Why It’s Nothing Like Booking a Beach Trip

You’ve seen the dreamy images. Golden sunsets over the savannah. Elephants grazing near your tent. A candlelit dinner under the stars. But what most people don’t see is what it actually takes to plan a safari that is seamless, luxurious, and completely unforgettable.

Here’s the truth: planning a safari is nothing like booking a beach vacation. It requires expert coordination, in-depth destination knowledge, and trusted local connections. And if done right, it can be one of the most life-changing trips you’ll ever take.

As a luxury travel advisor who has recently visited Botswana and South Africa to meet with in-country partners and experience a variety of safari camps, I want to walk you through what it really takes to plan a safari the right way—plus share a few insights you won’t find in a Google search.

Why Planning a Safari Is More Complex Than You Think

You can’t just Google a lodge and go. Unlike a typical trip where you might book a hotel and rental car online, a safari involves careful planning around:

• Wildlife viewing patterns and seasonal migrations
• Regional climates and rainy seasons
• Light aircraft flights between remote camps
• Visa requirements and vaccination considerations
• Matching camp style to your personal travel preferences

What You Can’t Find Online:

Most top camps do not list real-time availability on public booking platforms. And even if they do, they rarely share which guides are on staff, how much time you’ll spend driving to a reserve versus in it, or which camps prioritize conservation, photographic safaris, or cultural experiences.

Working with someone who knows the landscape and has relationships on the ground ensures you’re not just booking a bed, you’re booking the right experience.

What Goes Into a Custom Safari Itinerary

When I design a safari for my clients, here’s what I consider from the very beginning:

1. Getting There

Flight timing is not just about arrival, it’s about aligning with light aircraft transfers, park gate hours, and customs procedures. Some camps require charter flights that leave only once a day. Miss the timing, and you could be stuck for 24 hours.

Insider insight: I work with teams in-country who monitor delays and adjust your transfer schedule in real time.

2. Choosing the Right Country

Each region offers a different rhythm and experience.

• Botswana: Ultra-exclusive, fewer camps, and top-tier guiding. Known for Delta safaris and high wildlife density.
• South Africa: Ideal for first-time safari-goers. Combines well with Cape Town, vineyards, and luxury trains.
• Kenya and Tanzania: Excellent for witnessing the Great Migration, open plains, and a wide variety of lodges.

What Google won’t tell you: Not all parks are equal. Some have public roads where multiple vehicles crowd around a sighting. Others limit vehicles per animal, offering a quieter, more intimate experience. I prioritize the latter.

3. Matching Camps to Your Style

Do you want a plunge pool with sunset views or a mobile tented camp that follows the herds? Are you traveling with kids or celebrating a honeymoon?

What I consider that most don’t:

• Walking safari options
• Cultural immersion with local communities
• Whether a camp offers private vehicles
• Kid-friendly meal times and guides trained in engaging younger guests

4. Transfers and Internal Flights

You can’t self-drive to most luxury camps. Many are fly-in only, and luggage is restricted to 15–20 kg in soft-sided bags.

Not easily found online: I know which routes have the most reliable aircraft partners and which regional carriers to avoid during the rainy season.

5. Timing Your Trip Right

It’s not just about “dry season” or “peak migration.”
I help you understand:

• Where wildlife congregates based on the water table
• When certain predators are more active
• Why the full moon might affect animal behavior
• When visibility is best for photography

What Makes a Luxury Safari Different

A luxury safari is not just about where you stay, it is about the quality of the experience from the moment you land. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Private or semi-private game drives led by top-tier guides
• Expert trackers who can spot a leopard in a tree 300 feet away
• Camps that blend sustainability with style
• Staff who anticipate what you need before you ask
• Seamless in-country support if plans change

Insider tip: Many of the most luxurious camps do not have WiFi, not because they’re basic—but because they want you to disconnect. And trust me, it’s a gift.

A Few of My Favorite Safari Camp Styles

While every trip I plan is custom, here are a few camp types my clients consistently love:

• Classic tented camps: Canvas-walled but comfort-first. Think outdoor showers and firepits under the stars.
• Luxury lodges: Fully staffed suites with private plunge pools, spa services, and panoramic decks.
• Eco-chic properties: High-end and sustainability-focused, often with immersive conservation programs.
• Family-focused camps: Guides trained to work with kids, multi-bedroom tents, and educational bush walks.

What makes a difference: I’ve personally visited camps and met their staff. That means I can tell you exactly what the rooms are like, whether the food is exceptional, and how the staff interacts with guests.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Make Your Safari Unforgettable

Planning a safari is not something to leave to chance. It’s not just a vacation, it’s a transformational experience. But only if it’s done right.

Let me take the guesswork out of it. I work with vetted in-country partners across Africa to create trips that are custom, safe, seamless, and aligned with how you want to travel.

Many of the best camps book out up to a year in advance, so if you’re considering a 2025 safari, now is the time to start.

→ Click here to start planning your custom safari