How to choose an African safari
Many of us have held the dream of going on an African safari.
However, with 15 countries to choose from, and thousands of safaris at wildly different prices (unfortunately none of them especially cheap) it can be difficult to know which one to choose.
In our quick guide to African Safaris below we’ll help you narrow down the options. Of course there are different safari destinations, but you might not know that there are also ten very different types of safari.
Here’s the low down:
Luxury lodge safari
These lodges can range from those with just half a dozen luxury bandas (typically separate thatched rooms for two) to lodges with up to about 100 rooms. All have luxury en-suite bathrooms, and many have huge wooden beds, separate verandas and pools. After your morning and evening game drive you’ll be able to relax in comfort and enjoy superb food that would put many 5* city hotels to shame.
Luxury lodge safaris are usually tailor-made to your requirements, and don’t come cheap. Depending on the destination you might for example to spend 2/3 days each in several lodges. The lodges are super efficient at transferring guests between them and will take care of this.
A word of advice here, packing in lots of lodges with just a day in each is not a good idea. We’d recommend at least two, often three nights, in each lodge. Really getting to know the guides becoming familiar with the local area often pays dividends.
Some good examples:
Kenya luxury camp safari
Big game safari Tanzania
Botswana safari, lion conservation
Zambia safari, Giraffe itinerary
Malawi safari, tailormade
Campi Ya Kanzi, safari lodge in Kenya 
Bush camp safari
The safari as we know it now was really derived from the old hunting safari where the great white hunter set up tents as they followed the game across country. The modern bush camps are often semi-permanent luxury tents on raised platforms with high beamed thatched roofs. What’s extra special about them is your proximity to nature and the wildlife – lie in your bed at night with the noises of the African night in your ears! Some good examples:
Tanzania safari camp
Big cat safari in Kenya
Masai Mara luxury safari Walking safari
There is nothing like getting out of foot to track game. While you will not be able to get as close as in a vehicle, or see as much, its entirely feasible to see some wonderful game and also many of insects, plants, trees and birds that you never see from a land-cruiser.
You’ll be accompanied by a highly qualified guide, and most often by an armed scout from the National Park. Your safety is paramount and taken very seriously by your tour company. It’s best to combine a few days walking with normal vehicle safaris where you can cover more ground. You’ll learn how to track, listen and even use your sense of smell to locate the game – the ultimate safari thrill! Many are based from luxury lodges – as above – you can either do day walks, or longer 3 – 4 day walks (your gear will be transported ahead for you and camp set up in advance).
There are only a few special places in Africa where walking safaris are possible. Some good examples:
Kenya walking safari
South Luangwa safari in Zambia
Full selection here Safari and beach combination
Your typical safari involves some pretty early morning starts (5.45am rise) to see the game at dawn. For me the best way to enjoy your African safari is to start with a big game safari, then retreat to the stunning Indian Ocean beaches for a few days to relax at the end. Some good examples:
Selous safari and Zanzibar holiday
Tanzania wildlife, people and beach holiday
Kenya safari and Zanzibar beach holiday
Maasai safari and Lamu Island holiday Self drive
Many African safari destinations are difficult to drive yourself around. They require plenty of time, patience, an (expensive) 4 wheel drive, and in places a guide to help you get the most out of your trip.
However Namibia and South Africa do have good roads and tourist infrastructure and are suitable for self drive safaris. Your tour company can help you plan your trip, and book up overnight accommodation for you, leaving to hit the road with a sense of true adventure. Some good examples:
Garden Route holiday
Self drive holidays in South Africa
Namibia self drive safari Small group safaris
Travelling in a small group, typically of 12 – 16, and an experienced guide is a very enjoyable and cost effective way to see some of the highlights that would far harder to organise on your own. You’ll also meet some new liked minded people to share your adventures with. These trips are suitable for couples and those on their own – each trip will vary but on average there tends to be a 50/50 split between couple and singles. Some good examples:
Okavango Delta safari in Botswana
Tanzania safari
Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure
Botswana and Zambia holiday Wilderness safari
Of course all safaris take place in pretty spectacular and remote parts of Africa. However if you really want to experience Africa away from everybody else then they are a few special places where this is possible. You’ll need to accept that while it’s possible to see all the game that you might see in a smaller popular park you might need to work harder, and drive longer, to find Game in these places – however it will be all the more rewarding when you do. Some of these trips involve an internal flight in a small plane to reach the area. These trips suit either those who crave the splendour of isolation, or maybe those who have been to other more popular Parks and are looking for something different. Some good examples:
Selous Game Reserve & Mafia Island holiday
Tanzania safari camp Tribal cultures and wildlife
The traditional safari focuses on big game, however many of us become interested in the local cultures and people who live in safari areas. For me no safari is complete without spending some time with local people on equitable terms. Many of these people are from remarkable tribal communities. You might to reads more about our tips on visiting tribal communities here. Some good examples:
Kenya safari, Masai Mara safari
Tanzania wildlife, people & beach holiday
Namibia self drive safari Conservation volunteering
If conservation is your passion then you might want to consider either volunteering for some conservation work, or a type of safari which involves you spending time with field conservationists. By doing the latter you will gain unsurpassed insights into conservation work and issues, and part of the cost of your trip will support the conservationists work. This type of trip has been pioneered by one of our members, some example can be found here. Some good examples:
Wildlife holiday in South Africa
Botswana safari, lion conservation
Desert Elephant conservation in Namibia
Wildlife conservation & community projects, East Africa
Full selection here Family safari
Rather than read about Elephants at school or watch Discovery Channel why not take your kids on safari. There are a small number of companies that cater especially for families, however your child will need to be typically 5 years or over. These trips are either run by a specialist family guide, where you will join with 3 or 4 other families, or some can be tailor-made for your requirements. Some good examples:
Family safari in Tanzania, safari & spice
Family holiday to Kenya
Family adventure holiday Kenya
Kenya family safari
Botswana family safari
Full selection here