Welcome to the ultimate African safari vacation guide! In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know before planning your dream safari trip to Africa.
#1 When is the best time of year to go on an African safari?
The best time is from May to September, during the dry season and winter, which results in more moderate temperatures. This is when the animals are most active and you will have the best chance of seeing them in their natural habitat. There is also less vegetation during these months, so animals tend to concentrate around waterholes and rivers, making wildlife easier to spot.
#2 How early should you book your African safari?
You should book a safari at least 1 year in advance, but even that might not be early enough. Many camps have limited spaces and popular destinations fill up fast. If you know you want to go, try to book at least 18+ months before!
Safaris can be booked in a variety of ways- through tour operators, directly through the camps, or with a travel agent (ahem, Yaycations). The best way to find the right safari for you is to do a little research and talk to a travel agent. You can also talk to your friends, family, and co-workers who have been on safaris before. There are many wonderful options out there and it’s important to find the one that will fit your wants and needs.
#3 What is the cost of an African safari?
If you're looking for an adventure that will take your breath away, consider a safari in Africa. Prices will vary depending on the type of safari you choose and the location, but a basic safari can run anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 per person. There are also many special offers and discounts available during certain times of the year, so it's worth checking online or contacting your travel agent to get a better idea of what's available in your area.
Prices vary widely depending on the experience you are looking for but here is a basic idea.
BUDGET: $250 per night
MID-RANGE: $350 per night
LUXURY: $750 per night
ULTRA-LUX: $1500 per night
#4 What is the average length of an African safari?
Plan 5 - 7 nights for the actual safari + travel on each end. A minimum of 14 days will give you plenty of time to enjoy the experience of getting to your safari!
Africa is an immense continent with a wealth of natural wonders, each with its own unique character. The best way to experience it all is on a safari where you can explore the wide open spaces of the Serengeti, wander through the glimmering canals and lakes of Nairobi's National Park, or take in the stunning greenery and wildlife of Kruger National Park.
The average length of a safari is 5-7 nights. However, the total time spent on safari will depend on the itinerary and what activities you choose to do. Some popular options include game drives in search of big game such as lions, elephants, or rhinos; bird watching from your vehicle; hiking; swimming; and relaxing on a private game reserve.
#5 What ways can you experience an African safari?
Most people think of a 4 x 4 safari jeeps, but there are other ways to do a safari! You can hop on a luxurious river cruise, ride the ultra-luxurious Blue Train or get up close and personal on a walking safari!
There are also safari camps that you can stay in. Some of these camps are open to the public and some are only for private Safari clients. Many of these private safari camps also have their own game reserve and this is where you will get the best experience of all!
Some people prefer to do their safari on horseback and this is an amazing way to see the animals up close. You don’t need any special skills, just a bit of patience!
No matter which type of safari you choose, be sure to enjoy all that Africa has to offer!
#6 Where will I stay while on an African safari?
Accommodations can range from basic to ultra-luxury including gourmet dining and plunge pools!
Tented camps
Permanent tented camps
Seasonal camps
Mobile camps
Lodges
Safari lodges generally offer all the comforts of home with a safari atmosphere. You'll have your own bedroom, bathroom and lounge area with a view of the wildlife outside your window. There are also many self-catering options where you can cook for yourself in your own kitchen or simply relax at the pool while watching the animals come to play.
#7 Where should I go on my African Safari?
The best African safari destinations include Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa. Depending on your interests and budget, these destinations offer different types of safaris that will allow you to see some of the most spectacular wildlife in Africa.
Namibia
The Namibian Wildlife Reserve is home to the world’s largest concentration of desert elephants and some of the best game viewing in Africa. Other highlights of this reserve include the world’s second-largest sand dune system, a large population of lions, cheetahs and leopards, and great migration corridors for elephants, buffalo, hartebeests, giraffes and more.
Kenya
The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Kenya’s most popular safari destinations. This expansive ecosystem offers an impressive variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, buffalo, Rothschild’s giraffe and Rothschild's zebras.
Zimbabwe
The Hwange National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s top destinations for safaris. This incredible park is home to elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhinos and many other species of animals. Hwange has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
South Africa
South Africa offers world-famous Kruger National Park with hordes of animals such as elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, hippos and more.
Whether you're looking for a traditional game drive or want to explore an area on horseback or a bike for a more unique experience - there's sure to be a safari destination out there that will fit your needs.
#8 What should I pack for my African safari?
Make sure to pack sunscreen, hats, insect repellents, water bottles, and snacks. You may also want to bring a travel pillow, binoculars, and a camera.
#9 What will I see while on an African safari?
When planning a safari, one of the most important decisions is what type of animal to see. A typical African safari will take visitors to game reserves where they can see elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and other large mammals. Many safaris also offer opportunities to spot hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitats. Some tours even include visits to tribal villages where guests can watch traditional dance and music performances.
Congratulations! You have now learned everything that you need to know about planning the ultimate African safari vacation. Be sure to book your trip today and experience the stunning wildlife and landscapes of Africa for yourself.
If you are looking for a safari that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime, then a trip to Africa is the perfect destination for you. The continent is home to some of the most diverse and stunning wildlife in the world, and there is no better way to see it than on a safari.
Whether you are travelling on your own, with friends or with family, make sure to take advantage of all of the amazing opportunities that Africa has to offer. From searching for elephants in the Serengeti to swimming with dolphins in Mozambique, there is nothing that this incredible continent cannot offer. So book your African safari today and prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience.
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