African safari seeing an elephant on a game drive

A complete guide to

African safaris


A safari is so much more than just a holiday. It's the opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the most remote and pristine areas on Earth. Each of our camps is set within vast, privately protected areas, offering exclusivity that ensures an unspoiled safari experience where sightings aren't shared.

For many, the word ‘safari’ conjures images of open savannahs, herds of wildebeest, and roaring big cats. While this classic experience is still at the heart of African travel, safaris have evolved far beyond the traditional game drive.

 

With Wilderness you can track rhinos across arid desert-scapes, witness elephants wading through floodplains, or sit quietly at an underground hide watching herds of elephant or buffalo drink. From Botswana's Okavango Delta and Zambia's Kafue, to Tanzania's famed Serengeti National Park, Wilderness offers unparalleled access to Africa's best safari destinations.

Safaris at a glance

Duration Typically, 7-14 days
Best time Year-round (peak Jun-Oct)
Price range USD500-USD2,500 per person per night
Ideal for Wildlife lovers, adventurers, families
Activity level Easy to active
Accommodation Luxury camps & lodges
Highlights Big Five, Great Migration, gorilla treks
Male lion walking in the wilderness

A journey through time: The evolution of safaris

Once reserved for intrepid explorers, modern safaris are now a profound journey of conservation and luxury. More than an adventure, it's an immersive experience where expert guides unveil the wild's hidden narratives. Here, every moment connects you deeply to nature, transforming a trip into a meaningful contribution to our planet's most precious ecosystems.
Our Story
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Types of Safari

Discover Earth's Ultimate, Untamed Places

Each safari with Wilderness is a unique gateway to nature in its rawest form. Our diverse safari options immerse you in Africa's extraordinary environments - whether tracking wildlife up close, capturing the perfect shot, or engaging with local culture. Led by our expert guides, these journeys promise authentic encounters in Earth's most iconic wild destinations.

Game drives

Spotting a lion on a game drive at Little Makalolo

Game drives

A quintessential safari experience, morning and evening drives bring you close to Africa’s iconic wildlife. Sightings are unpredictable and that’s what makes a game drive so exciting. Look out for tracks, listen for alarm calls and be on the alert for nearby predators. There’s so much to see, and being the first to spot something brings a whole new level of satisfaction to your day.

Game Drives

Walking safaris

Photographic safaris

Boat & canoe safaris

Birding safaris

Gorilla trekking

Fly-in safaris

Why choose a safari over other adventures?

A safari transcends mere wildlife viewing. With Wilderness, it's a chance to make a meaningful impact, protecting untamed destinations while supporting local communities. This is travel with purpose - where luxury meets sustainability, and every experience transforms you.
Dream into Africa
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Planning your safari

Begin your journey to Earth's ultimate, untamed places with expert guidance from Wilderness. From selecting the perfect destinations to understanding what to pack, our Travel Designers ensure every detail of your safari is thoughtfully planned. With over 40 years of experience, we'll help you craft the perfect wild adventure tailored to your dreams.

When to go

Wilderness Mombo Botswana Wildlife Elephant Walking Through Water

When to go

The best time for a safari is typically May to October when drier conditions make wildlife easier to spot as animals congregate around water sources. For value seekers, the wetter summer months offer lush green landscapes, newborn animals, predator action and opportunities for birdwatching and boat safaris, albiet in denser vegetation.

Where to go

How long to stay

Budgeting

What to pack

Health and Safety

Closeup of a Wild dog on safari

Let us plan your next safari

When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.

Enquire now

What to expect day-to-day

Sunrise 

Morning activity

Typically, your days on a safari holiday start early, walking up before dawn for your morning safari activity. At this time, predators are still active and wildlife sightings are at their best.

Wilderness Zimbabwe Game Drive
Mid-morning

Brunch

After a few hours on a game drive or walking safari, you’ll return to camp or a surprise location for a hearty brunch, followed by siesta time, and the opportunity to relax.

Locally Sourced Food At Dumatau
Midday

Siesta

Take a dip in the pool, book a spa treatment, or unwind with a book at the hide as you wait to see who’ll come for a visit.

Osprey Retreat spa gym and pool at DumaTau
Afternoon

Wildlife activity

Another safari activity awaits as the air cools. Depending on the destination, this could be a boat safari or a serene mokoro excursion revealing the smaller wonders of the wild.

Couple enjoying a safari game drive Wilderness Botswana
Sunset

Sundowners

Toast the setting sun in a breathtaking location as you mark the transition to evening.

Couple enjoying a sundowner in the waters of the Okavango
Early evening

Night drive

On private concessions, once the sun has set it is time to make your way back to camp as the nocturnal animals emerge, allowing for a short night-time drive along the way.

Wilderness Experiences Night Drive Wildlife Owl
Nightime

After the sun goes down

Toast another fantastic day on safari alongside newfound friends with a fireside dinner in the boma or celebrate your romance with a meal under the stars.

The stars light up the night when there is no light pollution

Choosing your safari

Your safari is more than a trip - it's a personalised journey of discovery. Whether you're seeking a private family adventure, a romantic honeymoon, a milestone celebration, or an epic multi-destination experience, we craft safaris that transform how you see the world. Flexibility, luxury, and unforgettable moments await.

Private vs shared experiences

Sighting of a girrafe on a safari game drive

Private vs shared experiences

Private safaris provide exclusive use of vehicles and guides for your group, with flexible schedules tailored to your interests. At intimate destinations like Little Mombo, you can book the entire camp - perfect for multi-gen families or special celebrations. Alternatively, shared game drives create opportunities to meet fellow travellers from around the world.

Journey Inspiration

Family considerations

Special occasions

Honeymoons

Combining destinations

Conservation and Impact

When you travel with us, you become part of a visionary conservation movement that has helped protect Africa's wild places for over 40 years. Our pioneering model ensures that every safari contributes directly to preserving iconic species, supporting communities, and expanding Earth's diminishing wilderness.

The role of tourism

Wilderness Impact Protect Hwange Scorpions

The role of tourism in conservation

Tourism plays a crucial role in conservation by generating the funds needed to protect wildlife, restore ecosystems, and support local communities. Furthermore, responsible safari tourism helps safeguard vast wilderness areas, ensuring that the wildlife found here, and the fragile habitats, continue to thrive.

Impact

Our pioneering approach

Success stories

How visitors contribute

Conservation Safaris

The future of conservation

Vumbura Plains Botswana Camp Aerial View

Types of accommodation

Safari accommodations range from rustic tents to luxury lodges. Wilderness camps use natural materials like canvas and wood, creating immersive experiences with minimal environmental impact. Despite their light footprint, expect luxurious details from private pools to outdoor showers - all thoughtfully designed to bring you closer to nature.

Wilderness Map of Africa with camp locations

Why Wilderness

It’s not our reputation as one of the first, or the largest, in the African safari and conservation tourism space that makes us Wilderness. It’s our determination to keep going. To keep protecting, exploring and expanding Earth’s wild places. Join us to discover the beating pulse of each one of our destinations, and experience your wildest safari dreams.

Let us take you there

Explore our camps

Discover extraordinary destinations that redefine wilderness luxury. Each of our carefully curated camps offers a unique window into Africa's most breathtaking landscapes - from Botswana's lush plains to Namibia's stark desert beauty. Immerse yourself in environments where exceptional design meets untouched nature, creating unforgettable moments of connection and wonder.

GUEST EXPERIENCES

Testimonials from fellow safari-goers

TripAdvisor
Wilderness isn't just a safari - it's a journey acclaimed by travellers worldwide. Our Trustpilot Excellent rating reflects the extraordinary experiences we create: unparalleled wildlife encounters, passionate guides, and luxurious moments that transform how you see the world. Read what fellow safari-goers have to say about their unforgettable experiences with Wilderness. Read more reviews on Trustpilot.
Highly recommend Wilderness

"Nelson our travel agent put together the perfect honeymoon in Tanzania - which included a combination of safari and Zanzibar beach holiday. Communication and planning in the run up went well, he quickly understood what we were looking for and provided a clear, comprehensive quote, meeting all our desires for the trip. The trip itself went seamlessly and we enjoyed every stay and experience we had planned - even more than we could have imagined".

Miss D | UK

★★★★★

Our first safari

"My best friend and I planned our first Safari with Wilderness and we could not have had a better experience. From the first discussions about our trip to the final day in Zimbabwe, we experienced first class service and hospitality. Malcolm our agent helped us pick camps that suited our particular interests. He provided guidance with what to expect on the trip and what to bring which was great for novices. When we finally arrived in Zimbabwe every driver, guide, and staff member we met was outstanding. The game we saw each day was amazing and the lodgings were very comfortable. I have no complaints, just praises for this organization. I have recommended the group to many friends and family members and I look forward to booking travel with them again".

E Tate | USA

★★★★★

Chitabe - amazing stay

"We had an amazing stay at Chitabe end of March 2023 (2 nights). The wildlife density in the area is incredible - we had multiple leopard, cheetah and lion sightings and also saw a large pack of wild dogs. Our guide Phinley was very experienced and had a ton of knowledge - he did a fantastic job. The vegetation / landscape in the area is also great and very varied - from the open floodplains around camp, to the Gomoti plains area to the slightly more wooded areas (where we also had great sightings). Chitabe camp itself is also very beautiful, with a pretty pool and bar area and extremely attentive, warm camp staff. We felt very welcomed and everyone made sure that all expectations were exceeded".

N Vogel | Switzerland

★★★★★

Lions Wilderness Botswana Vumbura Plains

Tailor-made

Your adventure awaits

No two Wilderness journeys are the same. Our team of Travel Designers, safari guides, managers and pilots are Africa’s ultimate experts, shaping every itinerary with their first-hand knowledge of our camps and wild spaces. Whether you seek thrilling adventure or serene immersion, we’ll craft a bespoke safari that reflects your every desire.

Talk to a travel designer today