Explore Africa’s top safari destinations like Kruger and Masai Mara. Find expert advice to choose the perfect safari trip for your adventure
Going on a safari is a dream for most of us. The idea of witnessing gigantic animals we only know from videos in documentaries in their natural habitat is undeniably a magical experience. I feel fortunate enough to have completed over 30 safari trips all over Africa. However, before I became a “safari expert,” choosing the perfect safari trip was not an easy task.
In the past years, I have selected the wrong season, overpaid for my safari trip, prioritized experiences that were not too relevant for me, and so on. In this article, I would like to revisit all these mistakes I made in the past so you can plan your perfect African safari based on what YOU want and what would make your experience the trip of a lifetime.
Here are my top tips on how to select the perfect safari trip:
How to Define Your Goals for the Perfect African Safari Experience
Before you start booking your tickets to Kenya or Tanzania, ask yourself what you hope to get out of this experience. Is your dream to see all the Big Five? Or are you more interested in spotting giant gorillas in their natural habitat, or perhaps witnessing thousands of elephants in a single location? Magical events like the Wildebeest Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania or the Kasanka Bat Migration might also be on your bucket list.
No matter what your reasons are, it’s important to have an idea of what you would like to see the most. This will help you decide which national park to visit and enhance your planning.
You have no idea what to see? Don’t worry, I’ve been there. For first timers with no specific goals when doing a safari, these are my top recommendations:
- Amboseli National Park in Kenya
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania
- Kruger National Park in South Africa
Learn everything about safaris in my “safari only” section
How to Choose the Best African Safari Destination for Your Adventure
Once you know your reason for embarking on a safari trip and your expectations, it’s time to select your destination. We often refer to Africa as a single destination due to our limited understanding of the region, but Africa comprises 51 countries, each with a rich diversity of cultures and wildlife. Not every country offers a safari experience, and each safari trip within these countries is unique.
Southern Africa is well-known for its robust safari infrastructure and is a great place for your first safari. In contrast, East Africa is renowned for hosting a wide variety of animals in a compact area. Planning a safari in Namibia is a completely different experience from planning one in Angola, even though these countries are neighbors.
If I had to recommend a destination for a first-timer, I wouldn’t be entirely certain what to suggest. Amboseli National Park in Kenya is perfect for capturing the classic African safari photo, while South Luangwa in Zambia offers an isolated and raw experience. On the other hand, gorilla trekkings in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are at the top of many people’s bucket lists.
Best safari countries
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Botswana
The options are plentiful, and by understanding what you’d like to see, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed choice about where to go.
How to Choose the Best African Safari Based on Your Travel Style
Safaris come in various shapes and sizes, catering to different preferences and budgets. Whether it’s luxury lodges, basic camping, self-drive adventures, or guided group tours, your choice should align with your desired level of comfort and special preferences.
Additionally, while it might be challenging to have a luxury safari on a tight budget, the differences in cost between camping, self-driving with a tent, or staying at a standard lodge aren’t usually significant.
If you’re still wondering about the types of safari trips available, I’ve compiled a shortlist of some of the most popular options across the continent (please note that not every safari type is available in every national park)
Read more: What are my favorite national parks in Africa
Which is Best for Your African Adventure?
Best Safari Wildlife Sight
These classic safaris offer the quintessential African wildlife experience, where you ride in a 4×4 vehicle with a professional guide to observe the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo) and other iconic species. Game drives can be conducted during the day or at night, with night drives offering the chance to spot elusive nocturnal animals such as leopards and hyenas.
Top Recommendation: Okavango Delta in Botswana
The Okavango Delta is one of the best places to experience classic game drives. The region’s vast landscapes and diverse ecosystems provide ample opportunity to spot big game like elephants, lions, and even the rare African wild dog. Game drive prices range from $500 to $1,500 per day, depending on the level of luxury and inclusions such as meals and accommodation.
Top Recommendation for a Night Game Drive: South Luangwa National Park in Zambia
South Luangwa is famous for its night game drives, offering a unique opportunity to see nocturnal species in action. These drives are perfect for spotting elusive leopards and night birds such as owls. Prices for night drives range from $70 to $150 per person, and they are typically part of a larger safari package.
Best Walking Safari
Walking safaris offer an intimate and immersive experience in the wild. Accompanied by armed guides, participants explore the wilderness on foot, focusing on tracking signs, smaller wildlife, and learning about the environment. It’s a thrilling way to feel connected to nature.
Top Recommendation: Hlane National Park in eSwatini
Hlane National Park is an excellent spot for walking safaris, where you can walk among white rhinos, zebras, and wildebeest. Walks typically last around two to three hours, and the cost ranges from $40 to $100 per person. This experience brings you closer to nature in a way that a vehicle cannot.
Best Photographic Safari
Photographic safaris are designed for enthusiasts looking to capture incredible images of wildlife and landscapes. These safaris are often led by expert wildlife photographers who offer tips and tricks to help you get the perfect shot.
Top Recommendation: Amboseli National Park in Kenya
Amboseli National Park, with its majestic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, is a photographer’s dream. Known for its elephant herds and stunning landscapes, Amboseli offers the perfect setting for both wildlife and scenic shots. Photographic safaris here typically cost between $300 and $800 per day.
Best Birdwatching Safari
For bird enthusiasts, birdwatching safaris offer the chance to spot and photograph a wide variety of species. These safaris are led by experienced guides who know the best spots to find rare and endemic birds.
Top Recommendation: Kasanka National Park in Zambia
Kasanka National Park is world-renowned for its annual bat migration and is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Safari prices for birdwatching start at $250 per day, and the best time to visit is between November and December when the bat migration is at its peak.
Best Mobile Camping Safari
Mobile camping safaris involve moving from one campsite to another, allowing you to explore more remote areas. These safaris offer comfortable tented accommodations and are ideal for those who want to experience the wilderness off the beaten path.
Top Recommendation: Etosha National Park in Namibia
Etosha is perfect for a mobile camping safari, where you can travel through different regions of the park while staying in temporary campsites. Prices for mobile camping safaris in Etosha range from $200 to $600 per day, depending on the level of comfort and inclusions.
Best Luxury Safari
For those seeking a safari experience without compromising on comfort, luxury safaris offer high-end accommodations, gourmet meals, and personalized service. These safaris combine the beauty of nature with five-star amenities.
Top Recommendation: Chobe National Park in Botswana
Chobe National Park is renowned for its luxurious lodges and houseboats. A luxury safari in Chobe typically includes game drives, river cruises, and gourmet dining, with prices starting at around $600 to $1,500 per night.
Best Canoe and Boat Safari
Water-based safaris are a fantastic way to observe wildlife from a different perspective. Canoeing or boating allows you to navigate rivers and lakes, getting up close to hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birdlife.
Top Recommendation: Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia
Lower Zambezi offers some of the best canoe safaris in Africa. Paddle down the Zambezi River and observe wildlife along the riverbanks. Prices for canoe safaris range from $200 to $500 per day, depending on the length of the trip and inclusions like camping and meals.
Best Balloon Safari
Hot air balloon safaris provide a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the landscape below. These safaris are especially popular for photographers and those seeking a unique perspective on Africa’s wildlife.
Top Recommendation: Masai Mara, Kenya
Masai Mara offers incredible hot air balloon safaris, especially during the Great Migration. Prices start at around $450 per person, and the best time to visit is between July and October for the migration season.
Best Gorilla and Primate Safari
Gorilla safaris are an unforgettable experience where travelers trek through dense forests to observe primates like mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Top Recommendation: Kahuzi-Biega or Virunga National Park in the DRC
These parks offer some of the best gorilla trekking experiences in Africa. Prices for gorilla permits range from $400 to $600 per trek, with tours costing around $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the length and inclusions.
Best Self-Drive Safari
Self-drive safaris give adventurous travelers the freedom to explore at their own pace. Namibia is one of the best countries in Africa for self-drive safaris due to its well-maintained roads and abundance of wildlife.
Top Recommendation: Namibia
Namibia is the most self-drive friendly country in Africa, with places like Etosha National Park offering excellent opportunities for self-drive safaris. Vehicle rentals cost between $60 and $150 per day, and camping fees are around $10 to $50 per night.
Read more: Where is the best place to do a gorilla trekking in Africa
How to Set a Budget for Your African Safari Trip
Yes, safaris can be costly, and even if you’re on a tight budget, you should plan for a daily expenditure of at least 100-150 USD. Regrettably, I must also emphasize that the more you’re willing to invest, the more unforgettable your experience is likely to be.
Luxury safaris in private conservancies offer an entirely distinct experience compared to a standard 4×4 safari. And no, it’s not just about fancy cocktails or better facilities; it’s primarily about the safari experience and the quality of animal sightings, which tend to be more private and rewarding.
This is precisely why determining the type of safari should align with your budget. If you initiate your safari planning solely based on budget constraints, you might overlook experiences that would be profoundly fulfilling for you.
Regarding the budget-to-time ratio, I prefer to maximize the value of my money by spending less time but making the most of it. There’s nothing worse than envisioning a sunset beside a watering hole teeming with elephants, rhinos, and hippos, only to find yourself watching the sunset outside the national park with a busload of 20 other people – believe me, I speak from experience.
Here are some aspects I prioritize when allocating my budget and others I personally find less critical:
It can be more expensive:
- The type of safari vehicle
- The quality and expertise of the guide
- The overall experience within the national park
It can be more budget-friendly:
- Accommodation
- Food
- General service quality
Keep in mind that these are merely examples based on my own personality and safari preferences. Your priorities might vary, but ultimately, you’ll need to strike your own balance when establishing your budget.
Read more: Everything you need to know about Masai Mara National Park
Why Timing Is Crucial for Planning the Perfect Safari in Africa
The timing of your safari is arguably one of the factors that will most significantly impact your experience. Are you traveling during the high season or the low season? Why is it considered high season, and is there something unique to witness during that time? What are the precipitation levels, accessibility, and weather conditions like? All of these factors can make the difference between spotting 20 lions in a single day or not a single one.
Conduct thorough research in advance to determine the best times to visit each of these national parks. Online platforms like SafariBookings provide comprehensive information about major African national parks, including details about the wildlife you can expect to see and the likelihood of sightings.
If budget is a significant consideration, “shoulder seasons” can be the ideal time to travel. These months fall just after the high season. During this period, you can still experience the full range of wildlife that’s available in the best time of the year while potentially saving some money. Personally, I choose to travel during shoulder seasons to reduce costs. I’ve managed to save up to 50% on a safari trip by making this choice.
Read more: How to prepare for your first safari trip
How to Research Safari Tour Operators and Secure Your Bookings
Planning a safari trip entirely independently or at the very last minute can have unfortunate consequences. Vehicles may be fully booked, entry permits to the national parks might be unavailable, or you could find yourself in situations where numerous small operators are attempting to extract every single penny from you. I used to meticulously plan every aspect of my safari trips on my own. However, I realized that this approach consumed a lot of time and often resulted in minimal cost savings, if any.
Now, I prefer to identify operators with excellent reputations in the market. I convey my safari preferences to them, along with my maximum budget. Within a day or two, I begin receiving offers that provide all the services within my desired budget. While some offers may be terrible, others are great and much more affordable than if I had organized everything independently.
To find tour operators, a quick Google search is a good starting point. However, I highly recommend using SafariBookings. This is some kind of TripAdvisor or Get Your Guide for safari tours. The majority of companies in Africa have profiles on SafariBookings, where you can directly get in touch with them, gain a clear understanding of their price range, and even negotiate for better deals once you establish contact.
Read more: How to plan a safari on a budget
