Embarking on your first African safari is an unforgettable journey into the wild heart of nature. From awe-inspiring landscapes and iconic wildlife to vibrant cultures and serene lodges and camps. However, for first timers, the idea of navigating the logistics and unfamiliar environment can feel overwhelming.
At Cheetah Safaris, we will be glad to convert your idea of an African Safari into a real African Safari experience, that’s more memorable and fuller of engaging activities that you will never forget. We have designed amazing Itineraries that will help you plan a draft safari into a real one. Check out some of our best African Safaris here.
This guide is designed to walk you through every stage of the adventure, helping you understand what to expect and how to prepare, so you can fully immerse yourself in the magic of Africa.
Preparing for Your First African Safari
Preparation is essential when it comes to enjoying your first safari. The first step is choosing your destination. Africa is vast and diverse, and each country offers a unique flavor of the safari experience. Kenya and Tanzania are famed for the Great Migration and wildlife experience mixed with iconic savannahs, while Uganda and Rwanda are perfect for gorilla trekking. Southern Africa offers contrasting experiences, from Botswana’s Okavango Delta to Zimbabwe’s rugged parks.
Once you’ve selected a country, the timing of your visit becomes just as important. Most safari destinations have two main seasons, the dry season and the wet season. The dry months, typically between June and October, are ideal for game viewing, as animals congregate around water sources and vegetation is sparse. However, traveling during the green season between November and May can offer lower prices, lush scenery, and excellent birding opportunities. However, every park and country have its best time for visit.
Another critical component of preparation is choosing a reputable safari operator. Your guide can make or break your safari, so opt for experienced operators with a strong safety record and deep knowledge of wildlife behavior. Cheetah Safaris, has you covered on well skilled guides. Budgeting for your trip also plays a key role. Safaris range from economical group tours to all-inclusive luxury retreats with private villas, gourmet meals, and chartered flights.
Understanding the level of comfort, you desire and can afford, helps narrow your options. Lastly, it’s important to understand the logistics involved, including internal flights between parks, road transfers, park entry fees, and travel times. Some destinations require hours long drives over different terrain, while others are more accessible by air.
What to Expect on Safari
The heart of your safari experience will be the game drives, guided excursions into the wilderness to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. These drives usually happen twice daily, with early morning and late afternoon being the most productive times for sightings. The cool hours of the day are when predators hunt and herbivores are on the move. Game drives typically last two to four hours, led by knowledgeable guides and experts. Depending on your destination, you could see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard), as well as giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, antelope species, and a dazzling array of birds.
Your accommodation will depend on your budget and the style of safari you choose. Luxury lodges and camps offer indulgent comforts, including private decks with plunge pools, curated wines, and gourmet meals under the stars. Mid-range tented camps provide comfortable amenities while keeping you close to nature, with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and cozy beds inside canvas walls.
What to Pack for Your First African Safari
Packing for safari requires careful thought, as the right gear can make your experience far more enjoyable. Clothing should be lightweight, breathable, and in neutral colors like beige, khaki, or olive to blend into the environment. Avoid black or navy, which attract tsetse flies, and steer clear of bright colors that may disturb wildlife. Early mornings and evenings can be surprisingly chilly, so layering is key. A fleece or light jacket will come in handy, and a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a scarf are useful for sun protection and dust.
Footwear should be comfortable and practical, closed shoes or hiking boots are ideal for game drives and walking safaris. In terms of gear, binoculars are essential for spotting distant animals, while a good quality camera with a zoom lens will help capture unforgettable moments. Because some lodges run on solar power, power banks and spare batteries are useful for keeping devices charged. Flashlights or headlamps are also helpful, especially in camps with minimal lighting.
Health and hygiene items should not be overlooked. Insect repellent with DEET is crucial to ward off mosquitoes, and sunscreen is necessary for long hours in the sun. Carry a small first aid kit, personal medications, hand sanitizer, and any prescription treatments, including anti-malarial drugs if advised by your doctor. It’s wise to consult your healthcare provider a few weeks before departure to discuss vaccinations and medications suitable for the region you’re visiting.
Small Checklist to use below:
- Passport with all the required visas for every country your African safari travel to and through.
- A bit of cash, bank cards, and/or travelers’ cheques. You can also use e-wallet apps these days to avoid carrying cards and cash.
- Airtickets and travel vouchers for any pre-booked safari tours.
- Vaccination certificates (yellow fever etc.) where required. Some vaccinations need to be taken well in advance (see Vaccinations needed for your African Safari)
- Medication: malaria prophylactics if advised (see Malaria Made Simple) and any personal medication (also take your prescription in case of an emergency – your medication gets lost, wet, etc.)
- Travel insurance policy details. Your policy number and the contact details for claims and emergencies. (Comprehensive travel insurance is a must).
- Cell phone. Most globetrotters travel with a smartphone in order to stay in touch with family and friends, connect to WIFI, and for emergencies.
- Copies of your important documents: as a precaution take a copy of your air tickets, travel insurance policy, vaccinations, visas, prescriptions, and passport.
- A hard copy of your most important contact numbers in case you lose your phone.
How much Should your first African Safari cost?
Generally, a good African Safari should cost between USD 400 to USD 800 per person sharing per day. But keep in mind that an African safari cost is determined by other many factors as we have discussed above.
See the below table for a more detailed cost of an African Safari. These will guide you in planning your first safari to East Africa.
Estimated Kenya or Tanzania Safari Cost Per Day
| 4-star comfort | 4-star luxury | 5-star luxury | |||
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| USD 300 – USD 675 | USD 550 – USD 870 | USD 800 – USD 1,200 | USD 1000 – USD 1500 | USD 1,450 | USD 2350 |
Visa Requirements and Entry Information
One of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of safari preparation is understanding the visa requirements of your destination country. Each African nation has different entry policies depending on your nationality, and these can change frequently, so it’s vital to verify current information from official immigration websites or your travel advisor. Most popular safari countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and to a lesser extent Botswana, require visas for foreign visitors.
Many of these countries now offer streamlined online visa systems. For instance, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe allow travelers to apply for e-visas through dedicated government portals. These applications are typically straightforward, asking for personal information, a scanned passport, recent photo, travel itinerary, accommodation details, and proof of onward or return travel. Some nations, such as Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, offer a convenient East Africa Tourist Visa, which allows multiple entries between the three countries over a 90-day period, a great option for travelers exploring multiple destinations.
It’s important to apply for your visa at least two to three weeks before your departure date to allow ample processing time. Once approved, you’ll receive an e-visa confirmation, which should be printed and carried alongside your passport during travel. Although some countries do offer visas on arrival, pre-applying online is highly recommended to avoid delays or complications at the airport.
Upon arrival, immigration officers may request to see your printed visa, passport (with at least six months’ validity and two blank pages), yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory for some countries), and your safari itinerary or accommodation booking. Having these documents ready and well organized will help you breeze through the entry process.
Botswana stands out as a safari destination that is visa free for many Western passport holders, including citizens of the EU, UK, US, and Canada. However, travelers from countries that require visas can apply online through the Botswana eVisa portal. Always double check your personal visa requirements well in advance, as policies can change based on diplomatic relations, health considerations, or changes in immigration law.
Types of Visas
When planning a safari in Africa, understanding the different types of visas available can help you choose the one that best suits your travel itinerary. The most common visa is the single-entry tourist visa, which allows travelers to enter a country once and stay for a specified duration, typically 30 to 90 days. This type of visa is ideal if you plan to remain in one country throughout your safari.
However, for those planning to explore multiple destinations, especially in East Africa, the East Africa Tourist Visa offers exceptional convenience. This visa allows multiple entries across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for up to 90 days, as long as you do not exit the region during your stay. It’s a perfect option for travelers doing gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda and a classic safari in Kenya or the Serengeti.
Another option is the multiple-entry visa, which permits travelers to enter and exit a country multiple times within a specified period. This is particularly useful if you’re flying in and out of major hub cities or combining different regional safari circuits. For example, you may arrive in South Africa, head into Botswana or Zimbabwe for your safari, and then return to Johannesburg before flying home. In such cases, a multiple-entry visa can simplify your travel logistics.
Some countries also offer a transit visa, valid for short stopovers, usually 24 to 72 hours, if you are merely passing through on your way to another destination. This can be useful if your international flight itinerary includes a long layover in Nairobi or Addis Ababa, though it’s not commonly needed for safari-goers unless you plan to leave the airport. Lastly, several African countries have introduced e-Visas, allowing travelers to apply online before arrival, and a few still offer visas on arrival at major airports and border posts. While convenient, visa on arrival options may require you to queue upon landing and could be subject to last minute changes or delays, so pre-applying is always the safer option.
Safari Etiquette and Tips
While the thrill of seeing wildlife in the open is incomparable, it’s important to follow basic etiquette to ensure your safety and that of the animals. Remain quiet during game drives, as loud conversations can startle wildlife. Never attempt to stand up or leave the vehicle unless your guide indicates it is safe to do so. Wild animals are unpredictable, and your guides are trained to read both the terrain and the behavior of animals to keep you secure.
Respecting the animals’ space is crucial. Do not try to attract their attention by calling, whistling, or making sounds. Feeding animals is strictly prohibited, as it disrupts their natural instincts and can lead to dangerous encounters in the future.
Cultural Respect and Local Interaction
Cultural encounters are a beautiful part of traveling through Africa, and showing respect for local customs enhances both your experience and the dignity of the communities you visit. When photographing people, always ask for permission first, especially in traditional villages. Dress modestly when visiting local markets, towns, or community tours, covering shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. Purchasing handmade crafts and supporting local artisans is a meaningful way to give back to the communities you encounter.
Health & Safety on Safari
Your health and safety are paramount during a safari. Malaria is present in many safari regions, so preventative medication and mosquito protection are essential. Use insect repellent regularly, sleep under provided mosquito nets, and wear long clothing in the evenings. Staying hydrated is vital, especially during game drives under the African sun carry bottled or filtered water, which most lodges provide.
Listening to your guide at all times is critical. The bush is not a zoo, animals behave naturally, and your safety depends on following instructions. Travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and safari activities is a must have. Whether it’s an injury, illness, or unexpected change in plans, comprehensive coverage gives peace of mind in remote areas.
Final Thoughts
Your first African safari is more than a holiday; it’s a transformative experience that awakens a deeper connection with nature. The thrill of watching a lion stalk its prey, the serenity of an African sunset, and the humbling vastness of the wild will leave you changed. With careful planning, an open mind, and a respectful heart, your journey through Africa will be one of the most unforgettable chapters of your life.
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Cheetah Safaris has fantastic, experienced safari experts available and prepared to assist you in creating a once-in-a-lifetime beach holiday experience. Fill in Our Contact Form with the details you want or send us a WhatsApp text to reach us at +254 729 744244.
