Safaris for First-Timers
Your first safari should be memorable for the right reasons. These itineraries prioritize reliability, balanced pacing, and iconic wildlife encounters.
What to expect
- Iconic parks with high wildlife density
- Guides experienced with first-timer questions
- Balanced daily schedule with rest time
- Mid-range to premium accommodations
Things to consider
- Popular parks may have other vehicles at sightings
- Peak seasons book up 6-12 months ahead
- Some flexibility traded for reliability
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Recommended Itineraries
15 itineraries matched to get it right the first time
Tanzania
Tanzania Classic Northern Circuit
The quintessential East African safari through Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Kenya
Kenya Classic Safari
Masai Mara and the Rift Valley highlights
South Africa
Greater Kruger Experience
Big Five in private reserves
South Africa
South Africa Safari and Cape
Big Five, wine, and Cape Town in one journey
Tanzania
Tanzania Short Northern Circuit
Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara in five days
Kenya
Kenya Family Safari
Safari adventure designed for children
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Falls and Wildlife
Victoria Falls and Hwange elephants
Zambia
Zambia Victoria Falls and Safari
The smoke that thunders combined with South Luangwa wildlife
South Africa
South Africa Family Safari
Malaria-free Big Five with kid-friendly lodges
South Africa
South Africa Big Five Express
Four days of concentrated Big Five viewing
Kenya
Kenya Amboseli and Tsavo Safari
Kilimanjaro views and red elephants in Kenya's south
Kenya
Kenya Masai Mara Express
Three to four days in Africa's most famous reserve
Uganda & Rwanda
Uganda Complete Safari
Gorillas, chimps, and savanna wildlife in one trip
Uganda & Rwanda
Uganda Wildlife Safari
Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth without primates
Uganda & Rwanda
Rwanda Complete Safari
Gorillas, chimps, and Big Five in Africa's most accessible destination