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Safari travel tips: what to know before you go
Looking for expert safari travel tips? This safari travel guide shows you how to prepare, what to pack, and how to make the most of your African adventure.
Safaris are often once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the kinds of trips you remember in full color years after you return home. They’re about more than spotting wildlife—they’re about being humbled by the vastness of the landscape, marveling at the skill and patience of the guides, and savoring the quiet moments between adventures shared with your fellow travelers. And while it’s natural to feel some uncertainty before your first trip into the African bush, you don’t need to be a wilderness expert to have the journey of a lifetime.
All you need is curiosity, a sense of wonder, and a little preparation. Our Safari & Wildlife Tours are designed to help you experience the magic of Africa at its most authentic. They combine expert guidance, thoughtfully planned itineraries, and plenty of opportunities for those unscripted moments that make travel truly special. To help you embrace it fully, we’ve gathered our best safari travel tips for first-timers and seasoned adventurers alike. With the tips ahead, you’ll feel equipped to navigate your first safari with ease, curiosity, and a sense of wonder.
What to expect on a safari
Every safari is different, but they all follow a familiar rhythm. Your days will often start early, as the sky begins to pale and the savanna stirs to life. This is prime time for trying to spot wildlife as they begin to stir and flock to watering holes. “I have figured out that the time of day is everything in terms of seeing animals,” said traveler Denise when blogging about her day on our Kenya Wildlife Safari tour. “Our cat sightings are always early in the morning and just before dark. We returned to camp feeling pretty grateful for the day.” You’ll often have a midday break on our safari tours to escape the heat and rest or swap stories with your fellow travelers back at the lodge. In the late afternoon, you might head back out for a sunset drive, when the low golden light sets the landscape ablaze.
On our Kenya Culture & Wildlife Safari: Samburu to Maasai Mara tour, for example, you’ll find yourself standing on a veranda at a tea plantation, the air scented with fresh leaves, before heading into Samburu National Reserve to track the rare “Samburu Special Five.” (That’s the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, East African oryx, gerenuk, and reticulated giraffe—in case you were wondering.) When you join our Namibia Wildlife Safari: Desert Landscapes & National Parks tour, you’ll begin one day watching the sunrise turn the towering dunes of Sossusvlei into a living painting. A few days later, you’ll start your day on a catamaran cruise along Swakopmund’s golden coastline.
Our Safari & Wildlife Tours are designed to let you explore in the way that best suits your travel style. Seek out the Big Five on a classic game drive across the open savanna. Or set out on foot on a guided walking safari, where every rustle in the brush becomes a clue—your guide pointing out fresh leopard tracks or showing you how elephants peel bark from trees. Prefer a different perspective? Glide along the coast on a boat trip, skimming over the water past mangroves and estuaries, where crocodiles lurk and kingfishers dive for their prey. Or for a true once-in-a-lifetime experience, drift above the Maasai Mara in a hot-air balloon, the sun rising as herds of wildebeest stretch out beneath you like moving shadows across the plains.
Accommodations will vary by destination but are chosen to provide both comfort and a sense of place. In Kenya and Tanzania, you might fall asleep to the distant chorus of lions or elephants in a luxury tented camp, with Mount Kilimanjaro silhouetted against a starlit sky—a breathtaking reminder that you’re sleeping in the shadow of Africa's highest peak. In Namibia, you could stay in an airy desert lodge with views of the surrounding wilderness. “This tour took us up close to nature,” said traveler Cynthia after joining our Kenya Wildlife Safari: Mount Kenya, Maasai Mara & Amboseli tour. “Sitting on my bungalow patio, zebras and giraffes were walking freely in our backyard. It was amazing. Africa is a beautiful place with spectacular views.”
Whether you’re joining a small-group guided tour, customizing a Private Tour with us, or discovering why taking a solo safari in Kenya will be the best travel decision you ever make, each perspective offers its own magic. Just choose the pace and style that speaks to you.
What to pack for a safari
A thoughtful safari packing list ensures you stay comfortable, prepared, and focused on the experience. One of our best safari travel tips is to be prepared for shifting temperatures and long days in the open air without weighing yourself down. There are strict restrictions on what you’re permitted to bring on a safari, and you’ll most likely be limited to one duffel bag and a small carry-on. Knowing what to wear on a safari and having the essentials close at hand means you can focus less on what’s in your bag and more on the wildlife in front of you. For a more detailed list, check out our guide to what to pack for a safari.
Neutral-colored, breathable clothing
Ask anyone what to wear on a safari and you’ll get the same answer no matter where you go: loose, lightweight layers in neutral colors. You’ll want long sleeves and pants for sun and insect protection, plus layers that work for cool mornings and warm afternoons. Neutral colors like tans and khakis blend with the environment and stay cooler, keeping you comfortable and making you less noticeable to wildlife, which means more opportunities for up-close encounters.
Comfortable walking shoes
While stepping out of the vehicle isn’t permitted during game drives for safety reasons, you’ll still want comfortable shoes for other parts of your Safari & Wildlife Tour. Whether you’re walking through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant sanctuary on our Kenya Wildlife Safari for Solo Travelers or exploring a Maasai village, you’ll appreciate having the right footwear. Trails and paths in these places can be dusty, uneven, or rocky, so we recommend packing a pair of comfortable, close-toed walking shoes or light hiking shoes. You’ll also want to pack supportive sandals to wear while relaxing around camp, walking hotel grounds, dipping into the pool, or even standing on the safari vehicle’s seats for a better view during drives. Since packing space is limited, these two pairs should more than cover your needs.
Binoculars for spotting wildlife from a distance
“We were driving along at one point and [our driver] said, ‘There’s a lion sitting on that mound,’” said traveler Carol after returning from our Tanzania Wildlife Safari tour. “We could barely see the mound, never mind the lion, but sure enough, when we got there, there was a lion!” Your Tour Director and drivers are such experts at spotting wildlife, you’ll swear they have super-human vision. And while you’ll have plenty of up-close animal encounters on your safari tour, a compact pair of binoculars can help you see even further. They’re also great for spotting the hundreds of different bird species you might encounter on your tour.
A good-quality camera
Smartphone cameras are convenient for quick snaps and panoramas, but if you really want to capture a National Geographic-worthy shot of a pride of lions lounging in an acacia tree, consider packing a quality DSLR. If you don’t own one, take a page from staffer Laura’s book and rent one for your tour. “I can’t stress this enough: having a camera that’s up to the task of snapping some good nature shots is so important when you’re out on game drives,” she said. “While you’ll be able to get some great panoramas and landscape shots with your trusty smartphone camera, wildlife is best captured through a telephoto lens. Don’t own a DSLR or long lens? That’s ok! Renting one (or both) is an economical alternative to spending the big bucks on your own setup.”
High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
Adequate suncare is one of our most important African safari tips, regardless of which country you’re headed to. In fact, you'll also find it on our list of things to know before your Kenyan safari. UV-blocking clothing, a sun hat, strong sunscreen, and lip balm with SPF are all non-negotiables for long days under the strong African sun.
Insect repellent
The thing about getting close to nature is that sometimes nature gets close to you. “There are mosquitoes,” said traveler Leslie after returning from our Kenya Wildlife Safari: Mount Kenya, Maasai Mara & Amboseli tour. “Bring repellent and spray clothing and travel bags with permethrin beforehand, [and] use [the] provided mosquito nets.” One thing that’s always on our safari packing list? Insect repellent wipes. They’re easy to apply on the go, and they don’t take up much space in your carry-on. Plus, you won’t have to worry about TSA restrictions on carrying liquids.
Best time to go on safari? Anytime!
Safari travel tips for first-time travelers
A Safari & Wildlife Tour isn’t about ticking which animals you spotted off of a checklist—it’s about being present in moments you could never plan. If you’re after advice on how to prepare for a safari, start with an open mind. Out here, nature sets the pace, but following a few of our first-time safari tips will ensure an unforgettable adventure.
When it comes to animal sightings, expect the unexpected
A safari tour won’t be like visiting a zoo. The wild animals roam freely, and while your local guides are experts at tracking and predicting movements, there’s an element of surprise to every sighting. It’s what makes safaris magical! One day, you might watch a wildebeest migration across Serengeti National Park; the next, you could be tracking southern white rhinos with a specialized anti-poaching team.
“Sometimes the vehicles are forced to stop because there is something ahead worth seeing,” said traveler Robert after joining our Tanzania Wildlife Safari tour. “During one of these situations, we had a truly once-in-a-lifetime encounter with a zebra. The zebra decided to take advantage of our vehicle as we were idling, waiting for traffic to move. Starting from the driver’s side rear door, the zebra nuzzled against our vehicle all the way to the back. Then it scratched against our spare tire so hard I thought it was going to tear the tire from its mounting bracket. I laugh thinking about George [our guide] explaining to his boss why we had zebra stripes down the side of the vehicle.”
Follow your Tour Director’s safety cues
Safety is a priority on every tour. Your Tour Director and local guides will let you know when it’s safe to step out of the vehicle—often during guided walks in secure areas—and when it’s best to stay seated. Keeping voices low during game drives not only helps you hear the sounds of the bush but also ensures you don’t disturb the wildlife.
“I was slightly concerned about safety before going,” said traveler Kathy after returning from our Kenya Wildlife Safari: Mount Kenya, Maasai Mara & Amboseli tour. “Once there, I never felt unsafe for a minute. There is excellent security at all of the hotels and lodges where we stayed. The vehicles we traveled in are very sturdy. No one is allowed to get out of the jeep. The animals are very used to vehicles and do not pay very much attention to them unless it is to try and get under the shade of them.”
When you join us on a Safari Tour, you’ll also learn about local efforts to keep the animals safe. On our Tanzania Wildlife Safari tour, for example, you’ll meet a local anti-poaching expert from the African Wildlife Foundation and hear how locals and park rangers work together to protect the wildlife.
Respect the local customs
Along with staying safe and comfortable on safari, it’s also important to be mindful of local customs as your Safari & Wildlife Tour may take you through towns, villages, or cultural heritage sites. Dressing modestly and learning a few local greetings can go a long way in showing respect and encouraging meaningful exchanges, which are a valuable part of the experience. You’ll have chances to share in local traditions, learn from community members, and gain a deeper understanding of the places you’re exploring.
“The visit to the school made me realize that the world still needs to nurture and take care of our children and I received an enormous education when we visited the Maasai village and learned that lifestyles are complicated and need to be appreciated when you can see them firsthand,” said traveler Susan after returning from our Tanzania Wildlife Safari tour. “This is the type of trip that can be life-changing—the beauty, the majesty, the people, ... [it] makes you want to travel more and investigate the possibilities of seeing all that the world has to offer. My only regret is that I didn’t have more time in Tanzania. What a magnificent place!”
Make the most of your safari photos
Photography is an important part of many people’s safari experience, but a few small adjustments can make a big difference. Turning off your flash prevents startling animals and allows you to capture the natural play of light. Even if you’re traveling light, spare batteries and memory cards are worth their weight in gold when a rare black rhino ambles into view. And if you ever need help capturing the perfect photo, turn to your Tour Director and guides. They’ll show you the perfect vantage spots and split-second timing to get that frame-worthy shot. Don’t expect strong phone service or Wi-Fi in the bush. Safaris are about disconnecting and immersing yourself in nature. You might not be able to post in real time, but that just means you’ll return home with stories to tell and photos to share the old-fashioned way: face to face.
“Our Tour Director, Godliving, and our driver guide, Ureo, were so knowledgeable and experienced,” said traveler Lynn after joining our Tanzania Wildlife Safari tour. “They answered all our questions, knew where to find the animals and were so patient, waiting for us to get just the right photo! ... It was a trip of a lifetime.”
The best time to go on safari
The truth is, there isn’t just one best time to go on safari. It depends on what you want to experience. The dry season (around May through October) brings thinner vegetation and animals clustering around water sources, making them easier to spot. On the other hand, the green season (typically November through April) has fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. Many travelers also time their trips around events like the Great Migration of the wildebeest between July and September or the longer daylight hours that make South Africa one of the best places to travel to in December. Whichever you choose, your Tour Director and expert guides will make sure each day brings memorable adventures.
Ready to go on safari?
Through this safari travel guide you may have picked up on a trend: Safaris are as much about the moments you can’t plan as the ones you can. From watching the sunrise over endless plains to spotting elusive wildlife and connecting with local cultures, each day brings something new. By preparing thoughtfully, following our safari travel tips, and embracing the pace of the wild, you’ll return home with memories that linger long after the trip ends. Whether it’s your first journey or one of many, a Safari & Wildlife Tour offers an unforgettable chance to experience Africa at its most extraordinary.
