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For many of us, a luxury safari is an adventure we dream of for years before finally making it happen. It’s a big trip with a hefty investment, so it can be difficult to know where to begin. But according to our knowledgeable Safari Specialists, most travellers have the same few questions—and once those are answered, their ideal “trip of a lifetime” starts to take shape! Here’s where to start.
1. Determine your Interests. The most common question we get from safari-curious customers is “Where in Africa should I safari?” Fortunately for you, there are no wrong choices, as luxury safaris in East Africa or Southern Africa—the two regions in which the bulk of these adventures take place—are both life-changing experiences. The answer will come down to your unique interests.
If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the “Big Five” African species (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo), then East Africa—home to the astoundingly abundant wildlife of the Serengeti-Maasai Mara Ecosystem—should be a strong contender. Want to experience the rare and regal mountain gorilla up close? Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is a popular extension that can be added to your East Africa safari. Excited by dramatic diversity in all its forms? The riches of Southern Africa are varied and vast, from the oenophile-friendly Cape Winelands to the teeming waterholes of the Okavango Delta to the unexpected delight of meeting a wild penguin in person.
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2. Consider the Timing. Another question we often hear is “When is the best time to go on safari?” Again, there are no incorrect choices, as Africa enjoys a (mostly) temperate climate year-round, and wildlife remains abundant throughout. Your answer will, however, relate to the question above—so if you’re interested in East Africa, we recommend having a look at this deep-dive on East Africa’s seasonal splendours, which explains what to expect from month to month. Or you could take advantage of safari’s best-kept secret, Quiet Season—that special period from November–March when fewer people are travelling and many, many species are giving birth. It’s pure magic.
3. Set a Budget. Now for the question that should be first: “How much does a luxury African safari cost?” Due to a variety of factors, including complex logistics, remote locations and high staff-to-guest ratios, all African safaris are expensive. Luxury safaris, even more so. But there’s a reason—dozens, actually—that Micato has been named Travel+Leisure’s #1 World’s Best Value in every poll ever taken, a rare distinction at the highest end of the luxury market. As the most-awarded travel company in the world, superlative is the baseline from which Micato experiences begin.
But let’s go back to that “best value” award for a moment. Micato’s version of “all-inclusive” is uniquely black and white; all means ALL, including jaw-dropping luxury accommodations, every meal (including 5-star restaurants), unlimited daily laundry, and every single gratuity. That’s in addition to the less quantifiable inclusions of your dedicated (and delightful) Safari Director and Driver-Guide. Travel experts and travellers agree: the “more” you get with Micato far exceeds the “more” you spend.
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4. Read Reviews. In today’s parasocial world, word of mouth is always just a few clicks away—so by all means, do your research. We recommend checking your safari outfitter’s reviews (you can find a constellation of glowing five-star Micato reviews here, courtesy of Google and Tripadvisor), as well as reviews of the specific lodges and experiences that may be part of your trip. This will help you answer the big question, “Who is the best luxury safari outfitter?” and may help you narrow down your destination, too.
5. Work with a Safari Specialist. If you’ve made it to the end of this list and still are wondering how to choose a luxury safari, congratulations—you’re just as discerning as your friends at Micato. First-time safariers are making one of the most important travel decisions of their lives, so it’s wise to consult with an expert like our knowledgeable Safari Specialists. This approach can help you determine whether one of our incredibly popular Classic Safaris will check all your boxes—or whether you need a a bespoke safari itinerary that’s tailored to your interests and budget. Best of luck…we hope to see you soon in unforgettable Africa.
SPEAK WITH A SPECIALIST
Prioritise deep destination expertise, seamless logistics, strong on-the-ground partners, and consistently excellent traveller reviews—and don’t forget to read the fine print for precisely what an operator means when they say “all-inclusive.” Hint: Only Micato includes all tips, everywhere.
Working with a safari specialist transforms a complex journey into something seamless and deeply personal. Whether you choose a Classic Safari or a Custom Safari, they’ll tailor your itinerary around your (and your group’s) specific interests, craft each experience for maximum impact and ease, leverage trusted relationships for the best access, and quietly manage the intricate logistics behind the scenes.
Start with what you want to see and experience (Big Five game viewing, herds on the move, or more off-the-radar landscapes) and match that to the region(s) best known for it. Below, we’ve provided a quick overview of what you can expect, where, with the caveat that you need not choose; our popular African Splendour safari helpfully spans both.
East Africa: The Savannahs of Your Childhood Dreams
• The unbelievably green, riverine oasis of Kenya’s Maasai Mara • The vast, open plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park • Amboseli National Park’s massive “super tusker” elephants • Spectacular big cat populations, including lion, leopard and cheetah • Great herds on the move: wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, and many more • Striking landscapes like Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro • Up-close gorilla experiences in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans • Enlightening cultural encounters with the Maasai or Samburu people
Southern Africa: Realm of Diverse Delights
• The varied cosmopolitan charms of Cape Town and the Cape Winelands • Astounding Big Five and other wildlife populations in Kruger National Park • The vast, unfenced splendour and diversity of Botswana’s Okavango Delta • The thunderous cascade and otherworldly mists of Victoria Falls • Otherworldly landscapes and unforgettable sunsets in the Kalahari Desert • Thrilling predator and elephant sightings in Africa’s “Land of the Giants” • Cultural experiences in local villages, indigenous markets and artisan galleries
Still undecided? Read our deep dive on East Africa vs. Southern Africa.
Wondering how to start planning your African safari…and when? While most travellers book their safaris 6–18 months prior to departure, some of our larger multi-generational and/or milestone groups have planned 2–3 years in advance—and occasionally, there are opportunities for booking in the shorter term, too. We encourage you to reach out as soon as the whim strikes. Planning ahead helps ensure that your desired dates are available…and also gives you something wonderful to anticipate.
Africa is truly a year-round destination for luxury safari travel; no matter when you’re planning to travel, there’s a region that’s optimal for virtually every desire. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Quiet Season is November–March, excluding the holiday period, across Africa. Expect moderate temperatures, lush savannahs, vivid sunsets, abundant baby animals—and fewer travellers.
Peak Season is July–October in East Africa, and April–October in Southern Africa. During these peak seasons, expect warmer (though still pleasant) temperatures, optimal game viewing, and more people.
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