What’s the Best Group Size for an Africa Overland Safari? Small vs Large Tours

Wondering about the group size of an Africa Overland Safari and what's best for you?

This is an important question because the size of your tour group impacts the type of experience you will have in Africa.

Not sure what to expect on an overland safari? Our Africa overland tours guide explains how these trips work, what daily life is like, and how to choose the right option.

Before booking your Africa Overland Tour, you want to ask:

'How many people will be travelling together on this safari?'

Making the right choice for your needs boils down to whether you want a social trip with lots of mingling or a quiet experience with plenty of privacy. There are, however, a couple of other differences between overland safari tours of different sizes that are also worth considering. 

Size Up your Africa Overland Safari - intimate vs large group

Group size is one of the biggest factors shaping your overland experience — from social dynamics to comfort and flexibility.

Small Overland Safari

Small-Group Overland Tours, or Exclusive Overland Safaris, travel in the smallest group sizes.

Group Size: Between 4 and 16 people.

These Small-Group Overland Safaris generally include two staff members (usually a guide and a cook) and provide a mix of fixed accommodation (lodges, hotels, guesthouses) and camping. Most nights are spent camping in dome tents, with a few nights in 2 to 3-star lodge accommodations.

Pros of small group tours:

• More one-on-one time with the qualified safari guide/s
• Quicker set up and break up of camp (guide assistance and less equipment/baggage)
• A less crowded and more remote experience to sites and camps catering for small groups
• Private and exclusive camps are usually selected for more privacy and quiet time in the bush 
• Semi-participation in meal preparation and general operations on the trip
• More activities included in the tour price (fewer optional activities at extra cost)

Cons of small group tours:

• The small group safaris are not private safaris, which means you will still be sharing the experience
• With a smaller group, the choice of company is more limited, so it's the luck of the draw
• For more exclusivity and the other benefits of small group travel - you pay a little more
• Social butterflies will miss out on the comrade and jovial atmosphere of large group safaris

Medium to Large Overland Safari

On the medium to large group overland safaris, the social vibe of sharing your journey is a special element of the experience. The chance to meet new people from across the planet and make new friends is all part of having an unforgettable trip in Africa.

For medium to large group sizes, availability is usually more of a factor in choosing your tour, as the differences in the actual safaris are minor. The Overland Camping and Accommodated Tours come in all shapes and sizes, so it's a matter of requesting size parameters if size counts for you.

The type of Africa Overland Safari with the largest group size is Overland Camping Tours 

Group Size: Between 4 and about 24 people (some have a maximum of 29, but this is seldom reached)

Within the range of Camping Overland Safaris, there are tours of 4 to 12 people, 4 to 16, and then the big group trips of 4 to 24 guests. When booking a Camping Overland Tour, it is best to ask what the group size of the particular tour you are interested in is or specify your preference so that a tour can be found to match your criteria.

Across the various group sizes of Overland Camping Tours, you will be getting pretty much the same type of experience, with variations in the amount of participation and number of travel companions.

Accommodated Overland Tours often travel in medium-sized groups.

Tour Group Size: Between 4 and 18 people

These Africa overland safaris are more or less the same as their camping counterparts, except that you stay in 2-3 star lodges (or similar fixed accommodations). Accommodation is usually on a twin-share basis in clean and basic yet comfortable chalets, bungalows, traditional huts, permanent tents, and, at times, youth hostels (backpackers). 

The Accommodated Overland Tours are still one of the most affordable African safari options, but they give you more style and comfort. They are a step up from standard camping tours.

Pros of medium to large group tours:

• A very social way to travel, great for single travelers and for meeting new people along the way
• Cheaper safari prices thanks to bulk discounts on accommodation rates, shared fuel costs, etc
• Good specials, extras, and add-ons are on offer with some of these tours 

Cons of medium to large group sizes:

• Less one-on-one time with your guide/s
• More participation on safari (putting up tents, packing up camp, and meal preparation)

Most overlanding safaris offer traditional "bush" camping, often as an optional extra excursion. The bush camping component takes place in wild settings, immersing guests in the African wilderness for an unforgettable adventure!

Still weighing up your options? Our Africa overland tours guide gives a full breakdown of what to expect and how to choose the right overland safari.

Now you know the different sizes of Africa overland tours and what these differences mean on the road. Large or small, long or short, the best Africa overland tours promise unforgettable adventures on a budget!

Talk to one of our travel experts about your wants and needs, and we'll help you find the Africa overland safari that best fits you.

Landia Davies Content Manager

Landia is a nature and animal lover. This South African woman avoids crowds and has worked in the African safari industry for over 16 years!