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5 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Next Safari

  • Writer: David Loyless
    David Loyless
  • Sep 2, 2025
  • 3 min read

Updated: Sep 12, 2025

South African safari jeep
Before booking a safari, it's important to know when to go, where to stay, and what to pack.

A safari is often described as a trip of a lifetime, but making it unforgettable -- for all the right reasons -- takes more than picking a lodge and packing binoculars. Whether it’s your first safari in South Africa or your third time tracking leopards in Botswana, asking the right questions before you book can set the stage for a seamless, soul-stirring adventure.



What's the Best Season for Your Goals?


Depending on the region, which season you choose can make a significant difference in the type of experience you have. Consider the following:


Dry Season (May–October)


  • Wildlife Viewing: Animals gather around dwindling water sources, making them easier to find and observe -- especially predators.

  • Vegetation: The dry, less dense grass provides better visibility of wildlife.

  • Crowds & Costs: Higher demand means more visitors and higher prices.

  • Ideal For: Watching the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara, gorilla trekking in Uganda, predator viewing.

  • Weather: Milder, drier conditions, though some destinations can be surprisingly cold at night.


Green Season (November–April)


  • Wildlife Viewing: Animals are more spread out due to the abundance of water, making them harder to spot. However, there is an abundance of new life, with many animals giving birth.

  • Vegetation: Lush, thick foliage can hide wildlife, but it makes for stunning photography.

  • Crowds & Costs: Fewer travelers and lower prices, offering great value.

  • Ideal For: Birdwatching, as migrant species arrive and breeding/nesting are in full swing.

  • Weather: Expect fresh-smelling air and landscapes bursting with flowers, though occasional heavy rains can limit accessibility to some areas due to poor road conditions.



What Type of Safari Do You Want?


  • Lodge-based luxury: Private plunge pools, wine cellars, exceptional cuisine.

  • Mobile tented camps: Closer to nature, often better for multi-day game tracking.

  • Family-friendly lodges: Pools, kids’ ranger programs, shorter drives.



How Many Days Should You Stay?


The answer to this question is dependent on a variety of factors. Remember that more is not always better. It's important to balance seeing plenty of wildlife with the risk of getting tired of the routine. Here are some key considerations:


  • Your Interests: How much time do you want to spend actively on game drives versus relaxing at the lodge?

  • Budget: No surprise here -- longer safaris cost more.

  • Location & Activities: Some parks and reserves offer more activities beyond game drives, which might be worth adding a couple days.


Generally, we recommend the following:


  • First-Time or Single-Location (3-4 Nights): This is ideal for getting a good introduction to safari life and the local wildlife in one area. You'll have time for multiple game drives, with just enough relaxation in between.

  • Balanced Experience (5-7 Nights): This is a good duration for visiting two different camps or lodges in different habitats, offering more variety and a deeper understanding of the region.

  • Deep Immersion or Luxury Experience (7-10+ Nights): Suitable for exploring multiple locations, experiencing special events, or for travelers seeking ultimate comfort with luxury amenities and a leisurely pace.

  • Specialized Safaris (7-10+ Nights): This should be considered a minimum for events like the Great Migration, or for multi-location trips like exploring both the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park in Botswana.



What's Your Wildlife Priority?


Do you want to focus on seeing the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and cape buffalo)? Are you more interested in witnessing the Great Migration? Or are you a birdwatcher in search of photographing mating rituals or encountering rare species? This will determine which type, location, and season of safari is best suited for you.



Are You Prepared Logistically?


Don't miss the "small" stuff that can have a huge impact on your trip:




Ready to take the leap? Contact us for a complimentary consultation, and we'll help you get everything squared away.

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