As a lover of all things adventure and Africa, nothing quite beats the silence that creeps in as the safari vehicle engine comes to a stop, leaving only the wilderness between you and animals in their natural habitat. The animal kingdom is a complex world that you won’t understand until you see it for yourself: tracking different species, understanding their habits and if you’re lucky, witnessing your first kill.
I’ve been on safari in different formats, from typical game drives in Maasai Mara to walking on foot in South Luangwa or spotting animals by boat down the Zambezi River. Pensive reflection is part of the package too – some of my best ideas and meditative thoughts have come to me in the backseat of a safari truck, mind present and phone down. As a Black woman, it’s also an activity I love participating in and have no plans to stop.
Vivienne Dovi is a travel and lifestyle journalist, based between London and Dakar. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
How to plan a safari in Africa
How long to go
Before booking, consider what kind of safari experience you actually want. If you want a quick trip and plan to only do game drives in one national park, I wouldn’t recommend anything less than three nights. Combining two safari destinations is common, but factor in transfer times and add at least two to three nights per location.
The physical demands are worth thinking about too: while a game drive requires little more than getting in and out of a vehicle, a primate trek involves long stretches of walking, sometimes completely uphill.
Most importantly: don’t plan your trip around the safari alone! African destinations have so much more to them than animals, so build some city attractions into your itinerary too.
How much to budget
Safaris are typically expensive experiences, often set within decked-out luxury lodges. Most are all-inclusive: accommodation, meals and game drives are usually bundled together.
Budget separately for international flights, domestic transfers, visas, park or conservation fees, travel insurance and tips for guides and staff. For budget travellers, there are accessible options to bring the nightly cost down in some countries, including public campsites, basic tented camps and self-drive safaris.
You’ll need to factor in food, fuel and car rental separately. As a rough guide, expect to pay around £120 per person per night for budget safari accommodation, £280-450 for mid-range options and £700+ for luxury lodges. Prices can vary by country and season too.
Whether you’re a first-timer or looking for a new adventure, here are five of Africa’s best safari destinations.
