African Safaris

Before going on my African safari, I spent months researching every detail—where to go, what time of year was best, which safari type suited me, and how to balance my budget with the experience I wanted. I read countless reviews, compared tour operators, and even second-guessed my choices a few times. Now that I’ve been, I can confidently say that all the planning paid off.

Seeing wildlife up close, watching the Great Migration, and experiencing the vast African landscapes was unlike anything I imagined. But there were things I wish I had known beforehand that could have made the trip even smoother.

If you’re planning your own safari, here’s what I learned from my experience and what I’d recommend to make the most of your journey.

Key Points About African Safaris

• Choosing the Right Safari Length and Style: A longer mid-range safari (14-17 days) offers a more authentic experience, while a shorter (7-12 days) all-inclusive African safari vacation provides more comfort and ease.
• Best Locations for a Safari: Kenya and Tanzania offer top-tier safari experiences, including the Great Migration. If you’re still deciding, here’s a list of the best places to go on safari in Africa.
• Private Reserves vs. National Parks: Private reserves offer exclusivity and fewer crowds, while national parks provide iconic landscapes and abundant wildlife.
• Key Considerations for Your Trip: Timing, accommodations, budget, and must-have experiences can shape the quality of your safari.
• Must-Do Experiences: Game drives, night safaris, hot air balloon rides, and cultural encounters with the Maasai can make your trip unforgettable.

Tour Operators I Used

Choosing the right safari operator was key to making my trip seamless. I booked with Natural World Kenya Safaris in Kenya and Tanganyika Expeditions in Tanzania, both of which had great reviews and delivered excellent service. The guides were knowledgeable, ensuring I had the best wildlife sightings while handling all logistics smoothly.

Booking directly with a local operator saved money compared to international agencies, and everything from park permits to accommodations was arranged efficiently. I also met travelers who booked with &Beyond and Asilia Africa for a luxury experience. If you prefer an all-inclusive, high-end safari, companies like Elewana Collection or Singita are worth considering.

Personally, I’d stick with local operators again for their personal service and flexibility.. I booked with Natural World Kenya Safaris in Kenya and Tanganyika Expeditions in Tanzania, both of which had excellent reviews and delivered a fantastic experience. The guides were knowledgeable, ensuring I had the best wildlife sightings while taking care of all logistics.

Booking directly with a local operator saved me money compared to international agencies, and everything—from park permits to accommodations—was handled seamlessly.

I also met travelers who booked with &Beyond and Asilia Africa, which cater to those looking for a more high-end, luxury experience. If you want all-inclusive service and top-tier lodges, companies like Elewana Collection or Singita are worth considering.

Lessons From My African Safari

After months of research and planning, I finally experienced my first African safari, and it exceeded all expectations. Choosing the right safari can be overwhelming, but now that I’ve been, I can confidently say that a well-planned trip makes all the difference.

Here’s what I learned and what I’d recommend to anyone considering a safari.

Choosing Between Mid-Range and Luxury Safaris

I debated between a mid-range, longer safari (14-17 days) and a shorter (7-12 days) all inclusive luxury safari. After experiencing my trip, I can confidently say that both options offer unique benefits, and the right choice depends on what kind of experience you want.

• Mid-Range Safari (14-17 days): This option allowed me to spend more time in the wild, staying in a mix of tented camps and lodges. It felt immersive, and I appreciated the chance to visit multiple parks and conservancies. There were days when the drives were long, but they were always filled with incredible scenery and unexpected wildlife encounters. If you want a deeper connection with nature and don't mind the rustic charm of tented camps, this is a fantastic choice.
• Luxury Safari (7-12 days): While I didn’t choose this option, I met travelers who did, and they had an entirely different experience. Private reserves with high-end lodges offer exclusivity, high comfort, and top-tier service. Many of these lodges provide guided walks, night safaris, and gourmet meals. If you prefer a more relaxed pace with a bit of indulgence, a shorter luxury safari is a great way to experience Africa’s wildlife without sacrificing comfort.

Looking back, I don’t regret choosing the mid-range option because it gave me more time in the wild. If you’re unsure, you can check how much safaris cost to see what fits your budget best.

Best Places to Go on Safari

I visited Kenya and Tanzania, and I’d recommend them to anyone, especially first-time safari-goers.

My top highlights were:

• Masai Mara (Kenya) – The abundance of big cats was incredible. I stayed in a conservancy outside the main reserve, which allowed for night drives and fewer crowds.
• Serengeti (Tanzania) – The sheer scale of wildlife here is something you have to see to believe. It’s also one of the best places to witness the Great Migration.
• Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania) – This was one of my favorite stops because the density of wildlife inside the crater was unparalleled.
• Amboseli (Kenya) – Seeing massive elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background was unforgettable.

One destination I considered but ultimately decided against was Kruger National Park in South Africa, specifically the self-drive option.

While the idea of driving myself sounded appealing at first, I wanted a more immersive experience with expert guides who could spot wildlife, explain animal behavior, and take me off the main roads to see more elusive species.

For my first safari, I wanted a more guided experience with fewer distractions, which is why I ultimately chose Kenya and Tanzania instead.

If you want to time your trip around the Great Migration, check out this guide to plan the best season.

Private Reserves vs. National Parks

One of the biggest decisions I had to make before my trip was whether to focus on national parks or private reserves. After experiencing both, I can say they each offer something unique, and the right choice depends on your priorities.

• National Parks (Masai Mara, Serengeti) – These are world-famous for a reason. The landscapes are breathtaking, and the sheer volume of wildlife is staggering. However, in peak season, it can feel crowded, especially when multiple safari vehicles gather around a big sighting like a lion kill. If you want the iconic African safari experience with the best chance of witnessing the Great Migration, national parks are the way to go. The downside is that you’re limited to staying on designated roads, so if an incredible sighting happens just out of reach, there’s nothing you can do.
• Private Reserves – These feel more exclusive and intimate. There are fewer vehicles, and guides have more flexibility to go off-road, which led to some of my best wildlife encounters. I also loved being able to do night safaris—something that’s not allowed in national parks. That said, private reserves often have higher price points, and while the wildlife is still incredible, they don’t always have the same density or migration events that the big national parks offer.

If I were to plan another safari, I’d split my time between both. The national parks provided those bucket-list, awe-inspiring moments, while the private reserves gave me a more relaxed, immersive experience with fewer crowds. If you have the time and budget, I highly recommend mixing both into your itinerary to get the best of both worlds.

Must-Do Experiences on an African Safari

From my experience, these are the things that made my trip unforgettable:

• Game Drives – The early morning and sunset drives provided the best wildlife viewing by far. I quickly learned that most animals are more active during these times. Morning drives were especially rewarding because predators like lions and leopards were still moving before the heat set in. Sunset drives, on the other hand, had a completely different atmosphere. If I were to do it again, I’d make sure to prioritize these golden hours and not waste them on long transfers between camps.
• Hot Air Balloon Safari – I didn’t do a hot air balloon safari myself, but I met people who did, and they absolutely loved it. Seeing the Serengeti from the air was described as breathtaking and well worth the extra cost. If you want a unique perspective on the vast landscape and wildlife, this is an experience to consider.
• Night Safari – This was one of the most thrilling experiences of the trip. Seeing nocturnal animals in action under the cover of darkness was right out of a movie for me, and it gave me a completely different perspective on the wildlife. It’s only possible in private reserves, which made it feel even more special and exclusive.
• Cultural Visits – Meeting the Maasai felt a bit staged and touristy to me. While I appreciated the opportunity to learn about their traditions, the experience felt overly curated for visitors, and I couldn't shake the feeling that it was more of a performance than a genuine cultural exchange.

Planning an African Safari from Cape Town

If you’re starting from South Africa, you might be surprised to learn that true African safaris aren’t possible directly from Cape Town. While there are some private game reserves in the Eastern Cape, they don’t offer the same scale or wildlife density as East Africa’s national parks. For a real safari experience, you’ll need to travel to Kruger National Park or other reserves further inland.

If you’re considering a safari from Cape Town, check out this guide to African safaris from Cape Town to explore what’s available.

Additional Safari Planning Resources

If you’re deep in planning mode, you might also find these guides helpful:

• African Safari Animals List
• African Safari Hotels
• African Safari Countries
• African Safari Honeymoon Ideas
• Safest Country in Africa to Visit

Going on an African safari was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. The research was overwhelming at first, but it paid off in the end. Whether you go for a mid-range or luxury safari, make sure to plan ahead, choose the right season, and experience both national parks and private reserves. If you get the chance to do this, take it—you won’t regret it.

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