“How do I plan a safari?”
We know that planning a safari can be a daunting task. It’s a trip of a lifetime for many, and for good reason. There are few experiences in the world that take you into nature the way going on safari does.
Going on safari can mean different things, but regardless of the type of trip you’re looking for, we understand that it’s a big commitment. If you’re a first time safari planner, here are a couple key questions to help you craft a trip that’s fit for you.
Where to go
Where to go is tied to “what do you want to see?” There are different national parks, types of terrain, animals, and even vaccine requirements to consider. We recommend you identify what matters to you, and cast your net from here.
To offer initial general guidance, here are some common factors that safari-goers mention to help determine the best place to go:
If your goal is to see the Great Migration… Position yourself in Tanzania’s Serengeti or Kenya’s Masai Mara. This gives you the best chance of seeing the wildebeest river crossings (at the right of time year).
If you want the best chance at viewing the Big 5... South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, Kenya are all prime locations. However even within a specific country, the locations and conditions for game viewing can vary by park/region.
If you want to go gorilla trekking… You’ll want to look into Rwanda or Uganda.
And this only covers animals! Depending on the location(s), there are beaches, wine country, unique landscapes, and more that you might choose to combine with a safari trip.
When to go
No matter where you end up going, remember what you’ll see on safari can be very season dependent. Understand how seasonality affects your chances of seeing a specific wildlife event, weather on safari, or changes in the landscape.
For example, the Great Migration is technically happening all year round in Tanzania as the animals are continuously migrating in search of water. But the exciting river crossings can be seen in the Northern Serengeti between July – October, while birthing season happens in the Southern Serengeti from January – February.
High season (or peak season) for safari is generally during the dry season (May – August), when water sources are scarce and the terrain is drier. Animals congregate at watering holes, and are on the move more often in search for resources. The grass is also shorter which makes animal easier to spot.
Low, or wet season, can run between November and April. Some regions have two wet seasons, others have one long one. The rain results in generally lusher landscapes that can make game viewing or trekking more difficult. There are lodges and camps that offer cheaper rates during this time of year, while others may close down for the season.
Remember, this is a generalization to help understand weather and game viewing conditions for different times of year. There will be nuances and exceptions depending on specific countries, so definitely look into your chosen destination in detail.
Where to stay
With a better idea of where you want to go and when, the next big challenge for many is deciding where to stay. After all, there are a plethora of operators, lodges, and camps to choose from.
There are 3 main types of housing you’ll encounter for safari. These options offer a tradeoff between comfort and flexibility for unpredictable wildlife viewing.
- Lodges – These are permanent structures which provide the most similar experience to typical hotels. They have communal areas, amenities, and generally provide a more luxurious living arrangement.
- Tented camps – These are a step down in comfort as they are usually varying levels of a glamping type of experience. However these camps are usually set up for the season and have more infrastructure than a mobile camp.
- Mobile camps – These are the most basic of options, with a focus on getting visitors as close to nature as possible. They may not even have a fixed location, instead changing each season based on factors like migration patterns. You’ll sacrifice creature comforts for the flexibility of being situated for optimal game viewing.
Understanding lodging rates:
- Rates often vary based on season, so low/shoulder season is when you’ll find the most favorable pricing
- You can book double or single occupancy, but often rates are quoted at a per person, per night basis
- Generally rates are all-inclusive of food, drink, and even laundry service (though alcohol/premium alcohol may be exclusions)
In our next installment, we’ll cover tips for on packing for safari vs. what you can expect to be provided by your accommodation.
And if you’re ready to plan your safari adventure, we recommend working with a travel advisor who’s connected to local operators due to the potentially complex nature of these trips. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you are looking for a travel advisor for your next safari.
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