Seeing elephants, lions, giraffes, and other wildlife roaming freely across the African landscape is a bucket-list experience for many people. But when you start thinking about actually planning a safari, you may realize there’s a lot you don’t know.
Where should you go? Will you spend all day looking for animals? What are the accommodations like? And how do you choose from so many different safari experiences?
MAT travel advisor Jen recently experienced a safari through Tanzania, visiting Tarangire National Park, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Her firsthand observations help answer some of the questions you may have as you consider your first African safari.
A Day on Safari Starts Early
Wildlife viewing is often best in the cooler morning and late afternoon hours, so expect some early starts.
Depending on your itinerary, you may head out for a morning game drive, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation, and venture out again later in the day. Other safaris spend most of the day exploring, with a packed lunch enjoyed somewhere along the route.
On a wildlife-focused safari through Tanzania, you might leave your lodge around 8 a.m. and spend the day traveling through the parks, looking for animals and stopping for photographs. By the time you return for dinner, you’ve had a full day of adventure.
And those drives can be tiring! You’re often traveling over rough, unpaved roads, so expect plenty of bumps along the way.
Some itineraries include more downtime at the lodge, while others maximize your time viewing wildlife. It’s worth thinking about how much time you’d enjoy spending on game drives, especially if you’re traveling with children or anyone who prefers a more relaxed pace.
Your Destination Shapes the Wildlife Experience
Africa offers many different safari experiences, and even within one country, the landscapes and animals can vary considerably.
For example, a Tanzania safari might include:
- Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant populations, beautiful baobab trees, and grasslands.
- Serengeti National Park, with vast open plains, changing landscapes, and opportunities to see lions, giraffes, cheetahs, and other wildlife.
- Ngorongoro Crater, where a remarkable concentration of wildlife lives within an ancient volcanic caldera, including the endangered black rhinoceros.
The time of year matters, too. Weather patterns and seasonal wildlife movements can influence which areas offer the best viewing opportunities. If witnessing the Great Migration is a priority, for example, your travel dates and specific safari locations become especially important.
And perhaps wildlife isn’t your only interest. You might want to combine a safari with cultural experiences, local markets, a visit to Cape Town, or time at a beach resort.
Before settling on a destination, think about what you most want to experience. Your MAT travel advisor can help match your interests with the right destinations and time of year.
The Wildlife Is the Main Attraction
One of the most memorable parts of a safari is seeing animals in their natural environment, without knowing what you’ll encounter next.
Your guide plays an important role in that experience. Experienced safari guides recognize animal behavior, know where to look for wildlife, and communicate with other guides about sightings.
They can also explain the different species, their habitats, and the behaviors you’re witnessing. You may come away knowing far more about the wildlife than you expected.
And sometimes the moments between sightings are just as remarkable.
Imagine stopping your vehicle in the middle of the Serengeti, turning off the engine, and hearing almost nothing except the grass moving in the wind and the sounds of animals in the distance. You can look across the landscape for miles without seeing another person.
That sense of space and peacefulness is something photographs can’t quite capture.
Safari Accommodations Can Be Quite Comfortable
If the word safari brings to mind sleeping in a basic tent in the wilderness, you may be surprised by the range of accommodations available.
You can stay in beautiful lodges with comfortable rooms, restaurants, pools, and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. There are also tented safari camps, including luxurious options with private bathrooms and many of the comforts you’d expect from a high-end resort.
The best choice depends on the experience you’re looking for and your comfort level.
Food is another consideration. Some safari lodges offer a variety of familiar international dishes, while other experiences may provide more opportunities to sample local cuisine.
If you’re an adventurous eater who loves trying regional specialties, mention that when planning. Likewise, if you have dietary restrictions, your advisor can help identify accommodations and operators that can meet your needs.
Your Safari Can Include More Than Game Drives
Wildlife viewing may be the main reason for your trip, but there are opportunities to add other special experiences.
One memorable option in the Serengeti is a sunrise hot-air balloon safari. You’ll start before dawn, watching the landscape come to life from above. Some balloon experiences conclude with a champagne toast and breakfast in the bush.
Depending on your destination and itinerary, you may also have opportunities to visit local communities, learn about traditional cultures, explore markets, or enjoy other guided activities.
These experiences can add another dimension to your vacation, particularly if you want to learn more about the places and people beyond the wildlife parks.
Some activities are optional and need to be arranged in advance, so it’s helpful to know what’s available and what’s included in your safari package.
Choose a Safari That Fits Your Travel Style
A safari can be a wonderful experience for couples, families, groups of friends, and solo travelers. The key is choosing an itinerary that fits everyone traveling.
Small-group safaris offer a chance to share the experience with other travelers while having transportation, guides, and accommodations arranged. They can be particularly appealing if you’re traveling solo or enjoy meeting people with similar interests.
Private safaris give you more flexibility to customize your itinerary and the pace of your days. This may be a good choice for couples, families, or groups with particular interests.
If you’re traveling with children, you’ll want to consider their ages and how much time they’ll enjoy spending in a vehicle. A full-day wildlife safari may be exciting for older teens, while younger children might do better with shorter drives and more activities at the lodge. Some safari experiences are specifically designed with families in mind.
Physical comfort matters as well. Getting in and out of safari vehicles, spending hours on bumpy roads, and handling early mornings can be challenging for some travelers. If anyone in your group has mobility limitations or motion sensitivity, be sure to discuss those needs when choosing your itinerary.
A Few Practical Details to Plan Ahead
An African safari involves some travel considerations that may be different from your typical vacation.
- Travel documents and health preparations. Depending on your destination and travel route, you may need visas, specific vaccinations or other health precautions. Check current entry requirements and consult a travel health professional well before departure. You’ll also want to understand any travel insurance requirements.
- Packing restrictions. Space in safari vehicles can be limited, and small aircraft used on some itineraries have strict baggage allowances. A safari may require soft-sided luggage and significantly less weight than you’re accustomed to bringing on vacation. Check the requirements for your specific itinerary before packing.
- Clothing and weather. Plan for temperature changes throughout the day. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, even when afternoons are warm. Comfortable layers, sun protection, insect repellent, and practical clothing you can wear more than once are good starting points.
- Photos and connectivity. You’ll probably take more pictures and videos than you expect. Internet access can be slow or unavailable in remote areas, so make sure you have plenty of storage space and a way to keep your devices charged.
- Understanding what’s included. Safari packages vary. Some include international airfare, meals, park fees, and transportation, while others price these separately. Optional excursions, visas, gratuities, and insurance can add to the total.
Getting these details sorted out before you leave allows you to concentrate on enjoying the experience once you’re there.
Jen’s First African Safari Tips
After experiencing a small-group safari through Tanzania, Jen recommends:
– Choose a safari that matches your interests and energy level. Full days of wildlife viewing are incredible if that’s what you love, but there are other options if you want a more relaxed pace or more variety.
– Pack a buff or lightweight neck gaiter. Safari drives can be extremely dusty, and pulling a buff over your nose and mouth helps keep you from breathing in so much dust.
– Make room for your photos. Bring extra photo storage and a way to recharge your devices. Remote lodges may have limited internet access, making it difficult to back up pictures while you’re traveling.
Meet Jen
Start Planning Your African Safari
Whether you’re dreaming of seeing the Big Five, watching wildlife from a hot-air balloon, experiencing different African cultures, or combining a safari with other destinations, there are many ways to make this adventure your own.
The right destinations, accommodations, activities, and pace can make a real difference in your experience.
Your MAT travel advisor can help you sort through the options, understand the details, and plan an African safari that fits what you want to see and do.
