How much do African Safari Tours cost in 2027?

Our African Safari Tours range from US$1,687 to US$18,500 per person in 2027, depending on the country, season, and accommodation level. Kenya is typically the most affordable entry point; fly-in trips to Botswana and Namibia sit at the higher end.

When is the best time to go on an African safari?

The dry season, roughly June to October, offers the best wildlife viewing across most of East and Southern Africa, as animals gather near water sources. Exact timing varies by country and by what you want to see, such as the wildebeest migration or gorilla trekking.

What is the weather like on an African safari?

Most safari destinations have a dry season from around June to October and a wet season from November to May. Temperatures are influenced by altitude, with warm to hot days and cooler mornings, especially in higher areas.

How many days should I plan for Africa Safari Trips?

Most Africa Safari Trips run 5 to 12 days. A single-country safari can work well in 5-7 days, while multi-country itineraries typically need 10 days or more.

Can I visit more than one country on a single African safari tour?

Yes. Popular combinations include Kenya and Tanzania for classic game viewing, or Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla trekking, and Memphis Tours builds multi-country African Safari Tours around these routes.

Why should I book my African Safari Tours with Memphis Tours?

Memphis Tours has planned travel since 1955 and runs 19 African Safari Tours across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, and Botswana. Every trip is private or small-group, fully customizable before booking, and designed by a specialist you can speak with directly.

What's included in our African Safari Tours?

Our African Safari Tours typically include accommodation, park fees, game drives, an English-speaking guide, and most meals; international flights and visas are usually excluded. Exact inclusions vary by itinerary, so confirm details with your specialist before booking.

Private or small-group, which is better for an African safari?

Private safaris offer full flexibility on pace, timing, and vehicle exclusivity, while small-group trips are often more affordable and still intimate. We offer both depending on your preference.

How far in advance should I book my African Safari Tours?

Booking 6-12 months ahead is recommended, especially for peak season (June-October) or gorilla trekking permits, which are limited and sell out early. Trips during the wildebeest migration season or over holidays should be booked even earlier.

When and where can I see the Great Wildebeest Migration?

The migration moves year-round between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya, with the dramatic river crossings typically peaking between July and September. Exact timing shifts each year based on rainfall.

Can I bring my kids on African Safari Tours?

Yes, many lodges and camps welcome children, though some set minimum age requirements for game drives or gorilla trekking. Kenya's malaria-free reserves are often recommended for safaris with young children.

What else can I do besides game drives on Africa Safari Trips?

Common add-ons include Zanzibar's beaches, Victoria Falls, gorilla or chimpanzee trekking, hot air balloon safaris, and cultural visits to Maasai, Batwa, or local communities. Most of these can be added directly onto an existing itinerary.

What is a fly-in safari?

A fly-in safari uses light aircraft to move between parks and camps instead of long road transfers, saving time and covering more remote areas. It's especially popular in Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana, and several of our Africa safari trips are designed this way.

What should I wear on an African safari?

Neutral tones such as khaki, beige, and olive are recommended, along with layers for cold mornings and evenings. Avoid bright colors and all-black or all-white clothing, which can attract insects or stand out to wildlife.

What should I pack for an African safari?

Comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, sun protection, insect repellent, and a light jacket for cool early mornings are essential. For activities like gorilla trekking, waterproof boots, long trousers, gloves, and rain gear are also recommended.

Where do I stay on African Safari Tours?

Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges and tented camps to simpler guesthouses, depending on the park and budget. Fly-in itineraries typically use remote luxury camps, while road-based trips offer more variety in price and style.

What's the difference between a safari lodge and a tented camp?

A lodge is a permanent, hotel-style building, while a tented camp uses canvas structures with real beds and en-suite bathrooms, usually set closer to the wilderness. Both range from budget to high-end luxury.

Should I bring US dollars or local currency for an African safari?

US dollars are widely accepted for park fees, tips, and many payments across East and Southern Africa. Local currency is useful for smaller purchases like markets or tipping in some areas.

How much should I tip my guide and lodge staff?

Tipping is customary and generally expected, usually calculated per day per guide and per stay for lodge staff. Exact amounts vary by country and are best confirmed with your specialist before travel.

How do you get around on African Safari Trips: vehicle, plane, or both?

Most safaris use 4x4 vehicles for game drives, light aircraft for fly-in safaris between parks, and domestic flights or road transfers between countries. Which mix you use depends on your specific itinerary and destinations.

How long is the flight to get to Africa?

Flight times depend on your departure city, from Europe, flights to Nairobi or Johannesburg average 8-10 hours, while flights from the US typically run 15-18+ hours with a connection. Check specific routes for accurate timing from your location.

What country should I visit for the perfect African safari tour?

There's no single best country, Kenya suits first-time, budget-conscious travelers; Tanzania offers the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater; Rwanda and Uganda are built around gorilla trekking; and Namibia and Botswana offer desert and delta landscapes for a different kind of safari. The right choice depends on your budget, priorities, and travel style.

What health risks should I know about before an African safari?

Malaria is the most significant health risk on safari across most of sub-Saharan Africa, so antimalarial medication and mosquito precautions are strongly recommended. Other considerations include sun exposure, altitude in some regions, and standard travel hygiene.

Which vaccinations do I need for my Africa Safari Trip?

Yellow fever is commonly required or recommended depending on the country, alongside routine vaccines like hepatitis A and typhoid. Complete vaccinations at least 4-6 weeks before departure and confirm exact requirements with a travel clinic for your specific itinerary.

What are the Big Five, and will I see them on safari?

The Big Five are lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, originally named for being the most difficult animals to hunt on foot, now a benchmark for safari sightings. Kenya, Tanzania, and parts of Namibia and Botswana offer strong chances of seeing all five, though sightings are never guaranteed since these are wild animals in their natural habitat.

Is Wi-Fi or phone signal available on safari?

Most lodges and camps offer Wi-Fi, though signal strength varies and can be limited or unavailable in remote areas, particularly in the bush during game drives. Mobile signals are generally more reliable near towns and less so in national parks.

What camera equipment should I bring on an African safari?

A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens (at least 200-400mm) is recommended for wildlife photography, along with spare batteries and memory cards, since charging opportunities can be limited. A beanbag or window mount helps stabilize shots taken from a safari vehicle.

What is the time for check-in and checkout in hotels in Africa?

Check-in is generally from 2:00 PM, while check-out is usually by 10:00 AM. Times can vary by hotel, lodge, or safari camp. Early check-in and late check-out may be available upon request, subject to availability and additional fees.

What are the top African Safari Tours to book?

Popular choices include Kenya's Masai Mara migration safaris, Tanzania's Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater circuits, Rwanda and Uganda gorilla trekking trips, and fly-in safaris to Botswana's Okavango Delta and Namibia's desert landscapes.

Where are the safest safaris in Africa?

Rwanda, Botswana, and Namibia are widely regarded as among the safest safari destinations, known for political stability and well-regulated tourism infrastructure. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are also considered safe for tourists when traveling with a reputable operator and following standard travel precautions.

What is the hardest animal to see on an African safari?

The leopard is generally considered the hardest of the Big Five to spot, due to its solitary, nocturnal, and highly camouflaged nature. Rhinos can also be difficult to see in some regions due to lower population numbers

What Can I Expect on My First African Safari?

Expect early morning game drives, close encounters with wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and time in nature. You may see lions, elephants, giraffes, and other animals in their natural habitat, while staying in lodges or camps. Every safari is different, and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.