Safari – Safari Continents Travel: Your Africa Safari Experts on the Ground

Africa For the First Time: Everything You Need to Know

A Guide to Your First African Safari

This guide highlights the essential things to know before embarking on your first African safari. With over 25 years of expertise, we offer insights that ensure your journey is unforgettable.

Travelling to Africa for the first time is an experience beyond words. The continent is filled with wonder — from its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage to powerful encounters with wildlife.

Africa, vast and vibrant, offers some of the world’s most remarkable travel adventures. It caters to every type of traveller: thrill-seekers, nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, luxury travellers, and safari explorers. And if you come across any unfamiliar safari terms, our glossary will help you understand the terminology used throughout the continent.

Discover the inspiration behind why Africa should be your next destination.

1. What does a typical day on safari look like?

Unwinding with Sundowners on an Evening Game Drive | Linkwasha Camp

While every day on safari brings something new and unexpected, there is a gentle rhythm that most camps follow. This seamless flow balances immersive wildlife experiences with plenty of time to unwind in all-inclusive comfort — the perfect blend for every kind of traveller.

Most safari days include two game drives, each lasting around three hours: one at sunrise and another in the late afternoon, when wildlife is most active. These are also the moments when you can witness Africa’s iconic golden sunrises and breathtaking sunsets.

Take a closer look at what a typical day on safari in Africa truly feels like.

Spending six hours or more on game drives may seem like a lot, but with exciting wildlife encounters, insightful conversations with your guide and trackers, and relaxing coffee or sundowner stops, the time passes effortlessly.

2. How do you decide on where to go in Africa & how many days should you spend on safari?

Africa is an immense and diverse continent, with top safari destinations spread across both East and Southern Africa.

It may sound bold, but there truly is an African safari experience for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re seeking iconic, world-famous parks or secluded, off-the-beaten-path hideaways, we can guide you to the perfect destination — from the classics to the continent’s best-kept secrets.

Explore our recommendations for the best places to go on safari.

These are the destinations most loved by first-time safari travellers:

Travel Article

Your Complete Guide to the Masai Mara Safari

Travel Article

The Ultimate Guide to a Serengeti Safari

Travel Article

Kruger Park Safaris: Public vs. Private – The Ultimate Guide

Why Visit This Destination

Your Complete Guide to the Masai Mara Safari

Why Visit This Destination

The Ultimate Guide to a Serengeti Safari

Best Time to Visit This Destination

Kruger Park Safaris: Public vs. Private – The Ultimate Guide

Kenya: Masai Mara National Park and nearby private conservancies
Tanzania: Serengeti National Park and surrounding private conservancies
South Africa: Kruger National Park along with adjacent private reserves
Victoria Falls: Straddling the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia

For travellers interested in gorilla trekking, we highly recommend including:

Uganda
Rwanda

More off-the-beaten-track destinations favoured by returning visitors to Africa include:

Other Notable Safari Destinations

Botswana: Okavango Delta
Namibia
Zambia
Zimbabwe

3. What Type of Safari to Choose?

Soar Above the Wild: Hot Air Balloon Safari | Little Governors’ Camp, Masai Mara

Safari adventures come in all shapes and sizes, from walking safaris to self-drive safaris, to hot-air balloon flights over the vast herds of the Great Migration. How do you decide what type of safari is right for you?

Explore the Many Safari Experiences Across Africa
Discover Africa’s Diverse Safari Experiences

4. When is the best time to go on safari?

Ubuntu Migration Camp offers front-row views of the wildebeest herds as they arrive in the Serengeti, along with the dramatic river crossings that take place from late June to mid-November, before the herds move on from the northern region. | Ubuntu Migration Camp

Choosing the best time to visit Africa is an ideal first step in planning your safari and largely depends on what you hope to see and experience. While Africa is generally warm and sunny year-round, different countries — and even specific regions within them — can have varied climates and seasonal patterns.

The most important thing to keep in mind when planning an African safari is how each region’s dry and wet seasons differ — these also correspond with the high and low travel seasons.

When is the best time to visit Africa?
What are the pros and cons of travelling during the high or low seasons?

If you already have a specific month in mind for your trip, our “Where to Travel When” guide will help. Simply choose a month below to see our recommended destinations for that time of year.

Discover the best safari destinations for every month of the year — from January through December.

5. How Much Does a Safari Cost?

For an additional cost, you can enjoy scenic helicopter flights offering breathtaking views of Benguerra Island and the surrounding archipelago. | Benguerra Island Lodge

With nearly three decades of experience in the safari industry, one of the questions we’re asked most often is: “Why are African safaris so expensive?” It’s true — a safari isn’t the cheapest holiday you’ll take, but it is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling and unforgettable travel experiences in the world.

Many factors influence the cost of an African safari, including the destination, duration, time of year, and level of luxury. These elements all contribute to why a safari is considered a premium holiday. Explore the resources below for a detailed breakdown of what shapes safari pricing.

Travel Article

Your Complete Guide to the Masai Mara Safari

Travel Article

The Ultimate Guide to a Serengeti Safari

Travel Article

Kruger Park Safaris: Public vs. Private – The Ultimate Guide

6. Important Considerations Before Booking a Safari

From ultra-luxury lodges to authentic tented camps, Africa offers something for every type of traveller. | Namiri Plains Retreats, Asilia Africa

Travelling to a destination with unfamiliar cultures, remote locations, and complex logistics can put both your satisfaction and budget at risk. That’s why most travellers value the support of an African Safari Expert — someone with first-hand experience who can guide you through research, planning, and booking, while also providing on-the-ground assistance throughout your journey.

Booking with us ensures that all your accommodations, transfers, and experiences are organised under one seamless reservation. This means that if an issue beyond your control affects any part of your itinerary, you’re automatically protected and compensated across the rest of your booking.

Explore why working with a travel agent or tour operator can make planning your safari easier, safer, and more rewarding.

Whether budget or luxury, you’ll be spending a substantial amount of money and will want to consult with a well-travelled expert who can give you the best possible experience – even if you ultimately would like to try and book it yourself.

Here are some important questions to ask before booking an African safari.

7. Why Choose Safari Continents for Your Safari

Over 25 Years of Experience

Since 1998 we’ve tailored unforgettable African safari holidays for over 200,000 travellers, that leaves a lasting positive impact.

We Know Because We Go

At Safari Continents, we have first-hand knowledge of every destination, lodge, and activity we recommend, working closely with our 1,000+ carefully selected safari partners.

We Are With You All the Way

At Safari Continents, we handle every detail, providing 24/7 support and local expertise from the right time zone, ensuring your journey is seamless until you return safely home.

You Are in Expert Hands

With Safari Continents, you’re guided by some of Africa’s most awarded travel specialists, recognised by Conde Nast Traveler and led by one of Travel & Leisure’s A-list experts — ensuring your safari is in truly expert hands.

Making a Positive Impact Together

Every journey with Safari Continents contributes to a meaningful positive impact, supporting sustainable solutions that allow both local communities and wildlife to thrive.

Complete Financial Protection

Clients booking with Safari Continents are fully protected through our supplier default insurance and our accreditation bond with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association.

Browse Some of Our Additional Resources:

Why Choose Safari Continents?
How Our Safari Booking Process Works
Meet Our Award-Winning African Safari Experts

8 . Make a Positive Impact on Safari with Safari Continents

As a leader in safari travel, Safari Continents is proud to make conservation one of our core values. We are committed to ensuring that every safari we offer contributes to protecting Africa’s wildlife, wild landscapes, and the communities that depend on them.

We actively collaborate with local partners across the continent who share our vision: using travel as a force for positive impact. Together, we work to create a sustainable and prosperous future for Africa’s ecosystems and the people whose livelihoods are directly linked to them.

Whether you wish to participate in gorilla conservation, support anti-poaching efforts in Kruger National Park, or help raise funds for schools in rural communities, Safari Continents offers a range of itineraries that allow you to make a meaningful difference while travelling.

All of our Positive Impact Safaris include a donation from Safari Continents to one or more of the conservation or community projects we actively support.

Some safaris even provide hands-on experiences, such as participating in wildlife research or visiting community and environmental initiatives run by our trusted partners. Activities could include helping to collar a rhino to collect vital conservation data, painting a classroom, or teaching a lesson in a rural village — offering you a truly immersive and impactful African adventure.

Learn More About Safari Continents’ Positive Impact Initiatives
Explore Our Curated Positive Impact Safari Itineraries

Safari Continents Travel

Safari Continents Travel is a trusted travel company offering unforgettable safari experiences, adventure tours, and customized travel packages across top destinations. We focus on comfort, safety, and memorable journeys.