In late August 2024, Brett and I flew to Kenya for our first African safari, a bucket list dream come true. Many of you agreed because I’ve never received so many DMs on my Instagram about our adventures. As dreamy as it was, arranging your first African safari can feel overwhelming and like a massive undertaking. So today, I’m back to share the ultimate guide on how to plan an African safari.
Where to go on an African safari?
Africa is the second-largest continent, consisting of 54 countries. With so many destinations, I recommend narrowing it down based on your interests. For example, visit Kenya or Tanzania to see the wildebeest migration or the Big 5. Or maybe you’d prefer gorilla trekking, in which case, head to Rwanda or Uganda. If you’re open to any experience, decide where you go based on when you want to go.
When is the best time to go on an African safari?
This vast continent is diverse, so the best time to visit varies depending on where you go. We went to Kenya from late August through early September (the dry season, considered the best time for game viewing). Brett and I both hoped to witness the Great Migration, but unfortunately, we didn’t catch any crossings. It’s a reminder that since it’s the wild, we can’t control the animals, and the unpredictability is part of the thrilling experience.
How long should a first African safari be?
The length of the safari can be dependent on budget and desired experience. With our budget and PTO, we went on a seven-day safari, ending with three days at the beach. In a separate post, I shared our exact itinerary, including where we went, where we stayed, and what we did.
How much does it cost to go on an African safari?
Unfortunately, it’s one of the most frequently asked questions with no firm answer. Many factors influence prices, including the level of luxury for accommodations, destination, and time of year. If budget is a concern, I suggest considering the shoulder months rather than sacrificing lodging location (inside the parks are generally more expensive but worth it).
What does a typical African safari day look like?
Typically, expect a wake-up call at dawn, followed by caffeine, before heading off on a morning game drive with a knowledgeable guide. Breakfast is served afterward at the lodge or maybe even in the bush.
Days are yours to lounge at the pool, get massages at the spa, and relax. There may also be opportunities for cultural immersion, like visiting a traditional Maasai village or walking safari excursions.
Then, in the late afternoon, there is a second evening game drive when animals wake up from their afternoon nap and are ready for action again. After that, there’s usually time to freshen up before dinner. On special occasions, lodges may include a celebration or gathering at a boma closure for dinner, which is fun and unique.
How far in advance is needed to plan an African safari?
I recommend allocating a year if possible, although I understand that spontaneous opportunities sometimes arise. We procrastinated after booking flights, and unfortunately, numerous lodges I would’ve loved to stay at sold out for our dates.
Is it necessary to book with a tour operator?
As someone who has never used a travel agent and planned a 3-week Italy and Paris honeymoon herself, I can’t imagine planning my first African safari without a tour operator. Especially since we visited more than one lodge/destination, it’s practically mandatory to use a knowledgeable, specialized tour operator who can help create a personalized itinerary based on an individual’s interests and knows the region well.
What else to consider before booking?
- Consider the exclusiveness and remoteness of each lodge. At one destination, we stayed in a game reserve, which was more intimate (only guests staying in the conservancy lodges can enjoy wildlife viewing there) than going to the national park, where a dozen vehicles could crowd around one animal. In my itinerary, I elaborate on the pros and cons of each—though I recommend staying at a conservancy lodge and going to the national park for a day trip for two different experiences, if possible, especially for a first safari.
- Having a private vehicle is ideal and was my top priority because we could observe the animals for as long as we wanted without feeling rushed and prioritize our interests without worrying about what other guests wanted to see.
What vaccines and visas are required?
Vaccines and visa requirements depend on where you decide to go. We went to Passport Health, which advised us on recommended versus required vaccines. If traveling between countries, ensure proper vaccinations—for example, we didn’t need the yellow fever vaccine going directly to Kenya; however, Kenya requires vaccination for travelers arriving from a country with a risk of transmission. Also, since malaria is a risk in Kenya, we did take Malarone.
Kenya specifically requires an electronic travel authorization (eTA), which is pretty simple to do online. You can apply up to three months before your trip and should do so at the latest 72 hours beforehand.
What to pack for an African safari?
Stay tuned for a separate detailed blog post about what to pack.
What is the tipping guidance?
Although tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s customary to tip the safari guide roughly $10-20 per person per day, which can be handed directly to the guide at the end of the trip to show appreciation for excellent service. It’s personal discretion to tip bartenders, porters, room attendants, and servers, but $1-5 per move/sitting is appreciated. You can also add tips to the final bill, and the lodges will distribute to all staff members.
While planning an African safari can feel intimidating, it’s worth the exciting, unique travel experience. I hope you found this guide helpful in planning your first African safari. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments, and I’ll do my best to answer. xo
Otherwise, browse some of my other travel posts to inspire your next trip:
Hotel Review: Staycation at Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
The Ultimate Summer Staycation: An Arizona Biltmore Review
Top 10 Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii
Los Angeles, California Travel Guide
Flagstaff, Arizona Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore
The Ultimate Havasupai Guide: Everything for a Successful Trip
A Local’s Travel Guide to St. Louis, Missouri
Why You Need to Add Clear Lake, Iowa, to Your Summer Bucket List
One Day in Bisbee, Arizona Itinerary
36 Hours in Boulder, Colorado: Ultimate Travel Guide
Golden, Colorado Travel Guide
Thanks to my talented husband for all the photos in this blog post.
Wow! This looks like a lot of fun! Thanks for this thorough guide on planning a safari in Africa!
Great guide! I visited Kenya for safari in March 2023 and had a great time. Definitely agree — gotta do this with a tour operator!
Wow! Your pictures are amazing! We would love to do an African saffari but had no idea where to start planning. This guide is great.
Safari is on my bucket list! Haven’t been to Africa though, thanks for the guide!
So helpful as we think about planning a similar trip!
Such a great post with so many tips on planning a safari in Africa. Have saved this to Flipboard for my trip next year.
Wow, this looks like an amazing trip. Safari has been on my bucket list for a while now. Thank you for sharing this guide. It is very helpful.
Love this guide! An African safari is high on my bucket list
My uncle travelled a lot and gushed about going there! It looks phenomenal! Is there any particular season you would recommend over the others?
For a Kenyan safari specifically, I recommend going between June and October, which is considered the dry season. xo
Wow, agreed to using a tour operator! African needs expert advice!
Great insightful post!
I would love to go on a safari but navigating the ins and outs of planning one feels so daunting. You’ve put together a fantastic guide to help alleviate that feeling!
Your photos are amazing! I’ll admit I’d never even considered a safari trip because it seemed so far out of reach, but your post really cleared up so much – truly so informative, thank you for sharing!
super jealous!! an African safari is definitely a bucket list item for me as well! this info will be useful for when i finally get to planning one 🙂
This is such a detailed and helpful post. Thanks for sharing.
I went on a day safari in Kenya a few years ago and it was an awesome experience.
Oh wow; what a fabulous experience!