Your First African Safari: Complete Planning Guide

“A safari is not simply a journey into the wild. It is a chance to discover how much wonder can exist beyond the ordinary.”

Contents

Why is your first African safari so unique?1. Choose the right safari destination 2. Decide when to go 3. Save for your safari budget wisely 4. Select the proper safari accommodation 5. Understand what a safari day is really like 6. Learn how to plan a safari with the right guide 7. Pack for comfort, not just photographs 8. Be ready for the unexpected 9. Think about travelling with children 10. Travel responsibly Your first safari: a journey worth taking FAQ

Welcome, dear travellers, to the start of an adventure that could change the way you see the world.

The first morning in Africa is an experience you’ll never forget. The sky is still bright, the air is a little chilly, and the landscape waits to breathe. Afterwards, a giraffe emerges out of the golden grass. Elephants are walking towards a waterfall. Your guide directs you towards the trees and at that moment the silence is filled with life.

That’s what the first-time safari is all about. It’s not just about encountering iconic wildlife. It’s about paying attention to the little things: tracks in the dust, birds calling out from the branches, the changing light, the way the wilderness moves at its own pace.

However, before you get to that beautiful moment, there is one thing that you need to ask yourself: How are you going to plan a safari that you will feel good about for your holiday?

The solution is not just finding a country and a lodge in that country. The first step of a memorable safari is to know what you want to do, when you want to go and how you can do it comfortably while still enjoying the adventure.

So in this guide I will give you some of the basic information on how to plan your first African safari, from start to finish, including the choice of destination and what to expect on those game drives. It’s akin to your friendly safari planning guide, designed to help you travel with confidence, curiosity and with a hint of excitement as to what you’ll discover.

Why is your first African safari so unique?

Your first safari is different from an ordinary holiday. You are not simply visiting a place; you are experiencing a living landscape.

It doesn’t take long to see an hour unfold where family of elephants drinks at a waterhole before you realize that the best part of the day was seeing a tiny chameleon cross the road. You may expect to encounter a lion, but you’re equally captivated by the animal tracks your guide reads.

But that uncertainty is part of the beauty. The experience of nature isn’t on time.

The best safari also allows you to journey at a more leisurely pace. Once you start to see the rhythm in the bush, you are not in a hurry to get anywhere else. Morning, breakfast, a quiet afternoon and evening game drive can be the best part of your day.

Chances to meet and share with local communities, education on conservation and the importance of protecting these wild areas are all an integral part of the first safari for many travellers.

1. Choose the right safari destination

Africa is a continent, not one single safari destination. The experience of wildlife varies from country to country, and your travel style and what you want to see will determine which country is best for you.

South Africa

Perfect for first-time visitors looking for a balance of wildlife, comfortable lodges, and convenient transportation. The popular starting point is Kruger National Park.

Kenya

This is a great option for those who want to see the big cats, savannahs and the famous wildlife landscapes of the Masai Mara.

Tanzania

Perfect for people with dreams of seeing the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and all the wild animals in the open.

Botswana

If you prefer to enjoy a more peaceful and private safari, particularly enjoying wildlife from a riverboat along the Okavango Delta or Chobe, then this is a beautiful choice.

The key is not to select an area just because it is well known. Pick one according to your travelling habits.

South Africa might be a good choice for a relaxing introduction to safari, though before booking, you should check GOV.UK’s South Africa travel advice for the latest safety, visa, and entry requirements. Kenya or Tanzania may be the best options if you’re looking for an endless stretch of grasslands and some great shots of wildlife. For those looking for a more leisurely and serene journey, Botswana might be the destination of choice.

When making a booking ask yourself:

Will I want to see the Big Five?

Is there an interest I would prefer to have more, for example elephants, big cats, birds or landscapes?

Do I want to go to a busy wildlife area or a more tranquil wilderness?

Would I like to combine safari with a holiday to the beach or city?

Is it a family holiday, a romantic getaway or an adult-only experience?

These questions will assist you in picking a safari which is personal instead of popular.

2. Decide when to go

The first thing you need to know about first – time safari is that Africa has seasons and each one is different.

The dry season is sometimes a very favoured season, since animals may congregate around water, making them easier to see. The grass may also be shorter, providing you with a better view of the landscape.

But the wet season is not without its beauty. The bush gets greener, the air fresher and there are many places that welcome young animals and migrating birds. For those who like photography or the thrill of dramatic skies and a less crowded atmosphere, it can be a great time to travel.

There is no ideal month for all safaris. This will depend on where you’re going and what you’re looking for.

Before you make your plans, read our Best Time to Go on Safari guide to get a more in-depth look at their travels.

A simple way to think about the seasons

Season	What you may enjoy
Dry season	Often easier wildlife viewing around water, cooler mornings, and popular game-drive conditions
Wet season	Green landscapes, fresh scenery, baby animals in some areas, and fewer crowds in certain parks
Shoulder season	A balance of changing weather, wildlife opportunities, and potentially quieter travel

Remember that weather can vary between countries and parks. Always check the conditions for your exact destination before booking.

3. Save for your safari budget wisely

A safari is an exceptional holiday and the price ranges can differ significantly depending on the country, where you stay, how long you go for and what activities you choose.

Fortunately, there are safaris available for all types of budgets. It’s not always necessary that the most costly lodge is the best one to stay in for an unforgettable trip.

One good way to begin is to determine what is important to you. Do you prefer to pay more for a gorgeous lodge, a longer safari, or a private car? Or would you prefer a less complicated stay that will let you spend more time in the park?

If you’re comparing prices, consider more than just the headline price. See if your package contains:

Park entry fees
Game drives
Accommodation
Meals
Transfers
Guide services
Domestic flights or road transfer
Additional activities

If you want more detailed budgeting information, you can check our guides on South Africa Safari Cost, Kenya Safari Cost, Tanzania Safari Cost and Botswana Safari Cost which go into more detail about the various travel styles.

Just a little bit of planning will make the whole thing smoother.

4. Select the proper safari accommodation

The place you stay at can make a huge difference in the vibe of your safari.

Others prefer the comfort of a Lodge that overlooks the bush, has a swimming pool and a stunning dining area. Others have a taste for a tented camp where nature’s sounds are part of the adventure.

If you’re taking a first time safari, I would recommend choosing accommodation that allows you to enjoy the wilderness while still having a comfortable base to come back to.

Consider:

Location: Does the lodge have a proximity to the park areas you wish to visit?
Comfort: Does it provide the amenities that you require?
Atmosphere: What kind of lodge would you like and what kind of camp?
Activities: Are game drives and other experiences included?
Transfers: How easy is it to reach the accommodation?

It is not always a luxury room that makes for the best safari experience. It’s sitting out with a cup of tea, watching the light change over the trees.

5. Understand what a safari day is really like

The typical safari day starts early. Your first game drive can begin before sunrise as animals tend to be more active in the morning, when it’s cooler.

It is possible to leave your lodge before the sun comes up, and watch as the landscape comes to life. You can come back for breakfast or rest after a couple hours in the park, before travelling back out again later in the day.

Evenings can be magical, in particular. The night time animals start moving, the light turns golden, the air cools down and the bush starts to change.

Here’s a sample schedule:

We can also go game driving in the early morning.
At late morning, breakfast and relaxation.
Afternoon: Lunch, rest, and/or optional activities.
Second game drive (late afternoon).
At the end of the day it is time for dinner and a chance to enjoy the lodge.

This is one of the reasons safaris are so special, as it is a slower pace of travel. Not just checking off attractions! You are letting the day go by.

6. Learn how to plan a safari with the right guide

Your guide can have a significant impact on the experience.

A good guide tells more than just about animals. They will give you insights into the topography, track reading, animal behaviour and the meaningful experience.

When selecting a safari, enquire about:

The guide’s experience
How many passengers will be in the vehicle?
If you choose a shared safari, which operators are permitted to run it?
How many passengers are in each car/van/bus?
The type of safari, e.g., viewing wildlife, taking photos, or both
If you meet the animals you didn’t expect, what do you do?

A private car will be more flexible, but a shared car can be nice to make new acquaintances.

If this is the first time you are travelling on a safari, it is better to hire a safari company that promotes safety, responsible safari viewing and good communication.

7. Pack for comfort, not just photographs

One of the most frequent errors on your first safari is packing too much!

It is not necessary to buy an all-new set of clothes. Wear comfortable clothes that are suitable for the weather and allow you to enjoy your day.

Beige, khaki, olive and brown are all good options when it comes to neutral colours because they go with the terrain. Light layers come in handy on cooler mornings and warmer afternoons.

Read our guides What to Wear on Safari and African Safari Packing List for details on what to pack.

Do not forget:

Comfortable walking shoes
A light jacket or fleece
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Reusable water bottle
Binoculars
Camera and spare batteries
Any personal medicines you need

If you like taking photos, you can read our Essential Safari Gear Guide or Best Camera for Safari to help you be prepared without the extra weight of unnecessary equipment.

8. Be ready for the unexpected

Safari is not a zoo, and that is its beauty.

Unfortunately, not all the animals you want to see are available. There will be some days when sightings occur and others when they don’t. But any drive can be memorable if you’re silent.

You may find a lovely bird you have never seen before, see a herd of zebras as they approach the road or see the morning light on the grass.

Don’t judge the success of your safari just on the number of animals you’ve seen. The experience is one of ‘here’.

Often the most useful first time safari advice is as easy as:

Be patient.
Follow your guide.
Keep your eyes open!
Enjoy the landscape.
Respect the animals.
Allow for the unexpected.

9. Think about travelling with children

A safari can be a great family trip, but it is a good idea to select the right place and plan.

While some lodges allow children on drives, others have age limits for game drives. Drive length, travel time and accommodation can also be a factor.

For the whole family, our Safari with Kids and Family Safari Guide guides can assist you in finding the perfect experience for you and your family.

Sometimes it is better for families to have a shorter safari stay at a comfortable lodge and then have a few activities planned to extend their time in Africa rather than overloading them with too much in a single trip.

10. Travel responsibly

Yes, a beautiful safari should be a responsible one.

Select operators who will do the right thing for wildlife, the local community, and park regulations. Prevent situations that promote harmful or unsafe interactions with animals.

Simple decisions can have an impact:

Maintain a safe distance from animals.
Follow your guide’s instructions.
Avoid feeding animals.
Do not litter.
Support local businesses where possible.
Discuss the conservation programme during your stay.

Safaris can be enjoyed responsibly, keeping the special places for future generations.

Your first safari: a journey worth taking

Making your first trip to Africa can be a daunting task at first but once broken down in small steps it can be even more achievable.

Select where you want to go, when you want to go, how much money you’re willing to spend and where you plan to spend it. Then, get ready for the journey: waking up early, watching the golden sunsets, enjoying the quiet hours and the chance to witness something extraordinary.

But don’t forget, your first safari is not exactly about perfection, but it is all about unforgettable moments.

At times, the best moment to recall would not be the one spent with a lion, but rather the one spent with your own reflection. The unexpected elephant beside the road or the bird you had to identify or the quiet evening when you knew you were where you were supposed to be.

For those up for something more, keep reading our Ultimate African Safari Holidays Guide for ideas on the most extraordinary safari destinations in Africa.

The adventure starts before you even arrive at the Park. It starts as soon as you decide to go.

Our safari planning checklist for you.

Choose your destination
Decide the best season for your trip
Set your budget
Select accommodation
Book flights and transfers
Check travel documents and entry requirements
Prepare your packing list
Choose a responsible safari operator

Welcome to Africa, welcome my friends. Your first safari can be the start of a lifelong love of the wild and the ultimate world holiday vibes.

FAQ

1. Which country is best for a first-time safari?

South Africa is excellent for a relaxed and comfortable beginning, Kenya and Tanzania are perfect for wide open grasslands and authentic safari experiences.

2. When is the best time to go on safari?

The dry season is ideal for viewing animals around the water holes, and the wet season allows for green landscapes, baby animals and less people.

3. What should I wear on a safari?

Choose light, comfortable, neutral-coloured khaki, beige and olive or brown clothing and pack a light jacket for cool mornings.

4. What does a typical day on safari look like?

Typically, days begin before sunrise with an early morning game drive, a rest period at the Lodge and a second safari drive in the late afternoon.

5. Are safaris suitable for families with children?

Yes, but you’ll need to adhere to similar lodge age restrictions and select parks that are kid friendly and have shorter drives and comfortable lodging.

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