From your experience organizing and guiding groups on safaris, they have found that the optimal number of days for a safari is between two and four, intending to make the trip as fun as possible.
Images of the broad expanses of the savanna, complete with binoculars and animal guidebooks, are what most people picture when they think of a typical African safari.
People usually prepare for safaris lasting between one and two weeks, believing that the longer the trip, the better, as these folks will visit many parks as they can cram into. In principle, this makes a lot of sense; the more, the better, right? But before you plan your two-week safari throughout Africa, there are a few things to think about.
Advice for those planning a safari
Most animals are most active in the morning and evening when it is more relaxed; thus, it is typical for them to rise and dine before the sun rises. As they make their way back after the night’s hunt, nocturnal creatures like lions are easier to observe at this time of day.
Following a morning of wildlife viewing from your vehicle, you’ll stop for lunch and continue your safari drive for the afternoon. Typically you will spend roughly 6-8 hours on a safari vehicle
Remember that the quality of the roads you Urgent Flight Ticket Booking travel on may vary, so you should be ready for some uneven pavement and some dust. Your safari vehicle will come with a roof hatch, possibly with or without a cover, for optimal wildlife viewing. Exposure to sunlight is throughout the day. In the dry season, noon temperatures in the Serengeti may reach 30 degrees Celsius, and the combination of the heat, the sun’s glare, and the activity of the animals can leave you feeling fatigued.
Suggestions based on the past encounters
In the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro crater, it’s possible to see lions, cheetahs, and even rhinos in a day. A professional guide can see these creatures or talk with other vehicles to find them. However, it’s necessary to remember that it is a game park, not a zoo.
Luck and timing are key to seeing the elusive leopard. In your experience leading groups on safaris, most people favor 2-4 days at most. If you want to visit additional parks, restrict it to a maximum of 5 days overall.
Combining a safari with a visit to other sights in the nation would provide a more well-rounded experience. Of course, if you’re an avid wildlife observer to see less common species, a budding wildlife photographer, or here to watch the significant migration, you may want to take your time.
Day Trip Safari
Perfect if you’re short on time or uncertain whether safari is your cup of tea. You may see a lot in a single-day safari, particularly if you have a professional guide and visit a game reserve or national park recognized for varied species and the Big Five. A few fantastic one-day safari options are Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater or Tarangire National Park, Kenya’s Nairobi National Park, and Botswana’s Chobe National Park.
If you are taking a one-day safari, it is crucial to establish your expectations. It is conceivable that you’ll see the BIG Five in a single day, but it is unusual. Leopards and rhinos are incredibly timid, and cheetahs may often be hard to locate. If you can only go on safari for one day, do it! Even if you don’t see the Big Five, you’ll still have a fantastic day.
3 – 5 Day Safari (The “Sweet Spot”)
If you have small children or this is your first safari, a 3 to 5-day safari is ideal. 3 – 5 day safaris are affordable and give plenty of time for other cultural or travel adventures and leisure. They allow you to view most of Africa’s unique species, rest at your luxury safari camp, and visit safari parks without the kids or if you’re bored or exhausted. A 3- to 5-day safari to the Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania), Serengeti (Tanzania), Masai Mara (Kenya), and Chobe (Botswana) should allow you to see the BIG Five (Botswana).
Safaris of Five to Seven Days’ Duration
Ideal for photographers or nature lovers who want to view a range of wildlife at various safari locations. A five- to the seven-day safari will offer you more time to explore the country and view more animals without missing walking safaris, hot air balloon flights, cultural immersions, etc. If this is your first five-day or more extended vacation, you may wish to combine a safari with other activities. To cut down on your travel time, you may choose to fly into and out of safari.
Safari Trips of 8-14 Days
Longer safaris are ideal for those who have been on safari before and know what to expect. It’s the perfect time for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife adventure. This duration of safari is popular among photographers, birdwatchers, and those seeking uncommon species. They may visit multiple safari parks over a 10- to 14-day trip to break up the monotony. You should plan to spend at least 8-14 days in the field if a safari in Botswana is a must-do.
Tours that Last Over a Week
Longer safaris are more costly but worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime trip or a safari veteran. Long safaris sometimes include multiple animal encounters, such as watching the Great Migration in the Serengeti or Masai Mara and then continuing to Botswana’s Okavanga Delta.
Choosing a suitable safari duration requires some careful planning.
It would help if you thought about the following while planning your safari duration:
Do you have little ones with you?
If so, consider their ages, whether they can handle lengthy car rides or walks, and how enthusiastic they are about seeing animals. A brief safari could be appropriate to keep everyone’s spirits up. Should you instead extend your stay and do shorter morning game drives so the kids may enjoy the pool in the afternoon? Should you go on safari with your kids until they’re sick, or choose a hotel with a private nanny?
Long lengths of time spent seated in a vehicle
You might consider taking a shorter safari if you tend to grow bored after long periods of driving. It’s also fun to break up a longer safari into driving, walking, and boating segments for variety.
Health
Think about taking a shorter safari if you or the USA to India Flight Deals travel companion has health issues that might make a long journey through a game reserve or national park difficult. If you have a long-term medical condition that needs regular medication, be sure to pack extra. You shouldn’t risk getting stuck if the roads leading into town become impassable because of sudden weather changes.
Is it your goal to unwind?
Nothing is worse than feeling rushed while trying to unwind on vacation. Pick a longer safari so you may go out in the morning to look for wildlife and then relax by the pool in the afternoon. Alternatively, you may tack on some time at the beach or another tranquil location.
Just what are you hoping to accomplish while on safari?
You should book a lengthier safari to view the Big Five and get the best photos. Because wildlife doesn’t function according to your schedule, giving yourself enough time to see all you want is essential. It may involve some downtime in capturing that once-in-a-lifetime shot. You should schedule stops at many safari locations to keep things interesting.
