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Embarking on your first African safari is a thrilling and transformative adventure. The allure of vast landscapes, majestic wildlife, and rich cultural experiences beckon travelers from around the globe. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the African bush, witnessing the breathtaking sunrise over the savanna, and embarking on game drives that bring you face-to-face with nature’s most magnificent creatures.
A safari is not just a holiday; it’s a journey that changes you as a person. It draws you closer to nature, offering a profound sense of relaxation and connection. The true essence of a safari lies in its ability to immerse you in the raw beauty of Mother Nature, compelling you to pause, reflect, and gain a new perspective on life. This trip will change your perspective on life.
Africa offers a tapestry of dream destinations, each with its own unique charm and allure. From the iconic plains of the Serengeti to the vibrant wetlands of the Okavango Delta, the continent’s diverse ecosystems promise a safari experience like no other. Whether you’re captivated by the prospect of tracking the Big Five, witnessing the Great Migration, or simply soaking in the serene beauty of the wilderness, Africa’s wonders await your discovery.
However, planning a safari can be as complex as it is exciting. The myriad of choices—where to go, what to see, when to travel, and how much to spend—can be overwhelming. But fear not! With the right guidance, you can navigate these decisions with ease and confidence.
To help you embark on this unforgettable journey, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide addressing the most important questions for first-time safari-goers. Let’s dive in and explore the essentials for planning your maiden safari adventure.
Selecting the perfect safari destination hinges on your unique preferences. Whether you crave dramatic landscapes, prolific wildlife, or rich cultural encounters, Africa's diverse regions offer something for every adventurer. Here's a crucial tip: avoid cramming too much into one trip. A rushed itinerary won't do justice to Africa's splendor. Begin by choosing between East Africa and Southern Africa. Each region offers unique activities and wildlife. This initial decision is crucial.
East Africa
Renowned for its sweeping savannas and iconic wildlife spectacles.
Serengeti National Park (Tanzania): Home to the legendary Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebra traverse the plains in search of greener pastures. This spectacle is one of nature's most incredible displays.
Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya): Another prime location to witness the Great Migration. The Maasai Mara also offers intimate cultural experiences with the Maasai people, who have lived in harmony with the land for centuries.
Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this massive volcanic caldera is teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo).
Southern Africa
Offers diverse ecosystems and luxurious experiences.
Okavango Delta (Botswana): A unique inland delta with lush landscapes and abundant wildlife. Mokoro canoe safaris through the delta's channels offer a tranquil way to view animals like hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Kruger National Park (South Africa): One of Africa's largest game reserves, Kruger boasts an impressive array of wildlife and well-developed infrastructure for visitors. It's ideal for self-drive safaris and offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly campsites to luxury lodges.
Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe): Known as "The Smoke that Thunders," this natural wonder offers thrilling activities like white-water rafting and helicopter flights over the falls.
For first-timers, starting to plan a safari may feel overwhelming due to the sheer amount of choice. The biggest destinations in terms of infrastructure, variety of parks, breadth of lodges, and big-five habitats are South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Before interrogating an operator or going down a Google rabbit hole, it can be helpful to start with vision-boarding the basics.Vision-Boarding Basics
What do you seek?: Is it a classic Big Five East African safari or something wilder and more undefinable?
Desired Feelings: Ask yourself what you are seeking from the trip and how you want to feel. Write down the wish list and get as specific as possible.
Focus: Is it important to have the best guides in Africa and to sate your thirst for knowledge? Or is the focus sumptuous lodges and a soft landing, as much as wildlife?
Additional Activities: Will the safari be combined with Robinson Crusoe-style beach-time, or an epicurean road trip? Or is the dream to drill down into the different habitats of a single country, with a camp in each region?
Do you crave the bloody drama of the great migration that passes through the Serengeti and Mara ecosystems every July and August? Or is the answer a long chopper ride far away from CB radios and mobile reception, in a pop-up tent with a private guide? Is your ideal of wilderness the brutal expanse of the Kalahari? Or is the ideal landscape a watery delta, deep jungle, dense bush, or grassy savannah?
Our answer to “How much does a safari cost?” is probably the most complicated of all. Further questions we need to ask to work out the cost of your safari include:
- How many people are travelling?
- Do you have any specific hobbies?
- When do you want to travel – high, low, or shoulder season?
- What level of accommodation are you looking for?
Change one detail to your answer to any of the questions above, and it could change the cost drastically – sometimes by thousands. Below, we set out a very rough price guide. Please note, these prices, shown in pound sterling, are provided per person on a week-long trip (6 nights/7 days) to our Top 4 safari destinations:
After reading the above, you probably have a few ideas about where you want to go, what you want to see, and how much it could cost. The next stages of actually planning the safari are long and complicated. But this is where the Royal Safari Collection steps in!
So, why choose the Royal Safari Collection? The biggest challenge in planning your first safari is gaining confidence in the right company to arrange your holiday. While many competitors claim to have experience, all of our consultants have been either professional safari guides, camp managers, or were born and raised in Africa. Our travel experts have worked for the top companies, providing the finest accommodation on the continent. There's simply no substitute for our extensive on-the-ground experience when it comes to designing the best safaris.
Our industry awards underline our expertise and recognition within the travel industry, but the best first step is to give us a call and talk with our experts. This will ensure you feel comfortable and confident that we will plan an epic first safari with you.
Contact us to arrange a convenient time for a call. However, be warned – safaris are seriously addictive. This may be your first safari, but it's very unlikely to be your last!
