Every traveler has different needs in terms of the level of luxury they want from their safari lodges and resorts, how active they wish to be, and how much they want to be guided versus how independent or flexible they want to be.
Then there are the destinations. Some go to Africa purely for wildlife safaris, but even those have variety depending on what sort of wildlife a traveler wants to see, which means different game reserves may suit different people.
Many want to experience not just an African safari, but also the people, culture, food, wine, beaches and cities – even African penguins!.
With such diversity, considering some key factors will help you choose which unforgettable destinations you want to visit on your journey, including how realistic or enjoyable it might be to fit a certain selection of vacation spots or tourist activities into any one trip to Africa.
Each possible private African tour package offers a unique variety of activities, sights and accommodation options. We want to find what works best for you.
Visit the best of Africa
We send our travelers to places we’ve been and recommend ourselves. For reasons of safety and tourism infrastructure, we plan tours of East Africa and Southern Africa, as well as African islands and beaches like Cape Town, Mozambique or Diani Beach, or the Indian Ocean islands of Zanzibar, Seychelles and Mauritius.
Safari Planning Factors to Consider
What would make your absolute best African safari package? Here are some of the things New African Safaris looks at when helping you put together your private tour.
Need help with how to plan an African safari trip? We've been on more than 60 of them. Enquire now for no obligation African travel advice.
Meet your Africa travel expert
Pierre Burden, Founder of New African Safaris
Pierre is a specialist Africa travel agent with over 20 years experience. His deep love of Africa has taken him on more than 60 African tours.
He has visited diverse destinations, camped, stayed in luxury lodges, and participated in a range of activities across Africa.
Get the best tour for your budget and unique requirements, with New African Safaris’ personal safari planning services for safari tours by Pierre and team.
Custom travel itineraries can include Southern Africa, East Africa, and African beach destinations that can be combined with a safari.
General Africa Travel Advice
What is the best time to visit Africa?
For instance, if you want to follow the wildebeest migration on safari in either Tanzania or Kenya, May to October are popular, but you can actually witness it in different places at different times of year. The mass zebra migration in Botswana actually happens twice, once during the rainy season that is less popular with tourists, meaning you’d likely get better rates.
If you are looking to combine your African safari tour with a beach vacation, the winter in Southern Africa coincides with the northern hemisphere’s summer and often has the best game viewing, but you might want to visit an African country closer to the equator for your beach holiday for warmer temperatures.
Peak seasons for safari tend to be popular due to concentrations of game and ease of viewing due to vegetation density, but if you travel in off-peak or shoulder season you’ll pay less, and this is often a better time for birds on safari, and you will get to see the baby animals born in spring.
What are the best places to visit in Africa?
The Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius, the Seychelles and Zanzibar are also popular choices as they make it easy to combine a beach holiday with an African safari tour.
Less popular but potentially more affordable spots worth visiting are Malawi and Zimbabwe.
The most popular tourist attractions in Africa are the game reserves, with the most popular being Kruger National Park in South Africa, the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya, the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Chobe National Park in Botswana, Kafue National Park in Zambia and Etosha National Park in Namibia.
Each of these countries also offer many more national parks worth visiting that might offer a more exclusive private African safari experience.
One of the most popular tourist routes is the iconic triangle of Cape Town, Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls, which you can visit from either the Zimbabwe or Zambia sides.
Cape Town in South Africa offers indulgent experiences for food and wine lovers, with excellent restaurants and wine tours. It is even possible to view whales at certain times of year, and come face to face with adorable penguins at Boulders Beach not far from Cape Town.
The Okavango Delta in Botswana provides opportunities for viewing African animals on safari from a mokoro – an African canoe.
Another popular African tourist destination is Mount Kilimanjaro which attracts droves of active travelers, although those wanting a more pristine mountain experience might prefer the less crowded slopes of Mount Kenya.
Is it safe to travel in Africa?
What kind of animals can I see in Africa?
Africa is well-known for the Big 5 – lions, leopards, rhino, elephants and buffalo.
Is Africa a family-friendly destination?
What passport or visas are required for travel to Africa?
What health precautions should I take for travel in Africa?
What should I pack for my trip to Africa?
It’s important to protect your eyes and skin from UV rays. Consider packing sunglasses, hats and sunscreen especially for island and beach travels.
If you are travelling during colder months especially in Cape Town, consider packing jackets, long pants and long tops.
Why travel with New African Safaris?
Fall in Love with Africa
The greatest journeys start with a single step. Let us support you with yours.
