When & Where

Embarking on an African Safari is more than a journey; it’s the realization of a quintessential travel aspiration. Whether it’s the longing to witness a sublime Serengeti sundown, the natural wonder of the annual migration in the Masai Mara, or the majestic spectacle of the Okavango Delta, an African Safari embodies a dream for many travelers, often kindled during their youth.

Yet, Africa’s allure extends beyond the safari. This diverse continent presents a myriad of experiences, catering to adventurers of all ages and those seeking various degrees of excitement. The choices are abundant and rich in variety, reflecting Africa’s multifaceted character. For those new to the African landscape, the selection might appear overwhelming, a challenge laden with uncertainty about the perfect fit for their desires and expectations.

As experts in African exploration, we stand ready to guide you through this vital decision-making process. By addressing some fundamental questions, we aim to clarify your preferences and align them with the experiences that would best resonate with your personal interests. In doing so, we ensure that your African Safari becomes not merely a trip but a profound connection with a land teeming with beauty, wonder, and endless possibilities.

Budgets – both time and money

How long do you have to travel?

A journey to Africa from North America is indeed a substantial undertaking, involving several time zones and considerable distance. Travelers embarking on this adventure should account for a minimum of three days dedicated solely to travel, factored into the overall ‘time budget.’

Furthermore, it’s not uncommon for travelers to explore a brief stopover en route to Africa. Given that many flights transit through European hubs, an extended layover in cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt might be an enticing option, and often at a modest additional expense. This interim pause not only offers an opportunity to adjust to local time zones but also serves to alleviate the lengthy journey, enabling travelers to arrive in Africa refreshed and invigorated.

In crafting an enriching African experience, it’s recommended to allocate no less than three weeks, inclusive of travel time. Naturally, this duration may vary based on individual preferences, the locations one aspires to explore, and the overall budget for the excursion. Planning with these considerations in mind ensures a pleasurable and fulfilling African journey, tailored to meet your unique expectations and desires.

Planning a Budget

A journey to Africa represents an unparalleled travel experience, yet it requires prudent financial planning, as it is not typically considered a destination for the budget-conscious traveler. Nevertheless, various options cater to differing financial capacities, permitting a range of experiences from more economical choices to luxurious indulgences. Regardless of your selected tier, there are common financial considerations that will inevitably be part of your comprehensive travel budget:

• Airfare. Airfares from North America can typically run in the $2000 – $2500 range, depending on season and routing.
• Visas. Entry requirements differ among African nations. It’s imperative to consult our destination guides for current information on visa requirements and associated costs.
• Vaccinations and precautions. Ensuring that vaccinations are up-to-date is essential, and costs may vary widely depending on individual needs. If visiting areas with malarial risks, specific precautions may be advised. Consultation with a local travel health clinic is recommended for tailored guidance.
• Travel Insurance. Mandatory for all passengers journeying with our tours, proper medical insurance must cover emergency evacuation and repatriation. Comprehensive insurance, encompassing trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage coverage, is often considered a prudent investment for additional peace of mind.
• Gratuities. Acknowledging the services of your guide and lodge staff with gratuities is a customary practice. A general budgeting guideline of approximately US $15-30 per day is appropriate for most safaris.

In selecting your ideal safari experience, mindful consideration of these factors ensures a well-orchestrated adventure that aligns with your expectations, preferences, and budgetary considerations.

Where To Go?

Selecting the optimal destination for your African adventure is a fundamental consideration in crafting the safari that aligns with your preferences. The illustrious Serengeti National Park in Tanzania often springs to mind, and a combined journey through Kenya and Tanzania is commonly regarded as the quintessential wildlife expedition—and justifiably so. Yet Africa’s vast and diverse landscape houses many other nations, each offering unique wildlife experiences intertwined with alternative activities that may resonate with your interests. It’s paramount to reflect on your destination, weighing the merits and potential drawbacks of each, to curate a safari that fulfills your expectations and resonates with your travel aspirations.

What is Your Focus?

When contemplating the selection of the right country or amalgamation of countries for your African exploration, the fundamental question to address is identifying what holds the utmost importance to you. Is your quest solely anchored in experiencing the grandeur of wildlife, or are you enticed to infuse elements of local culture, hiking adventures, urban exploration, or other engaging activities into your holiday itinerary? Clarifying the core of what you seek from your overall travel journey is instrumental in guiding you towards the perfect region and the safari that resonates with your aspirations and fulfills your desires.

East vs. Southern Africa

The question often arising at the beginning of planning an African safari is the choice between East or Southern Africa. This pertinent question is invariably shaped by the prime objective of your journey. Should wildlife constitute the essence and perhaps the sole focus of your excursion, the expansive plains of East Africa, marked by the Serengeti and the Masai Mara, abundant with fauna, present unparalleled wildlife encounters. Though East Africa’s landscapes may undergo striking transformations depending on the span of the territory you traverse, game drives predominantly constitute the main activity.

Contrarily, Southern Africa, although perhaps not universally acknowledged as a region as abundant in wildlife as East Africa, proffers a more multifaceted experience, contingent on your selected destination.

For instance, Botswana, with the mesmerizing Okavango Delta, affords safaris by game vehicle alongside alternative explorations such as game walks, canoeing safaris, boating safaris, mokoros (traditional dugout canoes), or even fishing.

Namibia showcases commendable game experiences, particularly in the salt pans of the Etosha National Park, in addition to some of the continent’s most picturesque rugged splendors, from the Skeleton Coast’s shores to the Namib Desert’s ochre-hued dunes.

South Africa, aptly referred to as ‘the world in one country’, encompasses not merely superior game viewing within its extensive national parks system and innumerable private reserves but much beyond. From the urbane charm of Cape Town, with world-class infrastructure and shopping, to adjacent exquisite wineries and the Drakensberg Mountains’ rugged beauty, offering unmatched walking and trekking experiences. Moreover, the famed ‘Garden Route’, stretching from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, and the availability of malarial-risk free safaris in its private reserves present diverse opportunities and considerations.

In conclusion, the allure of Africa extends far beyond wildlife. Deliberate meticulously on your vacation aspirations. To aid you in selecting the optimal country, we have assembled a convenient matrix below that categorizes the best nations depending on your focal interests. Should you harbor multiple reasons for your journey, locate that intersection within the matrix where these interests converge. Africa’s richness awaits to align with your unique preferences and unfold a journey tailored to your desires.

When to Go?

The timing of your journey to Africa is fundamentally influenced by the prevailing weather patterns. However, the decision should not be solely dictated by climatic considerations. There are periods often regarded as off-season that might present appealing opportunities. These can be less crowded times and potentially more economical, adding unique facets to your experience that may align with your travel preferences and budget.

Seeking Game

For those aiming to immerse themselves in a wildlife adventure, it’s generally advisable to embark on the journey towards the conclusion of a dry season, be it the long or short variation. The rationale behind this timing lies in the natural reduction of vegetation and the shortening of grasses during these periods, which facilitates more accessible game spotting. Moreover, in times when water becomes a rare commodity, animals are likely to gather around the region’s watering holes. This congregation makes their location more predictable, enhancing the quality of your wildlife experience.

The Great Migration

In the expansive regions of East Africa unfolds one of the globe’s most incredible natural phenomena: the Great Migration. This event sees wildebeest and zebra numbering in the hundreds of thousands traverse the plains in a cyclical pattern across the borders of Kenya and Tanzania. A map detailing the general flow of the migration, broken down by month, can provide a visual guide. If you aspire to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle, our suggestion is to venture to the Masai Mara in Kenya, where the concentration of game elevates the experience to something truly profound. While it must be recognized that wildlife movements carry an inherent unpredictability, and thus no concrete guarantees can be offered, the period from late July to late September typically provides the best opportunity. For the most optimal chance, consider planning your visit between mid-August and mid-September.

Choosing A Shoulder Season

Opting for a journey during the shoulder season can be richly rewarding. At this time, the rains, if they have arrived, are often minimal and fleeting. Moreover, you’ll discover that the roads are less crowded with travelers, ensuring that your wildlife encounters are not overshadowed by a throng of vehicles jostling for position around the animals. Significant financial advantages can be found during this period, too, as many properties dramatically lower their rates. This reduction may allow you to either ease your budget or extend the duration of your unforgettable African adventure.

Consider Other Nationalities

Europeans constitute a significant portion of travelers to Africa, with a marked preference for visiting during the northern hemisphere’s summer months, specifically June through August. During this period, especially in Southern Africa, pre-booking well in advance becomes vital, and you’ll find that prices are at their highest. Intriguingly, this peak period does not necessarily align with what is traditionally regarded as the optimal time to explore the region. Therefore, should you manage to avoid these crowded months, you’re likely to have more exclusive wildlife opportunities and probably save some money as well.

There Is No Rule

While the information we’ve shared about the best times to travel, including a useful weather guide above, serves as a general guideline, please bear in mind that it’s only that—a guideline. Weather patterns can be capricious, and planned touristic events can influence the actual conditions on the ground. For more detailed information on the climate conditions specific to each country, you can consult any of our destination guides.