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.
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:
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.
When I design a safari for my clients, here’s what I consider from the very beginning:
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.
Each region offers a different rhythm and experience.
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.
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:
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.
It’s not just about “dry season” or “peak migration.”
I help you understand:
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:
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.
While every trip I plan is custom, here are a few camp types my clients consistently love:
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.
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.
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