How to Plan the Best African Safari Holiday

best african safari

The African safari has been around, in one form or another, for over a century.

Safaris began after the colonization of Africa by the British in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The African continent attracted two types. The first, naturalists like Thomas Ayres, came for the stunning wildlife. The second, big game hunters, saw the conquered continent as an opportunity for new trophies.

The safari of today is much more akin to what early naturalists would have imagined. It is a photographers paradise. But more than that, it is a living classroom to the curious minds of the world. A safari in Africa can be an immersive learning experience unlike any other.

But planning the best African safari can seem daunting. For the American or European traveler, Africa is literally a world away. How can you choose the best lodge, the best experience, and the best budget for you from such a distance? And most importantly, how can you do it ethically, without harkening back to the early days of colonization?

We have seven of the very best tips for planning the perfect African safari for you. And maybe we’ll cover a few things even the most conscientious traveler won’t have considered.

Read on to make sure you are planning the very best safari experience.

Tip 1: Don’t Go it Alone

This isn’t a trip to Disneyland, where, app in hand, you can book experiences and hope for the best.

African safaris are a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most and not one you want to leave to chance.

Safari specialists have often been in this business for decades. They know the area, the lodge owners, and the best of the best wherever you are headed.

And while yes, you do pay for a travel specialist, their expertise may actually end up saving you money. Often, these experienced planners know about unadvertised lodge specials or discounts that the do-it-yourself planner may not have access to.

They are also well-versed in planning every detail, so your trip carries less risk.

Using a travel planner can take a great deal of stress out of your safari experience, leaving you to enjoy the animals and natural wonder.

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Tip 2: Time it Right

When you think of a safari, it’s common to think of a two-week jaunt through the African savannah. And those trips do exist!

But really, you can do an amazing safari in only four days. Many experienced travelers will tell you that anything over seven is simply unnecessary.

If you want to make an extended trip, there is no shortage of diversions, no matter where you go. But don’t feel pressure to stretch your trip simply because it’s the “thing to do”.

Tip 3: Know Your Region

There seems to be a pervasive idea that Africa is one, analogous place, similar from north to south and east to west. This idea is so common that many think it doesn’t really matter where you go in Africa, you’ll get the same experience.

This is one of the largest myths out there, and can easily give you a trip you weren’t expecting, or ruin it altogether.

The continent of Africa is home to 54 countries, of which less than ten are safari destinations.

The four most common are Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, and South Africa, and while a safari in any one is stunning, they offer a beautiful diversity of habitats and animals. Each will be a unique experience.

Kenya, with its robust tourist industry, is a popular spot for safari-seekers. It is also rich in culture. The Kenyan Masai people are a nomadic tribe indigenous to the Serengeti. When urban sprawl began threatening their land, they began buying property to prevent their way of life from eliminated. Now, they lease some of this land back to lodges.

It is joked that South Africa is the “beginner’s safari”. Safari holidays in South Africa are great for the new traveler, it’s true but honestly, there is a good reason. With its paved roads, English signage, and enormous animal diversity, South Africa is a perfect choice for those wanting to see it all.

An addition to this list that often surprises new tourists is Tanzania. With its lush forests and sprawling savannahs, Tanzania offers all of the “Big 5” that tourists seek while also being consistently one of the least crowded options.

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Tip 4: Know When to Go

For a safari in Africa, the busy season is the African winter, between May and September. This is the dry season, and the animal viewing is prime during this time.

In late winter, between July and September, tourists can witness the river crossings of the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania. Millions of wildebeest and zebra migrate across the savannah during this time, and it is truly an awesome sight.

For the more budget-conscious, traveling during the off-season is an option. It is one that many do take, but keep in mind that if your draw is animal populations, you are more likely to see a greater variety in the busy season.

Something else to consider. When most people think of Africa, they think heat. And it’s true. Most of these safari locations do reach sweltering temperatures mid-day. But in the winter mornings and evenings, it can be downright chilly. Take a look at weather prospects and remember to dress accordingly.

Tip 5: Stay Ethically

Many resorts are finding more environmentally sustainable ways to operate their safaris.

But one of the most amazing developments is happening in Kenya, where lodges have begun leasing land directly from the Masai people. This means that money from the tourist and safari trade funnels back into local communities. This enriches the local economy while providing a stunning, once in a lifetime experience.

Tip 6: Don’t Skip the Shots

Any time you travel abroad, regardless of where you are going, it is important to take a look at the CDC vaccination page for travelers. The site lists vaccinations by country. Make sure you take a look before you go.

The CDC recommends Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccines for all travelers, as well as the standard MMR, DTaP, Varicella, Polio, and Flu.

For some travelers, your doctor also may recommend more vaccines. These may include Cholera, Hepatitis B, Yellow Fever, and Rabies, or anti-malaria medication.

It’s important to note that safari lodges have your health and safety as their primary concern. They are good at keeping guests healthy, and you are unlikely to run into contaminated food or water on the property.

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Still, it is better to be safe than sorry, as any one of these preventable diseases can easily ruin your trip.

It is also a good idea to schedule a visit with your physician for a simple physical. This ensures you are healthy enough to travel. You should also discuss any personal health issues that should be taken into consideration.

You’ll also want to check to ensure that any medication you are taking is legal in the country you are visiting. For some heavy painkillers or stimulant medication, such as for ADHD, you may need a medical certificate to bring it with you into the country.

Some medicines may not be legal in some countries at all. Benedryl is a common one here, as are a few other over-the-counter meds. Make sure you check with your travel planner or the local customs before you pack.

Tip 7: Venture Beyond the Lodge

It can be tempting, between game drives, to simply enjoy your lodge amenities. Have a drink by the pool, indulge in a massage at the spa, or simply relax with a book.

But Africa is rich with experiences, and many are not to be missed.

In Kenya, visit the Masai people upon whose land you are staying.

In South Africa, visit Johannesburg for a taste of African city life and history.

In Tanzania, a short trip to Zanzibar will have you relaxing on a white sand beach and enjoying the ocean.

There is so much to do in any of these amazing countries, so make time to see more than just the animals when you visit. You may even find yourself wanting to extend your trip!

Ready to Plan Your Best African Safari?

Africa is a continent of natural beauty and stunning culture. Visiting on safari is only the beginning of what it has to offer.

But for those seeking the best African safari, hopefully, these tips will get you well on your way.

Travel broadens the mind and the horizons, so don’t stop at Africa. For more on travel across our amazing world, take a look at our travel bucket list.