How to Plan Your First African Safari: A Complete Guide

Which country, which season, what budget and what to pack. Our safari specialists answer every question first-time safari-goers ask.

A first safari is one of travel's great thrills. But choosing between countries, parks and camps can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks it down.

Choose your country

• ✦Tanzania and Kenya: the Great Migration and classic savannah
• ✦Botswana: exclusive wilderness and the Okavango Delta
• ✦South Africa: Big Five safaris plus Cape Town and the Winelands
• ✦Rwanda and Uganda: mountain gorilla trekking

Pick the right season

Dry seasons usually mean better wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water. In East Africa that's June to October; in Southern Africa it's May to October.

How long should a safari be?

We recommend at least five to seven nights across two or three camps. Different areas offer different wildlife and landscapes, and moving camps keeps each day fresh.

The best safaris aren't about ticking off animals. They're about slowing down and letting the bush reveal itself.

What to pack

• ✦Neutral-coloured clothing in layers
• ✦A warm fleece for early morning drives
• ✦Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens
• ✦Soft duffel bag for light aircraft flights