By Peter Samson

Lead image: Tongabezi Lodge on the Zambezi River

A friend once shared the overwhelming emotions of seeing a herd of elephants on safari in Africa. The tears of joy had instantly rolled down their cheeks… 

Years later, I understood as I watched a pride of lions with cubs at South Africa’s Kruger National Park on my first-ever safari. The tears came too as the raw beauty of seeing these beautiful animals free in their natural habitat brought an unparalleled thrill.  

More recently I took a second memorable safari, this time in Zambia with its 20 game parks and string of managed reserves. That amazing visit inspired me to share advice and tips for anyone planning this once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Sunset on the Zambezi

Pick the right time of year 

The season greatly influences what wildlife you’ll see. From May to October, African countries experience the dry season, so animals gather near water sources, and visibility is clearer. Keep in mind that peak season also means higher prices and more tourists. Many lodges offer all-inclusive packages, covering accommodation, meals, game drives, and more – often worth the investment for a seamless experience. 

Choose the right destination 

Africa offers an array of safari destinations, each with unique wildlife. Some regions are great for spotting all the Big Five—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo. Research the best national parks or game reserves for your interests or consult a safari specialist. On our Zambian safari we clocked up four of the five, missing out on seeing a leopard. We did see a magnificent cheetah up close and an impressive group of nine endangered white rhinos, protected by guards 24/7. Hippos, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, wild dogs, and countless bird species added to our list, creating an unforgettable experience. 

Elephants in Kafue National Park

Determine your safari duration 

The length of your safari shapes what you’ll experience. For a first-time trip, a three-day addition to a broader itinerary might be enough. In South Africa, we combined three days at Kruger with visits to Cape Town and drove the scenic Garden Route to Port Elizabeth.  

If you’re more enthusiastic, consider visiting multiple parks or even countries like Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi all offering unique wildlife encounters. A highlight for us was Victoria Falls in Zambia, where we swam in the Devil’s Pool on Livingstone Island and retraced the footsteps of Scots explorer and missionary Dr David Livingstone. 

Baby Hippo in Kafue National Park

Choose the right safari style 

From budget camps to eco-friendly luxury lodges, safari experiences come in many forms. We stayed at two lodges from Green Safaris in Zambia—Ila and Tongabezi—both deeply committed to environmental sustainability as well as wildlife conservation. Their eco-friendly practices included solar panels and electric-powered game drive vehicles, allowing us to enjoy “silent safaris.” Gliding along the Zambezi River on an electric boat, watching hippos, crocs, and lions from just a few yards away, felt both magical and respectful.  

Pack key essentials 

For safaris, pack light and practical. Something cosy for those early morning drives is a must. Neutral-colored clothing is ideal to blend in with the environment, and avoid white if you’re viewing rhinos, as their food arrives in white sacks. Essentials include binoculars, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and anti-malaria medication. All will help you stay comfortable and prepared in the wilderness. 

View from Ila Lodge’s boat lunch

Opt for guided game drives 

Guides are invaluable for maximising your experience. Our guide Frazer from Ila Lodge knew Kafue National Park’s landscape and wildlife in incredible detail, navigating the bush with skill and sharing unique animal insights. We hung on every word. His knowledge helped us understand animal behaviours, their relationship with their habitat and even teaching us how to identify an elephant’s gender from its dung! With a decade-plus of guiding experience, his expertise really added depth to our safari. 

Disconnect and embrace that digital detox 

Remaining silent around wildlife is essential for safety, making safaris an ideal opportunity to disconnect from devices and reconnect with nature. The vastness of the African wilderness is refreshing and offers a true digital detox, lowering stress and heightening your awareness of nature. 

Would I go on another safari? Absolutely. There’s something irresistible about the thrill of seeing these animals in the wild, and I know now that every safari brings new adventures and discoveries. 

*For more on eco-friendly lodges from Green Safaris starting at $600 per night, including meals, drinks, game drives, and selected activities, visit greensafaris.com 

Photos courtesy of Green Safaris