In short
For a first safari, Kenya and Tanzania are the easiest to get right, Botswana is the most immersive and South Africa the most accessible. The right country mostly depends on your travel month and the kind of trip you picture.
- Best periodGenerally June to October (dry season)
- For the Great MigrationKenya and Tanzania, roughly July to October
- For an easy startSouth Africa, pairing Cape Town and Kruger
- Suggested length5 to 7 nights on the ground
Choosing where to go on a first safari can feel dizzying: four countries, four moods, and as many ways to see big game. We hear the question every week, so here is how we answer it, jargon-free.
Which country should you choose for a first safari?
In Kenya, the Masai Mara remains the benchmark for classic safaris: open savannah, big cats and, from roughly July to October, the herds of the Great Migration. Tanzania offers a similar backdrop with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and pairs naturally with the beaches of Zanzibar.
Botswana plays a different tune: remote camps, fewer vehicles and the waters of the Okavango Delta explored by dugout canoe. South Africa reassures beginners: solid infrastructure, pleasant cities and a Kruger safari that combines easily with Cape Town.
| Country | Highlight | Ideal if you… | Often recommended period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Masai Mara, Great Migration | want the classic safari | July to October |
| Tanzania | Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Zanzibar | dream of safari then beach | June to October |
| Botswana | Okavango Delta, mokoro | seek quiet and immersion | June to October |
| South Africa | Cape Town, Kruger | are new to safaris or travel as a family | May to September |
What is the best month for a safari?
In most parks the dry season is the most comfortable: vegetation thins, animals gather around water and tracks are passable. It generally runs from June to October. In East Africa the long rains mostly fall from March to May: landscapes are green, but getting around is slower.
- JanPossible
- FebPossible
- MarRainy
- AprRainy
- MayGood
- JunIdeal
- JulIdeal
- AugIdeal
- SepIdeal
- OctIdeal
- NovPossible
- DecPossible
Our experts' tip
If you travel in July or August, book early: the most sought-after camps fill up long in advance. Outside those months, May, June and October often strike a good balance.
How long and how much should you plan?
For a first safari, plan generally five to seven nights: enough for several dawn and sunset drives without fatigue. International flights are not included in the prices shown on our trip pages, and the final rate depends on the camp, the season and the number of travellers. We build every itinerary to measure, with local guides.
Good to know
Before you leave, check each country's entry requirements and health advice on your government's official travel advice website.
Which trips suit a first safari?
Here are four itineraries we offer, one per country. Each can be adapted to your dates and pace.
Frequently asked questions
Is a first safari suitable for children?
Often yes, provided you choose the camp carefully and check the minimum age for game drives. South Africa is generally the simplest destination for families.
Can you see the Great Migration all year?
No. The herds move between Tanzania and Kenya, and Mara River crossings generally happen from roughly July to October. Timing varies from year to year.
Do I need vaccinations or medication before travelling?
It depends on the country and the area visited. Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic before departure.
Your safari in Africa, tailor-made
Tell us your dates and wishes: our team replies with a tailor-made proposal within 24 hours.