A Guide to African Safari Holidays

Table of Contents

• A Typical Day on Safari
• How Long are our Safari Holidays
• Safari Tips
• Safari Etiquette
• Choosing a Tour Operator

A Typical Day on Safari

A day on safari typically brings a combination of early rises, thrilling wildlife viewing opportunities and some downtime to relax. You can often expect to wake up early, before the sun rises, to venture out on your first game drive while temperatures are cool and animals are at their most active. You may encounter predators hunting during this time and your guide can share insights on their behaviours.

As mid-morning rolls around and temperatures start to rise, you're likely return to your camp or lodge for a bite to eat and a chance to relax around the pool, read a book or enjoy the amenities. In some accommodation you may find birds or monkeys patrolling the area in the hope of pinching some leftovers!

As temperatures begin to cool again you'll likely head out on another game drive. Be sure to bring your camera as this is often the perfect opportunity for some sunset photography as the animals start to get more active again. As dusk approaches, you may even see big cats on the move as they hunt.

Image by Dana Allen

Once you've returned to camp, it's time to enjoy dinner and perhaps even a drink around the campfire where you can marvel at the remarkable sights you've seen earlier that day.

How Long are our Safari Holidays?

Whether you're looking for a whistle-stop tour of some of the best wildlife Africa has to offer, or an ultimate safari spanning multiple African countries, we offer a variety of safari holidays ranging from our 6-day Big Cat Weekend all the way up to a 37-day Classic Africa Explorer combining stops in Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa for an unforgettable wildlife experience!

Tips

A safari holiday is an exciting adventure, but to help ensure you have a smooth trip, there are a few practical tips we'd recommend. This includes planning well in advance to give you time to research and book. Popular locations, accommodation and tours can book up fast!

Where & When to Visit

It's important to choose a destination and time of year carefully to maximise your chances of seeing what you're hoping to see on safari. Generally June to October is Southern Africa's dry season and makes wildlife easier to see as they gather around waterholes. However the green season during November to May can bring fewer crowds, lusher landscapes and a different type of wildlife experience as it's birthing season for many species. Each destination will bring different experiences at different times of year so check before you book!

Read our guide to the best African Countries for Safaris and The Different Types of African Safari Holidays to help choose between the different options that we offer.

Budgeting & Costs

An African safari is possible on a variety of budgets depending on the destination, time of year and type of accommodation you choose, but you may need to factor in the cost of flights and transfers, accommodation, park fees, safari activities, game drives and meals. When you book African safari packages with Wildlife Worldwide, these are typically included in the price in addition to guidance from our expert sales team, making it easy to ensure you don't go over budget and saving you money compared to booking everything individually.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly holiday, consider sharing a safari with like-minded travellers on one of our group tours to significantly reduce the cost, or opt for a self-drive safari. You could also consider a camping safari, travelling off-season, or to lesser-known destinations. Zambia and Zimbabwe offer fantastic safaris at a lower cost than some of the more famous parks in Kenya or Tanzania.

For a luxury experience, consider a stay in an all-inclusive luxury lodge on an exclusive game reserve and hire a private guide for a personal, in-depth game drive. Some accommodation options also include spa treatments, gourmet dining or special safari activities to enhance your experience.

What to Pack

Clothing and accessories: We recommend packing an assortment of lightweight and comfortable clothing, and footwear, in neutral tones to stay cool and camouflaged during the hot days, as well as a light jacket or other layers for the cooler evenings. It's sensible to bring some long-sleeved tops and trousers to help protect against insect bites and sunburn, as well as some sunglasses and a hat to protect against the sun.

Toiletries and first aid: As well as your usual personal hygiene items, you should bring sunscreen (minimum SPF 30+) to protect against sunburn, mosquito repellent and malaria tablets if recommended for the region you're travelling to. If necessary you may also need to pack your vaccination certificate.

Safari extras: Consider bringing some binoculars and a camera to enhance your wildlife viewing experience both in the moment and back at home!

Safari Etiquette

To ensure your own safety as well as the safety of the wildlife, it's important to listen carefully to your safari guide and follow their instructions. We advise against ever trying to touch, feed or approach wild animals, and suggest that you speak softly and avoid sudden movements or flash photography to prevent startling the animals.

Be considerate of other guests by not blocking their view, and be mindful of locals in their community. You should always ask before photographing people as some prefer not to be photographed.

It's also important to be patient on a safari, the best wildlife experiences will happen in their own time, so sit back, relax and enjoy the journey!

Choosing a Tour Operator

Once you've decided an African safari is the right holiday for you, it's time to choose a tour operator. With these tips you can book with confidence before you embark on your wildlife adventure of a lifetime.

Expertise and knowledge: A well-established tour operator with experience in African safari holidays will mean they're more reliable and understanding. At Wildlife Worldwide, we have over 30 years of experience creating small group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and are constantly researching and travelling to the locations we offer, so you're in safe hands! We also only choose to work with expert tour leaders who have a wealth of wildlife and leadership knowledge to give you a first-class experience.

Complete financial protection: Choose an ATOL and ABTOT protected tour operator to ensure you're protected financially in case anything goes wrong. We have both, giving you that all-important financial protection.

Commitment to responsible travel: A responsible tour operator for African safari holidays will ensure their trips have a minimal impact on the environment, promote wildlife conservation and support and respect local communities. When you book a holiday with us, we'll include a donation to wildlife conservation and over the years we've supported a range of wildlife charities including Conservation South Luangwa.

Browse all our wildlife holidays to Africa or contact our team today to find out more about our holidays. Alternatively, for more inspiration, read our blogs on the best African countries for safaris and the different types of African safari holidays.