First Time Safari Guide — Everything You Need to Know

Your first African safari is one of those experiences that divides your life into before and after. Nothing quite prepares you for the first moment you see a lion lying in the grass fifty metres away, or a herd of elephants crossing the road in front of your vehicle, or the golden light of a Serengeti sunrise over the endless plains.

Here is everything you need to know to make your first safari the experience of a lifetime.

What is a Safari?

The word safari simply means journey in Swahili. An African safari today typically means game drives through national parks and game reserves in a 4WD vehicle with a professional guide, looking for and observing wildlife in their natural habitat.

A game drive is not like a zoo. Animals are wild and free. You observe them on their terms, in their environment, living their lives. The lion does not perform for you — she hunts, rests, and raises her cubs regardless of whether you are there. That reality is what makes safari so extraordinary.

Choosing Your Safari Destination

Tanzania is one of the world's greatest safari destinations. The Serengeti is home to the Great Migration — the largest overland animal migration on Earth. The Ngorongoro Crater contains the highest density of predators in Africa. Tarangire has enormous elephant herds among ancient baobab trees.

For first-time safari visitors we recommend combining the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. These two destinations together offer the full Tanzania safari experience.

What Animals Will You See?

Tanzania's parks offer the full spectrum of African wildlife. The Big Five — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros — are all present. The Serengeti has exceptional lion populations. Ngorongoro offers the best chance of seeing the critically endangered black rhino in East Africa.

Beyond the Big Five you will almost certainly see cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, warthogs, baboons and an extraordinary variety of birds.

What to Pack for Safari

Clothing should be neutral in colour — khaki, beige, olive green and tan. Bright colours and white are not ideal in the bush. Avoid blue — it attracts tsetse flies in some areas.

Pack layers. Mornings and evenings in the Serengeti can be surprisingly cold — temperatures drop significantly at altitude and before dawn. A fleece or light down jacket is essential.

Bring binoculars — they transform the safari experience. 8x42 or 10x42 are ideal specifications.

A good camera with a telephoto lens will give you photographs to last a lifetime. Even a smartphone with a telephoto attachment works well for many animals.

The Game Drive Experience

Most safaris involve two game drives per day — one in the early morning starting before sunrise and one in the late afternoon extending into early evening. These are the periods of peak animal activity when predators hunt and the golden light makes for extraordinary photography.

Your guide drives slowly through the park, scanning the landscape with experienced eyes that see things you would never notice. Trust their knowledge — they know this land.

When wildlife is found the vehicle stops and you observe quietly. Standing up in an open vehicle (where permitted) gives you an extraordinary perspective and the animals do not register you as a threat if you stay silent.

Safari Etiquette

Never make sudden loud noises. Speak quietly. Do not stand up suddenly. Never attempt to feed wildlife. Do not litter. Follow your guide's instructions at all times — they know when situations are safe and when they are not.

Respect the wildlife above all else. You are a guest in their home.

Combining Safari with Zanzibar

The perfect Tanzania itinerary for first-time visitors combines the Serengeti with a Zanzibar beach holiday. You can fly directly between Zanzibar and the Serengeti in under an hour — the contrast between Indian Ocean beach and African bush is extraordinary and uniquely Tanzania.

We offer fly-in safari packages combining Zanzibar and the Serengeti with expert guides throughout.

Contact our team on WhatsApp at +255 688 686 983 to plan your first safari.