Is a Safari on your bucket list?
Safaris offer a unique and incredible opportunity to experience wildlife in its natural environment. A safari can be a lifelong dream and a most memorable trip. Planning a safari takes a lot of thoughtful considerations and logistics to have a fantastic journey, but it is worth it. It will be one of the memorable experiences of your life. If you start planning today, you could be on your own Safari next year. Looking for more inspiration? Read What to expect on a Safari
As you begin planning, there are several things to consider when planning your Safari.
- Private Camp, Group, or Self Drive
- Where to Safari
- When to go on Safari
- How long to go on Safari
- Research & Resources
Private camp or other?
There are several ways to experience a safari – self-drive options, group tours, and private camps. We knew we wanted a private tour, but researched other options before committing. If you are unsure which option to choose, we recommend this excellent article to help you decide. Tips and things to know before going on Safari
We chose a private tour because, well, its a once in a lifetime trip. We liked the idea of knowledgeable people taking care of us—small groups at the private preserves. The staff to guest ratio is intense – in a good way. They attend to your every need. I cannot imagine doing it any other way. We chose the private option: it seemed more personable, and the smaller group sizes meant we could ask more questions. Neither of us had to drive to fully experience the view, the animals, and nature.
Where to go on Safari
There are safaris in several African countries – Zambia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, and South Africa, to name a few. We recommend researching each country to find the one that matches your interests and travel goals before planning a safari. For our first adventure in Africa, we were planning a trip to Cape Town with a group of friends, so adding a Safari in South Africa made the most sense for our travel plans. The private reserves around Kruger Park offered a variety of lodge options, each with diverse wildlife.
when to go on Safari
Is there a right time to go on Safari? Optimal viewing is during Summer to early Fall – generally, the driest times mean drier vegetation and fewer watering holes. Animals are easier to see and find. The rainy season can bring severe rainstorms, which could limit game drives. Check migration paths & times, the birthing season, and weather to help you decide. In January, we experienced a couple of showers, but cool, dry air and fantastic sights. The rain brought a stark change almost overnight – watering holes were filled, and lush vegetation sprouted, changing the landscape.
How long should you spend on a Safari?
You can spend as little or as much time on your Safari. Depending on your money, travel time, and interest, your time may vary. We spent four days and three nights on our Safari. For us, this was a perfect amount of time. During our time, we were able to see the Big 5 and so much more. We were entirely disconnected and dived deeply into the experience. We did meet other travelers who spent less time than we did and more than we did. Personally, anything less than three days feels like you would be cheated and miss some exciting game drive experiences.
