Perfect Bucket List Travel: Try An African Safari!
An African safari is a memorable, often once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers an exhilarating mix of wildlife adventure, unique cultural encounters, and over-the-top beautiful scenery.
I was able to go on a safari in the Serengeti right after my monumental trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania last July, and loved every minute of my time shooting animals with nothing more than my trusty camera.
If you have even the tiniest bit of desire to go on an African safari, you should put this adventure on your bucket list travel plans right now! Read on to find out eight reasons why an African safari might be the perfect holiday for you and your family.
A Memorable Experience
An African safari gives you the opportunity to see rare and powerful creatures, while immersing you in the wilderness of Africa so your senses burst with the unique beauty of the continent. Animals roam freely across the countryside, so safari visitors often witness the hunting prowess of hungry lions or sight elusive leopards as they lazily rest high up in a tree.
On my safari, our group was thrilled to spy a well-hidden leopard as it slept among the branches of a tall tree. We had to use super zoom on our cameras, but we were able to make out even the tiniest of spots on his luxurious coat.
Budget Friendly Options
Safaris can be designed to fit every budget, with many tour operators offering affordable vacation choices that offer exceptional value for your money. Most safaris are all-inclusive packages, so all accommodations, meals, sightseeing and game viewing options are included.
There are many family friendly packages as well as budget friendly safaris tailored for cost conscious travelers yearning for adventure. Safari companies know Africa very well and how to travel there, so travelers can unwind and relax, knowing they are in expert hands!
Magnificent Sights
When on safari, you will undoubtedly witness jaw-dropping scenery and magnificent natural and historical sights. There are ample numbers of photo opportunities for stunning photographs of the places, people, and the wild animals you will see along your journey.
Safaris are Safe
African safaris are a safe and exciting way to explore this unique part of the world. Guides and game rangers are experts in their field and know where to go so you’ll get the most out of your time in Africa.
Experienced and knowledgeable guides not only show you the way, but also explain the migration and behavior of Africa’s animals, and help you gain a deeper understanding of the varying cultures and sights you visit. It’s almost like traveling with an oral encyclopedia!
Our group had a terrific guide named Benny who was constantly talking to us about what we were seeing, why the animals were doing what they were doing, and how we might get the best photos.
Benny had an eagle-eye when looking out deep into the Serengeti and we were lucky enough to get a glimpse of the rare black rhino hiding in the tall grass. Without Benny, we never would have known the rhino was even there.
Make Lifelong Friends
On safari, you will meet new people from all around the world. Although you can book a safari as a group if you wish to travel with family and friends, you can also share the adventure with travelers from across the globe, making lifelong friends as you go. An Africa safari is a great way to meet the local people living in Africa as well.
I met some of the nicest people on my trip to Africa. Even a year later, we still contact each other and share our day-to-day lives and catch up with each other at least on a weekly basis. I have no doubt that we will all still be friends even decades from now.
Interesting Itineraries
Action-packed Itineraries ensure you see as much of Africa as possible while not missing any local highlights along the way. Visiting tried and true destinations, and hidden wildlife gems, make for a more satisfying and easier journey throughout your time in Africa.
My 3-day safari was booked through the same tour company who provided everything for my Kilimanjaro trek. The itinerary was excellent, offered exceptional value, and included daily game drives and unique lodging choices.
A Safari is Easy
And perhaps surprisingly, African safaris are easy! Chill out and relax while someone else takes care of the logistics on your trip. Enjoy the perks of traveling on a safari package with experienced and trusted tour operators and avoid many of the glitches that often surprise visitors in an ever-changing country like Africa.
Travel at a relaxed pace in safe safari vehicles and get in touch with nature to help rejuvenate your soul from the stresses of busy modern life. A safari is an excellent way to recharge your batteries and explore untamed places, all at the same time!
Supports Conservation
And undoubtedly the best reason of all, taking an African safari aids in supporting wildlife rehabilitation and nature conservation across Africa. Typically, the cost of a safari includes conservation fees for the parks and wildlife centers visited, which helps protect African wilderness areas and the animals that inhabit them.
Many safaris include accommodation options at environmentally responsible lodges and camps who contribute toward the well-being of local communities and African wildlife as well.
Have you been on an African safari? Let me know in the comments below and share your experience!
Love!! We had the best time when we were younger, you have some great pictures!!
Safari trips are really wonderful, aren’t they?
African Safari firm believe is an amazing experience..your narrative and beautiful pics add to my belief…
Thank you for sharing the wonderful experience!
You’re welcome Krish. Being able to go on a safari was one of the best parts of my trip to Tanzania last July. A trip to remember for a lifetime for sure.
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Oooh! My kiddo wants to do this so bad but I am hesitant. I just keep imagining a giant mosquito flying off with him. But those gorgeous animals might be worth it?!
I went in July and didn’t experience a single mosquito bite anywhere I went in Tanzania. That’s not to say mosquitoes weren’t there, because I’m sure they were, but I never saw any.
I always dreamed of a safari, to be more specific a hiking safari.. But It cost so damn much tbh. I have a dream of becoming a wildlife ranger, but I doubt I’ll ever make it that far. Now with this post you made me even more dream about Africa.. Great post!
There are plenty of budget friendly safari options!! If you live far from Africa, plane fare may be an issue for some but there are ways to reduce that cost as well. I hope you can fulfill your dream one day and become a wildlife ranger. In the meantime, could you work with animals near where you live?
My husband I have a trip to Africa on our list and I actually didn’t think that a safari was days. I thought it was just one day out in a park. This article was very helpful and makes me even more excited to go… 5 years to save starting now!
There are all types of safari options from one day game drives to days and weeks out in the bush. My safari was three days in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. I had the best time!
A safari is definitely on my bucket list – I don’t know when, but someday!
If you are anything like me, you’re going to love it!
I have a huge bucket list and this is certanily on the list. If I could just get my husband on board with pushing it to the top of the list….. we’d already be there 🙂
Sweet! I hope your safari inches it’s way to the top of the list soon!
This looks amazing! Totally on my bucket list
That’s great Heather. I hope you get to so sooner rather than latter.
This is on my bucket list. Good to know there are budget friendly options. Can you maybe share more details ?
Jeremy, I booked my trip through a tour company called ClimbKili.
I had the opportunity to go on a safari in Kenya several years ago, and it truly is one of those surreal experiences you never forget. It’s hard for it to sink in that you are seeing these animals in their natural habitats, after years of seeing them in zoos. I would love to not only hike Kilimanjaro some day, but add this safari to my list as well!
Excellent Kristin! I hope you get to do both. Summiting Kilimanjaro was a monumental task, but work every ounce of pain and sweat it took to get there.
The photos are INCREDIBLE! I have been wanting to go on a safari for ages now – it looks like a great time
Thank you! The zebras are my favorites.I was surprised to see that they are much smaller in size in their natural habitat than the animals seen in zoos.
Wow! What an amazing experience! This looks like an amazing trip!
It was Erin, It totally was!
Our family has a travel bucket list, and an African safari definitely is on that list! Your post is really inspirational and helpful. Can’t wait to try it myself sometime!
Sweet! I hope you all get to go someday soon.
This is my dream trip. Thank you for the budget tips. Your pictures are great and love the part about conservation.
Yes, Alison, the conservation piece is very important to me as well.
This is absolutely on my bucketlist! You’ve posted some great recommendations, thanks so much!
You’re welcome!
The photos are amazing!
Thank you! Every where you turn when out on safari it’s like looking at a picture postcard. Everything is so beautiful.
I wrote about an African Safari a few weeks back too.
That’s great Marianne! Where did you go on safari? Share some of your experience with us! I would love to read about your trip and will look it up. Thanks!
Love this post! The photos are beautiful. What a fun adventure for you!
It truly was the trip of a lifetime!
We have not been on an African safari. The animals are so amazing!
If you are ever in a position to travel to Africa, you will not regret it one bit.
Love, love, love!!! Your pictures are breathtaking. The colors are so amazing. I’d love to be able to do this and take my children along on an African Safari.
Thank you! Africa is an amazing place!
This was seriously my big bucket list item with a friend of mine. We were going to go when we were 30. Then life got crazy for both of us so we pushed it to 35. I got married that year so she decided she didn’t want to wait and went without me. Which I totally understand. But I’m really sad I couldn’t make it happen 🙁
Awww, that makes me sad Janine! I hope you can make it to Africa one day!
It feels like I had just come back from an adventurous African safari through your content. very well compiled.