Planning Your First African Safari: What to Know Before You Go

A safari is often the trip of a lifetime, and a little planning goes a long way toward getting it right. Here is what every first-timer should understand before the game drives begin.

Timing the great migration

In the Serengeti and Masai Mara, wildlife viewing peaks around the great migration. River crossings typically unfold between July and October, while calving season in the southern Serengeti runs from January to March.

What to pack

• Neutral, layered clothing for cool mornings and warm afternoons.
• Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens.
• Sun protection, insect repellent, and any personal medications.

Choosing your camp

From tented mobile camps that follow the herds to permanent luxury lodges, the style of camp shapes the entire experience. Our Africa specialists match you to the right region, season, and property, and handle every charter flight in between.

The savanna at golden hour is a cathedral. Nothing prepares you for the scale of it.