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Traveling Without a Passport

Safari in South Africa vs Tanzania: Where Should You Go?

From the wildlife roaming game reserves to the abundant natural beauty, Africa is endlessly fascinating. When booking an organized adventure, consider South Africa or Tanzania, two of the most popular destinations. Here’s what you need to know first.

Few trips capture the imagination like an African safari. For many travelers, it’s the pinnacle of adventure. Safaris offer the opportunity to experience natural beauty, from jungles to savannahs, and glimpse wild creatures. It’s where you’ll find the big five animals: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and African buffaloes, which roam game reserves, national parks, and other wildlife sanctuaries.  

Some of the most sought-after African safari destinations are in eastern and southern Africa, with South Africa and Tanzania among the most popular. While each offers boundless excitement, they vary in weather and the wildlife that populate each area. Here are some highlights of African safari adventures in each location to help you choose the trip that’s right for you.

Travel on: An African safari

South Africa

Before booking your African safari, compare South Africa to Tanzania to better determine which trip will meet (or exceed!) expectations. Some basic considerations:

What is the weather like in South Africa?

The main seasons of South Africa are summer and winter; autumn and spring weather generally lasts only two months. As South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons could be the polar (ahem) opposite of what you’re accustomed to.

As you set off for your African safari, you’ll be exposed to varying temperatures and humidity, depending on where you venture, so familiarize yourself with your African safari itinerary before arrival.

Weather by season

• December, January, and February (61°F to 84°F or 16°C to 29°C)
• March, April and May (32°F to 77°F or 10°C to 25°C)
• June, July and August (36°F to 70°F or 2°C to 21°C)
• September, October, and November (54°F to 82°F or 12°C to 28°C

The peak season for South African safaris is May to October, when the trees are bare and wildlife is out foraging for food. These drier months are ideal for a safari trip to destinations including Kruger National Park ,  Madikwe , and Sabi Sand National Park .

What animals will I see in South Africa?

Which creatures you spot on an African safari tour depends on where and when you go. For instance, you’re likely to spot elephants in May and June, when herds head from Zimbabwe and Mozambique to Northern Kruger. Gemsbok frequent Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, while African penguins congregate in the Western Cape . 

Other common animals include wildebeests, giraffes, hippos, and zebras. Conversely, rhinos, especially black rhinos, are endangered and, therefore a rare sight, though you may see them in Ngorongoro Crater , along with zebras and lions. Leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, pangolins, aardvarks, and honey badgers are less prevalent. Note that these wild animals don’t hibernate, due to the climate in South Africa.

What should I pack for a safari in South Africa?

Pack light, bearing the elements in mind. Note: African safari attire in khaki, green, neutral, and brown blends into the environment; dark blue and black attract tsetse flies (ouch). Bold colors and white also make you an insect target.

•     Light clothing for the hotter times of the year
•     Long-sleeve shirts and jeans for chillier evenings
•     Waterproof jacket
•      Sunglasses
•      Sunscreen
•      Hiking shoes
•      Hat
•      Insect repellent
•      First-aid kit
•      Toiletries – toilet paper, soap, etc.
•      Camera
•      Travel documents

See Also: Creature Comforts You Wouldn’t Expect On A Safari

What is the weather like in Tanzania?

Tanzania is located slightly south of the equator, so here, too, the seasons are reversed in comparison to the Northern Hemisphere. Tanzania also has two rainy seasons. The first, from March to May, called masika , has heavy downpours and high humidity. The second, from November to mid-January, called vuli , is less intense and precedes the hottest time of year. May to October is the dry season and the ideal time to view the country’s wildlife.

Weather by Season

• December, January, and February (64°F to 88°F or 18°C to 31°C)
• March, April and May (63°F to 84°F or 17°C to 29°C)
• June, July and August (57°F to 81°F or 14°C to 27°C)
• September, October, and November (61°F to 88°F or  16°C to 31°C)

Many lodges close down during the rainy season, between April and May, which is also the low season.

See Also: 12 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Tanzania on a Safari Tour

What animals will I see in Tanzania?

An African safari experience in Tanzania gives you a front-row seat to diverse wildlife. Serengeti National Park is home to wildebeests, hyenas, giraffes, buffalo, cheetahs, lions, and gazelles. Tarangire National Park , which has an exceptionally diverse ecosystem, is the place to view zebras and wildebeests, while Saadani National Park is a hub for elephants, lions, warthogs, and baboons. Leopards, found in Serengeti and Tarangire, also prowl Ruaha National Park . Black rhinos are very rare, though occasionally sighted in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area , a caldera that attracts wildlife. There are no white rhinos in Tanzania and wild dogs are also near-impossible to spot.

What should I pack for a safari in Tanzania?

Here, too, khaki clothing and earth tones are best to camouflage yourself in the bush. Dark shades like black and blue draw tsetse flies while bright colors also draw insects.

• Loose, breathable clothing to protect you from the sun and heat
• Extra layers for cool nights
• Sunscreen (high SPF)
• Quality walking and hiking shoes
• Insect repellent
• First aid kit
• Travel documents

Now that you know how Tanzania stacks up next to South Africa and vice versa, you’ll be better equipped to decide which country to visit initially and which one after that.

After all, once you’ve enjoyed your first life-altering African safari, we can promise that you’ll want to return in the years, if not months, to come.

See Also: The Best Safari Deals

Where would your dream safari take place? Tell us in the comments below! 

Randi Gollin

Randi Gollin is a freelance writer and editor based in Brooklyn, NY. She’s covered everything from travel, food, and cocktails, to shopping and business topics for digital publications and tech and media brands.

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12 Top African Safari Tours

Cross this must-do activity off your bucket list.

Courtesy of Micato Safaris

Spot the big five on your safari adventure.

Safari tours in Africa are just as diverse as the continent itself, though these types of trips typically require a large sum of money. Whether you want to spend a few days gorilla trekking in Uganda or a couple weeks spotting the "big five" – lions, leopards, African elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalos – in South Africa, you'll find an array of tours to best suit your needs. To help you narrow down your options, U.S. News compiled a list of 12 can't-miss African safari tours. Read on to find your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Note: Some of the African countries in this article may require travelers to get an entry visa and certain vaccinations in order to visit. Jump to the list of visa and vaccination requirements by country at the bottom of this page for more information.

&Beyond

Courtesy of &Beyond

Visitors who don't want to sacrifice creature comforts while on safari will appreciate &Beyond's offerings. During the tour operator's 10-day Kings of the Jungle safari – which starts at $11,340 per person – travelers will see breathtaking natural wonders like the Ngorongoro Crater and the Maasai Mara savanna. But the highlight of this journey is its four-night stay at Tanzania's Serengeti National Park . After watching animals like wildebeest and zebras partake in the great migration while also spotting lions, giraffes and more, vacationers retreat to high-end tents and lodges with private bathrooms.

[See more of Serengeti National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Wilderness Safaris

Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris

For some of Africa's most jaw-dropping scenery, opt for the seven-night Namibian Adventure Safari tour offered by Wilderness Safaris. This weeklong trip features visits to the Namib Desert's dune-filled Sossusvlei region (which you may recognize from the film "Mad Max: Fury Road") and the mountainous Palmwag Concession – a protected area with springboks, giraffes, black rhinos and more. The package's per person fee starts at $6,725, which covers most meals, park entrance fees, and transfers from Namibia's capital Windhoek and between the safari destinations. It also covers your stay at properties like the fully solar-powered Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp and the five-star Little Kulala lodge amid the stunning desert.

Wild Rwanda Safaris

Courtesy of Wild Rwanda Safaris)

Adventurous travelers sticking to a more conservative budget should consider Wild Rwanda Safaris' Bwindi Gorilla Safari. The three-day package features a full day in southwestern Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (a haven for silverback gorillas) and an adjacent Batwa Pygmy community. Wild Rwanda Safaris allows guests to choose between midrange, luxury and super luxury accommodation, which can help keep costs down if necessary. The company's packages include the $700 permit required to visit the gorilla park. The round-trip journey by safari vehicle to and from Kigali, Rwanda, and English-speaking guide services are also covered in all rates. The tour can begin from Kampala, Uganda, as well, although you'll spend longer on the road to the park.

Nomad Tanzania

Courtesy of nomad-tanzania.com

Sign up for Nomad Tanzania's Southern Tanzania safari and you're bound to get an up-close look at Tanzania's diverse wildlife. Offering eight days of activities, including game drives and boat trips in Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park, this safari gives you prime opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants, among other species. What's more, lodging at the company's campsites, select meals, and flights to and from Dar es Salaam are factored into the package's prices. Expect to pay a minimum of $5,700 per person; prices vary depending on the time of year, and the tour isn't offered in April and May.

Micato Safaris

If you want to explore multiple destinations while on safari with plenty of comfort (but a price tag to match), book the 15-day Micato Grand Safari. This outing by Micato Safaris starts with a two-day visit to Nairobi, Kenya, before continuing to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the Amboseli and Serengeti national parks for wildlife-viewing excursions. During your trip, you'll see Mount Kilimanjaro as zebras, gazelles and more roam in the foreground. The package costs at least $22,450 per person (based on double occupancy rates) and includes a hot air balloon ride, a camel tour led by members of the Samburu tribe, and lodging at upscale properties like Serengeti's Four Seasons outpost. The company also offers various extensions allowing you to explore other parts of Africa, from the island paradise of Zanzibar to the deserts of Namibia.

Rothschild Safaris

Courtesy of Rothschild Safaris

If your ideal safari vacation consists of customizing your trip from start to finish, consider an outing with Rothschild Safaris. The company offers itineraries in locales like Zambia and Madagascar , but if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the big five animals, the Essence of Tanzania safari is a good bet. This nine-day experience, which embarks from Arusha and returns there by plane, includes game-viewing drives in Tarangire National Park and accommodations like canvas tents and farmhouse lodges. Elephants, zebras and lions are just some of the animals you may spot during your journey. You'll also have the opportunity to go on a nighttime safari to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Lion World Travel

Courtesy of Lion World Travel

As the trip name implies, Lion World Travel's 10-day Best of Cape Town & Botswana vacation package combines sightseeing in Cape Town, South Africa , with a classic safari in Botswana. During the latter half of the itinerary, visitors will explore Botswana's Okavango Delta (home to cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos and more) and Chobe National Park, which is believed to have Africa's largest elephant population. Prices start at $4,299 per person and cover game drives; many of your meals; and stays at luxury hotels, camps and lodges. You'll need to pay an extra charge for the flights within the tour (Cape Town to Botswana as well as Botswana to Johannesburg ).

[See more of Cape Town: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Bearded Heron Safaris

Neil Heron | Courtesy of Bearded Heron Safaris

Travelers keen on seeing South Africa's Kruger National Park through the eyes of a local naturalist will appreciate the 15-day safari with Bearded Heron Safaris. Led by Neil Heron, a nature guide and wildlife photographer and writer, Bearded Heron Safaris' longest option features small game drives that may include lion, rhino, zebra and leopard sightings throughout all corners of Kruger. Rates are inclusive of in-park cottage accommodations and all breakfasts, dinners, snacks and drinks. Flights and park fees are not included. For a 15-day safari, expect to pay 76,900 South African rand (about $4,500) per person.

[See more of Kruger National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Discover Africa

Getty Images

For an inside-out trip through the natural wonders of Botswana, Discover Africa's nine-day Epic Botswana Adventure is a formidable option. You'll start out at a riverside lodge on the Chobe River – a great location for elephant spotting – before moving onto the marshy Okavango Delta, a wildlife-rich area where you can spot a huge range of animals from leopards to rhinos. The safari ends at the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a good place to admire wildlife like zebras and buffalo on the savanna as well as salt pans from a former lake. You'll stay in upscale lodges and campsites within close reach of the wilderness. All meals and transport along the tour are included in the price tag (which starts at $4,800 per person), but international flights are excluded.

Wild Wings Safaris

If you're looking to have a broader experience that mixes in some history and beach time, consider Wild Wings Safaris' eight-day Battlefields, Bush and Beach Safari. You'll start off visiting some of South Africa's historic sites from the Boer wars, before moving on to the Phinda Private Game Reserve, which doesn't allow day visitors, so you should be able to look out for the big five without too many crowds. The tour wraps up at Thonga Beach Lodge, where you can snorkel or scuba dive near coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. As far as safaris go, this one is an affordable option, starting at about $2,795 per person with all meals included as well as a rental car; for the cheapest price, you will need to drive yourself between the destinations, but it's possible to pay an additional fee for a driver to guide you instead.

Cuckoo Safaris

This tour company kicks off its tours from the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, with a host of safaris that range from two days to nine, across Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana, including some family-friendly choices. For an affordable option, there's the four-day Discover Victoria Falls, Chobe and Hwange Park safari, which will take you on two full-day tours to Chobe National Park (across the border in Botswana) and to Hwange, Zimbabwe's largest national park, where you should keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants and more. This safari also includes a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The price starts at $900 per person, which includes the tours plus breakfast, lunch and lodging in Victoria Falls; travelers will need to pay for entrance fees to the parks and dinner.

Compass Odyssey

Courtesy of Compass Odyssey

Explore the savanna and deserts of southwest Africa with Compass Odyssey's eight-day Namibia Wildlife Safari. You'll visit a community-based conservation area in Damaraland – known for its desert-adapted elephants, oryx, giraffes and other wildlife – while staying in the rustic-chic Doro Nawas Camp. You'll also spend two days in Etosha National Park, seeking wildlife at the park's bustling waterholes by day and embarking on an evening game drive as well. Starting at $3,750 per person, the tour includes most meals and all park entry fees, but not flights; the company does allow the tour to be customized on request.

Vaccination and visa requirements for African countries

Some popular safari destinations may require you to have received certain vaccinations in order to enter the country as a tourist. Inoculation requirements can include vaccination against COVID-19 and yellow fever, and you'll need to get these vaccines before departing on your trip. Be sure to bring proof of vaccinations with you. If you are transiting through another country en route to your safari tour, you must check that you also meet immunization requirements for the stopover location.

Note that, outside of what's required, there are a number of other vaccinations that are recommended, so ensure you're up to date and fully protected before you travel. In addition, many safari locations are prone to malaria; you should consult with your doctor to see if you need to bring anti-malaria medication on your trip.

Safari countries have varying visa requirements for travelers from the U.S. – these are detailed below. Depending on your itinerary, you may need a single- or multiple-entry visa, and some visas require you to apply in advance of traveling and/or have a certain number of blank pages in your passport. Regardless of your destination, your passport should be valid for at least six months before you leave for your trip.

Here are the vaccine and visa requirements for major safari destinations as of November 2022:

Botswana: If you have recently visited a country where yellow fever is common, you will need to be vaccinated against this illness. This does not include the U.S. but does include a number of countries in Africa, Central and South America. Consult the World Health Organization's website for a list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Kenya and Uganda.

U.S. citizens and nationals can stay in Botswana for 90 days without a visa.

Kenya: Travelers to Kenya must have been vaccinated against COVID-19 with the last shot administered more than 14 days before arrival in the country. Unvaccinated visitors can enter with a negative PCR test, conducted no more than 72 hours before departure. Proof of COVID-19 tests or vaccines must be uploaded to an online system called Panabios. Kenya is a country where you'll be at risk of yellow fever transmission; it also requires those traveling from other places with yellow fever or cholera outbreaks to be vaccinated against these illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you protect yourself against yellow fever before your trip here.

Americans need an e-visa to enter Kenya. You should apply online at the eVisa government website no more than eight weeks before your trip, as visas are not available upon arrival in Kenya. See more on the U.S. Department of State's website .

Namibia: Those traveling from a country where yellow fever is common need to be vaccinated against it. No visa is required as long as you're staying for 90 days or less.

Rwanda: If you're coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, a yellow fever vaccination is required before departure.

U.S. citizens and nationals can be issued a 30-day visitor visa on arrival in Rwanda or through the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. A single-entry visa costs $50, and it's recommended you bring sufficient cash in U.S. dollars to pay for this (although credit card payment may be accepted at Kigali International Airport). Consult the State Department website for more information.

South Africa: A yellow fever vaccination is required if you're traveling from a country with a risk of transmission. No visa is required for stays of 90 days or less.

Tanzania: Travelers must be able to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination with a QR code to enter Tanzania. Unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure, and the test results should be accessible by QR code. Yellow fever vaccines are mandatory if you're traveling from a location where yellow fever is present – including if you spend more than 12 hours in transit in such a country.

Visas are required for tourism in Tanzania. You can apply for a single-entry, 90-day visa online for $50 – and be sure to print a copy of the approval to bring with you. The processing period takes up to 10 days. You can also obtain a visa on arrival for a $100 fee; it's recommended you bring cash to cover this. Find more Tanzanian visa information on the State Department website .

Uganda: To enter Uganda, you must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or present a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Like Kenya, Uganda is a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. All visitors must show proof of vaccination against yellow fever to enter Uganda, regardless of where you're traveling from.

American visitors to Uganda must apply online for an electronic visa before departure; arriving in Uganda without completing this process could result in your detainment. Visit the State Department website to learn more.

Zambia: Visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must show proof of vaccination but do not need a test to enter Zambia; unvaccinated travelers must undergo a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure. Yellow fever vaccines are only required if you're coming from an area considered at risk.

Visas are required to visit Zambia, but these can be obtained online before your departure or at a port of entry. Check the State Department website for more details.

Zimbabwe: To enter Zimbabwe, travelers must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or must take a negative PCR test no more than 48 hours before your departure. As with other countries on this list, visitors from countries with yellow fever outbreaks also require a vaccine against this illness.

U.S. visitors can obtain a 30-day, single-entry visa upon arrival in Zimbabwe for $30. If you're taking a tour that requires you to leave and reenter Zimbabwe, be sure to get a double-entry visa for $45. You can learn more from the State Department website .

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Wallets (That Also Hold Vaccine Cards)
• The Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options
• The Best International Travel Insurance Plans
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World's Best Places To Visit

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• # 4 Bora Bora

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The Real Cost of an African Safari: From Budget to Splurge

For many people, an African safari is the trip of a lifetime — in part because of the steep price tag. While a luxury lodge or a tented camp can cost upwards of $3,000 per person, per night, there are budget-friendly options out there. 

This article will outline:

• How much is a safari?
• Can you go on a budget safari?
• Budget hotels on a safari
• Budget game drives on a safari
• The best high-end luxury safaris
• Luxury hotels for a safari
• Luxury safari game drives

What does a budget safari look like?

Accommodations: The safaris most of us are familiar with — the ones you see on postcards and Instagram— are situated on private reserves. To avoid a hefty price tag, plan your safari in a national park, like Etosha in Namibia or Kruger in South Africa, which are open to the public for a small fee (less than $25 a day for foreigners) and have plenty of inexpensive lodges and camps in and around the area.

Inside the park, Pretoriuskup  and Satara Rest Camp  (which both have rates as low as $18 per night) grant you the same proximity and access to wildlife as the luxury lodges, for a fraction of the cost. These are run by South African National Parks , and the accommodations can range from traditional camping sites and permanent safari tents, to huts, bungalows, and cottages. Don’t expect any frills here — no hairdryers, meals are not included, and, you may share a bathroom or kitchen with multiple guests. 

Additionally, there are typically accommodations a few miles outside of the park gates. These properties tend to have more comforts than the aforementioned stays, but you have to drive into the park each day. Hazyview, for instance, is a small town fifteen minutes outside of Kruger is home to a handful of boutique properties, including Casterbridge H ollow . Here, you can get a large, air-conditioned room with wifi and cable from $108 per night for a single room, or, for $120 per night, you can reserve a family suite, which sleeps up to four people. (Both rates include breakfast.)

Lastly, there are a number of volunteer programs, like the Big Five Nature Project , with which you can spend two weeks in the bush for less than $1,960, including food and accommodation. In addition to the cost savings, you get to experience what it's like to run a bush camp, and you'll also get to see the Big Five.

Game Drives:

While it is not advisable or feasible for all destinations, national parks are well-suited for renting and driving your own safari vehicle thanks to networks of well-maintained roads. In this scenario, you don’t have to pay a for a daily guide, which can add up quickly. Driving yourself also means you have the freedom to stay in one place, or stay out, for as long as you want: If you want to follow a pack of wild dogs for half the day, you can; whereas on a guided drive, you’ll be limited to two- to three-hour drives and you’re subject to the whims and schedules of those in your shared vehicle.

If you do opt to drive yourself, note that it can be difficult for the untrained eye to spot a leopard amid its surroundings. When you have to keep your eyes on the road, it’s harder to take in the scenery, which can make it difficult to spot animals. Also, because public parks do not have restrictions on the number of vehicles permitted (the way they do in a private reserve), it is possible to be one of a dozen cars huddled around an elephant. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t be afraid to head down a less-busy road.

That said, a self-drive is better suited to those who have been on a safari before. Inexperienced safari-goers will rely heavily on luck to see animals (fortunately, parks like Etosha and Kruger are densely packed with wildlife). We recommend doing extensive research beforehand — and packing a good guide book.

If you have a limited amount of time, it might be better to spring for a guide. A full day can cost from $100 to $110 per person in a shared vehicle, but, you’ll have a better chance of seeing more animals. Guides can access areas that are closed off to everyone else, so they know where to find certain animals, and are able to recognize and follow tracks and detect sounds. Plus, a well-trained guide will be able to give you background information about the wildlife, geology, history, and local culture, as well as keep you safe.

So, what are you actually paying for when you book a high-end safari?

There are two main differences when you go the luxury route.

First, you’ll be staying on a private reserve or a private concession within a national park — both of which place restrictions on the number of people and cars allowed. That means you can actually pull up alongside a pack of lions homing in on a kill and not have to compete for a view.

In addition to encountering fewer vehicles on your drive, you’ll likely share a 4x4 with four to six people, as opposed to eleven or more in a similar car or SUV. It’s not a guarantee, of course, but higher-end lodges tend to avoid packing vehicles. Reserving a private vehicle might make sense for a larger group or a family (which can cost an additional $1,000 or more) to avoid being on someone else’s schedule or agenda (e.g. if you want to keep watching the lions, and they want to move on).

Second, when you book a luxury safari, you can generally expect to have a more comfortable experience. Rooms often include high-ends spa products, patios, and even a private plunge pool and/or clawfoot tub. Oftentimes, rates include all game drives, meals, high tea, drinks, and other activities.

Additionally, a guide and a spotter (the person who notifies the driver of tracks or sightings) escort you on every outing. Because high-end camps ensure their guides are well-trained, they'll be able to provide you with an enhanced experience. At the end of your evening drive, your guide will usually set up sundowner cocktails and snacks in the bush under the stars.

Lastly, location matters. Some of the coolest safari destinations — the most secluded and unique landscapes — are further off the grid. Those harder-to-reach destinations cost much more to get to, due to limited accessibility (e.g. having to rely on private puddle jumper planes to get there).

Overall, it is entirely possible to have an epic safari on both a high and low budget. If you don’t mind foregoing certain frills and sticking to a larger, easier-to-reach national park, then the low end offers a unique opportunity for adventure that certain seasoned travelers prefer. But, there is something to be said for the ease of booking a luxury lodge and not having to plan once you get there. Perhaps it’s a choice of whether you want this to be the trip of a lifetime that you can take more than once.

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Intrepid Travel Review: Africa Safari on the Okavango Experience Tour

Have you been reading Intrepid Travel reviews but aren’t sure if you should book with them or not? 

I had the chance to do an Intrepid Travel Africa tour in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. This Intrepid review is written based on my experiences to help you decide what’s best  for your safari trip to Africa !

The  Okavango Experience tour  was my first Intrepid tour, as well as, really my first group tour.

I’ve always traveled independently, be it solo in  Patagonia  or with my husband in  Finnish Lapland . And, with this comes planning out all my itineraries, which I love doing.

But, I admit, there are some destinations I always knew I’d visit with a tour group, whether that was for safety reasons, difficult logistics, or because an expert guide could provide history and knowledge to enhance the experience.

And, if I’m confessing everything, I have long-admired Intrepid’s tour options from afar, more than occasionally lurking on pages detailing tours to Africa, India, and the Middle East. 

Combine this with a longstanding travel wish to visit the Okavango Delta and before I knew it I was signed up for my very own Intrepid Botswana adventure and looking for  award flights to South Africa   with my miles and points!

Is Intrepid Travel Right for You?

I’m convinced if you spend a little time on the  Intrepid website  browsing their 1k+ tour options across 120 countries and all 7 continents, reading Intrepid travel reviews from actual travelers, and learning more about what the company stands for, you’ll be able to imagine yourself on one of their tours, just like I did!

Here are some things that stood out for me as I did my research and while I was actually in Africa with them.

Intrepid tours are for anyone looking for an adventure that’s mixed with must-see sights and off-the-beaten-path gems, all while cultivating an authentic, local feel. 

Not a fan of traveling with big groups?  Neither am I. Intrepid prides themselves on small group size, as well as allowing for free time and optional activities.

Do you care about traveling responsibly?  Intrepid is the world’s largest carbon-neutral travel company. They employ local guides, which boosts local economies, and have made it part of their mission to double the number of female leaders.

Intrepid’s local guides are passionate about where they’re from and, with the company’s help, encourage sustainable travel practices like avoiding plastic whether it’s in the form of a water bottle or a plastic bag.

What about the Intrepid Tour Leader?

My tour guide was the epitome of a cool, laid-back, knowledgeable local who loved to crack a joke and make all of us laugh with his dry sense of humor.

He was a total pro who took the time every day, as many times as necessary, to brief us on what was next and what we needed to do/have/bring to make it successful. He answered questions and kept everything running smoothly. He’d led  Okavango Experience tours  before and it clearly showed.

When you think of  one of the main reasons  WHY  you’d do a tour  over traveling independently, it’s the advantage of having an experienced leader who knows how to make sure the group is having the best adventure possible. Intrepid provided this and more!

Who Travels with Intrepid?

Typical Intrepid tour groups have travel-loving people from all over the world between the ages of 20-70. My Okavango Experience tour fit this exactly.

The others in the group were from Canada, Australia, the U.S., the U.K., Italy, and Ireland. Some were on their first solo trip. Others had been traveling throughout different parts of Africa. But we were all united through our love for adventure travel.

As I mentioned, this was my first Intrepid trip and, for an introvert like me, the idea of traveling with a group of people I’d never met was daunting.

But, quite honestly, the group’s chemistry was amazing and we talked and laughed it seemed from sun up, right on past Botswana’s unbelievable sundowners.

What’s the Transportation Like?

My  Okavango Experience tour  used an overland vehicle that was more a super-charged truck than a bus. There were 2 seats on each side separated by an aisle. The lead guide always sat with us in the passenger area, while the driver and the tour cook were upfront.

There was storage above our seats, in the seatbacks in front of us, and individual lockers in the back. This didn’t include the larger compartments accessible from the outside of the truck where we stowed our bigger pieces of luggage.

For the Intrepid safari excursions, we used open vehicles and always split into 2 game drive vehicles.

What are the Accommodations Like?

Intrepid has 3 different styles of tours, Comfort, Original, and Basix. The  Okavango Experience tour  is categorized as Basix. We slept in tents in established campgrounds, except for the first night in Johannesburg where we stayed at a hotel, and the 2 nights in the remote wilderness of the Okavango Delta.

The tents are a thick, durable quality that sleeps 2 people. Intrepid also provides everyone with a sleeping pad for added comfort. I brought a  compact sleeping pad , as well, and stacked it on top for a little extra lift. 

Most nights the campsites we stayed at were on hotel grounds. Many of the hotels had upgrade space. If you’re interested in upgrading, ask to see the available room first.

On the last night, a few of us considered upgrading and sharing a cabin with 2 bedrooms. However, after seeing it, the tents with our own sleeping bags won out.

I did upgrade 1 night in Maun, the day we left the Okavango, and the hotel was comfortable and clean.

What’s the Food Like?

I was blown away by the delicious meals our Intrepid cook prepared over the campfire. I seriously ate better than I do when I’m at home!

We had everything from curried vegetables, beet salads, eggs and bacon, nachos, vegetable lasagna(!), and even a chocolate birthday cake for someone in the group. 

I’m a vegetarian, as were others in the group. The cook was, as well, so there were always plenty of options for the carnivores and herbivores.

Intrepid Okavango Experience, Day-by-Day

Day 1: johannesburg.

The first official day of the  Okavango Experience  actually begins at 6 p.m. with a group welcome meeting. The Intrepid guide, cook, and driver introduced themselves and gave us an overview of the trip, as well as important information about Intrepid and our early departure the next morning.

Intrepid is all about responsible travel and it showed right away when the guide reminded us to have a water bottle and refill it from the water dispenser on the truck instead of buying individual bottles of water each day. 

There are no set activities around Johannesburg so technically you could arrive that day. However, I wouldn’t recommend it. You’ll need to adjust to the time difference and be ready for the next day’s 5 a.m. departure for Botswana.

Not to mention, there are notable things to do in Johannesburg like  visit Soweto  and learn about the history of Apartheid or just take a  hop-on-hop-off bus  to see the sights and learn more about the city.

Since the Okavango Experience tour didn’t include time at Kruger National Park, I arrived a few days in advance and had an amazing time on the  Intrepid 3-day Kruger Experience . Logistically, it made sense, too. The drop-off point was the same hotel as the start of the Okavango tour.

Dinner isn’t included on this first night, but you’re certainly not on your own. It’s a great opportunity to meet and chat with others in your group.

Day 2: Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Did I mention the  super  early departure? All kidding aside, animals are up early and so for much of the tour you are, too. On the upside, we had several hours of driving (a.k.a time to catch a snooze and enjoy our packed breakfast) and wildlife to see later that afternoon. 

One of the many great things about doing an overland Intrepid Africa tour is not having to worry about any of the travel logistics. Africa is H-U-G-E and the distances from one place to another are often separated by long, scenic roads.

Not only did our capable Intrepid driver safely get us where we needed to be, our tour guide knew exactly where to stop and told us everything we needed to know for a seamless border crossing from South Africa to Botswana.

Arriving at Khama Rhino Sanctuary, we headed to our campsite and learned how to set up our tents. In the meanwhile, our awesome Intrepid cook prepared lunch.

And afterward, we had a short time to settle in, find the showers and bathrooms, and get ready before our late-afternoon game drive.

The Khama Rhino Sanctuary was changed from hunting grounds to a protected area of land to preserve Botswana’s remaining black and white rhino population. The area is also home to zebra, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, and more.

Our game drive guides arrived and our group split up into 2 open game drive vehicles.

For the next few hours, we drove along the sanctuary’s sandy roads and spotted several rhinos, even one with a baby and another that came out right in front of our vehicle.

There were giraffe groups, impala grazing, and eventually a gorgeous sunset that silhouetted the wildlife and led into one of the largest full moons I’ve ever seen.

Day 3: Maun

Another day, another drive…but all the while, we inched closer to the Okavango Delta. After an early rise, packing up camp, and having breakfast, our Intrepid group set off for Maun. Along the way, only rest stops interrupted the group’s friendly chatter.

Maun is the gateway to the Okavango. It’s where anyone venturing into the Delta positions themselves and stocks up on any necessary supplies.

While our tour cook shopped for groceries, we had time in the shopping center to buy snacks, drinks, a required 5L bottle of water for the 2 days in the Okavango, and get Pula, the local currency in Botswana. 

Our campsite was on the grounds of a popular hotel just outside of town. So after setting up camp, our group had the chance to enjoy the pool, grab a drink by the bar, and even connect to some decent WiFi.

During a delicious campsite dinner, our Intrepid guide gave us the full Okavango briefing. Needless to say, our group excitement was running high for the days to come.

Days 4: Okavango Delta

With the campsite down and breakfast eaten, we loaded our gear into the game drive trucks and were ready for our  Okavango Experience .

Our larger Intrepid truck was too big for the dirt roads we would be on and stayed back at the Maun campsite along with our bigger bags. For the Delta, we packed just what we needed for 2 days into a smaller backpack.

Because it’s beautiful Botswana, you just never know what you’ll see. On the way to the Okavango jetty station, we spotted wildlife from lilac-breasted rollers to elephants. But nothing prepares you for that first glimpse of the tall reeds and blue water of the  Okavango .

We set off in mokoros, the traditional dugout canoes used to navigate the narrow channels of water. Swallowed up by the Delta, we almost immediately came upon elephants eating and hippos soaking. 

The mokoro safari eventually landed on a remote area of dry land with the delta waters on one side and African grasslands on the other. We began our Okavango Delta camping experience by setting up our tents followed by some free time for lunch, relaxing, or even learning how to pole around in a mokoro.

Later in the afternoon, we separated into groups of 4-5 people plus a guide for a walking safari into the grasslands beyond the campsite. Buffalo, elephants, and giraffes were just the start, as we learned what it meant to be on equal footing with the wildlife that was all around. 

We made it back the campsite just as the sun was setting and had lots of laughs during dinner around the campfire. Before bed, we marveled at the pitch-black night of the Delta with its dazzling star-lit sky.

Day 5: Okavango Delta

Rise and shine for a full morning walking safari going the other direction into the grasslands.

Out of the entire  Okavango Experience tour , this walk is the most physical exercise you’ll have to manage. The grasslands are mostly flat so it’s more about duration stamina, as the walk is 4-ish hours. Even in the Botswana winter, or dry season, by the end of the walk temperatures were around 80°F. 

The Okavango is home to the Big Five and we were sure one of the non-plant-eating ones was somewhere nearby. The zebra and kudu were very skittish and vultures circled overhead. However, it never revealed itself, nor did we find the remnants of a meal.

The midday was for brunch, mokoro poling lessons, napping, and even a dip in the Delta. Later on, we set off again in the mokoros for a sunset trip through different water channels, spotting hippos and elephants along the way.

Eventually, we made our way to a wider pool of water to watch one of the most amazing sunsets of all time.

Around the campfire that night, the local Batswana who had helped with our campsite, guided us through the grasslands, and poled the mokoros, sang and danced to and with us before the sounds of wildlife just beyond our tents lulled us to sleep.

Day 6: Maun

Today is all about taking down the camp and loading up the mokoros to (sadly) depart from the peace of the Okavango.

But what perhaps would be just transiting between places on a different tour becomes another opportunity to get back on the water (for an hour plus!) and see more of the Delta’s beauty and wildlife.

Once back at the jetty station, the game vehicles were there to return us to our campsite from Day 3, on the outskirts of Maun…but not before stopping to let a large herd of elephants cross the dirt roads leading away from the Okavango. 😉

Back at the campsite, upgrades were available for a hotel room. Those who were camping set up their tents.

Once settled, everyone went on the optional activity to fly over the Okavango Delta in a small plane. After that, it was time for dinner at the hotel restaurant and to reconnect with the world via the hotel WiFi.

And, noticeably, everyone is joyful because that’s what an authentic experience into one of the most amazing places on the planet does to you. And, it’s even better when the logistics are left to the locals who know the area and you can truly soak up every last minute.

Day 7: Nata

Back on the road again, this time towards the town of Nata and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans a few hours away.

Once again, we camped on the grounds of a lodge in Nata and had access to the hotel pool.

If you’re looking for the nicest place along the  Okavango Experience itinerary to upgrade, this is it. Although, I’ll also add the campsite bathrooms and showers are also by far the best in Nata, too.

After setting up camp, hop into open vehicles to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, one of the largest areas of its kind in the world. Huge herds of wildebeest live here along with migratory birds. There’s a mysterious feel to the place especially as the animals move and kick up dust.

Stay at the salt pans to watch the spectacular sunset before heading back to camp after dark.

Day 8: Chobe National Park

Head to Kasane, Botswana and Chobe National Park today, a several-hour drive and on the doorstep of the Zimbabwe border crossing. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the road. You never know what you might see on this drive!

Kasane is a tiny slice of human life surrounded by national park and wildlife everywhere. Before setting up camp, we had a chance to shop for anything we needed and buy lunch since it’s not included in the day’s itinerary.

Arriving at the campsite, also on hotel grounds, we set up and prepared for our afternoon sunset river cruise on the Chobe River. I’ll be completely honest and say I had no idea what to expect other than being on the water with a beautiful afternoon/evening sky.

Our Intrepid group had our own boat and guide for the excursion and the action started the minute we left the dock with a hippo floating nearby.

What followed was the highest concentration of wildlife in a 2-hour span of time you might ever see. Remember, your Intrepid guide can’t make the animals appear but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

And, of course, the day ended with a brilliant orange sky over the water…just another jaw-dropping day in Botswana and on the  Okavango Experience tour .

Day 9: Victoria Falls

The day starts off with an optional activity, an early morning game drive inside Chobe National Park. All but a couple of people chose to go. And, I highly recommend doing it.

Chobe National Park is so impressive. After having been to  Kruger in South Africa  with its wider roads, Chobe feels like you’re actually part of the bush. Not to mention, there’s just so much wildlife in the park itself.

Afterward, head back to camp to pack up and cross the border into Zimbabwe. Briefed on what to expect at the crossing, we all get our visas to enter the country. Kasane and Victoria Falls are about an hour away from each other so it’s really all about getting across the border.

Upon arrival in Victoria Falls, our guide gave us a brief tour of the town to situate us. There’s also an opportunity to sign up for activities, like a helicopter flight over or whitewater rafting near the falls, for later that day or the next. You’re also free to wander around the town, visit Victoria Falls or shop in the markets as you want.

Since it’s the group’s last night together, there’s often a special dinner. We were lucky enough to have some local dancers and singers perform, as well.

Day 10: Victoria Falls

There’s nothing official planned for the last day. If you need to fly out at a specific time, you’re free to do so.

The Okavango Experience ends but there’s the option to continue on and do the full loop back to Johannesburg. Because of this, the Intrepid truck and guide stay at the campsite another night. This flexibility works out if you plan to do an activity or shop without worrying about your bags.

Would I recommend the Intrepid Okavango Experience?

 Absolutely, without a single ounce of hesitation, I’d recommend  Intrepid’s Okavango Experience . It was one of my best trips ever and has only made me want to book more Intrepid Africa trips! The other Intrepid reviews of the tour confirm my experience, too.

The mix of experiences each day, the amount of wildlife, the expert Intrepid guides, and the friends made in the group are just the start of what made this tour exceptional.

I L-O-V-E-D the opportunity to get off-the-grid in the Okavango Delta for an unforgettable adventure! It’s also something that’s impossible to do on your own.

One thing that really stood out about this tour  is it included safari excursions in a vehicle, by boat and mokoro, as well as on foot. When you see wildlife from all these vantage points, you can’t help but gain a fuller understanding of and appreciation for the natural world around you.

Not to mention safaris can be expensive! Obviously, the costs are related to the type of experience you want. However, for everything the Okavango Experience includes, you won’t find a better value. 

Want to Extend your Trip?

About half of the people on my tour weren’t actually on the Okavango Experience but rather one of the other Intrepid safaris, the  18-day Explore Southern Africa tour . This tour is the Okavango Experience for the first half and the Vic Falls to Kruger tour for the second half. 

The  Okavango Experience  and the  Vic Falls to Kruger  tours can be booked separately. But, if you want to do the full loop back to Johannesburg, take a look at the Explore Southern Africa tour. If I had the time, I would’ve absolutely extended my trip to do the longer tour.

Not Sure About All the Camping?

In all honesty, I wasn’t either. I’ve camped out for a couple of nights, but never for this long. But, I’m so glad I did and I’d 100% go back and do it all over again for the unforgettable experiences and memories.

But, there are Intrepid tours in Africa and Botswana in the Original and Comfort styles, if camping isn’t something you want to do. These tours don’t have the exact itinerary as the Okavango Experience but include several of the same stops and activities.

For example, the  10-day Botswana Adventure tour  is Intrepid’s Comfort style, with accommodations in hotels, lodges, and houseboats. There are also included activities like an airport arrival transfer, the game drive in Chobe National Park, and the visit to Victoria Falls. 

Intrepid’s  9-day Botswana Highlights  is an Original style tour, which starts and ends in Victoria Falls. Travelers stay in hotels, lodges, and permanent tents on this itinerary to Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, a local village, and Elephant Sands.

Things to Know Before You Go

Depending on when you want to travel, the  Okavango Experience  will fluctuate but it’s much more affordable than what you might have in mind for a safari.

The 10-day tour includes 9 nights of accommodations (8 camping, 1 hotel), 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners, and all the activities mentioned in the day-by-day breakdown EXCEPT for the airplane ride over the Okavango, the early morning Chobe National Park game drive, and any activities you choose in Victoria Falls.

You should check the requirements for South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe depending on your citizenship. However, as a U.S. citizen, I only needed to get a visa for Zimbabwe, which was purchased and processed at the overland border crossing. In fact, everyone in the group did the same, except the cost was different depending on everyone’s nationality.

If you also plan to visit the Zambia side of Victoria Falls, combined visas for both Zimbabwe and Zambia are available at the border crossing, as well.

Travel Insurance

Intrepid requires all travelers to have travel insurance on their tours. 

You can get a travel insurance quote with World Nomads for your particular trip and needs. Keep in mind, you’ll need insurance information to complete your required information once you book with Intrepid.

What to Pack for Botswana

This isn’t a comprehensive packing list but the absolute musts for daily comfort.

3-4 Season Sleeping Bag  – Don’t underestimate how chilly it can get at night. If you visit when the Okavango is flooded, particularly between June – August, temperatures can drop into the 30°s-40°s overnight. 

Pillow  – I was so glad to have a travel pillow that opened up into a regular size pillow, but could also be squished down into my compression bag along with my sleeping bag.

Headlamp  – I used mine every day, whether it was inside the tent, around the campfire at dinner, or on my way to the bathroom after dark. Remember, during the winter months (June-August), the sun goes down in Botswana around 6 p.m.

Towel  – No towels are provided at the campsites, so you’ll need your own for showers.

Closed-toe Shoes  – Protect your feet! While you’re focused on that giraffe in the distance or eating with friends around the campfire at night,  what’s  eyeing your toes for its next snack?!?

Hiking Pants  – The perfect type of pants for warmth, sun and insect protection, and coverage from the scratchy, prickly plants in the African bush, while being lightweight and fast-drying.

Warm Fleece  – I wore my Columbia fleece every single day while I was in Botswana along with a long sleeve layer underneath. The nights get chilly but don’t forget the early morning game drives in an open-air vehicle! If you don’t have any tolerance for colder temperatures, you may even want to bring a lightweight winter jacket.

Knit Hat  – Important for early morning warmth, especially!

Gloves  – To keep your fingers warm, but more importantly, to keep your fingers safe as you set up and take down your tent.

Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellent – In addition to regular repellent, I used this spray to treat my clothes beforehand. I had no issues with mosquitoes whatsoever.

Best Time to Go to Botswana and the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta floods between June and October. Botswana, overall, is best to visit during the dry season, which runs from May to September.

The daytime temperatures are more comfortable and the evenings are cool to chilly. Even camping out at night, the cooler temperatures were comfortable with the right sleeping bag.

The dry season also comes with fewer mosquitos and as a result, a lower risk of malaria. Travelers should talk with their doctor about prevention methods and medications.

I was in Botswana in the middle of June for the  Okavango Experience  and barely saw a single mosquito until we got closer to Victoria Falls.

Is Botswana Safe?

I can only speak from my experience but not one single time did I feel unsafe. On this tour, you’re with your group a lot, perhaps more compared to city-based Intrepid tours that have free time to explore.

Regardless, in rest areas where we stopped, towns where we shopped for supplies, or even at the campsites after dark, I was comfortable and not worried, at all. If anything, there were spots you had to be more mindful of wildlife than any human.

English was spoken everywhere we traveled throughout South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe and by all activity guides.

Botswana uses Pula, which you’ll need especially for tipping guides. South Africa uses Rand but tipping in U.S. Dollars was fine. Zimbabwe uses the U.S. Dollar and ATMs in the country frequently have no cash due to the country’s ongoing political and financial turmoil.

In Botswana and South Africa, credit cards were accepted in nearly all supermarkets and shopping centers. Cash is preferred in Zimbabwe.

Final Thoughts

At the start of this review, I said I always knew there were places I’d visit with a guided group.

And, logistically, an overland Africa safari is not something I’d ever want to do with no knowledge of roads, driving conditions, and border crossings.

There are large stretches of open land when you drive in Africa. You have to know where you’re going, where to find gas, and what to do if you have car trouble. 

Why would  anyone  want to worry about this  while planning that bucket list, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime, African safari??

When you’re unsure of the driving logistics, it also makes it really challenging to plan an itinerary.

Not only do you have to do all the research about where to go and what to see, but you’ll also need to make guesses about how much to plan in a day based on the practicalities of traveling in Africa.

Plus, you want guides for an African safari trip. An expert Intrepid guide leading the group means you don’t have to worry about any of the day-to-day details from transportation to meals to activities. Intrepid works with local guides and activity operators all the time so they’ve already been vetted. 

Not to mention, guides talk, especially on game drives! They tell each other where they’re seeing animals so others have a chance to see them as well. 

 Planning a safari trip to Botswana or anywhere in Africa takes a lot of work. Going with a group led by Intrepid’s expert guides on the  Okavango Experience  is one of the best travel decisions I’ve made so far.

Are you interested in an Intrepid Travel Botswana tour?

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Disclosure: I was a guest of Intrepid Travel. As always, all opinions are my own.

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4 thoughts on “intrepid travel review: africa safari on the okavango experience tour”.

Fantastic review Jackie that makes us look forward even more to the full 18 day tour that we’ve booked for next July. This will be our fifth Intrepid but first Basix. The rest have been Originals.

The luggage thing has us confused. Everything we’ve read on Intrepid’s website says take only a pack that can fit in the locker inside the bus. We’ve seen a video that showed bags under the truck and you’ve also mentioned the same. We have High Sierra hybrid bags – they have wheels, but are soft sided and can also be a pack. We were a bit concerned they’d be too big for the locker (they are the exact measurement) but if they can go under the bus what do you use the locker for?

Thanks again for the terrific review. We’ll share with our friend (Jacqui!) who we’ve talked into joining us. She’s planning to do exactly what you did – OE and the three day Kruger tour due to time constraints.

Thanks for reading, Peter and Alan! You are going to have such an amazing time on the full 18-day tour! I also had some time constraints and did the 3 day Kruger experience as well. I’m working on a review about that right now. Your bags should be fine. There are large compartments under the truck that everyone put their big bag in. I had a large multi-day Gregory Backpack that I put under there. Inside the truck, everyone has a locker for additional things, especially if you wanted to secure anything. (Bring a padlock if you want to do this.) Think camera, passport, a slim daypack you want to lock up. Additionally, you have some space above your seat on the truck for a small bag/sleeping bag. Have so much fun and thanks for sharing! 🙂

I’ve shared the link to your amazing report with our friend and will let her know when the Kruger report is up as well.

Sorry, some more questions. Intrepid’s info is limited.

Thanks for the info on lockers, storage and bags. That makes much more sense.

Power on the truck. We’re read it’s down on the wall beside the seat. We’ve also watched a YouTube clip that mentioned USB power up in the overhead shelves. Is it the first or the second? If it’s the first is it a SA/India powerpoint – three round pins with one larger than the other two? Or maybe a Euro plug?

Def planning way too far in advance! Bought our sleeping bags and travel pillows a couple of weeks ago!

Hi Pete and Alan. The power on my Intrepid truck was above the seats in the overhead shelf area. I can’t remember the prong type…Tbh, I had my Anker battery pack so I mostly used that since it charged my phone and my camera and held a charge for days which came in handy in the Okavango. Hope that helps! 🙂

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What to Pack for An African Safari, According to Trip Organizers

Packing is hard. Especially when the destination might involve giant mosquitoes or Instagram-worthy hiking trails. What do frequent travelers to these spots — the ones who best know how to prepare for the conditions — put in their suitcases ? We’ll be tackling this in our series “ The Trip List .”

Going on an African safari and spotting animals like lions and zebras in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Since it’s not something most people do very often, it’s also not the easiest trip to pack for. For those lucky enough to have a safari in their future, we’ve rounded up a group of experienced tour guides and travel planners (with hundreds of safaris collectively under their belts) to help you out.

“People always overpack. I think that’s the biggest mistake,” says Deborah Calmeyer, founder and CEO of the safari trip organizer Roar Africa . She explains that, in terms of clothing, you generally just need a few casual pieces, as there aren’t many occasions to dress up on safari. Most lodges also offer laundry service with a quick turnaround time, so there’s no need to pack a new outfit for each day of your trip. Instead of prioritizing style, safari experts say to focus on layering , as you’ll spend most of your time outdoors on game drives in open-air vehicles. It might be chilly when you leave your lodge in the early morning but heat up quickly when the sun comes out. “If you’re out after sunset when the temperature drops, those layers will come in handy again,” says Calmeyer.

Before you start packing, learn the luggage requirements of your particular trip, which will determine how much you can bring. Even if you fly to Africa on a major international airline, once you’re in the bush, you’ll travel from site to site on small aircrafts with limited space. “The portal leading into the luggage compartments is quite small, and the bags have to be smushed and manipulated into these little cargo areas,” explains Kota Tabuchi, the managing director for African travel at the trip-planning consultancy Travel Beyond . Depending on your destination, weight limits can range from roughly 33 to 42 pounds, with lower limits more common in East Africa and higher maximums generally seen in South Africa. Choose a soft duffel bag (check your airline’s rules to confirm whether wheeled bags are allowed), as you can’t bring hard-sided luggage on many small planes.

You’re likely going on safari to encounter wild animals (especially the big five: lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and buffalo), so don’t scrimp on binoculars and cameras that will help you get the best view and capture the best memories of your sightings. Below, our experts share their top picks for the gear that’ll make your trip comfortable and memorable, plus everything else you’ll need for a perfect safari.

As stated above, a soft-sided duffel bag is your best bet for traveling on safari. Tabuchi has owned this North Face bag for more than 15 years now and has brought it on multiple safaris each year. He calls it “absolutely bombproof.” The lightweight and roomy duffel should hold everything you need, and it is compliant with most African airline requirements. If you want another option, Tabuchi also likes the very similar Patagonia Black Hole bag (a longtime Strategist favorite ).

At under $100, this bag is an affordable pick that was mentioned by several safari pros, including Ina Steinhilber, president of tour operator Thomson Safaris . It’s lightweight, too, clocking in at just over two pounds, leaving plenty of room under the weight allowance for your stuff.

If you’re allowed to bring a soft duffel with wheels, this Osprey bag gets rave reviews from Wil Smith, founder and director of travel organizer Deeper Africa . “Make sure the bag is water resistant and has a storm flap over the zipper,” he says. “On a safari, you’re out on bumpy roads, and you never know if your bag’s going to end up out in the rain, dust, or dirt. It probably won’t, but you want to prepare for anything.” He says this bag checks all his boxes and even has lockable zippers.

“These are a must for finding clothing easily in the soft-sided duffel,” says Kristina Jackson, a senior safari and Kilimanjaro travel consultant at Thomson Safaris. Many frequent travelers have recommended packing cubes to us in the past (including the eBags set) because they compress your gear to save space — even more crucial when you have a tight luggage allotment. “After safari, you may find yourself using them more often,” says Jackson. “They make traveling so easy.”

According to Joel Cody, sales and marketing director at Thomson Safaris, you’ll also want a backpack for your daily game drives to carry things like extra layers, bug spray , and binoculars. Because it folds down into a compact pouch, he suggests this Paravel backpack, as you can easily fit it into your larger luggage.

“Layers are the most practical way to cope with fluctuating daytime and nighttime temperatures,” says Sherwin Banda, president of the safari trip operator African Travel , and pretty much all of our experts agree. A basic tee is a good first layer, and in the summer you might not need more than a long-sleeved shirt on top for the chilly morning and evenings. “We all have one of these,” says Ali Riley, art director of Thomson Safaris, of this polyester button-up. She likes that it’s comfortable, moisture-wicking, and offers UPF 40 protection from the sun.

If you prefer natural fibers, Cody recommends these linen long-sleeved shirts from Uniqlo. “They’re lightweight and comfortable, and you can wear a T-shirt or tank underneath for layering,” he says. “They look good after they’re washed and are available at an excellent price point.”

Patagonia pieces came up a lot among our experts, who like how they’re made sustainably and designed for travel and adventure. For a slightly warmer second layer, Cody likes this half-zip, which is made from a moisture-wicking fabric and locks in body heat. He tells us it “provides warmth without bulk, and doesn’t take up much room in a backpack.”

An even warmer jacket is a good option to have with you even in the summer. Elizabeth Gordon, co-founder and CEO of the safari company Extraordinary Journeys , explains that many popular safari locations, such as Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater, are located at high altitudes and may be chilly year-round. For cold nights and mornings, she loves Patagonia’s Nano Puff jackets. “They weigh practically nothing and somehow always keep me at the right temperature,” she says. For a less-expensive option, Gordon also likes ultralight down jackets from Uniqlo, available for both men and women .

“A light rain jacket can double as a windbreaker, so it’s good to bring no matter the time of year, [especially] with the changing rain patterns,” says Gordon. She says spring and fall are typically the rainy seasons in East Africa, but climate change has made the weather less predictable. To make sure you’ll have coverage in the event of an unexpected storm, she recommends this packable, lightweight Patagonia jacket.

There’s no need to go out and buy special pants for your safari — chinos , leggings , and shorts are all generally fine (though some experts advise against jeans because they’re heavy to pack). If you want to really get in the spirit, however, Riley suggests these convertible pants from Eddie Bauer. You can wear them as long pants in the morning and then roll them up into capris when the weather heats up. “They’re extremely comfortable, if not overly stylish,” she says. Here’s a similar style for men that unzips into shorts. Even if it’s warm out, our experts like having the option of long pants in the evenings when mosquitos are out.

Leggings and yoga pants are especially popular on safari because they’re lightweight and comfortable, especially if you’re going to be sitting in a Jeep all day. If you anticipate being cold, a fleece-lined pair is good to have too. “In case you get a cold night in Ngorongoro, these are great to sleep in, are inexpensive, and don’t take up a lot of room,” says Cody.

Although most lodges have laundry services — often complimentary for guests — many won’t wash women’s underwear because of cultural norms in certain countries. Since you may have to wash your own underwear in your bathroom sink, go with pairs made for exercise or travel that are designed to be fast-drying. “Ideally you want clothing that is easy to wash and dry,” says Smith. He includes underwear in this category, especially for women. Ex Officio (which makes some of our favorite men’s and women’s underwear) specializes in quick-drying materials that’ll make it easy for you to do your own wash.

Gordon points out that most lodges have pools, and getting in an afternoon dip is a great way to cool down after a long day out in the bush. Obviously, go with whatever swimsuit you love, but if you want some Strategist-approved picks, check out out recommendations for men and women (plus bikinis ). Here are two crowd-pleasers that earned our seal of approval.

Unless you’re trekking through the mountains to see gorillas, safaris are mostly sedentary experiences spent on Jeeps or Land Rovers driving through wildlife preserves to catch a glimpse of the big five. Our experts say there’s no need to waste precious luggage space on heavy hiking boots , as you’ll likely be doing only a bit of walking outside the vehicle. Jackson suggests wearing Toms. “They’re perfect to slip on and off while in the vehicle throughout the day and are also very lightweight.” Similarly, her colleague Cody swears by Vans, telling us, “They’re so easy to take off and on and are washable. I wore these all the time.”

If you do anticipate doing more active walking on your trip, both Smith and Tabuchi recommend trail-running shoes. They’re not as bulky as hiking boots (which our experts say aren’t necessary for most safari terrain) but still offer stability and traction. “They’re very sturdy,” says Smith. “You want good traction because if you get out of the car and it has been raining, the ground may be a little slippery.” Tabuchi says any trail runners with a solid rubber sole should do the trick. The lightweight Hoka One One Torrent is popular among trail runners and should be rugged enough to get you through your safari adventure.

Although our experts recommend closed-toe shoes while you’re out on game drives, they say to also bring a pair of flip-flops or sandals for when you’re relaxing back at your home base. “It’s great to have some comfortable flip flops for your tent or your lodge or around the campfire,” says Smith. You’ll also want to wear your flip-flops at the pool if your lodge has one. Brazilian-made Havaianas are an affordable yet stylish option that we’ve written about before .

Accessories

In the past, we’ve covered how merino-wool socks are ideal for all types of activities including running , biking , and hiking . Their temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties also make them perfect for safari. Steinhilber says Smartwool socks will “keep your feet warm on cool nights” and, given their lightness, will also be comfortable on daytime game drives.

Calmeyer says a shawl or pashmina will “never go to waste on safari” because it’s an all-in-one piece that you can use to stay warm, block out the sun, or even zhuzh up your casual clothes for a candlelit dinner back at the lodge. Gordon agrees, telling us she always brings a scarf “to dress everything up, or protect from dust.” Nicole Scherr, a former marketing project manager at Thomson Safaris, likes this specific shawl because it’s lightweight, quick-drying, and has UPF sun protection. “It’s great for the plane because it becomes a small blanket, and it’s also light enough to drape over yourself in the vehicle to protect from getting a burn,” she says.

If you’re not into shawls, a bandana or multipurpose gaiter can help with sun protection and keeping dust off your face. These two are favorites of the Thomson Safaris team. The UV-protective Buff also has built-in insect repellent, which you’ll appreciate when the mosquitoes come out.

Since you’ll be out in the sun for most of the day, all of our experts recommend a hat — both to prevent burning and to keep the sun out of your eyes so you can focus on the wildebeest migration or whatever amazing sight you’ve come across on your drive. Tabuchi recommends “a baseball cap at the very minimum,” but if you want even more coverage, several of our experts suggested a wide-brimmed hat like this one from Tilley, which is a top choice among Thomson Safari guides. It’ll cover the front and back of your neck, and it’s also packable, so you can cram it into your luggage and it will retain its shape when you take it out.

While the classic safari hat above is practical, Gordon admits it’s not the most stylish; she prefers a Panama hat like this one. You’ll get nearly as much sun protection in a bit more fashionable of a package.

Binoculars and cameras

“You can’t go on safari without these,” says Steinhilber, and nearly all of our experts agree that a good pair of binoculars will enhance your trip. How close you’re able to get to animals will depend on where exactly you’re going on safari, but Tabuchi explains that in many national parks and game reserves, vehicles are restricted to the road networks, so your driver won’t be able to go off-road to follow a pride of lions or elephants bathing in a river. That’s when binoculars will really come in handy. Although some lodges and game drives provide loaner pairs, Calmeyer says you’ll often end up having to share these with other guests, so it’s worth bringing your own. Gordon adds that “not having binoculars holds you back.”

All binoculars are labeled with two numbers. The first represents the magnification power (for example, “10” means objects will appear ten times bigger than they actually are), and the second is the lens diameter, which determines the field of vision. Binoculars can range in price from under $100 to well into the four figures for a Swarovski pair that Smith calls “the envy of every safari guide and bird enthusiast.” For a safari, Smith says to look for a pair with minimum specs of 8x42, like this mid-range model from Zeiss. With these, Smith says you’ll be able to zoom in on incredible sights like a rhinoceros 1,000 yards away.

If you’re willing to make more of an investment, the Vortex Viper 10x42 are Smith’s personal favorite binoculars. “Those are really good binoculars at a very reasonable price,” he says. “I think the glass is good; it’s stable. I’ve had people compare them with much more expensive binoculars.”

Smartphone cameras are so high-quality these days that experts say you’ll be able to get a lot of great shots with your iPhone — but on safari there are occasions when you’ll want a traditional camera. Like binoculars, a camera will be useful when your drive can’t get close to an animal and your phone camera’s zoom isn’t strong enough to shoot a clear picture from 50 yards away. Tabuchi adds that there are some areas where smartphone photography is banned to protect rhinoceroses, as poachers have used geotagged photos to track down the animals. And, as Gordon points out, if there’s any occasion to break out your fancy cameras and lenses, it’s Africa. Experts say you’ll want a minimum of 300-400mm zoom lenses for shooting at typical safari distances.

This Sony is a favorite of both Smith’s and Tabuchi’s. A bridge between an entry-level point-and-shoot and a high-end DSLR, it has an adjustable telescopic lens that zooms out to 600mm, more than enough to capture lion paws or the eyes of an elephant from a distance. Compared to a DSLR camera with multiple lenses, this one “takes up less space,” Smith says, “and you don’t have to mess around changing lenses.” Tabuchi calls it “stellar,” telling us “it’s got the functionality and zoom capabilities of a DSLR but has enough automatic features in there for dummies like myself.” (If you do choose to go the DSLR route, Tabuchi recommends renting additional lenses from Lensrentals.com to save money on expensive kits you might not use after your safari.)

Here’s a more affordable bridge camera that made Calmeyer’s list of recommended models for Roar Africa safari guests. She admits it won’t be as powerful as a DSLR, but for the price it’s a solid option for capturing both close-ups of animals and sweeping landscape shots.

Even pre-pandemic, experts recommended packing hand sanitizer, since you might be eating lunch straight off a game drive or need to take a bathroom break out in the bush and far from running water. Of course, by now we all have our own sanitizer preferences, but Steinhilber especially likes this lavender one because she says it “doesn’t have that terrible antiseptic odor.” (Interestingly, it’s also Sarah Michelle Gellar’s favorite .)

“The African sun is brutal,” says Calmeyer, and a good sunscreen is an absolute must. Any type you prefer will work as long as it has a high SPF, but if you want a safari-approved pick, Jackson says Badger is a solid “all-natural brand to use all day long.”

Don’t forget lip protection. Steinhilber says any lip balm you choose must have a strong SPF. She uses this one from Dermatone.

Mosquitos, tsetse flies, chiggers, and other critters are often unavoidable on safari, but a good bug spray can reduce your chances of getting bitten. Now’s not the time for organic essential-oil-based repellents that experts say won’t be up to the task. Instead, you’ve got to bring in the DEET. Brittany Silva, a safari trip manager at Thomson Safaris, says this 30 percent DEET spray is one of the best. Another good option is to wait until you land, so that you can buy bug spray from an African company and feel confident that it’s designed to repel the local insects. Calmeyer suggests the brands Peaceful Sleep and Tabard . “They work better than anything I’ve ever got from anywhere else,” she says. Gordon agrees, calling Peaceful Sleep “magical.”

If you’ve read our coverage of the best tick repellents , you know we’re already big fans of this permethrin spray, which can be used to treat clothing and gear. Smith, along with the team at Thomson Safaris, also uses it and likes the extra protection it provides. You can spray it on your shoes, your hat, and anything else you might be wearing to keep bugs at bay.

If you really don’t want to use DEET (which can be smelly and irritate skin), Smith suggests the non-toxic ingredient picaridin as an alternative. “It comes in nice, soft lotions that smell good,” he says, “and it’s just as effective as high-concentration DEET.” He says this Sawyer lotion feels gentle and non-greasy on your skin.

Even if your lodge has a laundry service, if you’re moving between places quickly and won’t be at a specific lodge for more than one night, Smith recommends packing soap for washing your own clothes. He says, “You can just wash your stuff and hang it up to dry while you’re sleeping, so you always have something clean.” Also, bringing your own soap is a must if your lodge won’t wash your underwear. Jackson recommends this eco-friendly, biodegradable soap for easy cleaning.

Additional gear

“On glamping safaris to the Serengeti, charging opportunities are generally limited to the vehicles and central lounge areas,” says Andrew Doherty, manager of special-interest travel at Thomson Safaris. Since you might not have a personal charging station in your tent or lodge, he recommends bringing a power bank that you can charge up when you’re near an outlet and then use to keep your phone and other gadgets running when you’re out of reach. “That way, you can continue to scan through selfies and edit safari shots on your phone while lying in bed listening to lions roaring in the distance.”

“There are three different plugs in Africa,” says Gordon. “A universal adapter is good to have because if you’re entering different countries, you’re just going to want to have all three in one.” This adapter will work in popular safari countries like South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

Similarly, not all tents and lodges will have lights and electricity at all times. “A lot of places are on generators or solar panels that aren’t going to be on all day or all night,” says Gordon. “The lights are getting better, but they’re not super-strong.” While she used to bring a flashlight on safari, she says she now just uses the one on her phone, but still packs a book light for reading at night. A headlamp works too, if you prefer, and we’ve recommended our favorite one here .

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Today’s Top Clicked

Tanzania or South Africa? Which safari destination should you choose?

So you’ve got your eye on the Big Five…

If you have an African safari on your bucket list (and reruns of Planet Earth just aren’t cutting it any longer), it’s officially time to plan a trip. Africa’s unspoiled landscape is home to some of the most incredible, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing, and with opportunities to see the iconic Big Five in both  Tanzania  and  South Africa , it can be almost impossible to choose where to go. One thing’s for sure, though… no matter where you choose to safari, you’re guaranteed to come home with countless photos, memories, and ‘you had to be there’ stories.

Let’s break down these two top destinations and help craft your ultimate safari experience, so you can set aside your spreadsheets, give the googling a rest and get back to buying binoculars and cool safari outfits. You know, the important stuff.

If you’re on safari in Africa, chances are you’re hoping to see the most sought-after safari animals , aka the Big Five. The Big Five list includes the lion, the leopard, the bush elephant, the Cape buffalo and the rhino. In Tanzania, it’s not uncommon to check ’em all off in a single day on the Serengeti.

Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater has a much higher wildlife density than anywhere else in Africa, so if you’re looking for volume, look no further. Other African greats, like cheetahs, hyenas and hippos are known to make frequent appearances here.

The Great Migration is one of the world’s most spectacular displays of wildlife, and you can only catch it in the plains of Tanzania and Kenya . Between April and May, over two million wildebeest (often mixed with herds of zebra and antelope, followed by stalking lions) travel across the Serengeti in search of water and greener pastures as the dry season sets in. Watching these animals rumble through rivers and across panoramic plains is what dreams are made of (or nightmares, depending on how many times you’ve watched that Lion King scene), and you won’t witness anything like it elsewhere in Africa.

RELATED: HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR IDEAL AFRICAN SAFA RI

Suppose you choose to head to South Africa. In that case, Kruger National Park will treat you to the Big Five plus 150 other photogenic mammals, like cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and the endangered African wild dog. Look close to the ground, and you can spot one of 100 breeds of reptiles, while birdwatchers can delight in the 500 species of birds in the park.

While the numbers might be lower than those in Tanzania, South African safaris allow their open-sided vehicles to go off the designated paths and get up close and personal with the animals. Think: being close enough to catch a breeze from a nearby elephant’s flapping ears.

GET CLOSE TO WILDLIFE ON A KRUGER CAMPING TRIP

When you picture a classic African landscape with endless grassy plains, silhouettes of umbrella trees at sunset and a backdrop of majestic Mount Kilimanjaro , you’re most likely thinking of Tanzania. In addition to the sweeping plains, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro feature a range of ecosystems from grasslands to mountains to flamingo-frequented lakes.

Since the short grass plains are much more fragile than the savannahs in South Africa, safaris in Tanzania have strict rules about staying on the paths, meaning you’ll have to stay in your vehicle and wait for the animals to come to you. Make sure you pack your binoculars!

JOIN OUR SERENGETI TRAIL TRIP

While the jaw-droppingly expansive landscapes of the Serengeti may be why you came to Africa, it’s the diversity of South Africa’s golden beaches, verdant Winelands and vibrant cities that will make you want to stick around after your safari is over.

Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, Cape Town (known as the Mother City) offers an abundance of world-class food and beverage options and fantastic city views, while the wide, sandy beaches of Durban will have you activating your inner surf bum before you know it. If you’re the type that likes to treat yourself to a bit of city life after a grueling trek or camping trip, South Africa is calling your name.

EXPLORE CAPE TOWN AND THE WINELANDS

It doesn’t matter where you go on safari in Africa; an overland vehicle is an integral part of your journey. At the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, game drives take place in closed-sided 4×4 vehicles with windows and a pop-up roof for 360-degree wildlife viewing. Because the Serengeti is relatively remote, entering the park may require flying into a local airport or driving long distances on normal roads, where open-sided vehicles are prohibited (you wouldn’t want to be exposed to the elements anyway).

Closed-sided trucks protect not only from unexpected rains, temperature changes and exposure to the often extreme dirt and dust on your drive, but also from the apex predators you’ll be searching for! A curious cheetah pouncing on the roof of your 4×4 isn’t uncommon!

In South Africa, most safaris are operated in open-sided 4×4 vehicles because national parks like Kruger are often made up of private game reserves, where there are fewer rules and regulations to abide by. The open-sided trucks are just that: 4x4s with no sides, tiered seating and an open roof, providing incredible wildlife viewing and photo ops.

A retractable canvas roof or drop-down plastic flaps are a common component of open-sided vehicles to protect from inclement weather – a great addition if you’re visiting in the rainy season! With nothing between you and the animals, the freedom of an open-sided vehicle will surely give a more immersive safari experience.

RELATED: READ MORE ABOUT OVERLAND TRAVEL IN AFRICA

Although Africa has a reputation for being hot, dry, and dusty, Toto famously sang about blessing down the rains for a reason. Tanzania and South Africa rely on periodic showers to keep their ecosystems thriving, but game drives are possible throughout the year in both places.

Tanzania’s parks, located near the equator, have fairly consistent, moderate temperatures year-round, with cool mornings and evenings and not-too-hot days, making for a fantastic year-round safari destination. While there are technically two rainy seasons, the “short rains” from November to December and the “long rains” from March to May, rains usually consist of a once-daily thunderstorm, and rarely a total washout.

South Africa is a more seasonal destination, with a marked hot and steamy summer from December to February and a colder, drier winter from June to August. The best time for Big Five sightings in game reserves like Kruger is during the dry season when vegetation is thinner and animals congregate near watering holes. It can be chilly in South Africa’s open-sided vehicles in the mornings and evenings, so layering up is a must!

Safaris during the wet season are still an option, but it can be more difficult to spot game through tall grasses and lush vegetation, and daily rainstorms have been known to disrupt travel plans and decrease visibility. On the upside, November-March is birthing season for some animals, so you might have a chance to spot adorable pups, cubs, and calves.

RELATED: WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR A SAFARI IN AFRICA

Whether you’re camping on the plains of the Serengeti or lodging it in style in Kruger, both ways to safari are bound to be memorable, but there are a few unique differences. If taking a trip to Tanzania, many of the campsites within the Serengeti are fenceless, meaning you’ll have no separation between yourself and the animals. There aren’t many comparable experiences to having buffalo or hyenas sniff around your tent as you sleep. Don’t worry, though! Your leader will provide a detailed safety briefing upon arrival to camp to make sure you’re comfortable… but remember, you’re basically camping in the animals’ living room.

RELATED: WHAT IT’S LIKE TO SAFARI IN THE NGORONGORO CRATER

In South Africa, safari vehicles and guides are permitted to go off the designated paths. Many guides stay in constant radio contact, so if your group gets a tip on something extra exciting (like a birth or kill), you can expect to do some off-roading to get to the site. South Africa also has more opportunities for bush walks and nighttime drives, which is a fantastic way to see the nocturnal animals and predators that often get overlooked.

Many of South Africa’s parks are either malaria-free or have a low malaria risk, making them a good option for travelling with children. Always make sure to check the park’s website to see the malaria risk before you arrive.

FAMILY FUN: JOIN OUR SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI WITH TEENAGERS

When it comes to safari in Africa, Tanzania and South Africa are the top contenders. But honestly, we can’t pick a favorite. If you also can’t decide, why not enjoy a 4-day Kruger lodge experience for a little relaxation in style before your 37-day Johannesburg to Kenya journey, or go all out on an Epic African Adventure for a trip that will make you feel genuinely Intrepid. Wherever you choose to go in Africa, a safari is bound to change your life…even if David Attenborough isn’t narrating.

Will travel for food. From al pastor in Mexico to camel burgers in Morocco, khao soi in Thailand to perfect tomatoes in Greece, I've traveled far and wide for a tasty meal. When I'm not abroad searching for the perfect bite, I'm enjoying some good ol' home cooking in my tiny Seattle kitchen.

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