a guide.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve: Animals aren’t the only sights to track on safari. In South Africa’s Western Cape region, wildflowers provide the dazzle. The two lodges at Grootbos , part of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World , sit amid the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms, home to some 800 plant species. Watch for sharks and southern right whales from your suite’s deck. ( See the world’s best places for flowers. )

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, located in South Africa’s Western Cape, offers a "flower safari" to guests.

Hlane Royal National Park: Head to Swaziland , a country landlocked between South Africa and Mozambique , to see Hlane ’s fiercely protected rhinos and marabou storks. Stay in one of the park’s two lodges, Ndlovu Camp or Bhubesi, and enjoy self-guided drives on the safe game-viewing roads that crisscross the park’s flat terrain. Spot lions, hyenas, giraffes, and vulturess, then picnic at the Mahlindza water hole.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve: Black-maned Kalahari lions roam this reserve in central Botswana . Stay just north of the reserve at Deception Valley Lodge , where you can watch magical sunsets dip into the horizon from the deck of your chalet.

Chobe National Park: To the north of Central Kalahari, Chobe National Park is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations. And Chobe Game Lodge boasts the only all-female safari guide team in Africa. ( Meet the all-female anti-poaching unit saving rhinos and other wildlife. )

Elephants enjoy a sunny day in Botswana’s Chobe National Park.

Hwange National Park: All aboard the Elephant Express to tour the Ngamo Forest Area and Hwange National Park, known for its pachyderms and 400-plus species of birds. The two-hour safari rail trip is easily accessible to Imvelo Safari Lodges’ Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge . Check out the game-viewing underground hide at nearby Stoffie’s Pan. North from Hwange, a four-hour drive or a one-hour flight gets you to regal Victoria Falls, a thundering natural wonder you can hear long before you first catch sight of it.

Mana Pools National Park: Try a river-based safari in a kayak at this remote park. The best time to go may be in April, when large herds of elephants, buffalo, kudu, and the elusive eland return to the four (or mana in the local language) large permanent pools along the south bank of the Zambezi River after the rainy season. Accommodations in the park include lodges, thatched chalets, and campsites.

Namib Desert: A safari here means brilliant stargazing, silky sand, age-old views, and resilient desert animals such as oryx, bat-eared foxes, Burchell’s zebras, and loads of lizards. Stay at & Beyond’s Sossusvlei Desert Lodge , located at the desert’s eastern edge. Explore the Namib dunes on a quad bike, and hike a craggy slope to see ancient rock paintings in a nearby cave, making sure to pack water, a hat, and sunscreen. ( See eerie photos of a Namibian ghost town. )

Gorongosa National Park: Located in central Mozambique , Gorongosa has been brought back to life after suffering the devastations of many years of civil conflict. Today, when you visit, you become a part of one of Africa’s most successful wildlife restoration stories. Home to floodplains and preserved palm forests, Gorongosa has an amazing diversity of wildlife, from antelope to primates and huge Nile crocodiles, as well as lions, elephants, and hippos.

A female crocodile guards her nest of eggs beside the Mussicadzi River in Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park.

Selous Game Reserve: Visit this off-the-beaten-track and tranquil reserve in southern Tanzania for walking safaris and traditional game drives. Then cruise the Rufiji River to watch for elephants, hippos, lions, leopards, and brindled gnu. Stay at Beho Beho , a hilltop lodge that also has secluded tree-house accommodations for the extra adventurous.

Serengeti National Park: At Asilia’s Namiri Plains camp in northern Tanzania, visitors become part of the migration as they travel in a luxury mobile camp alongside herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. Walking safaris get you closer to the action, with veteran Serengeti safari guides giving the play-by-play. The animals—often stalked by big predators, such as lions and cheetahs—follow one of Earth’s most ancient routes. And if you come too close to an animal, never run. Move away quietly.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy: Cross the border from Tanzania into southern Kenya for an iconic East African lodge experience at the Mara Plains Camp. About a 2.5-hour drive from the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, the eco-friendly camp was built by National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert with their partners at Great Plains Conservation . From camp, you’ll head out on safari to watch migrating zebras and wildebeests make exciting and risky river crossings. You may even see a few big cats. ( Experience an air safari through Kenya. )

A lioness takes in the view of Kenya's Olare Motorogi Conservancy.

Ragati Conservancy: Kenya may be a great place to see the migrations, but it’s also a surprisingly fantastic spot for fly-fishing. On the southern slopes of Mount Kenya (Africa’s second highest peak), the Ragati Conservancy has mountain streams stocked with glistening rainbow trout. What makes the Ragati worth the trip? Nat Geo photographer and fly fisherman Pete Muller says that while Idaho fishing is amazing, “anglers won’t encounter an elephant along the Lochsa!” Fishing in Kenya, he says, also gives fishing enthusiasts the chance to visit locations such as Aberdare National Park.

Rwanda/Uganda

Volcanoes National Park/kalinzu Forest Reserve: Rwanda ’s Volcanoes National Park allows a limited number of visitors per day to hike into the jungle to view endangered mountain gorillas up close, as they groom each other, play, and eat bamboo shoots and fruits. Keep your eyes open for golden monkeys too. Nat Geo Expeditions offers an itinerary that includes a gorilla trek, then heads north into Uganda for a chimpanzee trek through the lush Kalinzu Forest Reserve near Queen Elizabeth National Park. ( Here’s how to visit the endangered mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda. )

Zakouma National Park: Intense wildlife experiences await at this park known for the number of animals that make it their home. A herd of more than 500 elephants and flocks of birds, such as the black-crowned crane, in the tens of thousands, congregate here. Zakouma had a tremendous comeback after enduring civil unrest in the region. Visit between December and April, and stay at traditional Camp Nomade, its tents decorated with local carpets and brass bells.

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Top tips to make your African safari more affordable

Dec 11, 2019 • 7 min read

Choosing what time of year you travel can drastically reduce the cost of your safari © Jonathan and Angela Scott / Getty Images

A safari in Africa is, for many, the trip of a lifetime. But that doesn’t mean that you need to spend your life savings making it happen.

Yes, the safari industry likes to market itself in exclusive terms, with safari lodges and tented camps offering the height of luxury. And yes, the very remoteness of many safari destinations, some of which are accessible only by small plane, can send costs skyrocketing beyond the means of many mere mortals. But it doesn’t have to be like that.

What's considered  to be a good value safari experience will, of course, vary from one traveller to the next. Those for whom high levels of comfort are less a consideration than a necessity might find it's a question of finding the best season to travel on safari, rather than making decisions based on where and how to visit. For others, a DIY camping safari may represent the best value. That being the case, consider the following when planning, to get the best value from your safari experience.

1. Choosing when to go

The decision about when to go on safari can have a far greater impact upon the cost of your safari than upon the quality of the safari itself. Seasons vary from one destination to the next, but you may find regional differences that you can exploit to your financial benefit without sacrificing the wildlife goals of your safari. In Botswana , for example, high season in Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta usually runs from June or July to September, but this also coincides with winter in the Kalahari and many lodges in and around the Central Kalahari Game Reserve consider these months to be low season: the wildlife viewing is just as good, but it’s just a little cooler on your morning safari drive. And in the Delta, it’s rare that the rains continue into May – certainly not into June – so this can be an excellent, cheaper time to visit.

Read more: A day on safari in Africa: what you can expect in camp and in the wild

If you’re willing to take a risk with the weather, the months of November through to January are usually associated with the rains across East Africa and Southern Africa , but these are the 'shorter' rains – usually a downpour or two in the afternoon, but rarely enough to severely limit your safari possibilities. And even into the heart of the rainy season, there’s always a chance of clear skies – Kenya and Tanzania can have blue skies in April, and you'd have some national parks almost entirely to yourself, with plenty of wildlife to keep you interested.

2. Choosing how to go

As a general rule, a DIY safari – one in which you make the arrangements yourself by arranging your own transport and booking your accommodation – should represent better value than an all-inclusive safari. This is almost certainly true in the budget or mid-range price categories, though less so at the top end of the market.

Other factors that can impact upon the price-to-quality ratio of a safari centre around the question of transport. Renting a 4WD camper for a self-drive safari can represent a significant outlay up front, but it should cover both accommodation and transport in one hit. Destinations that require a flight into some remote airstrip also push costs up, both in terms of getting you there, but also the cost of provisioning the camp which is, of course, passed on to guests.

Do the benefits of a remote and exclusive safari outweigh the considerable costs involved? Is 4WD camping too much of a responsibility no matter how reasonable the cost? Each person will have their own opinion on where the best value lies in such cases.

Read more: Are you ready for a self-drive safari in Africa?

3. Choosing where to go

Southern africa.

With many parks, reserves and lodges in Southern Africa targeting tourists who are based within the region, the prices tend to be lower than in East Africa.

South Africa South Africa tops the list of Southern African destinations when it comes to value. Although the following applies to most South African parks, Kruger National Park nicely sums up the appeal. For a start, the park is accessible via the country’s mainstream road network and the park’s trails are easily navigable in 2WD vehicle, which helps keep costs down. Park entry fees are also reasonable, meaning that you won’t break the bank if you stay for longer than a few days. And the park has excellent, comfortable, and reasonably priced accommodation that represents excellent value. For those looking for high-end value, the conservancies around Kruger – Sabi Sand, or Timbavati, for example, have luxury accommodation and world-class wildlife watching.

Namibia The value on offer in Etosha National Park  is outstanding. Park fees are reasonable, accommodation is varied and well-priced, and the wildlife watching ranks among Southern Africa’s finest. Elsewhere, the picture is more mixed, with no-expenses-spared, fly-in-fly-out luxury lodges offset by basic camping sites in remote areas and just about everything in between. Just as importantly, wildlife densities can be a bit hit-or-miss, and can vary greatly from one lodge and/or region to the next. In Damaraland , for example, the chance to track rhinos, or encounter deserted-adapted lions or elephants can send the safari value skyrocketing, whereas other areas are more about the scenery and remoteness of the location.

Zambia A good middle-ground safari destination, Zambia spans the full range of safari possibilities – it’s as good as a self-drive destination as it is for high-end travellers looking for reasonably priced luxury. It’s also rare that you’ll have to factor in fly-in costs, as most parks and lodges are accessible by road.

Zimbabwe Zimbabwe does the luxury lodge experience as well as any country, but there’s especially good value to be found for those on a tighter budget. National park campgrounds have ample camping facilities as well as cheaper chalets. Many of these are in the heart of the national parks, meaning that budget travellers can often access the same stellar wildlife areas as those staying at the top-end lodges. Outside the parks, recent political changes also mean that police roadblocks (where shakedowns were once routine) are now few and far between.

Botswana Botswana prides itself on the high-cost-low-numbers safari model: many of the best safari experiences are reserved for those capable of paying a premium. But budget safaris are possible here, and this is one of the best countries in Africa for a self-drive safari. A mix of self-drive safaris and low-high-season hopscotch to keep costs down can bring greater value, and the wildlife is almost always extraordinary. But you’ll have to work a little harder here for anything other than high-end value.

Read more: Where you should go on your first safari in Africa

East Africa

East Africa is the birthplace of the African safari, so there is a plethora of choice across most budgets. However, with two-tiered pricing (one for locals, another for foreigners) within national parks, costs are generally higher than in Southern Africa.

Kenya Kenya offers outstanding value across all price categories. Wherever you find yourself on the price scale, there’ll be a safari that turns out to be excellent value. Where things fall down a little is on park entry fees (up to US$60 per person per day), and this can blow otherwise reasonable budgets out of the water. It may also mean that, when compared to other countries, you may decide to spend fewer days in a national park than you might like. On the flipside, wildlife-watching is usually excellent with plenty of charismatic mega-fauna throughout the country.

Tanzania Park entry fees are slightly more reasonable in Tanzania than they are in Kenya, but they’re still high when compared to Southern Africa. And it can all quickly add up (before you even start talking about transport and accommodation costs) if you spend a week or more exploring the Ngorongoro Conservation Area , Serengeti National Park and other parks of the northern safari circuit. It can be decidedly difficult to keep accommodation costs down in many parks, especially the Serengeti, where budget and mid-range accommodation can be difficult to find. On the plus side, wildlife concentrations in most Tanzanian parks are among the richest anywhere in Africa.

Related articles:

Safari animals: the story of lions (and the best places to see them) Safari animals: the story of rhinos (and the best places to see them) Safari animals: the story of elephants (and the best places to see them) Safari animals: the story of cheetahs (and the best places to see them) Safari animals: the story of leopards (and the best places to see them)

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Tips for Going on a Safari in Africa

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 8, 2024

Ever since watching  Africa the Serengeti  on IMAX in 1994, we’ve had dreams of spying herds of wildebeest migrating across the massive Serengeti plains. Going on Safari in Africa is unlike anywhere else on earth. We’ve seen wildlife around the world , but we are never as excited as when we see a lion in the wild or a herd of elephants crossing the great plains. It can be exciting and overwhelming when planning an African safari. It is a trip of a life time and on everyone’s travel bucket list. To help ease the stress, we have compiled some tips to help you prepare for an African safari.

Table of Contents

African Safari Tips

We’ve taken safaris in Africa from Kenya to Tanzania, South Africa and Botswana. We have done the down and dirty three day budget safaris, luxury private game lodges in South Africa and tented camps on the Serengeti. What type trip you choose is up to you, but no matter which way you decide to go, you will love going on safari in Africa!

1. Choose Where You are going on Safari

Africa is a huge continent and there are so many places to go on safari. The main places for an African safari are in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. Other amazing places for safaris in Africa are Botswana, Zambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Safari in Tanzania

Tanzania is famous for the Serengeti National Park which has all the Big 5 species (Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant, Lion, Leopard) plus all the wow animals like cheetahs, hippos, zebras and wildebeest. But there is also plenty of other safari destinations and national parks. Read African Safari Animals: 34 Photos to make you want to visit Tanzania

Lake Manyara is famous for thousands of flamingos congregating on the saline lake and you’ll see plenty of giraffes and monkeys. In Tarangire National Park you have another classic safari destination with the usual suspects roaming the plains, and there is the Disney-like fairytale land of Ngorongoro Crater that has rhinos, lions, buffalo and elephants living in harmony within a giant volcanic crater. Gombe Stream National Park is the place to see Jane Goodall’s famous chimpanzees. Read more about 18 Amazing Things to do in Tanzania – Dream Trip

Safari in Kenya

A safari in Kenya is very similar to Tanzania. In fact, the Masai Mara shares its border with Serengeti National Park. Both of these national parks are the definitive African savanna safaris with vast plains, wildebeest migrations and the Big 5. Read more: Kenya Safari – The Masai Mara Experience

And as in Tanzania, the Masai Mara isn’t the only place to go on safari in Kenya. Lake Nakuru is beautiful and famous for its rhino population. It is also the place to see flamingoes and other bird species. Amboseli National Park sits at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro and has an enormous elephant population. Read More: Incredible Kenya Pictures an Amazing Visual Journey

Safari in South Africa

A Safari in South Africa is very different from the other safaris in Africa. South Africa is filled with private game reserves. There are many different ranches covering thousands of acres of land where you are almost guaranteed to see the Big 5. Luxury camps built on private ground make for a luxurious experience. With rangers to take you out on daily game drives. Read more: Spectacular South Africa Wildlife Photos

South Africa also has national parks to view wildlife. Kruger National Park is the most popular place to go on safari in South Africa. You can do a self drive through this park in search of African wildlife for a very unique experience. Read more: Best Things to do in South Africa

Self drive safaris offer more freedom, but it can be more difficult to spot the wildlife in the first place. That said, you can go at your own pace, and you don’t have to compete with other people for views.

Hluhluwe & Imfolozi National Park is a wonderful safari destination covering coast and wetlands. Here you’ll see wildebeest, zebras elephants and hippos. But it is most famous for its rhino population.

We took a safari on horseback here making for one of the most unique African safaris we’ve ever done! As we sat on horseback, zebras ran circles around us with wildebeest following suit. Read more: iSimangaliso Wetlands – Horse Safari

The iSimangaliso Wetlands in South Africa is fantastic for hippo and crocodile spotting and Addo Elephant Park is – you guessed it famous for elephants! Pilanesberg National Park is another national park to see rhinos and other famous African wildlife. Read more: 28 Reasons Why South Africa Should Be on Your Bucket List

Other places to go on Safari in Africa

Africa has an abundance of wildlife throughout the continent and there are many countries that have wildlife experiences.

• Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC are popular choices to see gorillas and chimpanzees, but you can also see the typical Africa species of animals here too.
• Botswana is known for its river safaris in Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta. These areas are teeming with wildlife. The Okavango Delta is a good place to spot cheetahs.
• Zambia offers incredible safaris along the Zambezi River and Zimbabwe has good wildlife viewing at Mana Pools National Park. Many safaris here cross the borders to Botswana.
• Check out: 27 Best Places to Visit in Africa

Once you have decided on your destination, it is exciting to start planning.

2. Choose Your Budget

When choosing a safari in Africa you will need to determine your budget. There are several different budgets for an African Safari.

• Budget Safaris start at about $1500 and offer basic accommodation. Usually these safaris are for students and the younger crowds.
• Mid-Range safaris can range from $3000 – $6000 and cover many different safaris and national parks, plus have a variety of accommodations and offer game drives.
• Luxury safaris start at $10,000 and have luxury tented camps and accommodations, private or very small group game drives and cater to your every need.

We have experienced safaris with all three budgets and each was wonderful in their own right. It all depends on where you are in your life, what you are in the mood for and what your travel style is.

3. How to Choose a Safari Company

There are so many companies to choose from that run safaris in Africa. We can recommend a few, but it is important to do your own research. Do they cater to your age and demographic, are they in your budget, and do they follow responsible tourism practices? We have used local guides and well known companies to go on safari in Africa and they have all been fantastic. Just make sure to ask a lot of questions and do your research.

When choosing a safari company, it can be as easy as doing a simple Google search. The regular suspects like GoAhead Tours , Intrepid Travel, Go2Africa and National Geographic will all pop up, but if you want to look around, that is a good thing. We had an amazing private safari with Wilderness Zones Safaris in Kenya owned and operated by local guide James Makau. You should never settle on the first thing you see and should do your research to compare prices and experiences.

When searching for a company check the reviews, the age of the company is always a good thing to look for, check to see if they are a part of an organization and ask for some recommendations. It is easy to ask questions on social media or to check out travel blogs and places like TripAdvisor.

Our Safari  in Tanzania with Go Ahead Tours was one of the best safaris we ever experienced. We had like-minded travelers in our party in a similar age bracket to ours.

4. What is Your Travel Style?

Think about what type of travels you enjoy? Do you want luxury trips that will fly you between parks? Or do you love being in nature experiencing overland travel in tents and lodges? Do you only want to see wildlife, or are you looking for other things to do? Check out: Incredible Kenya Pictures an Amazing Visual Journey

If you only want wildlife viewing, it is easy to book a local tour company to take you out on game drives. We have simply walked down the street looking for a wildlife game drive and booked strictly by going with our gut and feeling about the company.

Experiences

Whenever we have gone on an organized safari tour in Africa, they have offered a mix of game drives mixed with cultural experiences. Most African safaris will include visits to villages, historic sites and other interesting stops on the tour. In Kenya we went to the elephant rehabilitation center and the Born Free Foundation. Both were spectacular experiences. Read more: Born Free Lives on in Kenya

Also, consider the maximum size of the group that they offer. We have been on private safaris and this is by far the best. If you can have the safari vehicle to yourself you are free to do whatever you please. But we have also done small group tours with 4 -6 people in a truck. These work great as well and it is fun to have the camaraderie of making new friends.

You don’t want to be in a huge group. They may be cheaper tours, but you won’t get the best experience as you’ll be jockeying for position to see the wildlife. Sitting in a hot and crowded truck looking over people’s heads can be an awful experience. Read more: The Maasai Tribe: What a Visit is Really Like

Accommodations on Safari in Africa

Safari companies offer several different options of accommodations on safari from tented camps to hotels complete with buffet meals and swimming pools to complete luxury resorts.

If you are on a budget, you may be staying in basic tents. Mid range safaris usually stay in lodges and hotels. Luxury safaris are usually in tented camps that feel fit for a maharaja.

Our last safari with GoAhead Tours was more of a mid-range safari costing $6100 USD per person and it had a mix of luxury tented camps and mid-range safari lodges to luxury hotels. It gave the guests the chance to experience all different types of accommodations. This was ideal for us as a couple in our 40s.

But when we were younger our basic safari in a tent was totally fine. And another safari in mid-range hotels suited us well too.

What to Expect on And African Safari

When you arrive in your location, you will be picked up at the airport and taken to your hotel where you’ll either stay overnight or go right into orientation. Orientation will go through your tour, and what to expect. You’ll meet your fellow travelers and then you’ll be separated into groups. Usually you will be with the same people on a truck for the duration of the trip. You’ll have the same guide and driver and you’ll really get to know each other well.

“Guides change lives. They may not remember us once the trip is over but we will always remember their names and the special moments they helped us achieve on the African savanna.” Kenya Village Visit – Empowering People One Brick at a Time

Safari Vehicles

Africa has safaris down to a science and safari vehicles are made for optimal viewing. We’ve been on open air jeeps and in vans that have roofs that open and close. We had a large jeep with a pop up roof that was perfect. It is great to keep the sun out while letting you look out at the wildlife unobstructed.

Safaris are long and hard days. You are up at sunrise and out until sunset so be prepared for long days viewing wildlife. But you don’t want to miss a thing because this is a once in a lifetime experience. There are opportunities galore for unique wildlife viewing and you will see different wildlife at different times of the day.

You may be tempted to stay at the lodge to enjoy a nap, but that one time you stay back may be the only time your group spots a leopard, or black rhino. You will want to go out each and every time.

When you are out on a game drive, be considerate of the people around you. Don’t hog the best spot and don’t stand in front of other people. When we are on the best viewing side, we duck down so others can see over our heads. (and visa-versa)

Communicate with Your Driver

When on safari, take advantage of your driver’s expertise. Your driver is also your guide and they are very knowledgable. They know their wildlife, the culture and the area. We constantly ask questions on safari and by the end of the trip, we are good friends.

It is also important to let your driver know your expectations. Do you want to see the Big 5? Are you a bird watcher, do you want to see cheetahs or ostrich? Let them know. They usually know where the lion’s regular watering holes are or where the hippos will be rolling in the muddy waters. The more you can tell your guide what you want to see, the more they can help you.

Don’t be afraid to ask your driver to stop when you see something. And if you need them to back up for pull forward for a better view, ask them if they can. They can’t read your mind, so let them know if a tree is obstructing your view or if you are only seeing the back end of an animal.

Safari Etiquette

When on safari in Africa, listen to your guide for rules and tips for staying safe. We have had lions walk within inches of our cameras. Keep your hands inside the truck and don’t reach out to touch them. The animals could take a hand off in a heartbeat if they want to.

Do not get out of the vehicle unless your guide says it is safe. There are some opportunities to get out of the truck and when it is safe to do so, take advantage of it.

Don’t pressure your drive to chase animals. If you have a good tour company, they will never chase animals or get too close but you should also not ask your driver to go close. It isn’t cool to pressure your guide to get too close to animals. Let them have their space and try not to intrude on their lives.

Be quiet and don’t disturb other people, but more importantly, don’t disturb the wildlife. You are in their house.

Keep reasonable expectations

Remember, it is wild animals you are viewing. This is not a zoo and just because you want to see a leopard, doesn’t mean you will see one. You may not see everything you are looking for. We were once on safari in Kenya for 5 days before spotting a leopard.

There was another trip in Tanzania where we never saw a rhino. And on our first safari in Botswana, we never did see a lion. Be happy with what you do see and appreciate what you do encounter rather than dwelling on what you missed out on.

In the Vehicle

Be prepared for a bumpy ride. No matter how good the vehicle or how luxurious the trip, the roads on safari are rough and rugged. You will be bumped and tossed around. The vehicles will be open so you will be hot at times and in the mornings you will be cold. So be prepared for everything. The most important thing is to sit back, relax and look at your safari in] Africa as a great adventure. Because that is exactly what it is.

What to Pack on an African Safari

We have an entire post on what to wear on a safari in Africa that you can check out here. But to get you started, here are a few staples that you must pack for an African safari.

• Tilly Hat or Safari Hat
• Water Bottle – to refill your water rather than use plastic bottles
• Camera and Camera Bean Bag to rest on. See our camera list here.
• Read our full post – What to Wear on Safari – Africa Travel Inside and Out

Cultural Experiences

One of our favourite things to do when on Safari is to meet the locals and have cultural experiences. Visiting villages and local communities is an enriching experience. It is important to respect local culture and embrace the moment.

Take part in the dancing and singing, join in on any festivities and support the local artisans.

Food on Safari

When staying at lodges you will most likely be eating buffet dinners. There are some places that take orders and are proper restaurants.

There will be days where you will also have a packed lunch on the savanna. During one safari, we had a picnic lunch complete with beer and wine on the Serengeti. Many of our lunches were outside in designated eating areas.

We sat overlooking a watering hole watching elephants pass by in Tarangire National Park, we bought fresh coffee on the Serengeti from the local touring barrista and we dined in our trucks overlooking the lake in the Ngorngoro Crater. It’s moments like these that make things as simple as dining a memorable experience.

We have always wanted to stay in tented camps on safari and we did that! We have always wanted a luxurious villa to ourselves on safari, and we got that!

There are so many memorable moments. An African safari truly does create memories to last a lifetime.

• What to Wear on Safari – Africa Travel Inside and Out
• Kenya Safari – The Masai Mara Experience
• African Safari Animals: 34 Photos to make you want to visit Tanzania

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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3 thoughts on “Tips for Going on a Safari in Africa”

Excellent piece about Africa..Africa is magic once you visit, you will always want to visit again.

Safaris in Africa really are a magical exoerience. Its so important to pick tours and services that promote ethical and environmental consciousness travel experiences and I appreciate you mentioning that in your article. A great read and great tips!

Amazing experience at your and thanks for sharing with us.

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• Tanzania's Serengeti National Park  - The most famous of Africa's safari destinations, the Serengeti is complemented by Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire game areas where you have the prospect of seeing "Africa’s Big 5": Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and Rhinoceros.
• South Africa's Kruger National Park  - View lions, zebra, and impala as you explore the park by vehicle, on foot, or even by hot air balloon by day, and by night, relax in a comfortable Safari Lodge  by night.
• Botswana's Chobe National Park & the  Okavango Delta  - Surrounding game reserves & consessions are home to  luxurious safari camps & lodges  where you'll search for elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, zebra, impala, and white rhino on a cruise or tradiationa driving safari.
• Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park  - Experience game drives with giant elephant herds, local village visits, hikes, and a comfortable place to sleep every night at exceptional safari lodges and camps
• Zambia's Kafue National Park   - Africa's second largest national park and home to a variety of wildlife, particularly antelope, red lechwe, and puku, Kafue is known for it's bush camps and safari lodges  in addition to the Busanga Plains, a seasonal floodplain and well-known watering site for wildlife.
• Madagascar's Isalo National Park - Natural lakes and Jurassic landscapes are abundant in this area because of its many gorges, steep bluffs, and protruding rock formations. Many rare and endangered animals call Isalo National Park home, including the endemic Madagascar fossa.

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• Tanzania safari  cost.  A 7-day small-group classic Tanzania safari ranges from $2,856 for a mid-range trip to $7,348 for a luxury tour. Visit Lake Manyara , the Serengeti , Ngorongoro Crater , and Tarangire to see the Big 5. This journey covers the Northern Circuit's highlights and maximizes adventure and wildlife watching. Every night, return to your luxury safari resort, such as Arusha Coffee Lodge, Escarpment Lodge, Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp, or Lemala Ngorongoro Camp.
• Kenya safari  cost  ranges in price from $3,998 for an 11-day tour of the country's attractions to $10,820 for a 10-day luxury trip. Visit Amboseli national park , Samburu national reserve, Lake Nakuru national park, and iconic  Maasai Mara to search for wildlife. 
• South Africa safari costs  range from $3,481 for a 9-day mid-range tour to $10,591 for a luxury tour that includes both the vibrant metropolitan Cape Town and game drives in Kruger National Park .
• Botswana safari cost.  A family safari in Botswana ranges in price from $4,752 for a seven-day excursion to $16,574 for a twelve-day luxury tour that visits the Okavango Delta , Moremi Game Reserve , and Chobe National Park while staying in the finest lodgings in Botswana. Optional safari activities include private C208 aircraft adventures, 4x4 drives, and treks.

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• Expect the unexpected! No two safaris are the same, and that’s part of the adventure. Your guides are experts at tracking the animals in every area, but which animals you see, when, and what they’re up to is as wild as the savanna itself. You might come across lions enjoying a zebra carcass or antelope galloping across the plains. It’s even possible that your best shot at seeing these animals is right around your camp or lodge.   
• What’s a game drive? A safari game drive is when you go out in a vehicle in search of the animals in their most natural habitat. The vehicles are often 4x4 drive open-air vehicles and get as close as safely possible to the animals so that you can see them in all their wild majesty.  
• Game drives are not off-roading adventures – In order to preserve the habitats, the game drives stick to the established trails and routes rather than just crossing the plains at random, but these trails were established by the experts to maximize the opportunities to see wildlife on your game drive. These drives tend to be leisurely, allowing the best chance to take in the surrounding environment and hopefully spot some amazing wildlife.  
• Game drives generally take place in the cool morning or late afternoon – remember, the best way to see the animals of the safari in action is to follow their behavior, and they tend to be most active when the sun isn’t as high in the sky.   
• The length of a game drive is generally around 3 or 4 hours , but this varies based on what your guide feels is the best way to track the animals.  
• Alternatives to game drives on a safari vacation might include an aerial tour in a hot air balloon, mountain biking and horseback riding, hikes, a river cruise to see the animals via the water, or a nighttime game drive that shows off the nocturnal wildlife of Africa.   
• The atmosphere of a safari vacation is relaxed but immersive . Imagine being literally inside your favorite Animal Planet documentary. Your itinerary won’t be jam-packed with things to do, but the marvels of simply looking out your window to a giraffe grazing in a nearby tree or seeing an elephant passing casually by the lodge is an unforgettable experience.   
• The safari experience changes based on the season – in each region, the dry and wet seasons bring with them different wildlife behaviors and habits and even migrations, so if there is an animal you know you want to see, let us know so we can recommend the best time to travel.  
• Safari vacations usually combine multiple wildlife reserves , from national parks to private game concessions. Getting from one camp to the next might include a long drive through the plains or a scenic flight on an 8-passenger propeller plane. 

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• While you are in major cities, you will likely have access to ATMs that work with most major international credit cards (local bank cards will probably not work). You should expect a marginal international transaction fee.  
• Cash can be used for anything you’ll need while on the safari itself, especially in the bush.  
• You can exchange your money most easily at the international airports upon arrival or at a bank with presentation of your passport if necessary.
• Avoid paying with travelers checks. These are not accepted in most places, so it’s safer to just stick with your card.

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• Scenic USA. A   constant recipient of national and worldwide recognition from industry partners for its outstanding product and operations. Sanctuary Sun Boat III  represents the ultimate luxury and relaxation on the Nile , modeled after the opulent era of the 20s and 30s.
• Variety Cruises   allows one to explore the true identity of a destination while enjoying the comforts and excellent benefits of its state-of-the-art SOLAS-certified yachts. The twin-hulled  Pegasos  can moor at small, picturesque islands that are not accessible by land, ideal for  Seychelles sailings.
• Ponant . Embodies the French way of life through exceptional service, a multilingual team, and expertise.  Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions like Seychelles. 
• Emerald Waterways  an award-winning travel operator specializing in deluxe river cruises and luxury yacht cruising. Each of their custom-built starships has a range of stylish innovations. The newly built vessel,  Emerald Azzurra , a modern superyacht, can access ports of call not typically visited by cruise ships in the Adriatic, along the coast of Northern Africa, the Red Sea, and around the islands of Greece.
• AMA Waterways  has constantly been redefining the river cruise experience by building one-of-a-kind ships with added comforts and conveniences. Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. The beautiful  Zambezi Queen  was specifically designed for safari river cruising on the Chobe River and offers a sophisticated design to maximize animal sightings.
• CroisiEurope   has developed an affordable cruising concept offering the best value in river cruises at great prices and appealing to every traveler. Designed to explore Southern Africa, the  African Dream  provides an intimate look at nature and animals along the most beautiful bends of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers.

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