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First safari? Perfect.
You don't need to know Botswana from Tanzania yet. Here's what to pack, when to go and how booking works.
01 · What to pack
Pack light, pack neutral.
Clothing
- — Neutral colours — khaki, olive, tan, stone
- — Layers: early drives are cold, midday is warm
- — A warm fleece or light down jacket and a hat
- — Long sleeves for evenings and insects
- — Comfortable closed shoes; sandals for camp
- — Swimwear — many camps have a plunge pool
Gear
- — Binoculars — one pair per person if you can
- — Camera with a zoom lens, spare batteries and cards
- — Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
- — Insect repellent
- — A small headlamp or torch
- — Universal power adapter
Practical
- — Soft-sided bag: light aircraft often limit luggage
- — Passport valid well beyond travel, with blank pages
- — Visas and any health requirements checked early
- — Personal medication in your carry-on
- — Travel insurance documents
- — Most camps offer laundry, so pack less than you think
Requirements differ by country and camp; we confirm luggage limits and entry rules for your exact itinerary.
02 · When to go
The right month depends on the place.
There's no single "best time" for Africa. We match your dates to the right destination, not the other way around. A quick view of each country's peak season:
East Africa
Kenya
Jul – Oct
Dry-season wildlife viewing. Migrating herds often reach the Mara during these months, but timing and river crossings are never guaranteed.
Full Kenya guide →
Tanzania
Jul – Oct
Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti.
Full Tanzania guide →
Uganda
Jun – Aug, Dec – Feb
The drier months, generally the most comfortable for trekking. Permits are limited and are often secured months ahead.
Full Uganda guide →
Rwanda
Jun – Sep, Dec – Feb
The drier months, generally the most comfortable for trekking. Permits are limited and are often secured months ahead.
Full Rwanda guide →
Southern Africa
South Africa
May – Sep
Dry winter in the bush. Thin vegetation makes game viewing easier.
Full South Africa guide →
Botswana
Jun – Oct
Peak dry season. Delta flood at its highest, superb game concentrations, highest rates.
Full Botswana guide →
Namibia
May – Oct
Generally dry, with cooler nights. Wildlife often concentrates around Etosha's waterholes as the dry season progresses.
Full Namibia guide →
03 · How to book
Four simple steps.
01
Tell us how you like to travel
Share your dates, who's coming, your interests and a comfortable budget range — through the Plan My Safari form or Safari Match.
02
We design your Safari Fit
We match where, when, how, where you stay and who you travel with, then send a proposal with clear trade-offs.
03
Refine, then confirm
Adjust until it feels right. Popular camps book up early, so a deposit secures your space once you're happy.
04
Prepare and go
You receive final documents, packing guidance and on-the-ground contacts before you leave.
Common questions
The honest answers.
Where should I go first?+
For most first-timers, Tanzania, Kenya or South Africa. East Africa delivers the classic open-plains safari; South Africa offers easy logistics and Big Five reserves. Botswana is spectacular but often best for a second trip, unless exclusivity is your priority.
How long do I need?+
Eight to twelve nights is ideal. That allows two or three camps, ideally three nights each, so you're not packing every morning.
Is it safe? What about kids?+
Well-run safaris are carefully managed. For young children we look at malaria-free reserves, family suites and private vehicles so you can set your own pace.
What actually makes a safari great?+
Mostly the guide, the location and how many vehicles are at each sighting. Thread count comes a distant fourth.
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.