African Safari - Compare 7,266 Tours

4.8/5 – 82,149 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. This well-known quote by Richard Mullin is so very true: ‘The only man I envy, is the man who has not yet been to Africa – for he has so much to look forward to’. 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!

1-20 of 7,266 African Safari Tours & Holidays

7 Questions About African Safari Tours

Expert

Answered by

Harriet Nimmo

Harriet is a zoologist with more than 20 years’ experience working in conservation communications. She has traveled extensively throughout central, eastern and southern Africa, and has visited most of Africa’s national parks at least twice.

› More about Harriet

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.”

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 makes a good option. The private reserves bordering Kruger National Park can almost guarantee sightings of the Big Five. 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.”

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 May, and the short rains from approximately October to 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 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant). 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.”

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 down time. 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 accommodation in the dark, using a spotlight to look for nocturnal 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 (only active at night) 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. ”

How much will this safari cost?

Reviewed: Jun 9, 2023

Easy to book and well organized

5/5

Great safari! Booking was easy and Hyrax clearly communicated what would happen. I was able to contact them through WhatsApp when I ran into a travel difficulty on the way to Kenya. My guide, Jeff, was amazing. He found animals other guides...

Full Review

All 82149 Safari Reviews

Cookie Settings

Manage Cookie Settings

Functional cookies

Analytical cookies (anonymous)

Advertising and social media cookies

Your Safari

Tour Length

Rates in USD $ – Change Currency

Starting From

Comfort Level

Private or Shared Tour

Safari Type

Operator Rating

Specialized Tours

Other Tour Features

Filter by Operator

Filter by Accommodation

Operators From

African Safari - Compare 7,266 Tours

5-Day Semi Luxury Private Safari in Kenya

4-Day High End Luxury Safari to Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru

4-Day Exotic Tanzanian Luxury Safari

5-Day Gorillas Chimpanzees and Wildlife Safari in Uganda

3-Day Masai Mara Classic

5-Day Short Holiday Package to Uganda – Gorilla Trekking

3-Day Fly-in Safari for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

8-Day Safari (Including Serengeti) & Zanzibar Extension

4-Day Gorilla and Kibale Chimps Trekking Safari

13-Day Zanzibar & Selous / Nyerere NP - (Bs710B)

3-Day Mara Budget Joining Safari

6-Day Mt Kilimanjaro Meets Masai Mara Expedition

3-Day Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park

3-Day Masai Mara Budget Group Joining Safari

3-Day Exciting Masai Mara Safari- Daily Departures

6-Day Rwanda Chimpanzee and Golden Monkey Trekking

6-Day Best of Kenya Safari

8-Day Mana Pools - 4x4 Safari with Driver

4-Day Luxury Uganda Gorilla Safari

9-Day Ultimate Safari Experience Comfort

Related Searches

7 Questions About African Safari Tours

Answered by

Harriet Nimmo

7 Questions About African Safari Tours

Why should I choose an African safari tour?

Which are the best African countries for going on safari?

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

What wildlife can I expect to see?

What does a typical day look like on safari?

How much will this safari cost?

What should I consider when choosing an African safari tour?

Safari Reviews

Fabulous and extremely knowledgeable guide cm driver who hav patiently explained each & every aspect

Grand, Magical!

best vacation ever !!

Amazing tour, friendly and attentive tour guides.

Best company and guide ever

Easy to book and well organized