Planning Your African Safari:
When you plan an African safari, there are a number of things you need to consider, from the animals you want to see, the best time to go on safari; and what kind of safari you would like to experience; luxury, tented, mobile, budget camping -- there are plenty of options.

Mammals, Birds or Reptiles
The first thing you need to do is decide which animals you want to see.

Big 5-- Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant: If you want to see all of these animals in one trip, the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania are good bets.

Gorillas: If you're interested in gorillas you would want to head to Rwanda, Uganda or Gabon. See my complete guide to gorilla safaris for more information.

Chimpanzees: If you're inspired by Jane Goodall's work, your destination would be the Sweetwaters Tented Camp in Nanyuki, Laikipia and Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania.

Elephants: For an abundance of elephants the Okavango Delta in Botswana is probably your best destination.

Lions: To see the king of the beasts, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in East Africa are the best parks to view lions. 

Black Rhino: To see the black rhino is quite rare, but you still have a chance to catch a glimpse in Lake Nakuru National Park.

Hippos and Crocodiles: Plentiful in lakes and rivers throughout East and Southern Africa. Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania also offer fine viewing opportunities, but be cautious, crocs and hippos can be extremely dangerous.

Birding: If ornithology is your passion then you will be very happy to know there are many birding safaris available in East and Southern Africa.
 

Adventure Safaris
Next you need to decide just how close you want to get. If you're not satisfied viewing wildlife from a 4x4 vehicle, there are plenty of alternative options available.

Elephant Safari
The best offer I can find for an elephant back safari is at Abu Camp in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. There are some elephant rides available in Zimbabwe but not an entire safari. Since elephants generally crash through the bush you may not see a lot of game, but the experience of sitting high up on this great beast would be worth it.

Walking Safari
If you are fit and appreciate an adrenalin rush, then go on a walking safari. The Guides are extremely knowledgeable and being on foot will enable you to get truly close to experiencing the sights, smells and sounds of the African bush.

Mountain Bike Safari
An excellent option for cycling enthusiasts, the bike safari offers excitement, flexibility and exercise!

Canoeing Safari
Floating along the Zambezi River among the hippos and crocodiles; camping under the stars and listening to lions roar deep in to the night; seeing elephants cross the river trunks held high - that in a nutshell, canoeing safari experience is magical.

Balloon Safari
Not for the budget-conscious, but a balloon safari is a once in a lifetime experience and most large National Parks are offering this popular option. The best place for it has to be the Serengeti Plains watching the annual migration of Wildebeest. You will be pleased to note that all balloon flights include champagne. Hot air balloon ride is available in Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania.

Camel Safari
The good thing about a camel safari is that your guides are likely to be local tribesmen. Less gainly than a horse, a camel is nevertheless a fun and relaxing animal to ride and there is something romantic about camping next to your steed at night.

Horse Riding Safari
You can race zebras and antelope on horseback - what fun! A great way to experience the African bush but you have to be quite fit and an experienced rider to enjoy these safaris.

Finally, once you've chosen the type of safari you're interested in, your next step would be to choose the best way to experience it. Within most of the categories below you will be able to opt for luxury, basic and somewhere in between.

Traditional (Mobile) Tented Safari
A mobile camp is one that will travel with you as you move from location to location. Camp is often set up for you in advance and at the luxury end of the scale, will come complete with hot showers, gourmet food and plenty of servants to cater to your needs. If you wish to follow in Hemingway's footsteps this is the safari for you. Mobile safaris also enable you to get to the more remote parts of the African bush.

Guided Safari
You will usually travel in a group often using 4x4 vehicles or overland trucks. The itineraries will be set on a day by day schedule which you will know in advance and includes meals, lodging and activities. A tour guide will stay with you to coordinate and manage the trip. A guided safari is wonderful if you are looking for a relatively hassle free trip. They are often well researched, the guides are very well informed and it can make travel possible in some of the more remote parts of Africa.

Package Safari
Similar to a guided safari, a package tour offers a set itinerary with lodging and meals included, but you do not travel in a group. Your bookings are made for you in advance so you don't have the hassle of planning your trip but other than that you are an independent operator. A package safari is a good option for first time travellers to Africa and those on a budget since they are often a little cheaper.

Independent (Self-Drive) Safari
You basically plan your own trip, rent a car and drive yourself through whichever game park you choose! It is a good idea to research and perhaps copy some itineraries that are to your liking. Parks and Reserves are often in very remote locations so always bring an extra supply of food, water and gasoline. It is worth using a travel agent or tour operator to help you book your lodges and rent your vehicle in advance. Self-drive safaris are great in South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and Namibia. Unless your idea of a fun drive includes dodging potholes the size of trucks, strolling people, goats and dogs it may be better to go with a tour.

Fly-In Safari
For the ultimate convenience charter operators can now fly you directly to a game park. Fly-in safari's enable you to visit reserves and parks that are inaccessible by road, offering a true adventure in to the wilderness as it were. Flying around obviously saves you travel time on the ground and allows you to not waste a second of wildlife viewing fun.
 

Africa Safari Planner | Planning Your African Safari | Kenya Tanzania