Getting started

Our guide on how to start planning your first Safari to Africa

Your first Safari – How to Get Started on Your Unforgettable African Safari Journey with Bantu safari tours

If you’ve never experienced an African safari before and are now planning your first one, you’re in for an incredible adventure! Tanzania offers a wealth of breathtaking destinations and unforgettable experiences, just waiting to be explored.

Organizing your first safari in Tanzania can be an exciting lead-up to the trip, but it can also feel overwhelming and time-consuming. There are several factors to consider, such as which regions to visit, how much the trip will cost, the best time to travel, and the wildlife you’ll have the chance to encounter.

To make your planning process easier, we’ve put together answers to some of the most important questions when preparing for a Tanzanian safari. Check out our guide below!

1. Where should I go on my first safari?

Deciding where to go on your first Tanzanian safari depends largely on your personal preferences and priorities. Many of our first-time visitors choose to explore Tanzania’s renowned national parks and reserves, such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park. Our best advice is to avoid trying to fit too much into one trip. Rushing through several areas in just a week won’t allow you to fully experience the beauty and wonder of a Tanzanian safari.

We recommend focusing on specific regions within Tanzania to maximize your experience. By narrowing down your choices and concentrating on a few key destinations, you’ll be able to appreciate the diverse wildlife and activities the country has to offer.

2. Is there anything specific I want to see?

The next important question to consider is whether there’s anything specific you’d like to see during your Tanzanian safari. Are you particularly eager to witness the Big Five? Perhaps you’re drawn to the spectacle of the Great Migration during the dramatic river-crossing season? Or maybe you’re more interested in observing the smaller wildlife, like Tanzania’s unique bird species or playful creatures like hyraxes and mongoose?

For instance, if seeing all the members of the Big Five or specific animals like elephants or lions is your goal, this will play a big role in shaping your safari experience. For those hoping to see all of the Big Five in one location, we suggest focusing on Tanzania’s famous national parks and reserves, such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, which are renowned for big game sightings. A traditional safari in these areas will significantly increase your chances of checking all the Big Five off your list.

Additionally, a Tanzanian safari pairs well with other exciting activities. If you’d like to combine your wildlife adventure with a visit to the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar or even a hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, we can arrange these as perfect add-ons to your safari experience.

3. How much does a safari cost?

When asked, “How much does a safari in Tanzania cost?” the answer can be quite complex. To determine an accurate estimate, we need to consider several key factors:

How many people will be traveling?
Do you have any special interests or hobbies that should be included?
When are you planning to visit—during the high, low, or shoulder season?
What type of accommodation are you seeking?

Even a small change in any of these details can have a significant impact on the overall cost, sometimes altering the price by thousands.

4. What should I do now?

After reading this, you likely have a few ideas about where you’d like to go, what you want to see on your safari, and an estimate of what it might cost. The next step—actually planning the safari—can be lengthy and complex. This is where Bantus Safari Tours steps in to simplify the process for you.

So, why choose Bantus Safari Tours? The biggest challenge when planning your first safari is trusting the right company to organize it. While many of our competitors claim to have experience in Tanzania, our team have either grew up in the region, worked as professional safari guides, or managed camps here. They don’t just know Tanzania from a distance—they’ve lived and worked in the heart of the safari experience. Our team members have collaborated with the top lodges and safari companies in the country, and we believe nothing compares to the level of first hand, local knowledge we bring to planning safaris.

Our team of experts will ensure you feel comfortable and reassured that your first safari will be unforgettable.

You can contact us here to begin your journey!