African Safari Travel Guide

An African safari is the ultimate adventure, and as you consider your dream trip, our top African safari tips can help you personalize your experience for an unforgettable wilderness vacation.

A perfect safari conjures images of remote regions that offer intriguing and breathtaking landscapes, where classic lodges and luxury tented camps sit, isolated from the busy world. Wildlife roams from the plains to the forests, and days start early, ending with captivating sunsets. Planned with meticulous attention to detail, you can experience the best of Africa by following our top safari tips.

Every safari can be personalized to your preferences and our African safari advice can help you as you work with a specialist to customize your wildlife adventures.

An African safari offers all ages the opportunity to embrace nature and wildlife by the most incredible means and our tips for planning the best family safari on the continent offer ideas that can seem exciting and, at first, a little daunting as you consider your trip.

From picking where to go to how long your journey should be to safety and comfort concerns, planning your family safari with kids perfectly is key. Understanding everyone's wants and needs, while also managing expectations, can help create the right balance for your African safari vacation with children.

These seven tips will prepare you to work with your safari specialist to create an African safari vacation that you and your family will never forget.

Botswana stands apart in the world of safari travel. The country has enshrined conservation in its constitution and offers a wilderness experience that is as exclusive as it is profound. This is a land of dramatic contrasts and immense, unfenced spaces, where the commitment to low-impact tourism has preserved some of the most pristine ecosystems on the African continent. The result allows you to witness wildlife thriving in vast, untamed habitats, far from the crowds.

The glory of a Botswana safari lies in its diversity. It will provide you with a journey that can be tailored to your dream. You can glide through the shimmering waterways of the Okavango Delta in a traditional canoe, traverse the stark, beautiful pans of the Kalahari, or witness the world's largest elephant herds along the Chobe River. This variety of landscapes gives rise to a dynamic range of experiences, from classic game drives and mobile camping to luxurious fly-in safaris, ensuring your adventure is rich, varied, and deeply personal.

Extraordinary travel begins with a human touch, and our destination specialists design every journey with care, insight, and personal attention. As you consider a visit to Botswana for a safari, let the following information guide you before connecting with our travel experts to help you plan your trip.

South Africa is often described as “a world in one country,” and for good reason. It is a destination of incredible diversity, where a single journey can encompass the thrill of a Big Five safari, the cosmopolitan energy of a world-class city, the beauty of a sun-drenched coastline, and the elegance of historic wine estates. This variety is South Africa’s greatest strength in offering a vibrant and multi-layered travel experience.

Choose the country for a safari vacation that is exceptionally flexible and customizable. You can tailor your adventure to your exact preferences, choosing between vast national parks and exclusive private reserves, or combining a rustic bush experience with a sophisticated city stay. Whether you are seeking a malaria-free family vacation, a romantic honeymoon blending safari and beach, or an in-depth wildlife immersion, South Africa provides a perfect and accessible platform for every kind of traveler.

Extraordinary travel begins with a human touch, and our destination specialists design every journey with care, insight, and personal attention. As you consider a visit to South Africa for a safari, let the following information guide you before connecting with our travel experts to help you plan your trip.

Synonymous with outstanding safari experiences, Tanzania boasts diverse landscapes and huge numbers of wildlife, and below we highlight 10 reasons you should choose the country for such an adventure.

Witnessing wildlife in famous and lesser-known game reserves and national parks is the highlight of such a trip, as is the Swahili tradition and culture found in every one.

Discover a variety of ways to enjoy your safari, from luxury lodges to humble fly camps. With the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar close by, enhance your experience by creating a bush and beach vacation that will leave you with lasting memories.

When you envision the classic African safari, you are likely picturing Kenya. It is the birthplace of the safari, a land where vast, sun-drenched savannas dotted with acacia trees set the stage for dramatic wildlife encounters. But the ultimate luxury safari experience in Kenya is found beyond the public reserves, in the exclusive private conservancies that border the legendary Maasai Mara.

The experience is defined by intimacy and exclusivity. A sighting that might attract dozens of vehicles in the main reserve is limited to just a handful, ensuring unhurried, respectful encounters. A luxury journey is further defined by curated moments, such as a hot-air balloon safari over the Mara plains at sunrise, culminating in a champagne breakfast, or a private bush dinner under a canopy of stars. It's all made possible by seamless fly-in logistics, with short, scenic flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport connecting you directly to remote bush airstrips to maximize every moment of your adventure.

Extraordinary travel begins with a human touch, and our destination specialists design every journey with care, insight, and personal attention. As you consider a visit to Kenya, let the following information guide you before connecting with our travel experts to help you plan your trip.

Whether you choose Kenya or South Africa, your safari itinerary will offer you a chance to experience an unforgettable adventure in the wilderness, discovering rich culture, inspiring scenery, and enigmatic wildlife.

Kenya is one of East Africa’s prime safari and beach destinations, boasting a rich Swahili culture and Maasai tradition. South Africa enjoys a dramatic coastline that wraps around the country, while also possessing landscapes and diverse cultures that match the wealth of its safari destinations.

Ultimately, whether you visit South Africa or Kenya comes down to personal preferences, but the following information can help you decide when planning your personalized Africa vacation.

There are many romantic honeymoon destinations in Africa for those looking to embrace adventure, safaris, history, and beach experiences with a romantic twist.

Enjoy the natural beauty of hidden landscapes and local culture, and witness breathtaking wildlife. Mythology captivates every visitor along the rolling sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, while historical trade routes reflect the combination of culinary traditions from India, Europe, and the Middle East.

There is no end to the exciting, surprising, and majestic destinations on the continent for a unique honeymoon, and the following list offers a few top destinations for an unforgettable experience.

The Great Migration in Africa is one of the greatest wildlife shows on Earth and we share where travelers can experience the spectacle, when to visit Africa for the Great Migration, how to see it, and the best time to book for it.

From the thundering sound of pounding hooves to the endless sea of parading wildlife, the wildebeest migration across the African savannas, bushveld, and plains is an unforgettable highlight of an East African safari that falls within the prime migration time. With smart planning and our travel advice, you can ensure a front-row seat to this extraordinary wildlife performance.

Discover the best places to view the migration, the right time to plan your trip, and more with our ideas of how to get the most out of your Great Migration experience in Africa.

The thrill of an African safari is perfectly complemented by a relaxing beach break, and these seven African safari and beach holidays present the ideal combination of “beach and bush.”

The excitement of game viewing and lodge hopping gives a sense of being on the move, taking in unique sights, sounds, and experiences. Unwinding on a white-sand beach or at a remote seaside location after a safari or before offers the opportunity to reflect on the previous experience or prepare for the adventure ahead.

Showcasing two aspects of a destination, these African safari and beach holidays share inspiration for your adventure.

With your tickets purchased and your itinerary set, the thrilling reality of your African safari begins to sink in and the final, practical step is to pack your bags. This moment is the start of your adventure, a chance to prepare for the incredible experiences that await.

The key to a successful safari wardrobe is about having what’s right, from choosing a soft-sided duffel bag that fits small aircraft to leaving hard-shell luggage behind, and from selecting versatile, neutral-coloured layers to forgoing bright, impractical clothing. These simple, informed choices are the foundation of a seamless journey, allowing you to move effortlessly through your itinerary, blend in with the natural environment, and feel prepared for every remarkable moment.

Extraordinary travel begins with a human touch, and our destination specialists design every journey with care, insight, and personal attention. As you prepare for your African adventure, use the following packing guide to answer your questions before connecting with our travel experts for any final advice.

Your African safari will be defined by the types of safari accommodations you choose. Understanding your options is the first step toward crafting the perfect journey. While most travelers anticipate the thrill of a game drive, few are prepared for the sheer quality and variety of accommodations available. They are immersive sanctuaries, often described as "art galleries in the bush," where exceptional service, stunning design, and a deep connection to the wilderness are paramount.

For the luxury traveler, there are three main categories of safari accommodation: lodges, luxury tented camps, and mobile camps, and exploring the unique character of each will help you design your ultimate African adventure.

Extraordinary travel begins with a human touch, and our destination specialists design every journey with care, insight, and personal attention. As you consider an African safari, use the following information to guide you in choosing your accommodations. Then, connect with our travel experts to help you plan your trip.

Anyone looking to embark on an African Safari has heard the term “The Big Five,” but not everyone has heard of the “Little Five.” The Big Five are often the highlight of an African safari, and earning more about these animals and their place in the savanna is an essential part of any safari experience. Your knowledgeable guides will aim to take you on the adventure of your life as you discover the wonder of these incredible animals and so many more.

An African adventure doesn't start and end with a safari, and the seven things to do in Africa beyond safari boast colorful, charming, and unique experiences.

With over 10,000 miles of coastline, resplendent snowy mountains, vivacious cities, indigenous tribal lifestyles, and stunning marine life, each destination revels in its own sense of vibrancy and authenticity. From meeting with local communities to diving deep into the grandeur of untamed nature, venturing to a mountain peak, or lounging on a white-sand beach, you can find endless surprises when in Africa.

No matter the kind of experience you prefer, you can create an elegant addition to a safari itinerary to uncover how much more there is to your Africa trip.

With pristine shores and inviting waters, the best beaches in Africa will complement the dramatic interior landscape and wildlife wonders on a safari and beach vacation.

The beaches can range from indelibly tropical, fringed by coconut palms and postcard panoramas, to epic in scale, with forests and mountain backdrops that feel guarded by the natural habitat. From fine sands to warm waters, boulders to curling waves, the beaches across the continent are diverse and mesmerizing.

Spending time on Africa’s best beaches can immerse you in the beauty of the Indian Ocean coastline for the perfect way to accentuate your adventure as you explore or unwind under the African sun.

Africa is intriguing, with vibrant, characterful, and charming cities and towns waiting to be discovered.

While some metropolises have grown skywards, many have expanded outwards, creating villages and suburbs in urban gems. Main streets buzz with a sense of organized chaos, while local traditions take precedence in rural areas.

From towns seemingly off the beaten path to cities nestled below mountains or on a coastal curve, Africa’s best cities and towns delight visitors with bustling marketplaces, monuments, and museums that pay homage to their past, with authenticity a key component of any African itinerary.

Africa is full of incredible natural wonders, from breathtaking canyons to copper sand dunes, thundering waterfalls, and mighty mountains, all of which you can discover on a trip to see the natural wonders of the continent.

It is easy to feel as if you have been transported to a fantasy land, as Africa compels visitors with dynamic landscapes that beg to be explored, blending picturesque scenery with ultimate experiences, such as safaris and city escapes.

These unique natural wonders of the world are regular parts of an African itinerary, with famous lakes providing serene days, while tumultuous rivers offer adventure. Here are the seven not-to-be-missed natural African wonders.

The inventory of safari destination types, from national parks to private concessions, can be baffling, and understanding where to safari requires knowing what each park or reserve has to offer.

National parks, private concessions, conservancies, and private game reserves are all fantastic, yet come with key differences. National parks are a country's flagship protected areas, filled with unrivaled animal abundance, while national conservation areas see wildlife and locals coexist. Private concessions lie within a national park, belonging to an area's broader ecosystem, and a private game reserve is smaller and standalone, offering fewer restrictions on activities and proximity to animals, and a more intimate safari.

In this article, we discuss the differences in more detail to help you understand how to plan your dream African safari experience.

The inherent idiosyncrasy of safari is fueled initially by the diversity of the African landscape and habitats that you can explore during your safari.

Wild, untrammeled, redolent, and vivid, it creates canvases of eclectic spectacles that extend in a variety of directions, showcasing a patchwork of colors. Open landscapes allow you to see more of the wildlife quickly on the horizon. Closed habitats offer a more hidden wildlife view. Find a salt pan that blinds nature's antiquity or a tangled forest scarred by rumbling elephant herds, a mammoth baobab tree, or the babble of snaking waterways.

Understanding the landscape and habitat is essential for what you will see and the intimacy of your experience when on safari, which will brim with infinite possibilities.

From Mount Kilimanjaro to the wild trails of the Great Rift Valley and the breathtaking views from atop Table Mountain, our list of the top eight mountains in Africa to explore reflect crisscrossing topography and offer a series of trails and hiking expeditions.

Many African countries display a unique range of towering mountains that set the scene for a dramatic landscape or form the backdrop to cities, game parks, or lakes, and all offer an opportunity to hike, admire from afar, or even sleep under the stars.

Whether embarking on one-day excursions with primates or 10-day treks into the clouds, there are a few rocky masterpieces that stand out, and discovering any of them will leave adventurers truly reaching for the stars.

Thousands of miles of coastline offer breathtaking beaches, colorful coves, and magnificent marine life, all captured in our list of the top seven diving and marine destinations in Africa. The cool Atlantic merges with the warmer Indian Ocean, unveiling a dynamic underwater world.

From diving with great white sharks to swimming with dolphins and watching whales breach in a deep blue sea, the ocean and its inhabitants offer adventurers an unforgettable experience above and below the water.

Certain sites and experiences stand out when it comes to diving, snorkeling, and general marine-life wonders, and we want to share some of Africa’s gems with you.

Planning your dream safari experience can be challenging and knowing there is someone to walk you through each step, from the initial, introductory conversation about your destination right down to the last detail, is a great comfort when working with a safari travel specialist.

Such experts are dedicated to working with you to create your ultimate travel experience, listening to your desires, offering sound advice about parks, reserves, and styles of accommodation, and ensuring good communication is adhered to at all times.

Trusting someone in the know will ensure your safari planning process goes smoothly. Here are some key reasons you should consider booking with a travel specialist.

As you begin to dream of one of the world's greatest adventures, the question, "How much does an African safari cost?" is one of the first and most important to consider. The answer is not a single number, but a reflection of the journey itself. With Zicasso, this will be a bespoke adventure woven from your personal choices. Understanding the key components that shape the final price is the first step in transforming your dream trip from a vague aspiration into a tangible, well-planned reality.

Your budget will determine whether you find yourself on a classic, peak-season journey in a premier private concession or exploring the lush, quiet landscapes of the green season. It will shape the choice between a time-efficient fly-in safari connecting luxury tented camps and a more focused exploration of a single, vast national park. Each factor is a lever you can adjust to craft a trip that is perfectly suited to you, from the season you travel in to the style of your accommodation

Extraordinary travel begins with a human touch and our destination specialists design every journey with care, insight, and personal attention. As you consider the cost of an African safari, use the following guide to understand the key factors before connecting with our travel experts to help you plan your trip.

With so many properties and regions to select from on safari, glamping on safari stands out for its uniqueness. This type of accommodation perfectly pairs the thrill of the wild with five-star comfort. It embodies the classic glamour of being under canvas, set in some of Africa’s most secluded and idyllic locations.

Often built on a solid foundation, the spacious rooms provide a completely different perspective of the surrounding bush. These boutique spaces quickly reveal why they are a popular choice with seasoned safari-goers and first-time visitors.

Extraordinary travel begins with a human touch, and our destination specialists design every journey with care, insight, and personal attention. As you consider a glamping option on an African safari, use the following information to guide you before contacting our travel experts to help you plan your trip.

The choice of accommodation is as crucial as the destination when planning the ultimate safari. Among the various options, the classic safari game lodge stands out. Our reasons to stay at a safari game lodge include their offerings of luxury, comfort, and immersion in the wild.

These splendid, hotel-style establishments are masterfully designed to blend in with their natural surroundings, providing the exceptional service and five-star facilities you would expect from any high-end hotel, yet placed in the heart of the African bush. Ranging from small, intimate hideaways with only a handful of suites to larger, more expansive properties, game lodges offer the perfect synthesis of sophisticated style and authentic safari adventure, creating a sanctuary of comfort from which to explore the untamed wilderness.

Extraordinary travel begins with a human touch, and our destination specialists design every journey with care, insight, and personal attention. As you consider a safari on the fabulous continent of Africa, use this information to help you decide on your accommodations. Then, connect with our travel experts to help you plan your trip.

If you have ever wondered about what to expect from a day on safari, this guide will provide you with all you need to know about this unforgettable experience of the African bush. From dramatic sunrises and sunsets to star-filled nights, the general structure is a beautiful, orchestrated mix of thrilling exploration and tranquil relaxation. While this is guaranteed, every day in the bush is unpredictable, depending on the season and location.

You will experience moments of heart-pounding intensity as you track a pride of lions, followed by long, meditative stretches to absorb the vast, wild landscape. This adventure is perfectly intertwined with periods of quality downtime in some of Africa’s most luxurious and unique accommodations, creating a perfect balance of wilderness and comfort.

Extraordinary travel begins with a human touch, and our destination specialists design every journey with care, insight, and personal attention. As you consider a safari on the fabulous continent of Africa, use this information to help you imagine what your days will be like. Then, connect with our travel experts to help you plan your trip.

Viewing an endangered rhino in the wild is one of the most sought-after safari experiences and there are six ways to make sure you do not inadvertently help poachers find their next target during your African safari.

Finding a rhino in its natural habitat captures the animal’s surprising grace and fantastic size, but poachers can use information from your photos to find the animals in the wild. When on safari, you want to photograph as much of the wildlife as possible for your memories and to share the experience with your family and friends.

Social media may provide you with an immediate connection to do so, but comes with an ecological cost that you can avoid by learning how to project the necessary wildlife during and after your trip.

While delivering an experience of a lifetime, a safari does not have to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Deriving from the Swahili term meaning “journey”, a safari encapsulates the essence of an extraordinary adventure of wilderness and wildlife discovery which can be appreciated once, twice, or several times.

Visitors embarking on their first safari will aim to include at least one safari experience during their travels, visiting national parks such as the Kruger in South Africa or smaller, private reserves like Sabi Sands. The second-time wildlife adventurer will look to spend more time on safari, often combining various regions, among them Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. A seasoned safari-seeker might indulge in lesser-known or off-the-beaten-track destinations, such as reserves in Zambia or southeastern Kenya.

There are three levels of safari, each offering its own unique allure. Here, we unravel the secrets of the African bush, where the rhythms of nature reign supreme and the whispers of the wild beckon you to embark on a personalized wildlife odyssey.

Africa in April offers adventure, natural beauty, and cultural events. From lush landscapes and safaris to glorious beaches and festivals, this month presents unique opportunities across the continent.

You can expect diverse experiences depending on your chosen destinations. In East Africa, April is part of the long wet season. During this time, the region experiences heavy rains and a lush, green landscape. Southern Africa enjoys pleasant temperatures ideal for safaris, while North Africa's Mediterranean coast basks in warm sunshine, perfect for beach retreats. Central Africa's rainforests come alive with renewed vegetation.

This article will guide you through the best destinations, activities, and weather patterns across Africa in April, helping you craft an unforgettable journey tailored to your interests.

Africa straddles the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, resulting in diverse climatic conditions and seasonal variations across the continent.

Countries like Egypt and Morocco are situated in the Northern Hemisphere, so they experience mild winters from December to February, while nations such as South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana lie in the Southern Hemisphere, experiencing their winters from June to August.

This article will guide you through the best places to visit, the most exciting activities to engage in, and what to expect from the weather during Africa's winter months, helping you plan your dream trip to this incredible continent.

Knowing your budget is an essential component of any trip-planning process. Whether the sky's the limit or you have specific parameters, a customized vacation allows for maximum flexibility, helping you prioritize and make the most of your investment.

Working with Zicasso enables you to travel confidently, knowing we rigorously vet the world’s best destination specialists. As the most-reviewed and highest-rated luxury travel company, we connect you with experts in the top 2% of the industry. They will design your journey with care and insight, taking the guesswork out of planning and ensuring you receive unparalleled value.

Extraordinary travel begins with a human touch, and our destination specialists design every journey with care, insight, and personal attention. As you consider your next vacation, use the following information to guide to planning your budget. Then, connect with our travel experts to help you plan your trip.

Explore the world with Zicasso by working with top travel specialists who will bring your dream vacation to life. Our primary goal is to make planning, booking, and traveling easy and enjoyable.

As the most-reviewed and highest-rated luxury travel company, we are committed to delivering life-enriching custom tours that are seamless and exclusively yours. Whether you dream of creating authentic Italian pasta in Tuscany or witnessing the Great Migration across the Serengeti, we will help you design your trip of a lifetime.

Extraordinary travel begins with a human touch, and our destination specialists design every journey with care, insight, and personal attention. As you consider your next vacation, use the following information to guide you in how we work. Then, connect with our travel experts to help you plan your trip.

Untamed wilderness, endless savannas, and ancient migration routes are what you will discover when visiting the Serengeti or Maasai Mara. Both destinations are filled with energy as predator and prey engage in nature's neverending cycle.

Witness the thundering hooves of wildebeest coursing across golden plains while lions laze beneath acacias in the Serengeti. In the Mara, immerse yourself in Maasai culture as crimson-clad warriors perform traditional dances against the backdrop of rolling hills dotted with flat-topped trees. Each sanctuary offers distinct approaches to safari experiences, from mobile camps that follow the migration to luxury lodges perched on koppies and cultural encounters that capture the essence of East Africa.

Extraordinary travel begins with a human touch. Our destination specialists design every journey with care, insight, and personal attention. As you consider visiting the Serengeti or Maasai Mara, use the following information as a guide to discovering the destinations before connecting with our travel experts to help you plan your trip.

Botswana is notably one of Southern Africa’s premier safari destinations, and our top Botswana safaris highlight the impressive complement of wildlife and diverse wilderness across the country’s national parks and reserves. The country’s low-impact tourism model ensures you enjoy an intimate, uncrowded safari.

Spend time in the Chobe National Park, where you can track and follow massive herds of elephants, and enjoy a romantic mokoro or dug-out canoe ride along the Okavango Delta. Witness the Big Five, rare antelope species, and thrilling predator-prey interactions through flooded wetlands and vast savannahs, and stand captivated by the endless horizons of the Kalahari Desert.

Extraordinary travel begins with a human touch, and our destination specialists design every journey with care, insight, and personal attention. As you consider a Botswana safari, use the following itineraries as a guide before connecting with our travel experts to help you plan your trip.