How to Plan your First Safari to Africa
Taking a safari is a great way to experience animal adventure and nature in general. You don’t have to be a seasoned traveler to enjoy a safari. In fact, it can be an exciting adventure on its own when you prepare for it.
When planning for your first safari, the most common question people ask are;
What are the top African countries for safaris? Is it safe? What should I carry? What about the accommodations and prices? Thankfully, I have written this article to answer all your questions.
Before you set off on your first safari, here are some things to consider;
Safaris are safe and you will have an amazing safari if you book with the right safari booking company. My top three countries that you should visit for your safari are Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. You are guaranteed of seeing the Big Five, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, rhinos, and the wilder beast migration.
The Best Months to Book A Safari
If you are going on a safari in Tanzania and Kenya the best month to book your trip is January because it is the driest season hence, animals are normally out of their habitat. Meanwhile, if you are having a Safari in South Africa, the best month to book your trip is between June and September.
However, if you want to experience the wildebeest migration in East Africa I would suggest you book your trip between July and October. The migration normally occurs at Mara River and most of the safari companies around the area will make sure you experience this phenomenon and magical migration.
Safari Packing Guides: What to Pack and do before your Safari.
- Passport, itinerary, and hotel/camps bookings.
- Suitcase
You will need your suitcases to pack all the clothes, shoes and any other items you will need for the safari.
Pack light and warm clothes because sometimes, you might be going for an early morning safari, which can be chilly and you may need some warm clothes.
Here is an example of which clothes to pack
Assuming you are going for a 7 days Safari, I would suggest you carry at least;
- Seven pairs of shorts, t-shirts(these are ideal for game drives).
- 3 summer dresses are perfect for sundowners or when chilling at the hotel sites.
- Pants such as sweatpants and sweatshirts or warm sweaters for a chilly morning or evening game drive.
- 4 pairs of PJs or sleeping clothes.
- 4 pairs of sneakers/lightweight runners, 2 sandals.
- A Hat and sunglasses.
- A Medical Kit.
Note: Wear neutral clothes if you are having your Safari in Tanzania because according to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention you might encounter tsetse fly which is attracted to bright colors and might cause African trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness). Apparently, there is no vaccine for African trypanosomiasis hence, you might want to take this caution.
- Backpack
Make sure you have a Backpack or soft duffle bag. The bag will be important when you need to carry items for your game drives like snacks, water, your passport, and a sweater when it gets chilly.
- A Hip Pack to accommodate your phone, power bank, and sunglasses.
- A Padded Camera Bag if you are planning to take your camera for beautiful Instagram pictures and videos of your safari.
- A Camera with good lenses.
Note: I recommend carrying a Day bag, Hip pack, or any other bag with a color or design that won’t get dirty easily. The reason I recommend such is that most of the time the safari sites are dusty with lots of bumping, hence, you don’t want to carry a white bag that would easily get dirty.
- A Binocular to help you zoom in and see animals that are far.
- Make sure to get vaccinated for yellow fever and malaria vaccines.
Hotels/Camps/Accommodations
- Tanzania
Four Seasons Safari Lodge (Serengeti)
If you want to experience luxury while on your Safari I would highly recommend Four Seasons Safari Lodge. The place is located within Serengeti National Park, therefore you will get to have an amazing view of antelopes, giraffes, and wildebeests if you book their special rooms. Can you imagine waking up to such a view? This is the kind of luxury you need in your Safari. Their staff is also welcoming and amazing, and their accommodations are great.
- Kenya
Ishara is one of the luxurious and beautiful camps located in the Masai Mara National Reserve. As a guest, you will have a great opportunity to see animals just within your campsite because of its location. They offer personal tour guides, game drives, accommodations, meals, and professional photography services.
- South Africa
Kapama Buffalo Camp
Kapama Buffalo Camp is located right at Hoedspruit, in South Africa. All meals, accommodations, and game drives are included when you book with them. Their staff is friendly and their services are also good. If you want to enjoy the game drives and an amazing wildlife experience. Kapama Buffalo Camp is for you.
Safari Booking Companies
BookAllSafaris
BookAllSafaris is your go-to safari booking company if you want to experience the Safari of your lifetime. They have amazing deals that you should not miss. Their packages will guarantee you accommodation, transport, meals, and an experienced tour guide throughout your Safari.
Here is a selected list of packages
- Kenya
7-Day Amboseli, Maasai Mara, Hell’s Gate, Lake Naivasha, and Lake Nakuru Safari in Kenya
| No of People | Prices | Packages |
| 1 | US$465 | Shared twin room(Shared various accommodations – Tented camps) Activities 1. Boat ride in Lake Naivasha. 2. Visit Amboseli National Park and Maasai Mara. 3. See the Big Five, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, and rhinos. 4. Transport in a minivan with pop up roof 5. Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 6. Nights accommodation. |
| 2 | US$930 | Private twin room (Shared various accommodations – Tented camp). Inclusive of all the activities mentioned in the first column. |
- Tanzania
6 Days Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater Camping Safari Tour in Tanzania
| No of People | Prices | Packages |
| 1 | US$800 | One Private Tent Activities 1. Daily game drives at the Parks. 2. Full-day tour at Ngorongoro Crater. 3. Transportation in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof. 4. See The Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo). 5. Visit top parks in Tanzania: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire 6. 3 nights camping accommodation + 2 free hotel accommodation in Arusha 7. Daily meals and 1.5 Liters of drinking water per Day 8. Free airport transfers. |
| 2 | US$1,600 | Two Private Tents. Inclusive of all the services mentioned in the first column. |
| 3 | US$2,400 | Three Private Tents. Inclusive of all the services mentioned in the first column. |
- South Africa
3 Days Budget Safari, Kruger National Park, South Africa
| No of People | Prices | Packages Offered |
| 1 | US$453 | Private double room (Shared lodge). Activities 1. Game drives in Kruger national park 2. Get to see the big five, elephants, and other wildlife. 3. Guided safaris by experienced guides 4. 2 nights accommodation Transport included Great meals. |
| 2 | US$774 | Private double room (Shared lodge – Twin Rooms available upon request). Inclusive of all the activities mentioned in the first column. |
| 3 | US$1,162 | Private double room (Shared lodge – 1 x double room; 1 x single room). Inclusive of all the activities mentioned in the first column. |
Note: In case you want to extend your tour you can always email the company and they will adjust rates per your extended days.
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