Most people think all African safaris are the same. They’re not even close. The reality is, a safari in the vast, open plains of the Serengeti is a world away from tracking gorillas in the misty forests of Rwanda or navigating the waterways of the Okavango Delta. Planning your first trip can feel like a monumental task, with endless choices and conflicting advice. After guiding thousands of travelers, we’ve seen where people get stuck, and we’re here to help you skip the overwhelm and get straight to the expert guidance.
This isn’t just another list of destinations. This is a safari planning guide built by experts who’ve been there. We don’t own lodges or tour companies; our only agenda is to help you plan the perfect trip for you.
We’ll walk you through the same questions a professional consultant would ask, helping you craft an experience that is authentic, personalized, and makes a real, positive impact on the ground.
The feeling is familiar: you have 20 tabs open, comparing Kenya versus South Africa, trying to understand why one trip costs $4,000 and another costs $14,000. This information overload is the biggest hurdle in safari planning. Our goal is to decrease the complexity, not add to it.
Instead of asking, “Where should I go?” Let’s start by asking, “What do I truly want to experience?”. Are you dreaming of:
Defining your ideal experience is the first step to cutting through the noise. Your answers point to specific places, timings, and styles of travel.
Expert Tip: Don’t get bogged down in “East vs. Southern Africa” debates. The best safari is the one that is perfectly matched to your budget, timing, and, most importantly, your dreams. If you’re unsure where to start,
Try our 3-minute AI Safari Quiz to get personalized recommendations based on what matters most to you.
With over 50 years of combined experience, we can tell you the “best” time depends entirely on what you want to see. The continent’s weather is broadly split into two main seasons: the Dry Season and the Green (or Wet) Season. Neither is inherently “better”—they just offer different experiences.
| Season | Key Characteristics | Best For |
| Dry Season | (Roughly June to October) Water sources are scarce, so animals congregate around rivers and waterholes, making them easier to spot. The bush is less dense, and skies are generally clear. | Peak wildlife viewing, first-timers wanting to see the Big Five, the Great Migration river crossings in Kenya/Tanzania. |
| Green Season | (Roughly November to May) The landscape is lush, vibrant, and dramatic. It’s the calving season for many animals, meaning lots of baby wildlife and predator action. There are fewer tourists and often lower prices. | Photographers who love dramatic skies, seeing newborn animals, birdwatching, and travelers seeking better value and fewer crowds. |
Ultimately, there is no bad time for an African safari. A great operator will find incredible wildlife for you year-round.
This is the question we get asked most often. You’ll see seven-day safaris advertised for $3,000 and others for $15,000, and it’s understandably confusing. The price is a direct reflection of several key factors, and understanding them is the key to finding the right value for you.
Typically, a per-person safari price includes your accommodation, all meals, park entry fees, a 4×4 vehicle with a dedicated driver-guide, and any domestic transfers (like small charter flights). The main things that are not included are international flights to Africa, visa fees, travel insurance, and tips for your guides and lodge staff.
Don’t just look for the “cheapest” option; look for the best value. A slightly more expensive trip with a phenomenal guide in an exclusive area will deliver a far more memorable experience than a budget trip in a crowded park.
Calculate your personalized budget with our Safari Cost Calculator to see what’s realistic for your travel style.
Caption: Your safari budget is primarily allocated to quality accommodation and conservation fees, which directly support the parks and wildlife.
Let’s simplify this. Most first-time safari destinations fall into a few key regions, each offering a distinct experience.
This is the Africa of your imagination. Think vast, golden grasslands teeming with massive herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle, stalked by prides of lions. This region is home to iconic parks like the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya), which together host the Great Wildebeest Migration. It’s the ultimate destination for seeing sheer numbers of animals.
Southern Africa offers incredible diversity. You can combine a classic “Big Five” safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park with a trip to Cape Town. In Botswana, you can explore the pristine waterways of the Okavango Delta in a traditional canoe (mokoro). Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari, offering a thrilling, on-the-ground perspective. This region provides a huge range of activities and ecosystems.
For a truly profound and life-changing wildlife encounter, nothing compares to spending an hour with a family of mountain gorillas. This isn’t a vehicle-based safari; it’s a challenging trek through dense rainforest that rewards you with an incredibly intimate and moving experience.
Caption: While safaris are possible across the continent, most first-timers focus on the iconic wildlife regions of East and Southern Africa.
We believe that travel should be a force for good. A well-planned safari does more than create memories; it provides vital funding for conservation and creates sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Your safari supports African communities, and we make it a priority to recommend operators who share this ethos.
A truly sustainable operator doesn’t just talk the talk. They walk the walk. When choosing a safari company, ask these questions:
When you choose operators who employ local experts, you’re not just getting better insights—you’re supporting entire communities. Every operator we work with is personally vetted to ensure they meet the highest standards of ethics and sustainability.
Logistical anxiety is real, but it doesn’t have to be. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth, stress-free journey.
African safaris are overwhelmingly safe, especially when traveling with a reputable operator. Your biggest safety asset is your guide—listen to them at all times. From a health perspective:
The key is to pack light and use layers. Most small charter flights have strict luggage weight limits (usually 15-20 kg / 33-44 lbs in soft-sided bags).
For a complete, printable list, [Download our complete Safari Packing Checklist PDF].
How much should I budget for an African safari?
A good quality, mid-range safari typically costs between $4,000 and $8,000 USD per person for a 7-10 day trip. This can vary widely based on the country, season, and level of luxury. Budget options can be found for less, while ultra-luxury trips can exceed $20,000 per person.
Which African country is best for a first-time safari?
Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa are fantastic choices for first-timers. They offer reliable “Big Five” sightings, excellent tourism infrastructure, and a range of accommodation styles. The choice depends on whether you prefer the classic open plains of East Africa or the diverse landscapes of South Africa.
How many days are needed for a good safari?
We recommend a minimum of 7 to 10 days on the ground (excluding international travel). This allows you to explore two or three different parks without feeling rushed and gives you enough time to fully immerse yourself in the experience and have a high chance of seeing a wide variety of wildlife.
Is an African safari safe for families with children?
Absolutely, provided you choose the right operator and destination. Many lodges are specifically designed for families, with swimming pools, family suites, and engaging kids’ programs. Some regions, like many parks in South Africa, are also malaria-free, adding extra peace of mind.
What is the ‘Big Five’?
The “Big Five” is a term originally coined by big-game hunters for the five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot. Today, it’s a safari checklist. The animals are the African lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros (both black and white), and the Cape buffalo.
Planning a safari doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on the
experience you want, you can narrow down the options and create a trip that is perfectly tailored to you. You can skip the TripAdvisor pages and get personalized recommendations built on decades of on-the-ground expertise.
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