Where to Start and What to Consider when Planning your First Safari.
Planning your very first safari can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. Whether you dream of witnessing the Great Migration, photographing elusive leopards, or staying in a private lodge, the following step‑by‑step guide helps ensure your adventure is unforgettable—and stress‑free.
There are over 50 countries in Africa, nine of which are renowned for world-class safaris: South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda and Rwanda. Do you dream of setting foot on the infinite plains of the world-famous Serengeti or Masai Mara? Are you keen to climb the ancient sand dunes of the Namib Desert or would you prefer a land and (seasonal) water-based safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta? High Adventure Safaris can help you craft every detail of your ideal adventure.
Some things to consider:
Wildlife highlights:
Are you aiming for the Big Five, birdlife, baby animals, or migratory phenomena?
Style & pace:
Do you prefer luxury lodges, small‑group excursions, private tented camps, walking safaris, wine tastings, beach excursions or hot‑air balloon rides? Do you want to visit more than one destination or country?
Duration & logistics:
In our experience the average safari lasts about fourteen days, but that is flexible. Remember to factor in travel time and time/date changes from your home origin when looking at trip dates.
With High Adventure Safaris your entire trip will be individually planned and customized to meet your expectations and desires. Our expert staff can guide you through the process and offer suggestions based on local knowledge and personal experiences.
When can you, and when should you travel? One must consider high/low seasons, rainfall patterns, wildlife migrations, and temperatures throughout the year when planning. Seasons affect both wildlife viewing and travel costs. While you certainly can go anytime, our favorite time for travel is from February through October, due to comfortable temperatures and typically lower rainfall.
Dry season (approx. June–Oct) offers peak visibility and high chances of spotting animals gathered around watering holes.
Green season (Nov–Apr or rainy/shoulder season) brings lush scenery, newborn wildlife, migratory birds, and often lower rates—though animals can be more dispersed.
For iconic events like East Africa’s Great Migration, plan for July to October; for smaller crowds and dramatic landscapes, try shoulder months like early June or late October.
Best practice: allow 8–12 months lead time for peak-season bookings; shoulder seasons may require less notice.
Safaris vary widely in cost. Luxury lodges in prime areas with all-inclusive amenities often run around $500–$1,000+ per night. Mid‑range or campaign‑style camps offer excellent wildlife access at a more moderate price point. Don’t forget domestic flights, park fees, tipping, travel insurance, visas, and optional add-ons like hot‑air balloon rides, wine tastings or walking tours.
At High Adventure Safaris we focus on luxury, comfort, service, and quality of game viewing, so our prices are going to reflect these elements. That said, we do offer tailor-made safari options for a variety of price points. Our staff can guide you through the choices by region, accommodation preferences, group interests and budget.
Tailor‑Made / Private Safaris offer customizable itineraries and intimate experiences—ideal for couples, photographers, or special celebrations.
Small Group Tours provide shared costs and camaraderie without sacrificing quality or access.
Self‑drive safaris are possible in places like South Africa’s Kruger—but off-road, night drives, and walking safaris usually require a guide.
Smaller vehicles (fewer passengers) mean better photographic positioning and less crowding.
Planning a safari involves complex logistics. The best safari will be planned by a team with first-hand knowledge of the destinations, cultural communities, legalities and on-the-ground logistics. Having a reputable, experienced team like High Adventure Safaris will help your dream safari go smoothly from start to finish.
High Adventure Safaris brings on-the-ground knowledge, community connections, lodge relationships, and access to deals and insider availability.
Our team handles the itinerary, reservations, permits, flights, transfers, park rules, additional activity bookings, and unexpected hiccups—giving you peace of mind.
We can help you understand the necessary entry requirements and health requirements for each destination you plan to visit.
We can assist you with your packing needs based on our own experiences, the time of year you will be traveling, your destination and itinerary. For example, some smaller domestic bush planes have weight restrictions for luggage. Additionally, travelers with insect sensitivities should consider permethrin‑treated clothing for extra protection. These are the types of details that our experienced team will help you prepare for in advance.
We practice conservation and ethical ecotourism. Many of our lodges have been awarded international honors for responsible tourism, reforestation, rehabilitation, and giving back to the local communities. Several of our lodges offer exclusive hands-on opportunities for our guests to participate in these initiatives.
From choosing the right season and setting a realistic timeline and budget to handling all logistics and providing attention to the important details, collaborating with High Adventure Safaris will set you up for a deeply memorable experience. Whether you’re making first contact with Africa’s wildlife, celebrating a milestone, or capturing that perfect shot in early morning light, your High Adventure Safari experience will be smooth, safe, luxurious and soul‑enriching.
How you can help play a part in conservation while on safari
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