Planning your first African safari

A first safari can feel daunting to plan, but a few good decisions early on make all the difference. Start with when, not where — the season shapes everything else.
Resist the urge to cram in too much. Two or three nights in fewer parks beats racing between them; wildlife rewards patience, and long transfers eat into your game-viewing time.
Choose a trip with expert local guides. The difference between a good safari and an unforgettable one is almost always the person reading the bush for you.
And finally — slow down. The best moments on safari are the unplanned ones: a leopard in a tree, a sudden river crossing, the silence at dawn. Leave room for them.
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