Planning an African safari involves more than choosing a destination. This section covers the practical decisions that shape your experience, from budgeting and packing to safety, timing, and choosing the right type of safari.
Whether it's your first trip or you're refining your plans, these articles focus on what actually makes a difference on the ground, helping you avoid common mistakes and set realistic expectations.
There is a growing trend toward booking at short notice. Even in the last 10 years, we have increasingly seen people contact us at short notice (less than 3 months before travel) to arrange their trip. It's easy to do nowadays. But is it a good idea or is it still better to book in advance?
Update on the South African regulations that affect families travelling with children. Are unabridged birth certificates still needed?
Ten safari destinations where you'll not only get great sightings on game drives, but also from the comfort of the lodge deck. Sip on a G&T and watch as the animals come down to drink just a few metres away. This is African safari at its best.
With Valentine's Day around the corner, we bring you 10 of the most romantic safari destinations in Southern Africa. These safari camps and lodges are perfect for couples who want that extra special sparkle to make their honeymoon or Valentine safari getaway simply unforgettable.
Of course, we are not talking about tipping over or tipping the bottle or tipping the scale. Tipping is a contentious issue because different countries have different tipping cultures. Find out what is customary on an African safari when it comes to tipping.
A great guide doesn't just "find animals". They improve the whole safari experience: pacing, safety, interpretation, problem-solving, and how meaningful each sighting becomes. Part 2 shows what excellent guiding looks like in the real bush, and why it changes everything. Updated: 22 Jan 2026
A safari can be average or exceptional for one reason: the guide. Guiding quality affects what you see, what you understand, and how safe and relaxed you feel, regardless of lodge budget or location. Part 1 shows what poor guiding looks like in practice, why it ruins otherwise good safaris, and what guests can do if they're unhappy. Updated: 21 Jan 2026
There are several ways to experience a safari of a lifetime - without having to resort to robbing a bank. We look at ways to cut the budget, without skimping on the safari experience.
There seem to be misconceptions about being able to take children on an African safari. Some parents stress about child-minding services for their kids while they're out on game drives. There's no need to stress. Many safari lodges and tented camps in top destinations are extremely child-friendly - some even have dedicated entertainment and wildlife activity programmes to ensure your children enjoy their safari just as much as you do!
Travel insurance is often an afterthought — a grudge purchase, or worse, one you skip entirely. But without the right cover, one accident, illness, or airline hiccup can leave you stranded or thousands of dollars out of pocket. Here's your essential guide to shopping smart for travel insurance, with 11 expert tips to help you choose the right policy for your trip. UPDATED 6 May 2025
Thinking about heading out on safari alone? Wondering if it's dangerous, daunting, or downright liberating? These 12 expert tips will help you not only survive your solo safari — but thrive.
When planning a safari in Africa you are faced with the potentially arduous challenge of choosing the right tour operator from the mass of companies out there. Here are some useful pointers for finding a great safari operator for your travels.
Here's a list of some excellent books to read before or on your African safari - by no means all the books that are out there, merely a good place to start your armchair journey ...
Africa is a huge, vast continent. Its sheer size isn't easy to absorb or appreciate from ground level. Getting up high over its huge plains and wilderness reserves gives you a perspective that you'd never otherwise experience ...
When you're planning on flying to Southern Africa for a safari adventure, it helps to know which top destinations can be easily combined. Several of the best safari highlights of the region lie within easy reach of one another, making for a diverse African experience within a manageable timeframe and budget.
Kruger National Park and the famous private reserves around it – like Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Klaserie and Balule – are widely recognised as the best safari destination in South Africa. But how do some of the lesser-known Eastern Cape game reserves stack up? Are they serious contenders, or simply an alternative when you're short on time?
There are distinct differences between staying in a robust safari lodge and a tented safari camp, just as there are similarities. Is it simply a question of personal preference—or is there more to it? Here's what to know before you book.
Packing for an African safari can feel overwhelming — too much and you'll battle airline weight limits, too little and you'll miss something essential. After years of planning safaris and travelling to lodges ourselves, we've created the ultimate safari packing list: practical, expert-tested, and designed to make your trip smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
It's a question we get asked all the time — and while the answer is often personal, I was lucky enough to experience both sides. After a recent guided Kruger National Park safari, here are my thoughts on how it compares to self-drive.
With so many options to choose from, selecting the right safari camps for your Botswana safari can be tricky. These keys will help you plan a Botswana itinerary that works and choose lodges that meet your expectations.
Avoid common mistakes and make the most of your photographic safari with these 12 practical wildlife photography tips. Perfect for beginners and keen enthusiasts, and updated with a fresh tip.
So you've finally made it. Tickets booked, safari itinerary done and dusted. Counting the days … but how will you enjoy the actual game viewing experience?
Which is better – a safari in the Kruger National Park or the Sabi Sand Game Reserve? What are the key differences, and which option offers the best experience? Having done both many times, I'll break down the pros and cons of each. Kruger National Park offers vast landscapes, diverse wildlife, and affordability, while Sabi Sand Game Reserve is known for luxury, exclusivity, and exceptional Big Five sightings. Let's take a closer look – and explore why a Kruger Combo Safari might be the ultimate way to experience the best of both worlds.
Victoria Falls – or " The Smoke that Thunders," as the locals call it – is one of Africa's most iconic and spectacular destinations. Straddling the Zambezi River between Zimbabwe and Zambia, this mighty waterfall leaves many travellers asking: which side should you visit? Let's explore the pros and cons.
Why not chat to one of our safari experts who can answer all your questions and help you design your dream trip to Africa.
