A Bucket List Safari in Three Days? Sarah & Ben Show Us How.

I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t have a safari on their bucket list. Honestly, it feels like one of those once-in-a-lifetime, pinch-me experiences. But here’s the thing: it feels like one of those big, dream-come-true experiences, the kind we imagine taking weeks off work for and saving up for years. But, they don’t have to be. You can have the most incredible safari experience in just three days – that’s exactly what Sarah and Ben did.

They enjoyed a 3-day safari, spent a few days visiting friends, and then topped it all off with a chilled stay on the beaches of Zanzibar. Their perfect balance of adventure, connection, and relaxation.

WANDERING THE WILD

Sarah and Ben chose to immerse themselves in two extraordinary places: Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Tarangire National Park.

In those three days, they weren’t ticking boxes or chasing sightings. They were simply there – watching lions lazing in the afternoon heat, elephants moving slowly across the horizon, giraffes reaching for acacia leaves, zebras clustered together, and baboons with their playfulness.

But in 3 days, you think it would have been rushed. It wasn’t. It wasn’t about “seeing it all.” It was about being present in the wild, and letting the wild unfold around them.

WHEN YOU'RE TRAVELLING WITH YOUNGSTERS

Now, I know what you’re thinking: what about families? Safaris are magical, but the long hours in a jeep can be a tall order for younger kids (patience isn’t exactly a virtue, is it?).

For families, I often suggest South Africa’s private game reserves. Instead of long drives across dusty tracks, they’re easier, more flexible, and still give you that deep, soulful wildlife experience. Families can then pair it with a self-drive along the Garden Route – stopping for picnics, beach walks, and little adventures along the way. Slow travel at its best and gently instilling a love of travel in your kids.

THE ZANZIBAR ENDING

After the stillness and dust of the bush, Sarah and Ben carried on to Zanzibar. And honestly, is there a more perfect ending?

Days slipped by in a rhythm of their own: morning swims in turquoise waters, lazy afternoons with sand between their toes, evenings watching the sun melt into the horizon. It was the pause at the end to reminisce and let their experience soak in.

A GENTLE REMINDER So, if a safari has been calling to you – don’t feel like it needs to be long, complicated, or exhausting. Sometimes, the most soulful journeys are the ones where you give yourself permission to do less and let each moment unfold around you.

Three days in the wild, a few nights connecting with friends, and a gentle, restorative ending on the shores of Zanzibar. That was Sarah and Ben’s trip – and it was perfect.

YOUR TURN

If you would like to explore what a safari might look like for your family, get in touch.

📞 01270 917091 💌 sara.dickenson@travelcounsellors.com