An African safari is one of those “once in a lifetime” trips. Which is exactly why choosing the right one matters so much. Not all safaris are equal, and the differences can be far bigger than most people expect.

Not all safari destinations feel the same.

The first decision is where to go, and this shapes the entire experience.

• Kenya and Tanzania offer vast open plains, dramatic landscapes and the chance to witness the Great Migration.
• South Africa tends to be more structured and is often a good option for first-time safari travellers.
• Botswana is typically more exclusive, with fewer vehicles and a more immersive wilderness feel.

Each is excellent, but they are very different experiences.

Private Reserves vs National Parks.

One of the biggest differences in safari quality comes down to where you stay.

In places like the Masai Mara or Serengeti, wildlife sightings can be spectacular but also busy at times.

Private reserves, on the other hand:

• Limit the number of vehicles at sightings
• Allow off-road driving in many cases
• Offer a more exclusive, quieter experience

For many clients, this is the difference between a very good safari and an unforgettable one.

Lodge or tented camp.

The term “tented camp” can be misleading.

Some of the best safari experiences are in luxury tented camps, offering:

•  A closer connection to the environment
• Smaller, more intimate settings.
• Exceptional comfort that is far removed from conventional camping

Larger lodges can offer more facilities, while tented camps often deliver a more atmospheric experience.

When to go and why it matters.

Timing changes everything on safari.

Dry season, typically April to October in many regions, makes wildlife easier to spot as animals gather around water sources.

Green season offers fewer crowds, lush landscapes and often better value.

The Great Migration moves between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara at different times of year, but it is not the only reason to travel.

What does a safari actually cost.

This is one of the most important — and often avoided — questions.

For a privately arranged safari, which is how most of my clients prefer to travel, costs typically fall within the following ranges.

Around £5,000 per person will give a good quality experience, usually with some compromises on location or level of accommodation.

£7,000 to £10,000 per person offers a strong luxury safari, with carefully selected lodges and a more immersive experience.

£12,000 or more per person delivers a top-tier safari, often in highly exclusive areas with exceptional guiding and accommodation.

There are also more affordable options, such as small group or escorted tours, which can offer excellent value and a very different style of experience.

Where you stay, how you travel and how long you go for all make a significant difference, so it’s important to match the safari to what you want from the trip.

Is a safari right for you.

A safari is an incredible experience, but it is not a typical relaxing holiday. It often involves

• Early starts
• Time spent in vehicles
• Remote locations.

For many people, that is exactly the appeal.

Final thoughts.

The biggest mistake people make when planning a safari is assuming they are all broadly the same. They are not. The right combination of destination, lodge, timing and style makes all the difference.

Planning your own safari.

If you are thinking about an African safari, getting the right combination of destination, lodge and timing makes all the difference and it is not always obvious when you are researching on your own.

I am always happy to offer some honest guidance based on what you are looking for.

Here are a couple of easy ways to get started.

📋 Complete my short enquiry form and I will come back to you with some initial ideas.

📞 Prefer a quick chat. You can call me directly on 01728 850014.

📧 Or send me an email at ian.gilmour@travelcounsellors.com.