Types of Safari

Generally speaking there are two types of safaris - group or seat-in-vehicle safaris (typically 4-10 people) with set departure dates throughout the year; and tailor-made or customized safaris that depart upon request for one or more people.

Group or Seat in Vehicle Safaris

Group or Seat-in-vehicle safaris are typically led by one guide and/or support staff. Accommodations vary from semi-participation camping to high quality camping, to comfortable permanent lodges and tented camps with the amenities you would expect in a standard hotel room - namely proper beds, en suite toilet / shower, etc.

Group safaris are a great option for single travellers who wish to meet others and avoid a large single supplement cost.   All activities are done together for the duration of the trip. Typically participants come from different locations and backgrounds. These people travel together for both the experience of seeing Africa and also the opportunity to meet others that share their interests and experiences. 

These safaris have scheduled dates and do not have the flexibility that is available in a private safari.  Types of scheduled departures include:

Lodge Safaris, non-participation - we operate a range of scheduled departures for a variety of lodge safaris in Southern Africa and East Africa.  These safaris typically have a maximum group size of 10.

Camping Safaris, semi-participation - We operate semi-participation Camping Safaris in East Africa and Southern Africa. A guide, who is both driver and cook, will accompany the clients. We want our clients to be part of the experience and therefore ask them to participate in the tour. This means the participants will be responsible for performing and helping with certain tasks, such as setting up and breaking down of overnight camps (tents, chairs and tables), packing and unpacking the vehicle, assisting with preparation of meals and cleaning dishes. The guide will do the cooking and be responsible for all other organisational duties.  

Upgraded Camping Safaris, semi-participation - We offer semi-participation Upgraded Camping Safaris throughout Southern Africa.  Accommodation used is a combination of camping and cabins/chalets. This type of safari also runs with a maximum of 10 clients and a guide, who is both driver and cook.  

Cabin/Fully Accommodated Safaris, semi-participation – We also offer semi-participation fully Accommodated Safaris throughout Southern Africa.  

On some Semi-participation Camping Safari,  Upgraded Camping Safari and Accommodated Safari departures in Southern Africa the group may be a combination of clients booked on any of these safari options. 

We make use of properties which have camping facilities as well as chalets, lodges or tented camps. Camping, upgraded and accommodated clients will travel and enjoy their meals together. The upgraded and accommodated options give the additional comfort of bedded accommodation. The accommodation used is simple, clean, 2-3 star typical African standard, with a mix of shared and private bathrooms. Clients are also asked to help out with the camp duties (setting up and breaking down the overnight camps, tents, chairs; packing and unpacking the vehicle; assisting with preparation of meals and cleaning dishes). The guide will do the cooking and be responsible for all other organisational duties.

Tailor-made or customised safaris

Tailor-made or customised safaris are the preferred option for many travellers. With the help of your personal African Safaris Ltd travel consultant you can determine your own departure date, trip length, areas visited, types of accommodations and activities. Accommodations vary from comfortable camping to exclusive permanent lodge and tented camp accommodations that would impress the most discerning world traveller. Acitivites are done either privately or with other guests at each lodge / camp. As you are not part of a group you can choose your own level or social interaction.

Self drive

Self drive options are popular with visitors to South Africa and Namibia. This style of travel offers freedom and flexibility and you can choose how to pace your day. South Africa's Kruger National Park is Big 5 country and has excellent facilities for the independent traveller. Self drives are also popular with visitors to Namibia, facilities here are particularly conducive to independent travel.