Planning Your First Safari
Everything you need to plan an unforgettable African journey — when to go, where to stay, what it truly costs, and how to travel well. Written by our Cape Town travel team.
When to Go
Africa rewards travellers all year — the art is matching the season to what you most want to see.
The finest big-game viewing. Thinning bush and shrinking waterholes draw animals into the open. Cool mornings, warm days, clear skies.
The bush comes alive with newborns, migrant birds, and dramatic afternoon storms. The Great Migration calves in the southern Serengeti.
Fewer visitors, lush landscapes, and excellent value. Some camps close for maintenance, but the wildlife viewing remains strong.
Where to Go
The regions that matter — each with its own character, wildlife and perfect season.
Table Mountain, penguins, vineyards and the coast — the perfect city add-on before or after the bush.
The finest Big Five viewing in Africa. Private reserves, no fences, and world-class leopard sightings.
Glide by mokoro through crystal channels, walk islands with elephants, sleep under stars. Water-world safari.
The Great Migration river crossings, endless plains, hot-air balloon safaris at dawn. July to October.
What It Costs
Use our calculator to estimate your safari budget — then tell us what you want and we will design the best trip your budget can buy.
Comfortable, well-run camps and lodges. Shared game drives with excellent guides, full board, house drinks. The sweet spot for first-time safaris and families.
Private reserves, smaller camps, fewer vehicles at a sighting. Often a private guide, finer food and wine, and the space and service that make a real difference.
The finest camps on the continent, exclusive-use villas, private vehicles and guides throughout, helicopter transfers. Privacy and service without compromise.
The Big Five
Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo — the cast you came for, but not the only reason to go.
Insider truth: Do not measure a safari by a checklist. Some of the finest mornings are a leopard asleep in a marula tree, wild dogs on a hunt, or a thousand zebra crossing a plain. A good guide reads the bush — and gives you sightings no list could predict.
What to Pack
Pack light and pack soft. Most camps do same-day laundry — you need far less than you think.
- Neutral colours — khaki, olive, stone, brown
- Long sleeves & trousers for sun and evenings
- Warm fleece & jacket for cold dawn drives
- Wide-brim hat, buff or scarf
- Closed walking shoes
- Swimwear & one smart-casual outfit
- Binoculars — one pair per person
- Camera, spare batteries & memory cards
- High-SPF sunscreen & lip balm
- Insect repellent (DEET-based)
- Universal adapter & power bank
- Personal medicines & first-aid kit
- Sunglasses & soft head-torch
Your Questions Answered
How long should a first safari be?
Is a safari suitable for young children?
Do I need vaccinations or malaria pills?
What is included in the safari price?
Can you plan a honeymoon or family safari?
Ready to Plan Your Safari?
Tell us your dates, who is travelling, and the kind of trip in your head. We will design a private itinerary built entirely around you — no obligation, no pressure, ever.