HOW TO PLAN YOUR FIRST SAFARI: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
- All Out Safaris
- Mar 25
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 26
Planning a safari is an exciting journey, but with so many options, it can feel overwhelming. The key is to consider your preferences, budget, and the type of experience you're looking for. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to plan the ultimate safari adventure, including destination choices, safari types, seasonal considerations, and essential travel tips.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT DESTINATION
The first and most crucial step in planning your safari is selecting the right destination. South Africa offers diverse safari experiences, from luxury private reserves to budget-friendly national parks. Each location has its own unique appeal, suited to different travelers. We currently operate at the following 3 destinations:
1. Madikwe Game Reserve
A unique blend of multiple ecosystems, including semi-arid desert, savannah, rocky outcrops, and mountains.
A private reserve with limited vehicles at sightings for an intimate wildlife experience.
Excellent for photography due to diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Home to the Big Five, as well as wild dogs, cheetahs, and a variety of bird species.
Best for those seeking an exclusive, high-end safari with minimal crowds.
Offers a malaria-free environment, making it ideal for families and travelers concerned about health risks.
2. Kruger National Park
One of the most diverse and famous game reserves in the world, covering nearly 20,000 square kilometers.
Known for incredible wildlife sightings, including frequent Big Five encounters, as well as leopards, rhinos, and elephants.
Public access, but still offers fantastic game viewing, especially because we are involved in the big cat research in the Kruger giving us a massive advantage!
A great choice for first-time safari-goers looking for a classic experience.
Home to a variety of ecosystems, from riverine forests to open savannahs, making it excellent for birdwatching and diverse wildlife experiences.
3. Pilanesberg National Park
Located in an ancient volcanic crater, providing a unique landscape and dramatic scenery.
High concentration of wildlife, especially around water sources, making it easy to spot large game.
Less crowded compared to Kruger, offering a quieter experience however more challenging on the big cat front
A malaria-free safari destination, making it perfect for families with young children.
Excellent for short trips due to its proximity to Johannesburg, just a 2-3 hour drive away.
SELECTING YOUR SAFARI TYPE
Once you’ve chosen your destination, the next step is deciding what kind of safari you want. Each type offers a different experience tailored to individual preferences.
Luxury Safari: Stay in high-end lodges with gourmet dining, guided game drives, and exclusive access to wildlife. Many luxury lodges also offer spa treatments and private plunge pools.
Budget Safari: More affordable options with comfortable accommodations, guided game drives and self-drive options in public parks.
Photographic Safari: Tailored for photography enthusiasts, with expert guides who help position you for the best shots. These safaris often use specialised vehicles with open sides and camera mounts.
Family Safari: Kid-friendly accommodations and activities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages. Some lodges offer specialised programs to engage young adventurers.
UNDERSTANDING THE BEST TIME TO VISIT
The time of year plays a crucial role in the kind of experience you’ll have. Weather patterns, wildlife behavior, and crowd levels can vary significantly.
Summer (November – February): Lush greenery, dramatic skies, and vibrant landscapes. Ideal for those who love colorful, dramatic photography. However, thicker vegetation can make wildlife harder to spot, and temperatures can be high. It is a great time of year to spot leopards in trees and is great for wild dogs! As photographers, we love it but the heat can be quite challenging. Nothing a dip in the lodge pool can't fix! Summer is a wonderful time for birding as well as babies as most antelope species give birth during November and December
Winter (May – August): Dry season with golden grass and high wildlife concentration at waterholes. Best for big cat sightings and clear visibility due to sparse vegetation. A great time of year for hyenas, lions, and rarer animals like pangolins and aardvark which are very few and far between however if there was a time of year to see those 2 rare species, it would be then.
Transitional Seasons (March-April & September-October): Offers a mix of both conditions and can be a great time to visit with fewer crowds, moderate temperatures, and excellent wildlife viewing. These are probably the best times to go. March - April because of low rain, it's fairly cool and still beautifully green. September - October is the peak of the dry season and is starting to get warm but water sources are often packed with a high density of wildlife.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN PRIVATE VS. PUBLIC GAME RESERVES
Private Reserves (Madikwe, Sabi Sands, Greater Kruger):
Limited vehicles at sightings (2-3 maximum), ensuring a personal experience.
Ability to go off-road for closer animal encounters, especially for big cats.
Higher price but offers exclusivity and sometimes better photographic opportunities.
Public Parks (Kruger, Pilanesberg):
More budget-friendly options with self-drive opportunities.
Open to all visitors, so sightings may have more vehicles present.
Still offers fantastic game viewing, especially in well-researched areas.
SAFARI PACKAGES & TOUR OPTIONS
Our company offers a range of private safari experiences tailored to different needs:
Madikwe Wilderness Escape
Stay at luxurious lodges with an expert guide.
4 to 6-day all-inclusive safari.
Perfect for intimate wildlife encounters and photography.
Off-road access for up-close encounters with predators and other wildlife.
Pilanesberg Safaris
Day Tours: Open or closed vehicle options.
Prestige Safari: Combination of open and closed vehicle drives.
Luxury Safari: High-end accommodations with exclusive game drives.
Kruger National Park Safaris
Panorama Safari: Includes a scenic tour through the Blyde River Canyon.
Classic Kruger Safari: The most popular option, staying inside the park with mixed vehicle drives. Great for first time safari travellers or even seasoned travellers
Luxury Safaris: Stay at premium lodges with exclusive open-vehicle drives.
Sabi Sands Predator Experience: Focused on big cats and premium wildlife photography.
PLANNING A SAFARI WITH KIDS
Bringing children on safari requires extra planning, but it can be an unforgettable experience. Key considerations include:
Safety: Choose malaria-free destinations like Pilanesberg and Madikwe.
Child-Friendly Lodges: Some lodges have age restrictions, so verify policies beforehand. The Sabi Sands is the only safari we have that might not be child friendly due to the unfenced camps.
ESSENTIAL SAFARI PACKING LIST
Neutral-colored clothing (beige, khaki, olive green) for blending into the environment.
Comfortable walking shoes and sandals for lodge wear.
Binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing are recommended however we do provide a pair!
Camera with zoom lens for capturing distant animals. Having just a phone also works because we provide a camera for you!
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.
Lightweight rain jacket if traveling in the wet season.
Our recommended safaris:
Classic Kruger Safari
Great for photographers and families
Affordable and comfortable
Open and closed safaris
Close encounters with big 5 and especially big cats
Sabi Sands Predator Experience
Great for predators and close encounters
5 star luxury
Open safaris
Brilliant close up photographic experience
Pilanesberg Prestige Safari
Incredibly scenic
4 star accommodation
Open and closed safaris
Malaria free
Madikwe Wilderness Escape
5 star luxury
Open safaris
Malaria free
Brilliant close up photographic experience
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whether you’re a seasoned travelLer or a first-time safari-goer, the perfect safari is all about choosing the right destination, timing and type of experience. Our private, customisable safaris ensure that you get the most out of your safari experience, whether you're looking for a luxury escape or a specialised photographic safari.
For more information on planning your dream safari, reach out to us—we’d love to help create an unforgettable experience for you!
We have just released a podcast on this topic which should be helpful as well. Click the links below to access the podcast episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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