Starting to plan a safari may feel overwhelming, because of the sheer amount of choice. The biggest destinations in terms of infrastructure, variety of parks, breadth of lodges and big-five habitats, are Kenya and Tanzania.
If you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing elephants lumbering across the plains, graceful giraffes silhouetted against a fiery sunset, or the thrill of a close encounter with a majestic silverback gorilla, then an African safari is calling your name. It’s a journey that will ignite your senses, awaken your spirit of adventure, and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Defining your safari dreams
Now that we’ve ignited your wanderlust, it’s time to start sketching the outlines of your dream African safari. This is where the real fun begins! Start envisioning your perfect African adventure. Do you seek thrilling encounters with the Big Five, or are you more intrigued by the great apes of Africa’s rainforest, like gorillas and chimpanzees? Do you dream of vast savannahs dotted with acacia trees, or are you drawn to the misty peaks of volcanic mountains?
Imagine bouncing along dusty trails in an open-air vehicle on a game drive, the thrill of anticipation coursing through your veins as you search for elusive predators. Imagine the breathtaking sight of a pride of lions feasting on a recent kill, or a leopard gracefully descending from a tree with its prey in tow. Or perhaps you envision yourself trekking gorillas through dense rainforests, their soft grunts and rustling leaves guiding your way.
Remember, this is your dream safari. Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild! Think outside the box and consider unique experiences that truly resonate with you. Perhaps you’d like to learn about traditional Maasai culture, watch a golden sunrise over the Serengeti, or pamper yourself with a relaxing massage after a day in the bush.
Choosing your safari Destination
Now that you’ve envisioned your ideal safari, it’s time to pinpoint the perfect destination to bring those dreams to life. For an unforgettable wildlife adventure, consider gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo or exploring the vast savannahs of Kenya during the Great Migration. However, each corner of Africa boasts its own unique blend of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences.
The low-down on safari guides
Being a top-notch safari guide is a life-long vocation of honed skill. These are the people who bring the experience alive with their lived knowledge and understanding of the ecosystem, its wildlife and the landscapes. The best lodges and ground handlers run ranger schools and training experts and conservationists for even more magic.
Selecting the right time to go
Timing is everything, especially when it comes to planning an African safari. The time of year you choose to go on your adventure can significantly affect your wildlife viewing opportunities, travel conditions, and overall experience. The best time for an African safari varies depending on your chosen destination and the wildlife you want to see. Understanding safari seasons is crucial for planning your trip.
The dry season is generally the safest bet if you’re primarily interested in wildlife viewing. However, the wet season might be more appealing if you prefer fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and unique photographic opportunities.
No matter when you choose to go, an African safari is bound to be an unforgettable experience. You can tailor your adventure to your needs and desires with careful planning and proper guidance.
Choosing a reputable tour operator
With your dream safari taking shape, you’ve likely chosen the perfect and safest destination and the perfect time to go on your adventure.
Partnering with a reputable tour operator. Think of your tour operator as your personal safari assistant, dedicated to handling all the details for a seamless experience from start to finish.
What happens on a safari day?
On a regular safari, days in the bush follow a predictable schedule. Expect to be awakened at the crack of dawn with a wake-up call and caffeine, before heading into the bush with a guide in an open-air game vehicle. In the early morning, the air is still cool and the big cats are heading home from a busy night on the prowl.
Breakfast or lunch is served out in the bush, or back at camp after the morning game drive. Then afternoons are for resting, massages, reading, or walking safari excursions, community visits or other cultural immersions, before heading out again in the late afternoon. Hot-air ballooning takes place at dawn or dusk and would take the place of the evening game drive.
By late afternoon, the predators are waking up from their afternoon snooze, ready for action anew. There’s usually a sundowner at a beauty spot before the game vehicles return just before dark, in time for pre-dinner drinks and dinner. If it’s a private reserve and nocturnal game drives are permitted, then a late-afternoon drive may morph into a night-time one, in search of more elusive night-time creatures such as leopards. Dinners can be private or communal, sometimes including a gathering or a celebration in a boma enclosure. There might be a fireside chat or a spot of astronomy. There may also be the possibility of bush or tree house sleep-outs, or star beds for galaxy-gazing.
Taking pictures
Now is the moment to crack out that single-lens-reflex camera gathering dust in the wardrobe, and perhaps a 300mm lens, beanbag or monopod. Consider the season of the country as this will affect photography prospects. Rwanda and Uganda in the rain, for example, is green, lush, and beautiful, but the nellies like to hide in the undergrowth. In October, everything is the color of mud and sludge, but the wildlife viewing is premium. Just pointing and shooting with an iPhone will produce incredible images and reels.
Can I take my children on safari?
Bringing children on safari imbues in them a sense of grand adventure and an understanding of the natural world and the importance of protecting it. There are generally no hard and fast rules, but most lodges welcome children from about the age of six, though families may be expected to have a private vehicle. To simplify travelling with younger children, it may be easier to pick a malaria-free destination. Stubborn Mule creates worldwide family-led adventures, including off-radar safari adventures from gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo or Uganda to fly camping in the wilds of Northern Kenya. Whichever journey you choose, encourage the children to keep a diary for posterity.
A tipping point
The guide is generally tipped 15USD to 20USD per person per day, which can also be handed directly to the guide at the end of the trip. Although voluntary, it’s routine to tip and lodge staff, from cooks to cleaners. This can be added to the bill at the end; lodges then distribute it to all staff members. Pre-check if the bill excludes alcohol, or includes tips, to avoid surprises or confusion.
Immunizations and medicines
Some African destinations require yellow fever, typhoid or hepatitis A and B jabs. Malaria is a risk in some countries, but as this is a shifting scenario, it’s best to check the NHS’s fit for travel web pages for the malaria maps of each country. A one-size-fits-all approach to a country is rarely needed. Refer to our safari packing list to find out more about what to pack and for tips from safari old hands.
In conclusion
Some of these safaris also allow you to have hands-on experiences, or visit one of our wildlife, community or environmental projects run by one of our many partners. This could be anything from helping to collar a rhino to gather vital conservation data, to painting a schoolroom and giving your own lesson in a rural village.
