FIRST-TIME SAFARI GUIDE

An African safari is one of life’s big bucket-list adventures and the planning can be an exciting part of the journey. However, with myriad considerations, it can also be confusing and overwhelming, especially given the specialist nature of wildlife travel. Our travel experts address some of the most common question areas from safari novices, such as where and when to go, what to see and how much will it cost; sharing their personal insights and top tips:

Best place to go on a first-time safari

Deciding where to go on your first safari will be guided by your personal preferences and priorities but we recommend the popular national parks and reserves in South Africa, Kenya or Tanzania. Whilst wildlife sightings are never a guarantee as the animals are wild and free to roam, South Africa’s Kruger offers consistently excellent game viewing and a high probability of ticking off the Big 5. If your vision of safari is vast savannahs, with an iconic ‘Lion King’ feel, then East Africa is the natural choice; with Kenya’s Maasai Mara or Tanzania’s Serengeti ideally suited for first-time visitors. For families with young children, you may prefer a non-malaria area, such as South Africa’ Eastern Cape, or the incredibly family-friendly regions of Laikipia or Lewa in Kenya.

BEST TIME TO GO ON SAFARI

Trips to Southern and East Africa can be taken year-round, but the most popular time to safari is April to October, which is the dry season in most areas and offers ideal game viewing conditions. Some unique safari experiences, such as wildlife migration events or gorilla trekking, are predicted during specific months of the year. Read our calendar guide covering our recommended first-time safari destinations:

• Greater Kruger Area, South Africa - The best time to visit is at the beginning or end of the region's dry season, which falls between April and September. During Kruger's dry season, temperatures are mostly pleasant and vegetation thin, making spotting wildlife easier.
• Maasai Mara, Kenya - The best time to visit the Maasai Mara is from late June to early October as you'll witness the iconic wildebeest migration in full force. The mid-summer months can be busier, so we would always recommend the beginning or end of this period for incredible wildlife sightings avoiding the crowds and the peak season rates.
• Serengeti, Tanzania - The best time to visit is in the dry season from late June to October. This period offers the best wildlife sightings, with the wildebeest migration as a spectacular highlight. The timing of the migration and river crossings can vary, but the wildebeest calving season is typically from late January through February.

There are two main accommodation styles to choose between on safari; lodges and camps. Safari lodges usually offer bricks and mortar accommodation, such as cottages or suites, whereas safari camps offer more traditional, yet still luxurious, canvas tents; reminiscent of the golden era of the original safari expeditions. Lodges are more common in South Africa, whereas camps are typical of the Maasai Mara and Serengeti. Tented camps can offer a more authentic and immersive experience where you feel closer to nature, but some people prefer the familiar security of solid walls and roofs at a lodge. There is no compromise in comfort, style or amenities whichever option you choose, with budget impacting on the level of luxury you can expect. Generally, your safari stay is fully-inclusive with all meals, drinks, game drives, activities and conservation fee all covered, with tipping the only expense to consider during your stay.

INSPIRATIONAL FIRST-TIME SAFARI ITINERARIES:

1. Classic Cape Town, Winelands and Kruger Explorer
2. Maasai Mara Safari and Seychelles Family Holiday
3. Malaria-Free Safari Holiday