25 Best Safari Planning Tips: A Complete Guide to Planning Your Safari
An African safari is on many people’s bucket lists, but trying to plan one can feel overwhelming at times. Having just returned from two safaris in Africa as a wheelchair user, here are my top safari planning tips to help guide you in creating and preparing for your trip.
Then this post answers your burning safari questions and becomes a complete guide for deciding how early to book, offers guidance on tipping, and helps you prepare for your safari.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, when you click on these links and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Travel Resources for Planning Your Safari
Travel Insurance: Insure My Trip
Tours/Activities: Viator
Hotels/Lodging: Expedia
Flights: Skyscanner
My 25 Top Safari Planning Tips
1. Decide on the Experience You Want to Have
Before you jump down the rabbit hole of where to go, how long, what your budget is, etc., you’ll want to determine the type of experience you want to have.
For example, do you want to join an organized tour for a fairly stress-free experience or do you want to have the flexibility of doing what you want when you want on a self-drive trip?
Another thing to consider is whether you want a luxury safari experience or whether you are happy camping or staying in clean but simple accommodations.
Finally, also consider the wildlife you’d like to see during your safari. For instance, if you want to do a gorilla or a chimp trek it will naturally narrow down where you will need to travel within Africa. Likewise, some countries or areas are especially known for their birdwatching or where you have the best chance at viewing the Big 5.
By answering some of these questions, it will help direct your research efforts so you can make the most of your safari planning.
As a wheelchair user, I knew I would need accessible transportation and accommodations, which ruled out most of the companies offering tours. Additionally, I knew that with little information available, it would take a lot of work to try to organize a self-drive trip, which required driving on the opposite side of the road than what I’m used to in the United States.
As a result, I focused my search on accessible travel companies that could accommodate my needs and interests.
2. Choose the Length of Your Trip
While the length of your trip may depend on your budget or the amount of time you can take off from work, it helps to have an idea of how long you’d like to travel.
For me, since the flight was so long, I knew I wanted to travel about 2-3 weeks for my trip. This was my starting point and I was prepared to adjust it depending on the cost of traveling and what deals I could find.
Furthermore, the length of your trip may also depend on how many countries you’re hoping to visit. Honestly, I recommend no more than one country per week of travel.
3. Choose Which Country(ies) You Want to Visit
Not surprisingly, the next step is to decide on what country(ies) you wish to visit. There are so many amazing options to choose from that this can be one of the most challenging decisions when planning your safari.
However, this is when you can go back and refer to your answers for the first step when you decided on the type of experience you wanted to have (including which animals were most important for you to see).
Again, I recommend having no more than 1 country per week of travel. For my safari, I chose two countries (Uganda and South Africa) for my three-week trip to Africa. It was the perfect balance of busy yet immersive.
4. Plan for When You Want to Travel
There are pros and cons to each season of travel (which also change depending on what area of Africa you want to travel to). However, having an idea of your safari goals will also help you narrow down when to travel.
For example, if you want to see the Great Migration, you’ll want to travel to either Kenya or Tanzania during the months of July to October or December to March.
Likewise, if you want to reduce the risk of mosquito bites (and therefore Malaria), then visiting in the dry or even early in the transition seasons can be a good option. Just note that the dry season can be different for various countries depending on where they are located in Africa.
Since my goal was to easily see wildlife and babies during my trip, I decided that the best time to visit Kruger National Park was in September. Since it’s the transition season, the brush didn’t have any leaves on it making wildlife easier to spot, and it’s the beginning of Spring in South Africa so I also saw lots of baby animals
5. Set a Budget
You’ll quickly discover that the costs of an African safari can add up before you know it. So, it’s important to set a budget for your trip that you’re comfortable with. Additionally, it will help if you prioritize what is important for you during your travels.
As a result of costs, you may have to compromise on some of what you had planned. This may mean either shortening your trip or changing the style in which you travel.
For me, I knew that one of my top priorities was to do a gorilla and chimp trek. In an effort to keep costs reasonable, I decided to visit Uganda where the permits for trekking were a little more affordable, and limit my time to one week in Uganda.
Although it was a fast-paced trip and I didn’t get to see everything I had hoped, it allowed me to stay within budget and complete my gorilla trek as a wheelchair user.
6. Get Travel Insurance
If you choose to do a group tour, most travel companies will require that you get some sort of travel insurance that includes medical coverage. Even if you choose to do a self-drive trip, it’s a good idea to get travel insurance.
While safaris are generally safe, there can be some risks involved. You may get Malaria if you are visiting a country where that is within the Malaria Zone or you could run into other potential risks like a large male elephant charging your vehicle because it’s in heat.
That doesn’t include other travel pitfalls like canceled flights and other potential problems.
I recommend to always ensure you get travel insurance for every trip you take. And, if you travel often, consider getting an annual policy.
I use Insure My Trip to compare policies and prices. Its filter option allows me to ensure that the policy I choose covers pre-existing conditions along with other important coverage.
➡️ Find the right travel insurance policy for your needs on Insure My Trip by clicking here.
7. Research Safari Companies
Upon doing a quick Google search, you’re likely to find a wide variety of options for safari companies. However, they may not all be created equal.
Look for ones that not only have good reviews, but that also engage in ethical practices. This means they don’t stress the animals by getting too close and have the experience and knowledge required to help keep you safe.
Furthermore, different companies may offer different itineraries or levels of accommodations. Compare the prices of each tour you’re considering with what’s included, where you will be going, and what types of lodging you can expect.
Doing your diligent research can help ensure you know what to expect and that it aligns with your trip goals.
8. Be Honest About Your Abilities
There are many different types of safaris (walking, driving, photography-based, etc.) and each is designed for a certain level of physical fitness. For example, traditional driving safaris will require you to get in and out of a high-clearance vehicle.
If you have mobility problems, this may be a factor for you to consider when deciding which company or type of safari is best for you. Ultimately, it’s in your best interest to be honest with yourself about what your abilities and limitations are so you can select the trip that is the best fit.
However, don’t worry, a safari is still possible if you have mobility problems or even use a wheelchair. I am a wheelchair user myself and was able to find several accessible travel companies in Africa that offered tours in adapted vehicles.
These vehicles either had a ramp or a lift to enter/exit and some even allowed you to stay in your own wheelchair vs transferring to a traditional seat. The companies were also able to book adapted rooms with flat entry, grab bars in the bathroom, and roll-in showers.
You can have the same amazing safari experience as others but in order to have the best trip possible, it’s important to be honest about your abilities so you can choose the right company to organize your trip.
9. Compare Itineraries
As I mentioned above, it’s important to compare itineraries. Some will try to include as much as possible and you may end up needing a vacation from your vacation.
On the other hand, others may not include the destinations within the country you’re visiting that are high on your bucket list. Take a hard look at each itinerary offered to determine if it fits your travel style, abilities, and goals for the trip.
When I was comparing safari companies, one of the deciding factors for me was the itinerary each offered. While neither was a bad option, I knew that I wanted to visit Kruger National Park and also liked the idea of visiting a private game reserve which helped in reintroducing orphaned animals into the wild.
It was in part, the itinerary that helped me ultimately decide on what company to book my trip with. Of course, price and service were also deciding factors.
10. Don’t Try to Do it All in One Trip
Let’s face it, there are so many incredible places to go in Africa and things to do. So much so, that it can be easy to try to squeeze everything on your Africa bucket list into one trip.
However, this would be a huge mistake. Even if you had 4 weeks in Africa, it’s impossible to do and see it all. Attempting such a feat would only leave you exhausted and unable to truly enjoy the things you can see.
Instead, plan on needing multiple trips to Africa. Not only will this allow you to be more present and enjoy each trip more, but it will also give you a fantastic excuse to go back.
I know that after one trip to Africa, I’m ready to do many more. Getting to do a safari is one of the most magical experiences and one I can’t imagine ever getting old.
11. Have Realistic Expectations
Social media is great, but it tends to give people unrealistic expectations. When on a safari, for example, don’t expect the wildlife to touch you or interact with you (that’s definitely not common).
Likewise, you may not see the Big 5 (leopards are notoriously difficult to spot). Rhinos may also be more challenging to find. When you do find a rhino, it will most likely have its horn cut off to prevent poachers from targeting them.
While I was INCREDIBLY lucky to see a White Timbavati Lion in Kruger National Park, this is VERY rare. In fact, there are only 3 white lions in all of Kruger and only about 100 in the wild across Africa.
When these rare and amazing experiences do happen, feel lucky and appreciate the moment. However, don’t go into a safari expecting them. This often leads to disappointment due to unrealistic expectations perpetrated by social media and YouTube.
12. Pack Appropriately
To enjoy your safari to its fullest, make sure you are adequately prepared with the right clothing. Although what to bring as part of your safari packing list will depend on when you are traveling, I highly suggest layers to cover a variety of temperatures.
Likewise, if you are doing any special hikes like a chimp trek, you’ll want appropriate clothing for that as well.
13. Don’t Let the Weather Hinder Your Plans
Weather can be unpredictable at times. It may rain when you don’t expect it to or be hotter or colder than you planned for.
Don’t let unexpected weather hinder your plans. Sometimes, animals are more active after a good rain and it can lead to better viewing opportunities.
No matter what Mother Nature throws at you (within reason of course), continue to do your game drives and sightseeing. It can sometimes have unexpected benefits and lend to some new experiences you may not have had otherwise.
14. Spring for Business Class Flights if Possible
To get to Africa, you’ll likely be looking at a long flight. For me, this meant a 15-hour flight from the East Coast of the United States to Capetown South Africa.
The flight alone can wear you out even before your trip officially begins! If it’s within your budget or if you have enough points and miles to spring for business class seats, I HIGHLY recommend you do it.
Flying in business class will help you beat the jet lag and arrive more rested and ready for the adventure that awaits. Additionally, it’s just an overall better flight experience with lay-flat seats, higher-quality food, and better service.
My flights to and from Africa were the first time I experienced business class and I have to say it’s going to be hard going back to flying economy. The food was better and I was way more comfortable. As a result, I didn’t have any jet lag upon arrival and was better prepared for my safari.
15. Book Early
Safaris are some of the most popular vacations to take (especially during special events like the Great Migration). As a result, it’s important to book early. This will ensure you get your desired travel dates, reservations, etc. and allows you to work on getting those business class flights I mentioned earlier.
Both lodging and flights can fill up quickly (in addition to tour spots if you go that route) so it’s imperative that you book in advance to have the best options. Likewise, if you have accessibility needs, these types of resources can be booked up to a year in advance.
Furthermore, if your activities require permits (hiking, gorilla trekking, chimp trekking, etc.), there can be limited numbers available so booking early ensures you get to do the activities you want.
I recommend booking a year in advance if possible.
16. Don’t Count on Having WiFi or cell Service
Depending on who your cell carrier is, cell service and WiFi will be limited. When you’re out in nature, there typically aren’t a lot of cell towers around, so don’t count on having service or internet access.
While some lodges have WiFi, the signal can be weak and may be unreliable. Take this time to unplug and connect with nature. You can catch up with your friends and family when you get home.
17. Take as Many Game Drives as Possible
Although there are some animals that can easily be found and seen (antelope, zebra, elephants), there are some that are a little more elusive. By taking as many game drives as possible, you increase your odds of seeing a larger variety of animals during your safari.
For example, animals such as hyenas, jackals, lions, rhinos, and leopards can be hit or miss as to whether you’ll find them. Just from a sheer probability perspective, you’ll have better luck by taking multiple game drives at various times of day and at various places within a park or area.
18. Get a Wildlife Book to Keep Track of What You See
One of the best suggestions that our guide gave us was to get a wildlife book to keep track of everything we saw. It’s a fantastic souvenier and really helped us recognize just how much we were seeing on the trip.
I chose to mark the animals we saw and put the date we saw them next to it. Although I didn’t carry the book with me on game drives (but you definitely could), I would make note of the name of the animals in my phone so I could note them in the book at the end of the day.
If you’d like to do the same, click the link to order yours before your trip.
➡️ Get your safari wildlife book/checklist on Amazon by clicking here.
19. Be Present in the Moment
It can be so easy to stay behind your camera to get all those fantastic pictures. However, make sure to take a few moments to put the camera down and just absorb everything around you.
Don’t let those incredible moments pass you by. Take a breathe as you allow the sights, sounds, and smells to enter your body. Try to just be present in the moment because it will help embed the memory into your brain more and allow you to experience any feelings that come up.
There will be plenty of photo ops, so don’t forget to let yourself be immersed in this incredible trip rather than just experiencing it from behind a camera.
20. Ask About Conservation Efforts
We’ve all heard about the wildlife endangered in Africa and it really pulls our heartstrings. But, something I was surprised to learn is that we may not be getting the full story.
Elephants, for example, may be endangered in some areas, but problematic in others. Elephants destroy trees which then effects the habitat and feeding grounds of other important wildlife. So, if you have too many elephants in one area, it actually hurts other animals and their environment.
I learned so much about conservation efforts and the importance of wildlife management during my trip. Oftentimes (at least in South Africa) the people appointed to these positions don’t have the education and knowledge needed to effectively restore balance and manage the wildlife (because they are given the job based on who they know and not their qualifications).
I encourage you to ask about conservation efforts in the country you visit as it may be very enlightening.
21. Ensure You’re Participating in Ethical Animal Encounters or Experiences
Who wouldn’t want to get up close to an animal during your trip to Africa? As a result, there are many places that allow you to do this. From sanctuaries that raise orphaned animals to places that protect and educate visitors on endangered ones. Just make sure that whichever experience you choose is an ethical one.
Ethical animal experiences mean that the animal is not in captivity, has a choice on whether to participate and is not sedated (just to name a few).
During my visit to South Africa, I chose to visit Jessica the hippo. If you’re not familiar with her story, she was found orphaned after a flood at just a few days old. She was then rescued and hand-raised by a loving couple. She has always lived in the wild and had the option to come and go as she pleases.
As a result, she spends some time with her human family and some of her time with the wild hippos down the river. Visitors can come and meet Jessica to feed her some of her favorite treats and learn more about hippos.
She was very gentle and it was obvious how much she loves her human family. It was also really neat to be able to touch and be so close (safely) to one of Africa’s deadliest animals.
22. Expect to Be Tired
With early mornings and often late nights, a safari can take its toll on you. Combine this with the rush of adrenaline you feel when seeing your favorite animals and it can just drain your energy over time.
Be prepared to possibly feel more tired than you would on other trips. Pacing yourself will be key in getting the most out of your safari.
23. Plan Rest Times
Related to the tip above, it’s important that you take advantage of any downtime you have to rest. Many safaris will have a midday break during the heat of the day when the animals will be less active anyway. Use this time to a dip in the pool, take a nap, or just relax and recuperate.
If you are planning your own trip and not on a tour, make sure you factor some rest time into your itinerary. Being on the go all of the time will just drain your energy (the heat will do this too) and you’ll be less likely to enjoy the rest of your trip.
24. You May Get Stared At
Depending on what country you choose to visit, you may get some stares (depending on your race and appearance). One of the things to know before visiting Uganda, for example, is that they are a very conservative country. So, if you’re wearing shorter shorts, you’re likely to get a few looks.
Likewise, if you have mobility problems or are disabled, you may also get more stares. This is because many countries in Africa are not accessible for locals with disabilities (who are essentially prisoners in their own homes). As a result, it is not common for locals to see people with disabilities and they will be curious in your presence.
Finally, in some smaller towns and villages, they may not be used to seeing a lot of tourists with different colored skin. When I was in Uganda I often heard the term “mzungu” which means person with white skin (not a derogatory term). However, this was often used as kids were running out to see us and waving excitedly so there’s no need to be concerned or afraid.
25. Prepare Yourself to Experience a Range of Emotions
One thing I wish I had known before going on a safari was just how emotional it would be!
I felt excitement when seeing a new animal, sadness when viewing an injured animal, suspense as a pack of lions went after a juvenile elephant in a herd, and sheer joy and happiness at being so close to so many incredible animals in their natural habitat.
I even cried during my gorilla trek. It was such a magical experience that it surprisingly brought me to tears. Partly, because I never thought I’d be able to do a gorilla trek as a wheelchair user and there they were right in front of me, and partly because I connected with them so much.
You’re likely to experience a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions as well. Just embrace them but be prepared that they may sneak up on you.
BONUS Tip: Don’t Rely on Your Phone Camera
While there will be times when the animals are by the road or close to you, many times they may be further in the distance. Don’t go on your dream safari and only rely on your phone for photos… you’ll miss out on so many great pictures!
All of the photos in this post were taken on my Cannon Powershot SX 740 HS. It’s a point-and-shoot camera size with fantastic zoom capabilities. While it’s not cheap, I highly recommend it for photographers who want quality pictures without the weight of a DSLR or professional-grade camera.
➡️ Check pricing and availability of the camera I used for all of these photos on Amazon by clicking here.
Deciding Where to Stay
If you’re planning your own safari versus doing a guided tour option, one of the most important decisions is deciding where to stay. You’ll want to remain within your budget, but you’ll also want to have clean and comfortable options.
Furthermore, you’ll need to decide whether to stay within a national park (often more expensive) or outside of the park. Staying within the parks allows you to be closer to the wildlife and get a head start for early morning game drives.
Camps or lodges within the parks can have a wide variety of amenities so make sure you check those out when choosing where to stay. Typically, these lodging options come with restaurants or self-cooking facilities (which will come in handy if you’re on a budget). They can also range from tents to cozy cottages, to nicer lodges.
Ensure you read reviews so you know what you’re getting before you book.
Pro Tip: If you are staying multiple nights in a large area like Kruger National Park, move your lodging so you can more easily access other areas of the park. Some areas are more known for certain animals than others.
Types of Tours Available
You can choose between a self-drive safari or a guided tour (which is available in small group and private options). While I haven’t done a self-drive safari (due to my accessibility needs), I have gone on both group and private guided safaris.
Let’s talk about some of the pros and cons of each of these choices below to help you decide what is right for you. Likely, your decision will come down to personal preference and budget.
Self Drive Tour
Sometimes a self-drive trip is more affordable (more on budget later) but a lot depends on the type and level of accommodations you choose. The main downside to self-driving safaris is you have to watch the road and May miss wildlife sightings.
However, many camps and parks offer options of a game drive during your stay, so you could choose to do one of these to allow you more opportunities to spot your favorite animals.
Group Tour
When traveling with others, prices will be more affordable as you will share the cost of a guide amongst several people. Again, the cost will be affected by the level of lodging and what’s included in your package.
For the group trip, I organized a wheelchair-accessible small group tour with my readers. It was a wonderful experience and I really enjoyed a mid-level priced trip that included airport transfers, lodging, activities, and most meals.
Obviously, the downsides are you don’t have much flexibility and you are sharing the experience with others who are often times strangers. Likewise, group sizes can vary, so make sure you’re not part of a large group where you’ll get less personal service and attention.
Private Tour
On the other hand, a private tour is more tailored to your individual interests and needs. It allows you flexibility without having to worry about making arrangements for lodging and activities. However, it comes with a higher cost so it may not be in everyone’s budget.
I really enjoyed the private safari in Uganda that I did because all of the details and arrangements were taken care of for me (including getting permits for the gorilla and chimp treks I did). Additionally, the itinerary was completely flexible and based solely on my interests, preferences, and travel style.
What to Expect on a Game Drive
Game drives take place early in the morning and late in the afternoon and both can vary in length. Typically, however, they can last 3-5 hours.
They are done this way to avoid the heat of the day when animals are less active. Likewise, they naturally include meal breaks for you.
Expect early breakfasts and late dinners depending on the time of year you travel. Both breakfast and dinner tend to be in the dark to give you the best light for wildlife viewing.
While you’re almost certain to see an animal on your game drive, the types and amounts can vary with leopards and rhinos being the most difficult to find. Additionally, sometimes the animals will be right along the road while at other times they will be further in the distance and may be harder to see.
Your guide will do his/her best to get you the best views but may be limited to the rules of the park (like no off-roading) and what is safe and in the best interest of the animals. It’s best to bring a pair of binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lense.
How Much an African Safari Costs
An African safari can range quite a bit in cost depending on the type of experience you’re after.
For budget safaris, which might include staying in basic tented camps or lodges and using shared vehicles for game drives, you can expect to pay around $150–$350 USD per person, per day. These options still offer great wildlife experiences, but accommodations and amenities will be simpler.
If you’re looking for something a little more comfortable, mid-range safaris tend to cost between $350–$750 USD per person, per day. With this level, you’ll enjoy more comfortable lodges or tented camps, often with private en-suite bathrooms, better dining options, and possibly smaller group sizes on game drives.
At the high end are luxury safaris, where prices can range from $750 USD to over $1,500 USD per person, per day. These safaris usually include stays at exclusive lodges or luxury tented camps with high-end amenities like private plunge pools, gourmet meals, and personalized service. Game drives are often private, and you may have access to additional activities like hot air balloon rides or guided walking safaris.
Prices can vary by country and season, with destinations like Kenya and Tanzania being more affordable than places like Botswana or Rwanda.
Keep in mind that some safaris are all-inclusive, covering lodging, meals, park fees, and game drives, while others may require additional costs for activities or transfers.
For example, my 13-day safari in South Africa was approximately $3,100 per person and included all activities, basic but clean lodging (no tents), and most meals. However, my 1-week safari in Uganda cost about $5,000 per person but included nicer lodges, trekking permits (for both gorillas and chimps), game drives and other activities, and all meals.
It should be noted that the South Africa safari was a small group tour and the Uganda safari was a private tour which also accounts for some of the price difference.
How to Prepare for a Safari
These 5 tips for preparing for a safari will ensure you are prepared and have a smooth trip. I consider them to be safari planning essentials, so don’t skip these steps.
✅ Ensure Your Passport Meets Entry Requirements
Like with most international travel, your passport will need to be valid for 3-6 months after your return travel date. Additionally, it should have at least 3 blank pages inside.
Before traveling, confirm that your passport meets these requirements so you don’t have any problems and have to cancel your trip (or stress out about renewing your passport in time).
✅ Apply for Any Visas Needed
Some countries within Africa will require people of certain nationalities to obtain a VISA prior to entering. Typically, this can be done online for a small fee and you just need your application or acceptance letter with you at the airport.
In fact, when flying to Uganda, they wouldn’t even let me check in for my flight until I showed them that I had applied for the VISA online.
If you have concerns as to what website to use, ask your tour provider or go to the country’s tourism page for more information and a link.
✅ Have Your Travel Insurance Information Handy
While you most likely won’t need your travel insurance when traveling, it’s helpful to have your policy number and information handy for when you do. After all, no one plans for things to go wrong or for medical emergencies but they do happen.
Knowing your policy information and contact information can help make a stressful situation a little easier. You can add this information to your written itinerary or just have it on your phone for quick and easy reference.
✅ Make Sure You Have the Right Luggage
If you’re taking any bush flights (on small planes) within Africa, then you’ll need soft-sided luggage. This is a requirement of the flights.
Using this type of luggage will also help ensure your suitcases or bags meet the weight requirements as they tend to be lighter than hard-sided luggage.
Before you leave for Africa, pack your stuff in soft-sided bags and then check how much it weighs so you won’t have any problems once you’re in the country.
✅ Get Your Vaccinations
Some countries will require you to have certain vaccinations (like the yellow fever vaccine). Make sure you visit a travel clinic at least one month before your trip to get any recommended medication (like antimalarials) and vaccines for the countries you are traveling to.
Safari FAQ’s
🦒 What Makes a Good Safari?
I find the term “good” to be very subjective. However, to offer some guidance, I’ll offer my opinion (which may or may not reflect your personal definition).
A good safari allows you to view a variety of animals in their natural habitats safely and respectfully. Additionally, it will include a knowledgeable guide who can tell you more about the wildlife you encounter and is trained to help you spot not only the popular animals but the smaller and lesser-known ones as well.
🐘 When Should I Go on Safari?
Deciding when to go on safari will depend on the country(ies) you want to visit, the experience you want to have, and the type of weather you’re looking for. I enjoyed traveling during the transition months (from dry to wet season) as it was easier to see animals, there were fewer mosquitos, and still had pleasant temperatures.
When these transition seasons occur will vary by country.
🦁 How Far in Advance Should I Book a Safari?
Since the most popular lodges and tours can be booked quickly (especially during peak travel times), I recommend booking your safari at least a year in advance.
🐆 What Do I Tip for a Safari?
When it comes to tipping on an African safari, it’s important to keep in mind that tipping is a way to show appreciation for the service you receive. For a one-off game drive, it’s generally recommended to tip your guide around $10–$20 USD per person. If there is a tracker with you, an additional $5–$10 USD per person is appropriate.
For a multi-day safari tour, the tipping amount increases as you’ll likely have more interaction with your guide and the staff at the lodge or camp. A good rule of thumb is to tip your guide $10–$20 USD per day, per person.
It’s also a nice gesture to leave $5–$10 USD per day for the camp staff, which can be added to a communal tip box at the lodge. This tip is typically shared among all the staff, including housekeepers, chefs, and other support personnel.
Other helpful tipping advice: If you’re using porters to help carry your bags, tipping $1–$2 USD per bag is the standard. For waitstaff at lodges, a tip of 10%–15% of your bill is appreciated if you’ve had exceptional service.
Always check with your tour operator beforehand, as some tips might be included in your package. It’s also a good idea to tip in the local currency or US dollars, whichever is more convenient.
Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s a meaningful way to support those who work hard to make your safari experience special. Just be sure to check local customs and ask your guide if you’re unsure.
🦓 Are Safaris Wheelchair Accessible?
For the longest time, I thought doing a safari with limited mobility or as a wheelchair user was impossible. Then I found some amazing accessible travel companies that offer adapted (and incredible) tours.
So far, I have successfully visited South Africa and Uganda in a wheelchair. While there were challenges to accessibility, I was able to make them work based on my needs and abilities. Now I have plans to do safaris in more countries like Botswana and Zimbabwe.
All of the companies I used had adapted transportation and booked accessible rooms and experiences. I did game drives, toured popular sights, and even did a gorilla and chimp trek.
Although the rooms were adapted, they will not meet everyone’s needs. All beds had a boxed frame and bathrooms were on the small side with low and/or oddly placed grab bars.
Click the link for more on my trip to wheelchair-accessible South Africa and wheelchair-accessible Uganda.
🦏 Are Safaris Safe?
You may have seen news reports of people dying or getting injured while on a safari in Africa. Many of these instances involve people getting too close to the animal or getting out of their vehicles.
It is important to remember that these are wild animals that can be unpredictable. Being aware of animal behavior or having a guide that understands their behavior is critical.
That being said, I never felt unsafe on my safaris. While there were times animals came within 10 feet of me (in the vehicle), it was always their choice and we soon moved out of their way as to not disrupt their normal behavior or make them feel threatened.
Safaris can be very safe when done correctly or with a reputable and ethical guide.
Final Thoughts on These Safari Planning Tips
I hope that these safari planning tips have helped you create your dream trip to Africa! All of the information in this post are things I learned firsthand during my first two safaris. I wanted to share them with you so you can have a fantastic vacation.
