Safari Journal

Honest advice for better safari decisions

Straight answers to the questions travellers ask before booking: where, when, how, where you stay and who you travel with.

Safari vehicle on the African savanna at golden hour

7 min read

Planning Your First African Safari: A Step-by-Step Guide

Plan your first African safari with practical advice on destinations, dates, camps, trip length and the people traveling with you.

Herds crossing the plains of the Serengeti

7 min read

Best Time to Go on an African Safari, Country by Country

Find the best time for African safari travel by matching your dates to wildlife, weather and the conditions in seven safari destinations.

Quiet waterway in Botswana's Okavango Delta

7 min read

How Much Does a Premium Safari Cost? What Drives the Price

Wondering how much does a luxury safari cost? Learn what drives a premium safari budget and where spending makes a practical difference.

Open plains of the Maasai Mara in Kenya

7 min read

How to Compare Safari Quotes Without Getting Lost

Learn to compare safari quotes fairly, from camp locations and vehicle use to transfers, park fees, exclusions and booking terms.

Desert landscape in Namibia seen from above

7 min read

Safari Transfers Explained: Bush Flights, Road Transfers and Luggage

Safari transfers explained: understand bush flights, road journeys, luggage rules and connection buffers before choosing your route.

Acacia tree on the plains of Tanzania

6 min read

Tanzania vs Kenya Safari: Which Is Right for You?

Tanzania vs Kenya safari: compare routes, migration timing, conservancies, travel days and beach pairings to choose the right fit.

Mokoro canoe in the Okavango Delta

6 min read

Botswana's Okavango Delta: Why It's Worth It

An Okavango Delta safari explained: seasonal water, land and water camps, mokoro outings, fly-in logistics and choosing the right pace.

Misty rainforest in Uganda

6 min read

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: What to Expect

Gorilla trekking Uganda guide: understand permits, terrain, health precautions, clothing and how to build a sensible safari itinerary.

Family-friendly game reserve in South Africa

6 min read

Family Safaris With Kids: How to Get It Right

Plan a family safari with kids around age rules, private vehicles, family rooms, health advice and a pace that works for everyone.

Safari scene with grassland and distant trees

6 min read

What to Pack for an African Safari: A Practical Checklist

What to pack for a safari: a practical guide to clothing, layers, soft luggage, binoculars, medication and country-specific extras.

Open savanna scenery in Tanzania

6 min read

An African Honeymoon Safari Guide: Make It Yours

Plan an African honeymoon safari around your pace, privacy, wildlife interests, and the practical decisions that make the trip feel like yours.

Safari landscape in Kenya

6 min read

Top Tips for Booking Your African Safari

Make booking an African safari clearer with practical advice on timing, routing, accommodation, inclusions, and choosing the right planning support.

Landscape in South Africa

6 min read

How to Combine South Africa and Victoria Falls

Combine South Africa and Victoria Falls with thoughtful routing, enough time on safari, and practical advice on flights, seasons, and border choices.

Natural safari setting in Botswana

6 min read

How to Choose a Luxury Safari Lodge: What Really Matters

Learn how to choose a luxury safari lodge by weighing location, guiding, privacy, comfort, and value instead of relying on glamorous photographs.

African landscape introducing a safari and beach journey

6 min read

Safari and Beach: Choosing Your Indian Ocean Pairing

Plan a safari and beach trip with thoughtful pairings for Zanzibar, the Mozambique coast, or the Kenya coast, plus advice on timing and transfers.

Landscape in South Africa, one possible setting for a carefully planned safari

6 min read

How to Plan an Accessible Safari Around Your Mobility Needs

Plan an accessible safari with practical questions about vehicles, rooms, transfers, mobility equipment, and the pace that suits you.

Tanzanian landscape where safari days are shaped around drives and time in camp

6 min read

Safari Food and Dietary Requirements: What to Expect

Understand safari food and dietary requirements, from everyday camp meals to allergies, vegetarian options, and safe advance planning.

Kenyan safari landscape suited to watching wildlife in its natural setting

6 min read

Ethical Animal Encounters on Safari: What to Avoid

Choose ethical animal encounters on safari with practical guidance on touching, feeding, wildlife facilities, and respectful game viewing.

Botswana landscape offering space to practice wildlife and habitat photography

6 min read

Safari Photography Tips for Beginners: Better Photos, Less Fuss

Use these safari photography tips for beginners to choose simple gear, handle changing light, and photograph wildlife respectfully.

Open Namibian landscape that invites a slower approach to travel

6 min read

Wellness Safaris: Slowing Down in the Bush

Explore wellness safaris built around rest, gentle routines, thoughtful pacing, and time outdoors rather than a packed activity schedule.

Open African landscape beneath a wide sky

6 min read

The Best Places to Go on Safari in 2027, by Travel Style

Find the best places to go on safari in 2027 by travel style, from a first Kenya trip to quieter Botswana journeys and Namibia road trips.

Broad grassland in a Kenyan safari landscape

6 min read

Kenya Safari for First-Time Visitors: Build a Trip That Fits

Plan a Kenya safari for first-time visitors with clear advice on parks, seasons, transport, accommodation, and a comfortable daily pace.

South African bushveld in soft natural light

6 min read

Private Reserves Near Kruger: Sabi Sands and Greater Kruger Explained

Understand private reserves near Kruger, including Sabi Sands and Greater Kruger, and choose the right access, guiding, and safari style.

Open plains in a Tanzanian safari landscape

6 min read

Hot-Air Balloon Safaris in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti

Is a hot-air balloon safari worth it? Compare Maasai Mara and Serengeti flights, practical limits, weather considerations, and itinerary fit.

Green forested landscape in Uganda

6 min read

Rwanda vs Uganda for Gorilla Trekking: Which Fits Your Trip?

Compare Rwanda vs Uganda for gorilla trekking, including access, permits, walking conditions, accommodation, and the rest of your itinerary.

Safari landscape in Botswana

6 min read

Walking Safaris: What to Expect and Where to Go

Explore walking safaris, from short guided walks to walking-focused trips, with practical advice on destinations, safety, fitness, and packing.

Safari landscape in South Africa

6 min read

Exclusive-Use Safari Villas and Private Houses: A Family and Group Guide

Considering exclusive-use safari villas? Learn how private houses work, what to check, and when they make sense for families and groups.

Safari landscape in Tanzania

6 min read

Green Season Safaris: Why Travel in the Rains?

Green season safaris can bring fresh landscapes and a different pace. Understand rain, wildlife viewing, access, and the trade-offs before booking.

Safari landscape in Kenya

6 min read

Solo Safari Travel: How to Plan a Trip That Fits

Planning solo safari travel? Compare shared and private guiding, understand single supplements, and build a comfortable, well-supported itinerary.

Safari landscape in Namibia

6 min read

Responsible Safari Travel: How Your Trip Can Help Conservation

Responsible safari travel starts with better questions. Learn how to assess conservation claims, wildlife practices, community benefits, and trip design.

First safari? Perfect.

You don't need to know Botswana from Tanzania yet. Tell us how you like to travel — we'll make the five pieces fit.

Read the first-safari guide: what to pack, when to go, how to book →
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