Planning an African Safari: What You Need to Know for the Trip of a Lifetime
- Craig Howes
- May 1
- 5 min read
There’s something about Africa that gets under your skin. Maybe it’s the sound of lions calling in the distance as you drift off under canvas, or the early morning chill as your 4x4 hums across the golden savanna. Whatever it is, planning an African safari isn’t just about booking a trip — it’s about preparing for one of the most transformative journeys you’ll ever take.
Planning an African Safari
As someone who’s spent years chasing sunrises through the bush, I’ve learned that the magic of safari begins long before you board the plane. So if you’re dreaming of your first African adventure, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from timing and destinations to choosing the right experience for you.
When Is the Best Time to Go on Safari?
Safari isn’t a one-size-fits-all season. The "best time" depends on where you're going and what you want to see.
General Rule:
Dry Season (June–October) is ideal for most countries. Wildlife gathers around water sources, making it easier to spot.
Green Season (November–March) brings lush landscapes, baby animals, and fewer tourists — perfect for photographers.
By Region:
Botswana: Best from May to October (Okavango Delta floods).
Kenya & Tanzania: July to October for the Great Migration. (See Kenya vs Tanzania: which is better for Safari)
South Africa: May to September for Kruger and Eastern Cape.
Uganda & Rwanda: Dry seasons (June–August, Dec–Feb) are ideal for gorilla trekking.
Tip: Consider combining peak safari season with shoulder months in Cape Town or Zanzibar to balance weather and crowds.
Where Should You Go on Safari?
Africa is vast. Think of it as a continent of safari styles, rather than a single homogeneous experience.
Classic Big 5 Destinations:
Kruger National Park, South Africa – accessible, excellent for first-timers.
Masai Mara, Kenya & Serengeti, Tanzania – drama-filled wildlife spectacles.
Chobe or Okavango Delta, Botswana – luxurious, remote, plenty of predator action and water-based safaris.
Unique Safari Experiences:
Personal Take: My heart belongs to Botswana’s Okavango Delta. There’s nothing quite like gliding through papyrus-lined channels in a mokoro with just the sound of frogs and wind.
How Long Should You Go for?
7–10 days is a sweet spot for first-timers.
Combine 2–3 camps in different habitats for variety.
Allow time to decompress at the start or end — Cape Town, Nairobi, or the beaches of Zanzibar are great add-ons.
Tip: Travel in Africa takes time. Always build in buffer days.
First-Time Safari Tips: What Beginners Should Know
If it’s your first time on safari, here are a few key tips to enhance the experience:
Be open to the unexpected: Not every game drive guarantees a big sighting, but the quiet moments are often the most memorable.
Trust your guide: Their eyes are trained to spot what you’ll miss.
Less is more: Don’t cram in too many countries or parks. Go slow, go deep.
Ask questions: Guides love sharing their knowledge, from tracking lion prints to local customs.
Disconnect to reconnect: Safaris are a rare chance to unplug. Let nature recalibrate your senses.
What’s the Difference Between Safari Types?
Lodge Safari (Most Popular)
Private luxury or mid-range camps/lodges.
Guided drives, all-inclusive packages.
Mobile or Tented Camp Safaris
Immersive, often seasonal or semi-permanent.
Ideal for photographers or adventure seekers.
Self-Drive
Possible in countries like South Africa or Namibia.
Budget-friendly but requires confidence and planning.
Walking or Makoro (Canoe) Safaris
Up-close nature experiences with armed guides.
Found in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
Reddit Wisdom: Many recommend starting with a lodge safari before trying more adventurous types later.
How Do You Choose a Safari Lodge or Operator?
(We've written an article about the Best African Safari Tours
Check Reviews: Look for consistent praise for guides, food, and wildlife.
Ask About Sustainability: Does the camp support local communities or conservation?
What’s Included? Transfers, park fees, all meals, drinks?
Size Matters: Smaller camps often mean more intimate experiences.
Real Talk: Some of the most unforgettable moments come from the guide’s stories over dinner — not just what you saw on game drive.
Neutral Colors: Think khaki, olive, beige.
Layers: Mornings can be freezing, afternoons hot.
Binoculars: Essential for birding and distant sightings.
Camera: A good zoom lens makes a big difference.
Medication & Sun Protection: Mosquito spray, malaria pills (if needed), SPF.
Insider Tip: Leave the bright white clothes at home — they spook wildlife and get dusty fast.
Safari Planning Checklist: Step-by-Step for First-Timers
1. Choose your travel window✓ Decide on dry vs. green season based on your goals✓ Cross-check regional weather and wildlife patterns
2. Select your safari destination✓ Research countries and types of safari experiences✓ Consider travel time and logistics
3. Pick your safari type✓ Lodge, mobile, walking, self-drive — what suits your style and comfort level?
4. Book your camps/lodges✓ Compare options by size, location, inclusions, and sustainability values✓ Use trusted operators or safari specialists
5. Plan your route & add-ons✓ Map your itinerary (2–3 locations max)✓ Consider city or beach extensions like Cape Town or Zanzibar
6. Book flights & transfers✓ Check visa requirements and regional airports✓ Coordinate bush flight connections if needed
7. Pack appropriately✓ Neutral clothing, layers, good binoculars, camera✓ Travel documents, insurance, vaccinations, medications
8. Set your mindset✓ Leave room for the unexpected — that’s where the magic lives
About Us: Why Trust African Safari Mag?
At African Safari Mag, we've explored every corner of the continent — from the floodplains of the Okavango to the dusty tracks of Kruger and the lush forests of Uganda. We've reviewed it all: luxury lodges with private plunge pools, rustic bush camps that bring you close to the wild, budget-friendly self-drive safaris, and everything in between.
Our goal is to share real, first-hand experiences and help you cut through the noise with honest, insightful advice. Whether you're planning your first safari or your fifth, we’re here to help you make it unforgettable.
Watch our African Safari Magazine Podcast before Planning your Safari
Final Thoughts: Let Safari Change You
There’s a reason so many people return from safari saying it changed them. Maybe it’s the way time slows down, or how you start noticing the smallest things — a dung beetle rolling his prize, the early call of a hoopoe bird.
Whatever draws you to Africa, let it surprise you. Let it move you. And most importantly, plan just enough, but leave space for magic.
Ready to Go?
If you’d like expert help booking your dream safari — from lodge recommendations to crafting the perfect itinerary — head over to our Plan a Safari page. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
Start planning your African safari adventure today — or browse more guides, insights, and lodge reviews from real travelers at African Safari Mag.
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