First Time on Safari | Where to Go, How Long, What to Expect

First Time on Safari?

We know. The safari world can feel daunting at first. So many destinations, so many options and a huge variation in pricing. It is difficult to know where to start.

That’s why the simplest place to start is often a quick, no-obligation call. Ask questions, bounce ideas around, and we’ll help you narrow the choices fast. (Obviously, we’re hoping that this website will also help.)

Why not chat over the phone with us?

Prefer to read first? Here are the key decisions that will make everything easier.

1. Where should you go on your first safari?

It’s almost impossible to recommend one wildlife destination above another; each has its own charm, “special” sightings, and outstanding guides.

For many first-time visitors, these are excellent starting points:

South Africa

A brilliant all-rounder with the broadest range: from world-class game lodges in private reserves (including some non-malarial options), to more affordable safari options. It’s also easy to combine a few safari nights with time in Cape Town, the Winelands, Whale Coast or the Garden Route.

Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia

Iconic safari countries: beautiful scenery, pristine wilderness, and huge wildlife experiences. All with the added attraction of Victoria Falls.

East Africa (Tanzania and Kenya)

Both offer the classic safari imagery: vast plains, big herds, and (at the certain times) the Great Migration. It pairs beautifully with time on the Indian Ocean coast or Zanzibar.

And if you already have a specific interest: gorillas, big cats, photography, birds, waterfalls, beaches – almost any of our destinations can work for a first safari with the right planning.

Helpful next clicks:

Guide to our Top Safari Destinations

Explore Sample Safaris

Once you’ve decided on a country or area, check out our sample itineraries. This is a great way to understand routings and pacing, specific excursions and realistic costs.

Download our Free Safari Planning Guide

20 pages of Useful Tips: Best time to Travel, Safari Costs, How to Get Around, Special Interests and more… Get our Free Guide

2. How long should you spend?

Because flights to Africa are long, (and safaris are a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many), it’s usually best to allow at least 10–12 nights in the country/region you’re visiting. Focus on three (max four) different destinations. Leave the rest for another time. (And there will be another time!)

Ideal for most people: 12–14 nights
If you have the time: 2½ to 3 weeks can be wonderful. And long-stay offers sometimes mean the extra nights don’t add as much cost as you’d expect.

A key factor here is mode of travel:

A fly-in safari lets you see more in a shorter time-frame.
A self-drive trip (especially in Namibia) needs more time to feel relaxed and enjoyable.

See: Mode of Travel

3. Choose your safari style (the 3 choices you may not realise matter)

These three pages answer most “first time” questions:

Mode of Travel (fly-in safaris vs private touring by road vs self-drive vs a mix)

Types of Safari Accommodation (lodge vs tented camp vs mobile, and what “luxury” really means in the bush)

A Day on Safari (what you actually do, and the rhythm of drives, walks, downtime and sundowners)

Mode of Travel

Types of Safari Accommodation

A Day on Safari

4. Private or Group Travel?

Many people see a group tour and assume that’s “how a safari works”. In reality, only about 5–15% of safari travel is done as part of a group.

In nearly all cases, we recommend private travel – especially for families or groups of four or more, where the cost differential is often much less than you may expect.

Why we recommend private touring:

the itinerary is tailored to your interests
you can choose where you stay
there’s some flexibility in day-to-day pacing (within reason)
and crucially, you can include less touristy areas

If you’re travelling solo, or as a couple, and want to keep costs lower, group travel can be one option. But in South Africa or Namibia only, it’s worth also looking at self-drive or a mix of private touring or transfers with some self drive.

Check out: Mode of Travel of Travel above.