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Southern Africa Safaris

4.9/5  –  130,356 Safari Reviews

Does an African safari feature on your bucket list? It should! Africa has so much to offer, from spectacular scenery, friendly people and cultural treasures to blissful beaches. But above all else, it is the wildlife and safari lifestyle that will draw you back, again and again. Once you go on your first safari, Africa gets into your blood. You develop a deep longing to return to this magical continent, and to start planning your next African safari holiday. Be warned, Africa is very addictive!

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7 Questions About African Safari Tours

1. Why should I choose an African safari tour?
2. Which are the best African countries for going on safari?
3. What time of year is best for going on a safari?
4. What wildlife can I expect to see?
5. What does a typical day look like on safari?
6. How much will this safari cost?
7. What should I consider when choosing an African safari tour?
 
 

7 Questions About African Safari Tours

Answered by Harriet Nimmo

Why should I choose an African safari tour?

“There are so many reasons to choose an African safari. Going on safari is an unforgettable experience, offering a heady mix of adventure, thrilling wildlife sightings, cultural encounters and spectacular scenery. It is a chance to escape the fast pace of the modern world. You’ll retreat to a simpler, more peaceful way of life, reconnecting with the daily rhythms of nature. For me, the wildlife sightings provide the adrenaline that keeps me coming back, time and time again. Who can ever forget their first sighting of an elephant in the wild or realizing just how tall a giraffe really is? And there is something so primeval when hearing the roar of a lion under a glittering night sky. Finally, going on safari can help protect Africa’s wild animals and wild places. The more paying visitors, the more local people are employed and the more incentive there is to protect Africa’s natural wonders.”

1

Which are the best African countries for going on safari?

“All the classic safari countries make wonderful destinations for African safari tours. These countries are Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and South Africa. Which country you choose may depend on whether you’d like to combine your safari with another activity. For example you may like to add some beaches and/or Zanzibar in East Africa. Or perhaps Victoria Falls between Zambia and Zimbabwe, or fine dining around Cape Town and the winelands of South Africa. If this is your first safari, South Africa is a good option. The private reserves bordering Kruger National Park can almost guarantee sightings of the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino). South Africa also has good infrastructure and excellent levels of service. However, you will not get the sweeping savannahs and ‘Out of Africa’ scenes here. For these you need to travel to Kenya or Tanzania. Of course, these two countries also offer the incredible wildebeest migration. Note though, you need to travel here at the right time of year to see this. Zambia and Zimbabwe should also be considered. They have stunning national parks, including South Luangwa and Hwange respectively. Both countries are slightly more off the beaten track with less mass tourism. Botswana perhaps feels the wildest of the safari countries, although this comes with a price.”

2

What time of year is best for going on a safari?

“The best time of year, and the peak season, for most safaris is the Dry season. This is when the bush is less dense, and the wildlife is drawn to waterholes. Generally the wildlife is easier to find and see at this time. The Dry season means bright sunny days, and cooler nights. Of course, as the Dry season is peak safari season, there are more travelers and prices are higher. Dry season generally falls from May/June to September/October. You may also wish to consider going during the Green season (also known as the Wet season or Emerald season). Although it may rain, often the showers are short downpours and then the sun comes back out again. It can be much cheaper to travel then, the bush is lush and green, and this is the breeding season for many of the animals. In East Africa, there are two Green seasons – the long rains between March and April or May, and the short rains from approximately late October or November into early December. In southern Africa the Green season is approximately from November to March. Temperatures can get very hot. Note that when it is wet there are more bugs and a greater risk of malaria.”

› Month-by-month review of the best time of year for a safari in Africa 3

What wildlife can I expect to see?

“When it comes to seeing wildlife while on safari, this is wild nature and nothing can be guaranteed. You may see plenty of animals, including the Big Five. But there will be game drives when you don’t see very much at all. That will make the sightings you do see all the more special. The joy of safaris, and what makes them so addictive, is that you just never know what you might see around the next corner. If you listen closely to, and learn from your guide, you’ll be able to enjoy all aspects of Africa’s wildlife. Everything from baobab trees to dung beetle, to chameleon and cheeky mongoose. Don’t forget to also focus on the birds, as even a very quiet game drive usually delivers some great bird sightings.”

4

What does a typical day look like on safari?

“All African safari holidays run to the same typical timetable. The best times to see wildlife, particularly predators being active, is at the beginning and end of the day. These golden hours at dawn and dusk are also the best times for photography. So be prepared for very early starts! You will usually be woken at dawn, and given tea, coffee, rusks or cereal. The aim is to get going on your game drive as early as possible at first light. The morning game drive usually lasts three to four hours, including a coffee and comfort break. You return to your camp or lodge for brunch. Then you are free to relax and take a siesta, or perhaps lie by the pool, during the middle of the day. It’s a good idea to bring something to read for this downtime. Later in the afternoon you will meet again for tea and snacks, before setting out on your second game drive of the day. This will usually include a stop for sundowner drinks, to watch the setting sun. The game drive then returns to your accommodations in the dark, using a spotlight to look for nocturnal (active during the night) animals. Evening meals are usually served just after returning to camp. In some countries night drives are offered after dinner at around 8pm. Such drives can be a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal wildlife such as genets. Unless you have paid for exclusive use, be prepared for sharing your game-drive vehicle with other guests. This can be huge fun (although sometimes you need to be quite tolerant). It is always a good idea to offer to swap around your seating positions during your safari.”

5

How much will this safari cost?

“The costs of an African safari can vary enormously. You could pay anything from US$125 to US$1,000 per person per night, sometimes considerably more. Safaris can be an expensive holiday, and you generally get what you pay for. At the budget end of the spectrum are African safari packages where you join organized tours, departing on set dates, with other groups of people. South Africa and Kenya offer some of the best value-for-money safaris. Your choice of accommodations will affect the cost of your safari. Mobile safaris, where you sleep in tents, are great for groups of friends or families traveling together. Some safari lodges have taken luxury to the extreme, with private plunge pools etc. That said, you will probably have the same wildlife-viewing experience if staying in a more rustic lodge. It’s a matter of deciding what features are most important to you. If your reserve or lodge is remote, getting there will also impact the price. To visit the Okavango Delta, in Botswana, you can only fly into the Delta. There are no road transfers, so this adds to the price of your trip. The Serengeti is accessible by road, but this is a long, bone-rattling journey. It’s much easier and more comfortable to take a quick trip in a small plane. Whatever the costs of your safari, if you’ve experienced good service, do tip generously. A few extra dollars or euros will make a huge difference to your guide or lodge staff.”

6

What should I consider when choosing an African safari tour?

“There are a lot of considerations to be taken into account when choosing an African safari tour operator. These include: If you are traveling with children, choose a family-friendly tour or lodge. In addition, you may prefer to choose a safari in a malaria-free area, for example in parts of South Africa. What type of safari do you want to go on? There are organized tours, departing on set dates, joining other groups of people. Or do you want an exclusive, tailor-made safari just for you? Are you happy to camp or do you want to stay in a luxury lodge? Your budget will probably determine your choices. Do you want to combine your safari with beaches, South Africa’s winelands, or a trip to Victoria Falls? This will help determine which country to choose.”

7

Safari Reviews

4.9/5 130,356 Reviews
Zsuzsanna  –  
Hungary HU
Reviewed: Jun 1, 2025
Amazing 4-day safari tour organized by Emanuel!
5/5

We had a fantastic 4-day mid-range safari tour organized by Crater Explorer. Everything was great, our driver and guide made our trip truly memorable. The lodges were chosen very well. It is a plus that we were picked up and dropped off at...

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MOI  –  
China CN
Reviewed: Jun 1, 2025
Unforgettable Safari Experience: Pallid Made Our Kenya Dream Come True!
5/5

During the May Day holiday, we went on a safari in Kenya, Africa. After a week of comparing options, we chose the local travel agency Pallid because their offer met our requirements, and the briefing they provided was highly professional at...

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Mohan Thomas  –  
Canada CA
Reviewed: Jun 1, 2025
A tour service that exceeded our expectations!
5/5

We had a great game safari in Botswana travelling from Maun to Kasane, passing through Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta and Kobe National Park. our driver, Doctor, was an excellent guide and a driver. He was relentless in his effort to...

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Steffen  –  
Germany DE
Reviewed: Jun 1, 2025
Ha was friendly, funny and he explain a lot, so I have learned a lot about the animals in Serengeti.
5/5

It was awesome! We saw so many different animals, and our tour guide Hamza was excellent. We had a great time — thank you for the well-organized experience

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Anna  –  
Germany DE
Reviewed: Jun 1, 2025
It was a dream - we will do it again!
5/5

Our driver Hamza was really helpful and with a lot of knowledge! It was a pleasure to had him on our side. We felt really welcome and enjoyed the whole trip. Spotting 4 out of the big five and a lot more animals☺️ Definitely do it...

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Y ing  –  
China CN
Reviewed: Jun 1, 2025
This safari operator in East Africa gets five out of five stars
5/5

I'm so lucky to have Xiaoxiao, Boss Alex, and Gabriel. Our safari trip in Tanzania was amazing and impressive. Xiaoxiao is like 24/7 customer service. She responds quickly, and she is an excellent planner. We are very happy with the...

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All 130,356 Safari Reviews