Planning a safari vacation in Africa can be a lot of fun. There are so many experiences on my bucket list. A natural wonder to see. Luxurious tent camping and overnight lodges. Immerse yourself in fascinating landscapes, from mountains to beaches, rainforests to deserts.
We've been planning safaris since 1998. We focus on matching your wish list with the right locations, lodges and activities to make your African safari dreams come true and deliver an unforgettable holiday for all the right reasons.
Because of our excellent service, we are proud to have a nearly 100% rating on Feefo, an independent and verified review system where customers provide honest feedback. Read what they have to say here.
If you want to start planning a safari in Africa, here are some expert tips to make it a seamless process.
1. Know when you want to go
Timing is everything in Africa. Most of the continent's best safari experiences rely entirely on naturally occurring factors such as seasonal rainfall. This means that deciding on the dates you want to travel can make a big difference in your itinerary. You don't want to be in the Serengeti when millions of wildebeest are already cutting fresh grass in the Masai Mara.
Knowing how many days you want to spend in Africa and at what time of year you want to spend it is very important information when planning your itinerary. This not only affects what you see and experience, but also has a huge impact on your budget. If your safari is a seasonal event, the best places to go on safari are likely to be booked well in advance, so it's easy to know your ideal itinerary as soon as you start planning. You will be thinking about what you want to do.
Peak season or high season Low season or green season Approximately June to October Approximately November to May Highest price Lowest price (excluding Christmas and New Year) Book at least 12 months in advance Book at least 2-6 months in advance Aim for the coolest and driest weather The warmest and wettest weather The easiest to find and see animals The more difficult but rewarding to find and see animals The most visitors The least visitors The thinnest vegetation and fewest water sources The most vegetation and the most water The most dust and the least mud Most mud with the least dust, mud
2. Know where you want to go
Start by setting specific goals for your safari. Maybe you've dreamed of meeting gorillas, witnessing Victoria Falls flood, or seeing all the Big 5 in the wild since you were a child. What animals and experiences would be central to your dream safari? The answer will help you decide on your ideal destination.
Ask your travel consultant.
Where is the best place to see the animals you most want to see? Where is the best place to experience the things you are most interested in?
Once you've decided on your main destinations and rough itinerary, you can consider which attractions and experiences will pair well with your goals. This is the main reason why we publish carefully selected tour packages and itinerary ideas. Browse safaris to see which locations and attractions work well together from a logistics standpoint, and get an overview of costs per person. Enhance your safari goals with additional locations and experiences, and our African safari experts will create a wish list to make your dream vacation itinerary a reality.
Part of our service is to tailor your trip to your unique travel preferences and concerns. For example: if you are traveling with young children or elderly parents, celebrating a special occasion, using a wheelchair or with dietary restrictions (vegan, kosher, halal), or simply If you prefer a private home to a hotel – we will tailor the itinerary to your needs. And taste.
If you don't have a specific safari goal yet, we recommend doing a little research to find what really interests you. A good source of inspiration and advice is our weekly newsletter. Sign up here.
Or you can always talk to our African safari experts about the do's and don'ts of your vacation.
3. Estimate your budget
An African safari is not a cheap vacation. There are a wide variety of itineraries and travel styles available, and going on a safari in Africa requires a lot of logistics. Also, safari lodges must provide excellent service, food, and accommodation even in the most remote destinations, which can cost much more than providing the same level of comfort in a large city. is also worth keeping in mind.
African safari experts say…
“We encourage our clients to have an idea of the budget range they are comfortable working with and disclose this to their agents at the earliest opportunity. This will greatly expedite the consultation process and help You can reach your ideal itinerary. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and cautious when thinking and talking about what to invest in for your trip, but with Go2Africa. With a professional and ethical company like , knowing what budget you can work with has a huge impact on how you plan your trip and know what is and isn't achievable. ” – Justin Chapman
4. Know your travel style
Travel style is a matter of personal preference and is influenced by the people you're traveling with, your budget, and the time you have available for your vacation. If you're on a tight budget, you'll want the most affordable option. When time is limited, you will need the most efficient travel arrangements.
Which of the following travel types do you prefer?
Tailor-made travel:
There are no additional charges for our tailoring services. You get the value when you book through Go2Africa. Our African safari experts will help you match your wish list, tastes and budget with the best accommodation, activities and locations to make the most of your time and money.
Tailor-made private travel:
Perhaps you are planning a romantic honeymoon or would like to travel with young children? Enjoy a completely private experience with features such as your own guide, private safari vehicle, and private helicopter transfers. If you're interested, talk to an African safari expert about your options.
Setting departure date:
These safari experiences begin and end on fixed days throughout the year. This type of travel includes luxury train journeys and mobile safari expeditions (such as tracking the wildebeest migration in East Africa). The rest of the itinerary can also be customized to suit your needs.
5. Choose a travel agency with a proven track record
Look for the following criteria when choosing a travel agency that can offer real value for your African safari:
A personal travel experience in a specific country you would like to visit. Independent and impartial advice – Agents should not be employed by any particular lodge, safari activity operator or marketing company. Financial Protection – The supplier insurance you need to protect your travel investment. Complete travel booking services – It’s most beneficial to work with a full-service partner, an agent who takes care of all the details, including flights, activities, accommodations, and transportation. 24/7 Safari Support – A key benefit of booking through a trusted agent based in Africa. Recent reviews are published on independent sites such as Feefo.
A good agent will take the time to understand your preferences, address any concerns, and provide detailed and up-to-date travel advice. Proper planning reduces risk and increases reward. From smart savings to smart splurges, the best agents will give you the vacation you'll talk about for a lifetime.
Are you ready?
Set your travel goals, complete your vacation wish list, consider your budget range and preferred dates, and be assigned a dedicated African safari expert. It's time to prepare for the vacation of a lifetime…
