If an African safari is on your list of dream holidays, you know that it can feel like an impossible task to choose the right African safari operator for you. The right or wrong operator can drastically impact your entire vacation, so it’s important to choose wisely.

First, you need to decide your budget. Typically, this is a couple of thousand dollars (per person) at the minimum. And we do not recommend a “bargain safari” mindset. This can get you into trouble and make you feel like you wasted your holiday.

Instead, decide what you need to make your African safari worth it, and then choose the safari lodge or camp that fits your needs. To help you make your decision, answer these key questions:

• What luxury amenities do I need? Is WIFI a must? Do I need flushing toilets, mattresses, daily laundry, premium alcohol, etc.?
• What type of safari vehicle do I want? You’ll spend most of your time in the safari vehicle, make sure your operator offers a vehicle with the features you want, such as technology charging stations, drink refrigeration, open-air, etc.
• How well-trained are the staff? You’ll interact with your safari team regularly, especially the guide and camp manager, make sure they receive good reviews.
• How important is food? Not all safari operators have a chef or create inspired meals that you’ll love.

If you are willing to spend more than $7,5000 per person, you can enjoy almost any type of African safari experience, except for the most luxurious accommodations. However, if you have a budget of around $3,000 to 5,000 per person, you’re going to have to make some decisions on what you MUST have and what you are willing to give up.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• If possible, spend at least six nights on safari. Three nights is not enough time to really soak in the African safari experience. So, if you have to stay somewhere more affordable for more time, do it.
• Location can be key to cost, but it can also be key to an enjoyable experience. More affordable locations are also far more crowded. You might be in a line of cars to see an animal, and it may feel more like a zoo. The more private and remote your wildlife experience, the more you’ll have to pay.
• Time of the year can greatly impact your budget. There are typically three seasons with three costs. You can save as much as $100 per person per night by changing your trip dates.
  • Low season is December – March and is the most affordable.
  • Shoulder season is April, May, June, and November, and costs in the mid-range.
  • High season is July – October and is the most expensive.
• Save money with a mobile safari. A safari lodge is like a luxury safari hotel that remains in a permanent location. You fly/drive to the lodge, stay for a few nights, and then fly/drive to your next location. Lodges are more expensive and have added transfer costs (which can be $300 – $400 per person for a bush flight). On the other hand, a mobile safari is a luxurious camp that moves with you between locations. It’s more affordable because there is less overhead for the operator and you don’t have to pay for additional transfers.

The best month to go on safari depends on what you want to see, experience, and do. Every month offers something different for visitors. And in general, most safari destinations can be visited year-round. However, the weather does change each season, particularly when it comes to rainfall and thus game-viewing.

So, here’s what you need to know.

• January & February: These are the two wettest months of the year; you have a good chance of getting rained on. However, the vegetation is green, flowers are in bloom, and water is abundant. These months are incredible for bird watching, many migrations are in full swing, and many antelope give birth so predators can be abundant.
• March: This is the greenest month of the year, water is high, but rain is less likely. Some areas may be inaccessible due to too much water, but this also means animals can be found concentrated on dry land. This is also birthing season for many animals.
• April & May: These two amazing months offer warm days, cold nights, and little rain. It’s great weather with beautiful green scenery, fewer tourists, and more affordable pricing.
• June & July: These two months offer flawless blue winter skies, warm days, and cold nights. Game viewing is exceptional because the foliage is sparse. Don’t expect a lot of greenery (vegetation is beginning to yellow and die), and book your trip in advance as these months are popular.
• August, September, & October: These are the three most popular months to go on safari. Days are hot and dry, and nights are sultry. There’s lots of sunshine and amazing game viewing. In fact, these are some of the best months to have spectacular animal sightings. However, this is high season, so prices are at a premium, and availability is limited.
• November & December: These two months welcome the first rains of the wet season. The weather is hot and humid, with lots of mud and periods of heavy rain. However, this is an excellent time for newborn calves and migrant birds

When you go on an African safari, you are dealing with wild animals and remote regions. This is not a zoo. Everything is untamed and unexpected. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t safe.

From the moment you begin your safari, you’ll be given rules and guidelines that you’ll need to follow and listen to at all times. It’s about respecting your safari guide, respecting the animals, and being smart.

To stay safe while on safari:

• Listen to the advice of your safari guide at all times. They understand animal behavior and will know-how and win to approach animals and what to do in every situation. Trust your guide to take care of you.
• Do not leave your tent at night without supervision. After dark, you will always have an escort around your camp or lodge to keep you safe.
• Do use the provided safety gear (including an air horn) if you need to call for help at night when you are inside your room. This device is there for emergency purposes only.
• Do not wander around alone just because you do not see any animals nearby. Your safari guide or camp staff need to check nearby areas for your safety.

So, is an African safari safe? Yes, it is. Your safari operator will always put your safety first, so as long as you listen to their guidance, you should have nothing to worry about.