What is a Safari Holiday Like?

If you have never been on a safari holiday or haven’t known anyone who has, it can be quite difficult to imagine exactly what a trip like this entails. How long do you go for? Do you stay in one place the whole time? Do you drive around looking for animals all day?

A safari holiday is such a huge umbrella concept that it’s like comparing it to saying “we are going on a beach holiday”. Where you go, where you stay and what you experience can range vastly. However, the following information should help to build a picture in your mind of what a safari holiday can be like. You can also visit our blog Top Tips for the Best Safari Holiday, which gives you a guide as to what to ask our safari experts about when discussing your dream holiday.

Snow-capped mountain rises above cloud and flat acacia plains, Amboseli National Park, Kenya.

Close portrait of a chimpanzee looking calmly ahead with green foliage behind.

How long do you go for?

Of course, a safari holiday can be as long or short as you’d like it to be but rather than staying in one place for the duration, it’s commonplace to stay at several different destinations for a few nights each. This is so that you can witness different wildlife in different environments, stay in varied accommodations, and sample different experiences unique to those areas.

For example; You may arrive in a city and enjoy an overnight stay before heading off to your safari lodge the following day. At the first accommodation you could be spending three nights in a luxury lodge that has private vehicles for your party, a spa to unwind in and specialises in fine dining with elephants drinking from the river below you. You could then be transported to a remote bush camp for a few nights which has a rustic old-era feeling to it, with no modern distractions and just the sounds of the wild. This could be where you walk on foot for your safari, becoming acutely aware of your senses and everything around you. Our safari planners may then suggest an incredible tropical beach escape to complement your safari.

If you are short on time, it is also very easy to accommodate an incredible safari in less than a week due to our planners’ expert knowledge of travel links, prime locations and knowing exactly where to send you to meet and exceed your expectations.

Two children and a guide watch elephants on open grassland from a safari vehicle, Rekero Camp, Kenya.

Small boat with anglers on calm water under a low sun, Rubondo Island, Tanzania.

What do you do?

This may seem like it has an obvious answer but there’s often a variety of things to do on a safari holiday besides game drives. A typical day in the bush would include waking up early for a morning game drive as this is when the animals are most active and easy to see. They rise early to hunt when the air is cooler and so your morning game drive will make the most of these sightings. Many camps offer a light breakfast before your drive and of course a stop for tea and coffee. On returning to camp you may have a large breakfast or brunch at this time. Afternoon game drives usually take place around 4 pm until sunset allowing you to make the most of the animals that are active at dusk and in the evening. Depending on the location, night drives may take place allowing you to experience the nocturnal animals of the bush.

In between these drives, there are a whole manner of experiences for you to enjoy! You can look at our experiences page on the website to see a full range of activities but to mention some that you may enjoy we have; walking safaris, cultural visits and experiences, spas and gyms, birding, wine tasting, swimming pools, hot air balloon trips, horseback safari, river trips, photography… the list goes on.

When talking to our safari planners they will ask you about what you would like to see and do within your safari and choose the best locations to suit your requests.

A young leopard rests on a branch on this Botswana safari holiday, mouth slightly open, gazing at the camera.

What will I see?

One of the most frequently asked questions is “Will I see the Big 5?” Originally named for their difficulty to hunt; the lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros have become synonymous with safari. If seeing these animals is a priority to you, there are certainly areas we would send you where you are most likely to. However, the big thing to remember about a safari is that it is wild! Nothing is guaranteed and this is the absolute beauty of it. Not knowing what you are going to encounter on each game drive is what makes it such a special holiday. Also knowing that each moment is unique and that nobody else will experience the same sighting again is the privilege of these trips. Seeing the Big 5 is also far from the pinnacle of a game drive. The scope of African wildlife is too vast to detail but our safari experts know which animals populate which regions and therefore can create an itinerary that offers you the unique experiences you are seeking. It is a good idea to chat with our team about what you would most like to see; Is it huge herds of elephants? The Great Migration? A troop of meerkats? The elusive leopard? Or perhaps you have never been on safari before and would like the greatest chance to see a broad variety of Africa’s iconic animals. Whichever it is, discussing this with our team will allow them to send you on a tailor-made journey that gives you the best chance of ticking off your wish list.

What do I need to pack?

Packing for a safari holiday can seem a little overwhelming if you do a general google search as you may feel like you need a lot of stuff and then you are asked to pack a very small bag! But the reality is that you don’t need very much at all. Almost all accommodations offer daily laundry allowing you to pack lightly when it comes to clothes. Binoculars and a camera are probably the two pieces of equipment that you wouldn’t want to go on a safari without but otherwise, you really don’t need anything particularly special. For a more detailed look at what you might need, take a look at What to Pack for a Safari.

Open-sided photographic safari vehicle with guests holding cameras in tall grass, Naboisho, Kenya.

Long infinity pool with sun loungers and a shaded terrace, Singita Milele, Tanzania.

Why should I not just book the trip myself?

Nowadays most of us are very familiar with booking a range of accommodation and holidays ourselves on the internet and it can be an excellent way to arrange a holiday. Booking a safari holiday is not quite as straightforward, however, especially if you are seeking an excellent quality holiday where you can be assured that everything will be catered to as you expect. The range of products, services, accommodation and activities available on the internet are endless but at The Safari Edit, our team has first-hand knowledge of where we are sending you, the right times to visit each area, what level of service you will receive, the companies we partner with, and every detail down to who will collect you from the airport. A safari typically involves a large amount of in-country ground handling and logistics that are simply not available to the general public on the internet. We have travelled to our destinations, sought out the best lodges and experiences, and ensured that all logistics are perfect before we send any clients. It is this in-depth knowledge and experience that sets us apart and will give you the peace of mind that you will be expertly looked after from the moment you enquire to the moment you return.

Our team are on hand to answer any questions you have about booking with us. Contact us to chat with one of our safari experts today.

Understanding the Safari Experience: Your Questions Answered

What does a typical day on a luxury safari actually look like? Are the early mornings essential?

While schedules are flexible, a typical day often starts early to maximise wildlife viewing when animals are most active. Expect something like this: an early wake-up call (around 5:30-6:00 am) with coffee/tea delivered to your room/tent, followed by a morning game drive of about 3-4 hours. You'll return for a substantial breakfast or brunch. The middle of the day is usually relaxed – time for reading, a siesta, or perhaps a swim if your lodge has a pool. After afternoon tea (around 3:30-4:00 pm), you'll head out for an afternoon/evening game drive, often including a scenic 'sundowner' drink stop, returning to the lodge after dusk for dinner. While early starts are recommended, especially on a luxury trip, timings can often be adjusted with your guide, particularly if you have a private vehicle.

How long are the game drives, and what usually happens during them?

Game drives typically last around 3 to 4 hours. You'll explore the reserve or park in a specially adapted 4x4 vehicle (often open-sided or with a pop-up roof for optimal viewing) accompanied by a professional guide, and sometimes a tracker. Your guide uses their expertise to locate wildlife, interpret behaviour and the environment, answer your questions, and position the vehicle considerately for sightings and photography. Drives usually include a stop for refreshments – coffee/tea and snacks in the morning, drinks and nibbles for sundowners in the evening.

I've heard about 'tented camps' – are they comfortable and safe, especially with wild animals nearby?

Luxury tented camps offer a fantastic blend of immersion in nature and high comfort levels. Forget basic camping! These are usually spacious canvas suites built on permanent bases, featuring proper beds, high-quality linens, ensuite bathrooms (often with flushing toilets and hot showers), electricity for lighting and charging, stylish furnishings, and private verandas. Safety is paramount; while wildlife may occasionally pass through unfenced camps (part of the unique experience!), strict protocols are in place, and trained staff and guides ensure guest safety at all times, often escorting you to/from your tent after dark.

How close do you actually get to the wildlife, and is seeing specific animals like the 'Big Five' guaranteed?

It's often possible to get surprisingly close to wildlife, particularly in vehicles, as many animals view them as non-threatening. However, ethical guides always maintain a respectful distance and prioritise the animal's welfare and your safety. No reputable safari operator can ever guarantee sightings of specific animals – they are wild and roam freely. That said, staying in prime wildlife areas with expert guides, as arranged on a luxury safari, significantly increases your chances of diverse and exciting encounters, including members of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) in relevant areas.

What exactly does the safari guide do, and how important are they?

Your guide is arguably the single most important element of your safari experience. A great guide is so much more than a driver; they are your expert interpreter of the bush. They possess deep knowledge of wildlife behaviour, ecosystems, local culture, and conservation. They track animals, ensure your safety, share fascinating insights, position the vehicle for the best views, and tailor the experience to your interests. Their skill and personality can truly elevate your entire trip. At The Safari Edit, we prioritise partners known for outstanding guiding.

How comfortable is a luxury safari, really? Does it still feel adventurous?

Luxury safaris masterfully balance adventure with comfort. Expect comfortable vehicles, high standards of accommodation (whether lodge or tented camp), excellent cuisine (often surprisingly gourmet given the remote locations), attentive service, and amenities like charging facilities and often Wi-Fi in main areas. While you are definitely immersed in a wild environment, experiencing the sights, sounds, and unpredictability of nature, you won't be 'roughing it'. It’s about accessing the wild in style and comfort.

Apart from game drives, what other activities might be part of the experience?

Many safaris offer more than just drives! Depending on the location and lodge permissions, you might enjoy guided bush walks (a fantastic way to appreciate smaller details), birdwatching excursions, visits to local villages or community projects (ensure these are ethical and respectful), relaxing sundowners in beautiful locations, special bush meals (breakfasts or dinners), canoeing or boat trips (in watery areas like the Okavango or Zambezi), or even hot air ballooning (available in specific iconic locations).

What's the situation with Wi-Fi and phone signal in the bush?

Expect connectivity to be limited compared to home, which many find a welcome break! Most luxury lodges provide Wi-Fi, but it's typically confined to the main communal areas (lounge, library) and may not be very fast or consistent. Mobile phone signal is often patchy or non-existent away from the main lodge or in remote reserves. You can usually charge devices in your room/tent or main areas.

This sounds amazing, but how do I ensure the safari we book matches this kind of experience?

That's precisely where expert planning helps! By understanding the elements that make up a great safari experience – the daily rhythm, accommodation styles, guiding quality, available activities – we at The Safari Edit can help you choose the right destinations and properties that align with your expectations. We use our knowledge to craft a bespoke itinerary that delivers the comfort, adventure, and quality you're looking for. Let's start the conversation!

Finlay and Wendy Hunter smile for the camera with two mountain gorillas seated behind them, misty Rwanda.

Finlay Hunter

Finlay Hunter is a co-founder of The Safari Edit, a luxury safari travel agency. With extensive first-hand experience in the African safari industry, Finlay, alongside his wife Wendy, previously managed prestigious safari lodges in Zambia, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

His deep passion for Africa began with childhood family holidays to the continent, including his first safari in Kruger National Park. Having travelled extensively throughout southern and eastern Africa, both personally and with his three young children, he possesses unique insights into crafting unforgettable safari experiences.

Finlay’s background also includes co-founding the award-winning luxury chalet company, Hunter Chalets, demonstrating his expertise in delivering exceptional travel experiences to discerning guests. His intimate knowledge of the continent, coupled with his hands-on experience in luxury hospitality, allows him to curate bespoke safari itineraries that capture the heart of Africa.

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