Here’s the thing about a safari, First name / friend: it’s not just about the pretty pictures online and the price — it’s about timing, flow, and the details that make the experience effortless.
Plenty of you are expert level DIYers when it comes to travel planning, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that!
Go for it! Planning travel is fun (for some of us)
But I am just going to come out and say it:
Trying to figure out a safari trip to Africa yourself can likely lead to one of two outcomes:
you had a fabulous time, quality lodges and camps, and you spent triple what you needed to, I can call out some well know operators who are happy to spend your hard earned dollars!
or
you went the very reasonable “middle of the road” budget route, and still spent way too much money on a less than stellar experience. There are too many crummy operators out there for me to even mention. And “influencers” promoting crap trips.
My recent trip to Tanzania was eye opening in this regard. People crammed 3 across in enclosed safari trucks, spending unnecessary hours on the road. All going to look at the same lion…you can sit in traffic at home, you don't need to fly across the planet to do it.
Pro tip: driving in some parts of Africa can be a miserable experience. Run from any itinerary that has you driving point to point. Trust me on this one.
Taking recommendations from a friend who has been on exactly one safari for themselves is not a great idea either. If Africa is going to be a once in a lifetime bucket list trip for you, don't leave anything up to chance. Africa done right is not a “one and done”, you should leave wondering what other countries could be up next. Gorilla's in Uganda, the Okavango Delta of Botswana?
A thoughtfully designed itinerary means you’ll know where to stay, when to go ( and not go) what to expect, and get the most out of every moment, without losing hours down the Google rabbit hole or wondering if that “top‑rated” tour is what you think it is.
I take the guesswork out of everything and layer in the details DIY planning often misses:
- The right timing so you’re NOT spending valuable hours in transit
- longstanding relationships with lodge, camp owners and outfitters
- Completely escorted trips from start to finish
- visa help
- airport guidance
- Stays that match your travel style and budget
- Key experiences that are once‑in‑a‑lifetime moments, not tourist trap tours or overhyped Instagram stops
Planning Africa is a case of “ you don't know what you don't know”.
Use an advisor, preferably one that has spent lots of time there ( and it does not have to be me….just someone who plans lots of safaris. )
Thank you for attending my Ted Talk/Rant!
P.S I will be out of the office attending the Gifted Travel Network Conference, then on to Tuscany for Sam's “big” birthday celebration. If you have a trip in mind we need to hop on it, I will not be able to modify or start new trips from September 7- 21, 2026.
