What’s the Perfect Amount of Time To Be On Safari?
We are often asked "How many days do I need for a safari?"
We recommend two or three destinations that offer diverse habitats and wildlife experiences. In general, a three night stay is perfect for places that provide more than just game drives, allowing you ample time to experience all the activities. After spending 1 night at your arrival destination, 8-9 nights on safari and allocating 3 nights for international air and you will need 12-14 nights door to door.
Tailored Safari Experiences
Your safari adventure is uniquely yours! We all have our own preferences, and the "perfect" safari length for one guest might not suit another. Safari experiences are anything but one-size-fits-all. We have crafted safaris that cater to a range of needs, including guests who require electrical outlets for C-pap machines, have specific dietary requirements, or may require assistance due to mobility limitations. Rest assured, there's a safari that will meet your unique traveler requirements.
At Your Own Pace
When it comes to the pace of your safari, everyone has their own definition of "well-paced." Some are content with longer stays, perhaps even spending afternoons by a waterhole near their camp. Others are happier moving on to the next new spot. Our goal is to ensure your satisfaction with each experience before moving to the next location.
Here are some factors to consider in your planning:
Combat Jet Lag: Dedicate your first safari night to acclimating and recovering from jet lag. Alternatively, consider international flight options that allow for a layover in a European city along the way. There's nothing worse than feeling sluggish on safari. For those traveling from the East Coast (14 hours) or the West Coast (20+ hours), it's worth planning a minimum of 10 nights in Africa to make the journey worthwhile.
Appreciate Africa's Size and on-the ground logistics: Africa is vast, and it's easy to underestimate its scale based on world map projections. Domestic flights aren't always daily, and they may not always connect to national parks. We can help plan your safari to minimize unnecessary overnights and connect destinations to maximize your time on safari.
Have Limited Time? If you can't commit to our recommended 10 nights in Africa, it's best to focus on one country and fewer locations to avoid spending more time in transit than on safari. However, we don't typically recommend fewer than 7 nights for a fulfilling experience.
Stay on Budget: A shorter trip can reduce costs, but it’s not necessary to shorten your journey short just to save money. Instead, consider traveling during the shoulder season (e.g., January to March), staying within one country, or taking advantage of "long stay rates" offered by camps for added value.
In summary, here's a breakdown of what you can expect in terms of different safari durations:
7-8 nights: While short in duration, this option still allows for exploration of one country and visiting two different destinations. It is a manageable choice for those who have limited time but still want to make the most of their trip.
9-10 nights: The most popular choice, allowing you to comfortably explore three safari destinations and one to two countries.
11+ nights: Most guests find nine nights sufficient to see the wildlife. If you have the luxury of time, you might consider adding additional destinations like Victoria Falls, Cape Town, gorilla trekking, or beach destinations.
How to Plan Your Perfect Safari
Get in touch! We're here to help you design the ideal safari experience based on your time and preferences. Utilizing over 30 years of on-the-ground relationships and knowledge, our well-traveled team thoughtfully designs customized, seamless travel arrangements for our guests.
Share this Explorer’s Blog with your Family & Friends