Planning a Safari? Read This First.
A safari is one of the most powerful travel experiences you can have — immersive, emotional and deeply connecting. But with so many countries, seasons, camps and styles to choose from, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.
The truth is: there is no single “best” safari. The perfect safari is the one that reflects your interests, priorities and pace. Here are the key things to think about when planning a safari that best suits you.
1. Let Your Vision Define the Destination
Africa is wonderfully diverse, and each region offers something unique.
East Africa is famed for the Great Migration
Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe are lesser visited and offer extraordinary water-based safaris along with other unforgettable safari experiences and intimate, luxury camps
South Africa delivers variety, accessibility and excellent family options
Namibia combines wildlife with dramatic desert landscapes
Uganda & Rwanda to search for the last few remaining mountain gorillas
Whether you’re dreaming of the Big Five, exceptional birdlife or jaw-dropping scenery, the right country and even the right reserve makes all the difference. Your vision should always lead the way.
2. When Do You Want to Travel?
Timing is one of the most important elements of safari planning.
Dry seasons generally mean easier wildlife viewing and higher densities of animals around water sources.
Green seasons bring lush landscapes, newborn animals and fewer crowds
Are you hoping to witness the Great Migration? See baby animals take their first steps? Or enjoy vibrant, green landscapes with softer light and quieter camps?
I’ll help you choose the ideal time to travel so you experience the safari you’re imagining.
3. What Wildlife Matters Most to You?
Everyone comes to safari with different dreams.
You might be focused on:
Big cats and dramatic predator action
Elephants and rhinos
Rare species
Birding and biodiversity
By understanding what excites you most, I can recommend specific parks, reserves and camps where your chances of the most important sightings are highest.
4. What Style of Safari Experience Do You Want?
Safaris aren’t one-size-fits-all — and that’s what makes them so special.
You might be drawn to:
Classic game drives
Walking safaris
Water safaris
Horseback safaris
Family-friendly experiences
Ultra-luxury lodges
Rustic, adventurous camps immersed in wilderness
The style of safari shapes how you experience the bush, and I’ll help you find the one that feels right for you.
5. How Long Do You Have?
Safaris are best enjoyed unhurried.
I usually recommend 3–4 nights per lodge, allowing you to settle into the rhythm of the bush and avoid feeling rushed. Travel times between camps — especially in East Africa — can be long, so thoughtful pacing is key to a relaxed and rewarding journey.
6. Where Would You Like To Stay?
Accommodation plays a huge role in how your safari feels.
From tented camps and classic lodges to eco-retreats, each offers a different atmosphere:
Some focus on wellness, relaxation and spa treatments
Others are all about raw, remote wilderness
I’ll help you choose places that not only suit your comfort level but also enhance your overall experience.
7. What’s Your Budget?
Safari pricing varies widely, and understanding what’s included is essential.
Game drives, conservation fees, transfers, meals and guiding standards all impact value — not just the headline price. I’ll make sure you have a clear picture so your budget is working hard for the experience you want.
8. Consider the Conservation Ethos
Many safari camps actively support wildlife protection and local communities.
Choosing the right lodges means your holiday can contribute to long-term conservation and positive impact — something I believe is a vital part of responsible travel in Africa.
9. Would You Like to Combine Your Safari with Another Destination?
Safaris pair beautifully with other experiences, such as:
Cape Town
Victoria Falls
Zanzibar
Mauritius
Whether it’s a city, culture or beach escape, combining destinations can create a truly balanced and unforgettable journey.
Your Safari, Thoughtfully Designed
A safari is a bucket list, and often a once-in-a-lifetime holiday so it’s really important to carefully consider these questions to get this right for you.
Planning a safari is about more than ticking animals off a list. It’s about creating an experience that feels meaningful, personal and deeply memorable.
If you’d like help arranging a safari that truly reflects you, I’d love to guide you through every step — from first ideas to the moment you hear lions calling in the night.
Hi, I’m Tina, your personal travel consultant.
Whether you're planning a relaxing getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, I’m here to take the stress out of travel so you can focus on making memories. With 12+ years of experience, I’m here to help you navigate the planning process, uncover hidden gems, and create a seamless itinerary tailored just for you.
Ready to plan your dream trip? Get in touch today. I’d love to help you make it happen!