From choosing the right park to what to pack — the definitive first-timer's guide to an African safari.
Nothing in travel prepares you for Africa. The scale of the Serengeti at dawn, a pride of lions sharing their kill 15 metres from your vehicle, the Milky Way blazing over a camp — a safari rewires something fundamental in you.
Choosing Your Destination
Kenya (Masai Mara) — The gold standard. The Great Migration (July–October) sees over 1.5 million wildebeest crossing the Mara River. Year-round Big Five sightings.
Tanzania (Serengeti) — The Serengeti's sheer scale is incomparable. Ngorongoro Crater is a natural amphitheatre teeming with wildlife.
South Africa (Kruger) — Easiest for first-timers. Self-drive is possible, Big Five sightings are reliable, and infrastructure is excellent.
What to Pack
Neutral colours (khaki, olive, brown, beige). Layers are essential; dawn drives can be extremely cold. A good telephoto lens (300mm minimum). Binoculars. Insect repellent with DEET.
The Game Drive Reality
Dawn drives (5:30am) are when predators are most active. Don't expect the Nat Geo highlight reel on every drive — sometimes you return with beautiful sightings of elephants and giraffes and zero cats, and that is still extraordinary.
Africa will ruin other travel for you. Consider yourself warned.