Africa Safari Tours &
Wildlife Holidays

Luxury African safaris typically range from $900 to $1,400+ per person per night, depending on the destination, type of accommodation, season, and level of exclusivity. This generally covers accommodations, all meals, game drives, park fees, and internal transfers (both by road and flight). Botswana’s Okavango Delta and exclusive private reserves tend to sit at the higher end of the price range; while east Africa offers a wider range of price points. Contact Immersion Journeys for a tailored quote based on your preferred itinerary and travel dates.

The best time for an African safari depends on the destination and your wildlife interests. In East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda), July to October offers excellent wildlife viewing, including the chance to witness the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania, as well as prime conditions for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. January to March brings the dramatic calving season in the Serengeti, along with excellent overall game viewing and continued strong primate trekking conditions in Uganda and Rwanda.

In Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia), May to October’s dry season provides some of the best game viewing as animals gather around limited water sources. Each destination has its own seasonal rhythm; we match your travel dates to the wildlife moments that excite you the most.

The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest overland movement of animals on Earth – over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, move in a continuous circuit between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara, following rainfall and in search of fresh grass. The most dramatic moments are the river crossings , where herds plunge into crocodile-filled waters in an extraordinary display of survival. Immersion Journeys designs safari itineraries precisely timed to the migration’s peak phases.

The Big Five refers to Africa’s five most iconic safari animals: the lion, leopard, African elephant, Cape buffalo, and black rhinoceros. The term originally described the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot; today it defines the most sought-after wildlife sightings on a photographic safari. Kenya and Tanzania offer outstanding Big Five viewing, particularly in the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Serengeti. Botswana and private reserves in Zimbabwe and South Africa also provide exceptional Big Five experiences.

East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda) is characterised by dramatic open savannas and iconic wildlife concentrations such as the Great Migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara, as well as exceptional primate experiences like gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia) offers a completely different landscape: the flooded waterways of the Okavango Delta, the world’s oldest desert in Namibia, and the thundering power of Victoria Falls. Many experienced travellers combine both regions to experience the full breadth of Africa’s wildlife and scenery.

Yes, Africa is safe for travelers to visit in many well-established safari and cultural destinations. The countries  where Immersion Journeys operates all have long-standing tourism industries and strong safety records for international visitors. As with travel anywhere in the world, it is important to take common-sense precautions: follow your guide’s instructions, remain aware of your surroundings in cities, and review current government travel advisories before departure. Our team provides detailed pre-trip departure guidance and 24/7 on-the-ground support to ensure your journey is smooth and secure.

Vaccination requirements vary depending on your specific destinations. A yellow fever vaccination is required or strongly recommended for entry into several sub-Saharan African countries. Malaria prophylaxis is also commonly recommended for many safari destinations; however, your doctor or a travel health clinic will be best positioned to advise on appropriate precautions based on your medical history and specific itinerary.

We recommend consulting a travel health specialist at least 4–5 months prior to departure. As part of our pre-trip planning process, Immersion Journeys provides comprehensive guidance on health requirements and travel documentation to help you prepare with confidence. 

Visa requirements for East and Southern Africa vary depending on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit. Many popular safari destinations,  including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia,  either require visas in advance, offer visas on arrival, or provide convenient e-Visa options.

For example, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda commonly offer e-Visas that can be applied for online prior to departure, while countries like Zambia and Zimbabwe often provide visas on arrival or through regional programs such as the KAZA Visa (which allows travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe). South Africa typically offers visa-free entry for many nationalities, including U.S. citizens, for short tourist stays.

We recommend applying for any required visas at least 45 days before departure and ensuring your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, with sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

Immersion Journeys provides detailed visa guidance based on your specific itinerary and nationality. We can also assist with visa applications on your behalf for an additional fee. Please contact us for more information.

The essentials for an Africa safari include: neutral-coloured lightweight clothing in khaki, tan, or olive (bright colours and white are not recommended); a warm fleece or jacket for cool early morning game drives; sturdy closed-toe shoes; a wide-brimmed hat; high-SPF sunscreen; insect repellent with at least 40% DEET; binoculars; and a camera with a zoom lens. Most luxury lodges offer laundry services, so you can pack lighter than you might expect. A detailed, destination-specific packing list is provided to all Immersion Journeys clients in our pre-departure materials.

Yes, depending on your accommodations and the age of your children. Africa can be a remarkable and life-changing experience for families. Age restrictions do vary: some private lodges require a minimum age (often 6–12 years), and gorilla trekking requires participants to be at least 15 years of age. Many properties offer dedicated family accommodations, child-friendly activities, and junior ranger programmes. Immersion Journeys recommends the most suitable destinations, lodges, and activities for your children’s ages and interests; and designs itineraries that are engaging, comfortable, and memorable for young travelers.

For the most rewarding experience, we typically recommend 10–14 days. This allows enough time to explore multiple ecosystems, enjoy unrushed game drives, and fully settle into the rhythm of safari life. 7–9 day safaris can work well for a single region, but anything shorter often feels rushed and limits the depth of the experience.

Bush flights in Africa are short scenic flights operated by small aircraft that connect remote safari camps and national parks. They are commonly used in safari destinations where road access is limited or time-consuming.

These flights typically use light aircraft and operate between small airstrips within or near wildlife reserves, allowing travellers to move efficiently between safari locations without long overland drives.

A typical bush flight lasts between 20 minutes and 2 hours and often flies at low altitude, offering exceptional aerial views of landscapes and wildlife below. Luggage is usually limited to around 15–20 kg and must be packed in soft-sided bags.