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How long should a safari be? The ultimate guide
Planning a safari and wondering how long it should be? Here's a comprehensive guide to help you decide the ideal duration for your safari trip.
Ideal safari duration
The length of your safari can significantly impact your experience. Here's a breakdown to help you plan:
1. Short safari (3-4 days):
Quick getaway: Perfect for those with limited time or as part of a longer holiday.
Highlights: Focus on a single park or reserve. This is ideal for spotting the "Big Five" and enjoying a few game drives.
Popular destinations: Consider places like Kruger National Park in South Africa or Maasai Mara in Kenya.
2. Medium safari (5-7 days):
Balanced experience: Offers a mix of wildlife viewing and relaxation.
Variety: Visit multiple parks or reserves, experience different landscapes, and increase your chances of diverse wildlife sightings.
Popular itineraries: Combine Serengeti National Park with Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, or mix Chobe National Park with the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
3. Extended safari (8-14 Days):
In-depth exploration: Best for wildlife enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in the safari experience.
Comprehensive journey: Explore various regions and engage in multiple activities, such as guided walks, night drives, and cultural visits.
Popular circuits: Consider the Great Migration in Tanzania and Kenya, or explore South Africa's Cape Town and Greater Kruger, followed by a visit to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe/Zambia.
Factors to consider
Travel time: Account for travel time to and between different areas. Africa's vastness means journeys to your destination can be lengthy.
Seasonality: Wildlife sightings can vary by season. Plan according to the best time to visit your chosen destination. Check out our month-by-month guide on when to go on safari here.
Budget: Longer safaris can be more expensive. Balance your desired experience with your budget.
Interests: Tailor the duration to your interests - photography, bird watching, or simply enjoying nature. Check out our list of the ultimate safari experiences on offer here.
Planning your safari
For a fulfilling safari, plan for at least 5-7 days to enjoy multiple areas, habitats, and wildlife. Shorter trips can be rewarding, while longer safaris offer a richer experience.
Considering these factors, you can ensure your safari adventure is perfectly tailored to your interests and schedule. Happy planning!
Safari ideas
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Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
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We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!