What are the best months for an African safari?

For East African safaris in places like the Serengeti and Masai Mara, plan your trip between June and October. During these dry months, animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. If you want to see the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania, visit between July and September. The weather is pleasant then too, with average temperatures around 75°F (24°C). Many travelers tell us these months gave them the best wildlife viewing experiences.

When is the best time to book a safari tour?

Book your safari 6-8 months ahead, especially if you're planning to travel during peak season (July to October). This gives you the best choice of accommodations and ensures you don't miss out on popular parks like the Serengeti and Masai Mara. The weather is most reliable during these months, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). February and March are also good options if you want to avoid peak season crowds.

What type of accommodation can I expect on a safari tour?

You'll find everything from basic tented camps to high-end lodges. Most places include three meals a day and the basics you need. In the Masai Mara, you might stay at the comfortable Mara Sopa Lodge or the more adventurous Sentrim Tented Lodge. Over in Samburu, popular spots include Sarova Shaba Lodge and Ashnil Samburu Lodge. Budget accommodations are simpler but clean, while luxury lodges offer extras like private decks and premium amenities.

What wildlife can I expect to see on a safari tour?

You'll have good chances to spot the Big Five - lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo. In the Masai Mara and Serengeti, you'll see huge herds of wildebeest during their migration, plus lots of zebras, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species. One happy traveler shared: "We could see all the Big 5 and also other animals that we definitely cannot see in Japan. The wildlife viewing was incredible."

What's the typical daily schedule on a safari tour?

Your day starts early around 6:00 AM with a morning game drive - that's when animals are most active. You'll return to camp for breakfast around 9:30 AM. After lunch and some rest during the hot midday hours, you'll head out again around 3:30 PM for an afternoon drive. In places like the Masai Mara, morning drives are great for seeing predators hunt, while afternoon drives often end with beautiful sunset views. You'll have dinner back at camp after dark.

How long should I plan for a safari tour?

Plan for 7-14 days to really experience the parks without rushing. A two-week trip like G Adventures' Kenya & Tanzania Camping Safari lets you explore several parks including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Masai Mara. If you're short on time, you can still see plenty of wildlife on a 4-5 day trip, like Bamba Travel's Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari.

How much driving time should I expect on safari tours?

Each day includes about 4-8 hours in the vehicle, split between morning and afternoon game drives. The actual driving varies based on wildlife sightings - you might stop often to watch animals or drive longer to find them. Moving between parks takes extra time - for example, going from the Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater is about a 3-4 hour drive. The vehicles are designed for safari viewing, but roads can be bumpy.

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Same Day Tiger Safari Tour From Jaipur All Included
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"It's a great tour. We had a nice pickup and a good drive from Jaipur to Ranthambore Nationalpark."
Christoph, traveled in March
Duration
1 day
Destinations
Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Fragrance of Taj
20% Off
From $428
NZ$342per person
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2 day South African Wildlife Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
4.7 (81 traveler reviews)
"Amazing experience with wildlife. Comfortable accommodation."
Justin, traveled in November
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Oudtshoorn
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Hotspots2c
10% Off
From $489
NZ$440per person
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Road to Zanzibar (9 destinations)
4.8 (10 traveler reviews)
"My Intrepid Travel tour was exceptional and amazing. I'd highly recommend considering them for your trip."
Charley, traveled in May
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Mto Wa Mbu, Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Serengeti National Park,Usambara Mountains,Dar es Salaam,Stonetown,Zanzibar+5 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $4,570
NZ$3,656per person
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Luxury India Tiger & Wildlife Safari Tour
Duration
12 days
Destinations
New Delhi, Umaria, Delhi, Bandhavgarh National Park,Kanha National Park,Jabalpur,Sawai Madhopur,Ranthambore National Park+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English,German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Golden Triangle India Tours
60% Off
From $66,416
NZ$26,567per person
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Kenya AND Tanzania Classic Safari – Two Birds with One Stone **Sustainable Approach to Travel
5.0 (8 traveler reviews)
"We had such a wonderful time on our safari travelling with our family of four. We saw amazing wildlife and scenery across Lake Nakuru, Masaai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorogoro."
kavitha, traveled in July
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru,Maasai Mara National Reserve,Ikoma,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Lake Manyara,Arusha+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
World Adventure Tours
60% Off
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NZ$6,870per person
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Mzungu Safari 5D/4N (Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Aberdare)
4.5 (1 traveler review)
"We could see big 5 and also other animals that we defeniately cannot see in Japan."
Karen, traveled in April
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru,Maasai Mara National Reserve+1 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
60% Off
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NZ$4,259per person
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Simba Classic Adventure Safari **Sustainable Approach to Travel
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"We were able to experience the amazing beauty of Tanzania thanks to Shabaan."
Hubert, traveled in July
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Tarangire National Park,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English,German,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
World Adventure Tours
60% Off
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NZ$3,077per person
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Big Game Safari 8D/7N (Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Aberdare & Amboseli)
3.5 (1 traveler review)
"We paid $9,000 to visit Africa (hike mount Kenya and go on a safari). We love animals and couldn't believe he would do that."
Samantha, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Amboseli National Park,Mount Kenya National Park,Aberdare National Park,Lake Nakuru National Park,Maasai Mara National Reserve+4 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
60% Off
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NZ$4,862per person
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Roar of the Wild:North & Central India Tiger Expedition
Duration
14 days
Destinations
New Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambhore National Park, Bharatpur,Agra,Gwalior,Khajuraho,Bandhavgarh National Park,Kanha National Park,Jabalpur+6 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Fragrance of Taj
20% Off
From $3,706
NZ$2,964per person
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PRIVATE Wildebeest Calving Safari, Tanzania, January to March **Sustainable Approach to Travel
5.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"We saw all animals we wanted to see. We could even change our last day in order to visit the Hadzabe, which was very amazing."
Norbert, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Moshi, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area+1 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English,German,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
World Adventure Tours
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NZ$4,321per person
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Big Five Classic Safari in Tanzania **Sustainable Approach to Travel
4.9 (221 traveler reviews)
"Beyond expectations. A flawlessly organized operation and a team that goes above and beyond to meet your needs."
Francesca, traveled in August
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Tarangire National Park+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English,German,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
World Adventure Tours
50% Off
From $6,147
NZ$3,073per person
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Adventures Ranthambore Wildlife Safari Tour From Delhi with Safari Rides
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Accommodation large spacious room in beautiful garden setting. Saw tigress within 30 mins of entering Ranthambhore National Park."
Graeme, traveled in October
Duration
3 days
Destinations
New Delhi, Ranthambhore National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
RajasthanRanthambore National Park+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Fragrance of Taj
20% Off
From $865
NZ$692per person
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Kruger National Park 3D/2N
4.9 (6 traveler reviews)
"Really excellent holiday."
Ilyas, traveled in September
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
LimpopoKruger National Park+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
20% Off
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NZ$1,256per person
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Masai Mara Interactive, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli Safari 6D/5N
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Highlight of our 5 week long trip! Would recommend to anyone!"
Erin, traveled in June
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Amboseli National Park,Lake Nakuru National Park,Maasai Mara National Reserve+2 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
20% Off
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NZ$3,807per person
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Chimps & Gorillas of Uganda
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"Hotels are adequate. Would like to have better hot water service and water pressure."
Harvey, traveled in July
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Entebbe, Kibale Forest National Park,Queen Elizabeth National Park,Bwindi Impenetrable National Park,Lake Mburo National Park+3 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
9% Off
From $11,613
NZ$10,560per person
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