What to expect on your first African safari

Going on an African safari is high on many travellers’ “bucket lists,” but not everyone is clear about what it entails. If it’s your first trip to the continent, you might feel daunted by all the unknowns and want a little clarification about what to expect. What is it actually like to be on a safari, and what animals are you likely to see? Where’s the best place to visit for a first-time safari in Tanzania, and what time of the year offers the best weather? Perhaps you’re not sure what the difference is between a camp and a lodge or which one’s right for you. And maybe you’re wondering if you should book through a safari agency or plan everything yourself.

In this article, we’ll answer some of the most common questions asked by first-time safari travellers to Africa to help you plan an unforgettable adventure.

What is it like being on safari?

Being on safari is all about wildlife viewing and seeing iconic big-game species, such as elephants, giraffes, and lions, in their natural habitat. A safari will see you game driving through the iconic African savannah while antelope and zebras graze lazily on the surrounding grasslands, and migrating birds refuel in the lakes and rivers. It may include the thrill of witnessing a "kill" as lion prides stealthily stalk their prey, or you might follow a naturalist guide on foot as you track animals.

Aside from walking safaris and game drives, an African safari may see you floating high above the savannah in a hot air balloon as the day’s first rays illuminate the landscape or cruising along meandering rivers as hippos submerge and re-emerge in the waters. Some safaris also include cultural encounters with tribal communities who’ve maintained their ancestral way of life or village visits to gain an insight into the local lifestyle.

Daily excursions and wildlife-spotting activities are central to any safari, as is staying in stunning lodges and camps immersed in wild surrounds. Enjoy warm African hospitality from a tented suite or luxurious cottage, with wildlife often visible from the privacy of your deck. Imagine a candle-lit dinner under the stars while listening to the sounds of the wild around you and nights spent stargazing as you recount the day’s adventures around the campfire.

What types of safaris are available?

There are many ways to explore Africa’s wildlife reserves, ranging from budget group safaris to exclusive adventures that include fly-in transport and luxurious accommodation. You can opt for a recommended itinerary exploring the ever-popular Northern Circuit of Tanzania or plan a customised, off-the-beaten-track adventure to little-visited private concessions and reserves.

Most safaris include classic game drives conducted in open-topped jeeps, but you can also combine these with walking safaris (where permitted), boat-based safaris, and hot air balloon safaris. If you’re coinciding your visit with the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, you may want to opt for a mobile safari, staying at temporary camps that follow the herds. This allows you to be in the heart of all the action without being transported long distances each day.

Where should you go?

When you consider that Africa encompasses more than 50 countries (many of which are home to big-game wildlife), you’re spoilt for choice when deciding where to visit on safari. For many first-timers, the wildlife-filled landscapes of East Africa are high on the list, thanks to their outstanding tourism infrastructure and some of the continent’s most experienced guides. There’s a wide choice of accommodation to suit all budgets and countless airstrips for easy access to reserves.

Tanzania’s Northern Circuit is a popular choice for first-timers, taking in the iconic Serengeti National Park and the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater. It can also easily be combined with a visit to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in neighbouring Kenya, which is home to the annual wildebeest migration and the red-robed Maasai tribe. One of the allures of a safari in Tanzania and Kenya is the region’s long stretch of Indian Ocean coastline, with palm-fringed beaches and the exotic island of Zanzibar awaiting after your safari.

When is the best time to go on safari?

The best time to go on safari depends on where you want to visit and what you want to see, with rainfall patterns having a big impact on wildlife sightings. Most people recommend going on safari during the dry season when the short vegetation makes it easier to spot wildlife and animals tend to gather around limited water sources. The sunny weather makes it ideal for game drives and walking while most roads are dry and easily accessible for vehicles.

However, the crowds are much bigger during the dry season (particularly during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer holiday period), and you’ll likely pay more for accommodation. If you’re willing to brave the daily showers of the wet season, you’ll benefit from reduced rates, fewer people, and lush landscapes as far as the eye can see. Migrating birds flock to refuel in the wetlands, and many species use this period of abundance to give birth to their young. It’s important to note that some lodges and camps close down during the wet season, particularly if muddy roads make access difficult.

Each destination experiences distinct rainfall and weather patterns, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with our safari experts to check on the best time to visit your preferred safari region.

What’s the difference between a camp and a lodge?

When deciding where to stay during your Tanzania safari, you may have the option between a camp and a lodge. Camps usually feature a number of luxuriously appointed tents that cluster around a communal dining tent or main building. They boast en suite bathrooms, private verandahs, and an “Out of Africa” atmosphere for that quintessential safari experience.

Lodges usually consist of a main house with elegant rooms or individual cottages offering views across the wild surrounds. Some feature multiple dining areas and fitness and wellness facilities, such as indulgent spas and swimming pools. Both offer all-inclusive meals and daily activities, which may include game drives, walking safaris, and/or cultural excursions.

Should I plan a safari independently or with an experienced planner?

Some destinations around the world are easy to explore independently, while others are better visited as part of an organised trip with accommodation, transport, and excursions included. Not only are most of East Africa’s wildlife reserves best visited as part of a safari package, but you may also save money in the process. Local safari operators have access to exclusive deals on lodges and camps that aren’t always available to the public, and they’ll organise all the tricky logistics of getting you to and from the airport. Additionally, they’ll offer a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of safari travel, including what to pack and the best places to visit for niche interests.

Ready to start planning your first East African safari?

Contact one of our safari experts today to craft your dream safari adventure. Whether you’re looking for the perfect wildlife viewing encounter, a luxurious lodge experience, or an off-the-beaten-path adventure, we’re here to help make your first African safari experience unforgettable.

Help Me Plan