Safari Guide: 10 top tips for your first safari in Africa

An African safari is one of the most memorable and thrilling experiences you can have! But, planning an unforgettable safari in Africa can be a little daunting. Even more so if you have never done it before. 

To help you prepare for your first safari adventure, the team of travel experts at African Budget Safaris has put together this safari guide of top tips.

1. How to choose the right African safari destination

Africa is huge. There are 54 countries on this majestic continent. 

While there are many excellent safari destinations, there are some places to avoid. Often because of political turmoil or poor infrastructure. We recommend the following destinations: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. These countries are well set up for tourism. They have wildlife-rich areas and reasonable infrastructures, such as good hospitals, airports, and roads. 

Choosing the right African safari destination also comes down to your interests. If you love animals, the Great Migration is a top highlight. This wildlife migration between the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya) is a spectacular event where almost two million animals migrate.

• In Botswana, the Okavango Delta is an exquisite destination for a water-based canoe safari and wild camping.
• Zimbabwe and Zambia, apart from being top destinations for a budget safari, also boast the Victoria Falls waterfall, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. 
• Uganda and Rwanda are incredible countries for safe gorilla trekking safaris in Africa. 

If you are planning on travelling with children, then it is important to choose a family-friendly safari destination. For example, gorilla trekking is not suitable for kids because you’ll be hiking for between three and five hours to reach the gorillas. It is worth considering a malaria-free safari destination when travelling with young kids. The Western and Eastern Cape regions of South Africa are malaria-free. Botswana and Namibia also have areas where the malaria risk is low or absent. 

2. How to choose the right African travel agent 

For your first African safari, we recommend taking your planning to the right African travel agent. This can make a world of difference to your first safari experience. 

Based in South Africa, the travel experts at African Budget Safaris provide a free service. We have connections with providers across Africa. By booking your first African safari with us, you benefit from our years of experience and insider knowledge.  

We specialize in budget safaris in Africa, designed to suit your needs and financial bracket. We offer a wide range of quality safari packages and tours. You can also design your own African budget safari. We make safari planning easy. We help you to choose the right destinations and style of trip - whether it be a large group adventure, a small group private tour, a safari with children, or a senior safari. 

3. How to choose the right safari accommodation

From very basic camping and Overlanding to luxury lodge accommodation, there is something for everyone on safari.

Our next safari tip is to decide whether you’d like to rough it in the wild or if you prefer something more comfortable. Or perhaps, you’d like to experience both - alternating between luxury and budget accommodation options. 

Many first-time safari goers overlook lodge accommodation because they worry about breaking the bank. But there are lots of budget safari options that include comfortable lodges. They stay at high-quality affordable lodges surrounded by nature or in unique places. 

For example, Sabi Sands Game Reserve (in Greater Kruger, South Africa), offers affordable lodge accommodation where you are treated to an exclusive African safari experience. You’ll go on guided game drives and have fewer crowds to contend with. Some Sabi Sands lodges, like many others, also cater to children. Many safari lodges have kid’s play areas, nanny services, and child-friendly activities. 

4. How to keep costs down when on safari in Africa 

For a really affordable first safari, an Overlanding tour is one of the best options. These are adventure tours with experienced guides that take you into the heart of Africa. 

Overlanding is an exciting and adventurous way to see the African bush up close. There are all kinds of different Overland Africa Tours, including family, camping, and lodge overland tours.

You can choose between small group overland tours that are more exclusive and large group overland tours that are the cheapest. Some overland tours are designed for senior travellers (over 40) while others are perfect for young adventurers.

On the cheapest overland camping tours, you’ll sleep in tents. This means you get to fall asleep to the sound of wildlife and wake up to birdsong. This type of African safari is the best way to keep costs down and enjoy a safari on a budget. 

A “no frills” budget safari costs between $150 and $180 a day. If you are looking for mid-range or luxury accommodation, you can expect to pay between $280 and $750. Check out our safari guide on pricing for more information.  

5. How to stay safe – important things to know

For your first safari in Africa, it is important to know how to stay safe. Start your safari planning a few months in advance so you have time to get all your paperwork sorted. You don’t want to arrive somewhere without the proper visas or travel permits!    

Make sure you have adequate health insurance for the places you visit. For example, if you are going to a very remote area, such as on a gorilla trekking tour, you might need insurance for air evacuation services or air ambulances. 

Check which vaccinations you need before heading off on your first safari. Many destinations require a yellow fever vaccination. Depending on where you are going, you may also need to take anti-malaria tablets. Find out more about Travel Insurance for your safari.

6. How to get the most out of a game drive

You may be very excited to see specific animals on your first African safari, but make sure you manage your expectations. You may see several lions but no elephants. Your game drive might take you straight into a herd of zebras while you really have to hunt for a leopard. 

While it is certainly special to see the Big 5, there are so many incredible animals that inhabit the African bush. Imagine seeing a cheetah hot on the heels of its next meal. What would it be like to stumble upon a massive herd of giraffes at sunset?

For a first safari, we recommend guided tours because you will have a much richer experience. Accompanied by expert trackers, these folks know the bush like the back of their hands. While there is no guarantee you’ll see a specific animal, traveling with a guide increases your chances.

7. How to pack for a first African safari

Less is more when it comes to packing for an African safari. If you start your safari planning early, you’ll have all your essential documents ready in good time. 

Other essential packing items include neutral color clothes, sun protection, insect repellant, a head torch, and binoculars. We have put together a comprehensive safari guide for what to pack and what to leave at home.

8. How to make lasting memories - photography tips 

If you plan to take a camera with you, make sure you know how to use it! You don’t want to be fiddling around with settings during your first safari game drive. Know your long-range and close-up settings. Make sure you can take pictures in bright sunlight, overcast weather, at dawn or dusk. 

Even on a budget safari, many lodges have great cameras available for guests to rent. It is best to check ahead. If possible, avoid lugging around expensive equipment and rent a camera instead.

 9. How long to spend on a first African safari 

For a first African safari, we recommend about 10 to 12 nights. Obviously, a longer safari requires a bigger budget, so if you are looking for an introductory safari experience, a 4-day tour is ideal. That way you can get a taste of what it’s like to go on an African safari, without committing to a long adventure. 

During your safari planning, consider what other destinations and activities you’d like to include on your trip. Perhaps you’d like to include a visit to a beach or local marketplace. How about spending a couple of days unwinding in the Cape Winelands tasting local wines after your Cape Town safari or relaxing on Zanzibar Islands after your Tanzania safari?

10. How to prepare for your first African safari 

Our last tip is how to mentally prepare for your first African safari. Expect early morning game drives (this is when you’ll have the best animal sightings). Also, expect incredible sunsets. 

Expect to be surprised by creatures and plants you’ve never seen before. Be prepared for some long drives if you are travelling to different destinations. And, look forward to some downtime where you can relax, chat and revel in what you’ve seen and done.

Safari planning is exciting. Do a few sofa safaris, and check out African wildlife webcams so you can get a sense of what it is like to be out in the bush. 

If you’d like more information about how to get ready for your first safari, then check out these safari guides: What to Expect on Safari and How to Plan the Best African Safari on a Budget. 

Ready to book your first safari in Africa? 

Get in touch with the travel experts at African Budget Safaris for free help planning your safari. Book your first safari in Africa with us to travel with confidence!