Thinking About an African Safari? Here’s What You Really Need to Know.

There’s something about the words African Safari that stirs the soul. Maybe it’s the call of lions across a savannah at dawn. Or the idea of being completely unplugged, out where the wild things are. But when it comes to actually planning a safari in Africa, most people have a flood of questions — and not just about which animals they’ll see.

After spending over three decades exploring Africa’s wildest corners — sometimes leading clients, and other times with my wild heart — I’ve learned a few things. Here’s what people most often want to know before booking their first (or fifth!) safari.

Where Should I Go?

Africa is vast and incredibly diverse. Kenya and Tanzania are famous for the Great Migration, while Botswana offers luxury in remote wilderness. South Africa is great for honeymooners and first-timers with its well-developed parks and malaria-free zones. Uganda and Rwanda are for gorilla trekking. Namibia is pure desert magic.

Pro tip: It’s not about “the best place.” It’s about the kind of experience you want — epic migrations, luxury lodges, raw adventure, or quiet solitude. Book a one-hour consult with me to help you figure out where and when to get the experience you imagine. https://savingwild.com/life-changing-african-safaris/

What Animals Will I See?

Yes, the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo — are on most people’s lists. But you might also see cheetahs, wild dogs, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and thousands of birds. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected moments that stay with you — like a baby elephant playing with its trunk or the stillness before a lion roars.

What Kind of Safari is Right for Me?

– Guided game drives: the most common and comfortable.
– Walking safaris: for those who want to feel the earth beneath their feet.
– Boat safaris: unforgettable in places like Botswana or Zambia.
– Mobile tented camps: sleep under canvas, wake up with the wild.

Your comfort level matters — whether you’re craving luxury or don’t mind brushing your teeth next to a warthog.

What Do I Pack?

Think layers, earth tones, and comfort. Morning drives are cold; midday gets hot. You’ll want binoculars, a good camera if you have one, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Leave the bright colors, loud zippers, and fancy shoes at home.

What Does It Cost?

Safaris range from budget to ultra-luxury. A basic camping safari in Tanzania might cost $150/day, while a luxury lodge in Botswana could set you back $1,500+/night. But don’t let sticker shock stop you — there are options for every kind of traveler.

 Is It Safe?

This is the question I get especially from solo women travelers. The answer: yes, if you go with a reputable guide or company. Wild animals aren’t out to get you, but they are… wild. Listen to your guide, don’t wander off alone, and you’ll be just fine.

Is It Ethical?

A safari can support conservation and local communities — or do harm, depending on who you book with. Look for lodges and operators who give back, employ local staff, and follow ethical wildlife practices (no petting lions or riding elephants, please). I’m happy to recommend ethical operators. https://savingwild.com/life-changing-african-safaris/

What Will It Feel Like?

A safari can crack you open. It’s dusty, unpredictable, and often emotionally overwhelming. You might cry watching elephants move silently through golden grass, or feel something ancient stir when you lock eyes with a lion. Great African Safaris are journeys — pilgrimages back to something wild within you.

Want to See and Hear More?

I’ve filmed many of these moments — the stunning, the strange, the spiritual — and shared answers to even more of your burning safari questions on my YouTube channel.
Come explore: https://www.youtube.com/@LoriSavingWild

I’ll take you behind the scenes, show you what a safari looks and feels like, and help you prepare for the journey of a lifetime.

Final Thought

You don’t go on safari to check off animals. You go to remember that you, too, are part of this wild world. That somewhere, deep beneath the layers of daily life, something in you still belongs to the open sky and the sound of hooves pounding the earth.

Africa is calling.

Are you ready?

Avoid hours searching through the internet. Book a one-hour consult with me by phone where I answer all your questions and help you focus on where, and when to create the african safari you are dreaming of.

The post Thinking About An African Safari? appeared first on Saving Wild.