When planning a safari to Africa, you have probably come across many group safari options, as well as options for a private, bespoke safari. So how do you choose which option to take, particularly if you are a safari newbie?

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each option

GROUP TRAVEL

PROS

  1. This option is generally cheaper as the costs of the transportation is divided amongst many people
  2. If you are travelling alone, you might enjoy the company of others on your travels
  3. A safari is a great opportunity to meet people, share experiences and make friends (sometimes lifelong).
  4. You don’t need to get involved in the planning details – you are presented with a well planned itinerary with all the details taken care of, and all you need to do is show up.

CONS

  1. You have to share the vehicle with other passengers. While most reputable safari companies accommodate only 6 persons per vehicle, ensuring everyone gets a window seat, this may not be the case with all tour companies. Sitting in the middle seat of the vehicle during a game drive, is a very frustrating experience, to say the least.
  2. Prepare to compromise – a lot! Travelling with strangers is not easy! You’ll either make everlasting friendships or won’t be able to stand the sight of some of them. Even if your group is an easygoing one, everyone has different expectations on safari, and there will always be differences on everything – from how long to stop for on a game drive, what to focus on, as well as general behavior in the vehicle towards the driver and wildlife. Some people may want to watch lions hunting, others may be hungry and want to go back to Camp, while yet others may be more interested in waiting for the sun to set and capture that perfect sunset shot. Some passengers may be frequent visitors to Africa and get bored easily, while some may be noisy and harass the wildlife. Be prepared for frequent toilet stops when travelling with a group.
  3. Timings for game drives, departures and other excursions are fixed so you have to ensure you make it on time.
  4. The itinerary, duration of stay and accommodations are fixed, usually in properties that cater to large groups, and are large and impersonal.
  5. Sometimes a group departure can be cancelled if there are not enough participants. This does not happen with private safaris as it is only you or your group travelling.

 INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL

PROS

  1. You have the freedom and flexibility to create the safari of your dreams – where you want to visit, how long you want to spend at each destination, and where you want to stay. This heightens the quality of the safari experience and you can enjoy all this at your leisure.
  2. Choice of accommodation is yours. You may prefer to stay in smaller, exclusive properties where there is more attention to detail and guests are treated like family, instead of staying in the larger properties where meals and other services are extremely impersonal and catered for large groups.
  3. The vehicle and driver are exclusively for you or your group. You decide on the departure times, the length of the game drive, and what you want to see. Want to follow zebras all day long? No problem. Want to spend more time at your bush breakfast or leave earlier in the morning? No worries. The lion pride can be seen to the left of the vehicle while you’re sitting on the right side? Just scoot over!!! There is also more space for your baggage.
  4. You have the safari driver all to yourself. Safari drivers have the most interesting stories and animal facts, so you can engage with him throughout your drive for a more enriching experience.
  5. You can add on extra activities to your safari, like balloon safaris, guided walks, bush breakfast etc. This is not possible when you are travelling with a group as the whole group needs to stick to the same schedule.
  6. While on safari, you can sometimes change direction to see something that was not planned for – this cannot be done on a group safari.

CONS

  1. Costs for a private, bespoke safari are generally higher
  2. Planning a private, bespoke safari can be a very involved process – one in which you have to do a lot of research, plan your trip well and engage with your tour operator months in advance.

So, which one is for you?

Our suggestions!!!!

For honeymooners, couples celebrating special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries etc, or family or a group of friends travelling together, we would definitely recommend a private, bespoke safari

However, if adventure is your middle name and budget is an issue, then a group safari is the best way to realise your safari dream.