Voyages safari & faune sauvage — circuits organisés en Afrique

Complete guide

What a safari really entails

A safari is not an open-air zoo. It's a morning at 5:30 in a 4x4 in the middle of the Masai Mara, with a guide reading the tracks in the dust. It's a lioness nursing her young at 10 meters. A cheetah staring at the horizon before hunting. The Great Migration that crosses the Mara River for three weeks every August.

These moments require you to be in the right place at the right time, with the right guide. That's the difference between an organized safari and an attempt to do it yourself.

The great safari destinations

Tanzania: the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and the Selous. The Serengeti is home to the largest concentration of terrestrial wildlife in the world. Ngorongoro is the largest intact volcanic crater in the world, with 25,000 animals. Kenya: Masai Mara, Amboseli (elephants facing Mount Kilimanjaro), Samburu. Botswana: Okavango Delta, mokoro safaris, exceptional animal density outside the conventional circuits. Rwanda: Mountain gorilla trek in the Volcanoes Park, one of the most intense wildlife experiences in the world.

What makes the difference between a good safari and a bad safari

The animal guide. He is the one who does the safari. An experienced guide knows the habits of each animal, the hunting areas, the water points frequented according to the time. The schedules. Animal activity is at its peak at dawn and sunset. Safaris that leave at 9am miss the best hours.

The type of accommodation also changes the experience drastically. A tented camp by a river, with hippos at night, is nothing like a permanent lodge 50 km away from any wildlife. These accommodations are booked well in advance, especially for the migration season.

How to choose your safari

Budget. A quality safari cannot be bought at the lowest price. Tented camps in private reserves cost between 400 and 800 euros per night with full board. Lodges in public parks (Serengeti) are more accessible, between 200 and 400 euros.

Duration. A safari is done over 5 days minimum to see truly memorable things. 7 to 10 days allow you to combine several parks and species.

Beach extension. Tanzania is a natural combination with Zanzibar (beaches, spices, Swahili culture). Kenya with Diani Beach. These beach extensions after a safari are one of the most popular packages.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for the Great Migration in Tanzania?

The Great Migration takes place all year round in the Serengeti, but the most spectacular time is when the Mara River is crossed in July-August. Wildebeest and zebras cross en masse under the eyes of crocodiles. Book 6 to 12 months in advance for this period.

Should you choose between Kenya and Tanzania for a safari?

Both are excellent. Tanzania offers the wilder and less crowded Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Kenya offers the Masai Mara with easier access from Nairobi. A combined tour over 10-12 days allows you to see both. The Masai Mara and the Serengeti share the same ecosystem.

Is the mountain gorilla trek in Rwanda worth the price?

Yes, unanimously. The gorilla permit costs $1,500 per person per hour in groups of 8, but the experience is described by almost all travelers as one of the most intense of their lives. The gorillas of the Volcanoes of Rwanda are used to human presence and approach naturally.

Can you go on a family safari with young children?

Yes, from 6-8 years old for most lodges. Some camps are explicitly family-friendly with adapted activities. It is better to avoid very isolated tented camps with very young children. Kenya (Amboseli, Samburu) is often recommended for families.

Do I need specific vaccinations to go on safari in Africa?

Yes. Yellow fever is often mandatory (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda). Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and meningitis vaccines are strongly recommended. And malaria prophylaxis is a must in most safari destinations. Consult a travel doctor 6 to 8 weeks before departure.

What is the difference between a national park and a private reserve?

The national parks (Serengeti, Masai Mara) are open to all and cheaper, but often more frequented. The adjacent private reserves (Grumeti, OlPejeta) limit the number of vehicles per observation and allow activities prohibited in public parks (night safari, walking). More expensive but much better experience.