First Time On Safari
Everything you need to know to plan your first safari – what to expect, where to go and when.
Your First Safari
Experiencing large animals up-close in the wild is exhilarating, but it’s only half the picture on safari.
Few people are prepared for how immersive a safari experience is. Superb safari camps in beautiful wild places, wonderful food and the chance to spend time away from the distractions of modern life are among the best reasons to go on safari. Days are filled with a rich tapestry of events – large and small so they seem somehow longer than at home. Long enough to be able to have a full morning’s game viewing, a substantial lunch and still steal a good couple of hours after lunch to snooze or catch up on a good book, before heading out again in the afternoon. On safari, life just works to a different rhythm, dictated by the rising and setting of the sun.
Where should I go?
When should I go on safari?
Talk to our Experts
They’ll be happy to let you in on their travel secrets, and help you plan a tailor-made trip that’s truly unforgettable.
A print anthology of safari and wilderness travel with over 220 pages of travel inspiration.
Discover our Top Destinations
Inspiring safari destinations across the globe.
Our favourite Camps and Lodges
Nomad Tanzania’s Lamai Serengeti is a small intimate safari lodge amongst the large round boulders of the Kogakurjia Kopjes of the Northern Serengeti.
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An understated luxury camp that sits atop the breezy rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken caldera and Africa’s most iconic wildlife destination.
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Kichaka Safari Camp in Ruaha National Park is a shining example of how to quietly get the best from the African bush.
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A wonderful stand-alone destination as a family retreat for a week, or a place for a group of friends to chill-out in together after a hard-core wildlife odyssey.
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Tena Tena lies at the southern end of the Nsefu sector of South Luangwa National Park, has a well-deserved reputation as one of Africa's most authentic small bush camps.
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One of the most beautiful and dramatic locations of anywhere in East Africa, sitting on a white sandy beach at the base of the 8,000ft Mahale Mountains overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Tanganyika.
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The house really suits groups travelling together who would like to call the shots as far as the structure of their days are concerned.
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The camp commands stunning views over the plains and the open fronted dining room gives a very pleasant feeling of being a part of the landscape.
Learn More"This was our first time on safari. The holiday was one of our best ever. Not just because we saw a plethora of wildlife, but because there was always someone waiting to whisk us to another destination, be it to the airport, from the airport or a boat to a lodge etc.- KEN & CAROLINE
Top safaris
First Time Safari Need To Know
How many days do you need on safari?
The longer you spend on safari, the more chance you will have of seeing a greater diversity of wildlife. We recommend having at least three full days on safari before moving onto the next location. We are all for slow travel, spending a few days to really absorb the place and the people. Safari days are often long and tiring, with early-morning starts and late finishes, as well as being deeply immersive. Bearing this in mind, we’d recommend ending your trip with a few days relaxing by the beach.
Is a safari a safe experience for children?
Absolutely. Family safari adventures are close to our hearts at Natural High – we’ve been travelling with our own children since they were tiny. Forget staring at screens all day, on safari, the kids will feel like they’ve stepped into a film set with experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime. There are numerous child-friendly lodges with plenty of activities on offer and, thanks to the local knowledge of our experienced team, we can help you create the ultimate itinerary to mesmerise every member of your family.
Do I need to have a reasonable level of fitness to go on safari?
Not particularly, no. While days on safari can be tiring due to the early starts and late night adventures, the level of exercise required can be tailored to your individual needs. Some safaris involve greater levels of exertion, while others can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace or from the comfort of a traditional 4×4. If you have any concerns, please get in touch and we can point you in the direction of a safari experience best suited to you.
Is it possible to combine different destinations into one safari?
We highly recommend it. Your trip is entirely tailored to your wants and needs, so if you’re keen to experience a number of safari destinations, we can make that happen. We also recommend fitting some in some time for relaxation and recuperation during your trip as the exhilaration of a safari adventure can be very tiring.
Meet Our Travel Experts
It takes genuine local knowledge to craft trips that go beyond the ordinary. The Natural High team have unrivalled experience and will take your ideas and turn them into your trip of a lifetime.
Into The Wild Brochure
Need some more inspiration? Request a copy of Into The Wild, our comprehensive anthology of safaris and wilderness travel.
A print anthology of safari and wilderness travel with over 220 pages of travel inspiration.