Is It Safe to Go on Safari in Africa?
Planning your first African safari is a thrilling experience, but we would also understand if it came with a few nerves. Images of roaring lions outside a tent or the thought of being far from cities can make first-time travellers pause. These feelings are perfectly natural.
The reality is that safaris are remarkably safe when planned with reputable operators like Beneber Africa Safaris. Africa's safari industry boasts decades of experience, built on a foundation of guest safety, professional guides, secure lodges, and established protocols. When you follow expert advice, the wilderness becomes a place of wonder, not worry.
How Dangerous Are Game Drives or Walking Safaris?
Many first-time safari travellers wonder if it is safe to be out among Africa's iconic wildlife. The answer is reassuring – game drives and walking safaris (only available in private game reserves) are conducted with guest safety as the highest priority.
On game drives, professional guides (who are often accompanied by skilled trackers) navigate through the wilderness with an exceptional understanding of animal behaviour. These guides know how to read subtle cues from wildlife and maintain safe distances, allowing you to enjoy close encounters without unnecessary risk.
Furthermore, animals in well-managed safari destinations are habituated to the sight and sound of safari vehicles, viewing them as a single, non-threatening object. By remaining seated and avoiding sudden movements or loud noises, you become part of this harmless presence in their world. Vehicles are equipped with radios and first-aid kits, and guides are trained to respond swiftly in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Walking safaris, while more intimate, are equally well-controlled. Before setting out, guides conduct a thorough safety briefing, explaining how to move quietly, follow instructions, and remain alert in the bush. Routes are carefully chosen to minimise risk, and walks are always conducted in small groups under the watchful eye of highly experienced guides.
Guides are armed on walking safaris as a precaution, though it's extremely rare for these to ever be needed or used. By simply listening to your guide and following their lead, you can safely enjoy the thrill of experiencing Africa on foot.
Are Safari Camps and Lodges Secure?
Another common concern for safari travellers is whether they will be safe while staying in the heart of the wilderness. Safari lodges and tented camps are purposefully designed to offer an authentic experience without compromising safety.
Well-Established Camps in Safe Areas
Reputable safari operators select camp and lodge locations carefully, ensuring they are situated in secure, remote areas. These destinations are chosen for exceptional wildlife viewing and natural beauty, but also for their distance from urban centres and regions of potential unrest. As a result, you're able to enjoy the seclusion and tranquillity of the African bush in a safe environment.
24/7 Security and Staff on Site
Every safari camp operates with trained staff on duty around the clock. During the day, guides and lodge staff are readily available to assist guests and, at night, dedicated security personnel patrol the property. Guests are never expected to navigate camps alone after dark, so escorts are always available to walk you safely to and from your room. This combination of vigilance and expert staffing ensures your safety, even in the most remote locations.
Fenced vs Unfenced Camps
Some travellers are surprised to learn that not all safari camps are fenced! Both fenced and unfenced setups are carefully managed to ensure guest safety, and the choice often comes down to the kind of experience you are looking for.
- Fenced Camps are designed to keep larger wildlife, such as elephants or predators, outside the guest areas. They offer an extra sense of security, particularly for families or first-time safari travellers.
- Unfenced Camps provide a truly immersive experience; you may hear the exciting sounds of lions calling or elephants grazing in the distance at night. Safety protocols are strictly followed, and staff always escort guests after dark. Most wild animals avoid human activity naturally and are rarely interested in entering guest areas.
Medical Precautions on Safari
Health preparations are part of safe, responsible travel, but there's no need for alarm.
Malaria and Vaccinations: Speak to a doctor before travelling about preventive medication and recommended vaccines. Malaria is preventable and manageable with proper planning.
Emergency Response & Travel Insurance: Many lodges partner with flying doctor services for emergency evacuation if needed. For peace of mind, always carry comprehensive travel insurance for your African safari.
Tips to Stay Safe on Safari
- Always listen to your guide and follow instructions.
- Never wander outside camp at night without an escort.
- Keep vehicle windows and tent doors closed in wildlife areas.
- Stay inside safari vehicles—don't lean out or stand up suddenly.
- Avoid loud noises or sudden movements around animals.
- Wear neutral-coloured clothing and follow park rules.
- Bring necessary medications and have reliable travel insurance.
For more guidance, explore our expert advice on travel safety in Africa.
An African safari is one of the safest adventure holidays you can take when it is planned with experienced operators and approached with respect for nature. By staying in well-managed camps, following your guide's instructions, and taking sensible precautions, you can enjoy the thrill of the wild without worry.
With the golden light of the savanna, the distant call of a lion at dusk, and the joy of seeing wildlife in its natural habitat, your safari will leave you with unforgettable memories. Embrace the adventure responsibly, and Africa will reward you with a travel experience unlike any other.
Ready to start planning your safe and unforgettable African safari?
Our Africa Safari Experts at Beneber Africa Safaris are here to create a trip perfectly tailored to your comfort, safety, and sense of adventure.
The Best Places to Go on Safari in 2026: Your Guide to Unforgettable African Adventures
Planning ahead for 2026? Explore the best safari destinations for the year—from iconic wildlife havens to emerging gems. Discover where to go, what to see, and how to plan your dream African safari with Beneber Africa Safaris.
Why 2026 is Your Year for the Ultimate African Safari
If you’re dreaming of wide-open savannas, legendary wildlife, and star-filled nights in the wild, 2026 might just be your year. Travel plans—especially for transformative trips like an African safari—benefit from looking ahead. Early planning means better availability at top lodges, smoother logistics, and the chance to witness natural spectacles at their peak.
Whether you're a first-time traveller or a seasoned safari-goer looking for new horizons, here are our top picks for the best places to go on safari in 2026.
1. Kenya – The Classic, Always Evolving
Kenya remains a timeless choice, and in 2026, it will continue to blend iconic wildlife experiences with sustainable, community-focused tourism.
- Why in 2026: The Great Migration in the Maasai Mara will always be breathtaking, but there’s a growing emphasis on low-impact, high-value travel. Expect more eco-lodges, private conservancy stays, and cultural encounters that give back to local communities.
- Don’t Miss: The Mara Conservancies for exclusive game viewing, Amboseli for elephant herds with Kilimanjaro views, and emerging destinations like Meru National Park for raw, off-the-beaten-path adventure.
2. Tanzania – For the Epic & The Undiscovered
Tanzania offers scale and diversity like no other. In 2026, it’s not just about the Serengeti and Ngorongoro—though they’re still unmissable—but also about hidden corners gaining well-deserved attention.
- Why in 2026: Continued investment in infrastructure and sustainable lodges makes remote areas more accessible without sacrificing authenticity. This is the year to combine classic circuits with deeper exploration.
- Don’t Miss: The Southern Circuit (Selous & Ruaha) for wild, predator-rich landscapes with few other vehicles. Also, consider Katavi National Park for truly remote, seasonal floodplain drama.
3. South Africa – Luxury, Accessibility & Conservation Wins
Ideal for first-timers and families, South Africa’s safari scene in 2026 will highlight major conservation milestones and malaria-free options.
- Why in 2026: Ongoing rewilding projects and rhino protection initiatives make your visit a direct contribution to conservation. The blend of world-class wildlife, stunning coastlines, and urban culture (like Cape Town) is hard to beat.
- Don’t Miss: Kruger National Park (and its private reserves like Sabi Sand) for guaranteed Big Five sightings. Also, the Eastern Cape reserves (like Shamwari) for malaria-free luxury in beautiful landscapes.
4. Botswana – Exclusive & Water-Based Wonders
For those seeking an uncrowded, high-value safari, Botswana’s model of low-density, high-cost tourism ensures an intimate wilderness experience.
- Why in 2026: As water levels in the Okavango Delta continue to fluctuate with climate patterns, expert-guided safaris in 2026 will offer unique perspectives on this dynamic ecosystem. It’s a destination for travelers wanting privacy and profound connection with nature.
- Don’t Miss: Mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris in the Okavango Delta, predator action in the Savuti region, and the otherworldly salt pans of Makgadikgadi.
5. Rwanda & Uganda – The Primate Kingdoms
2026 will reinforce this region as the heart of transformative primate tracking and lush, volcanic highland scenery.
- Why in 2026: With careful management of gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits, visiting supports critical conservation and community development. It’s a powerful, life-changing encounter that feels even more precious each year.
- Don’t Miss: Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda). Combine with savanna time in Queen Elizabeth National Park for a complete “Primates & Plains” itinerary.
6. Namibia – Landscapes That Defy Imagination
If your dream safari includes dramatic deserts, vast horizons, and surreal scenery alongside unique wildlife, Namibia in 2026 should be on your list.
- Why in 2026: This is the destination for adventurers and photographers. With increasing solar-powered camps and community-run tourism projects, it’s a leader in sustainable, remote travel.
- Don’t Miss: The wildlife-adapted elephants of Etosha National Park, the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei, and the fascinating wildlife of the Skeleton Coast.
7. Zambia – The Birthplace of the Walking Safari
For the purist and the adventurous soul, Zambia offers a raw and authentic safari experience led by some of Africa’s best guides.
- Why in 2026: It remains blissfully uncrowded. In 2026, look for more seasonal specials and unique opportunities to explore parks like South Luangwa and the remote Kafue on foot and by boat.
- Don’t Miss: A walking safari in South Luangwa National Park and witnessing the thunderous Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya).
Planning Your 2026 Safari: Start Now
- Define Your Priorities: Is it the Great Migration? Gorillas? Desert solitude? Luxury or adventure?
- Consider the Season: 2026 weather patterns will follow usual cycles—dry seasons for wildlife viewing, green seasons for birds and beauty.
- Book Early: Top lodges and sought-after experiences (like gorilla permits) for 2026 will book up well in advance.
- Travel Responsibly: Choose operators and lodges committed to conservation and community empowerment.
Your 2026 Adventure Starts Here
The best safari destination for you depends on the story you want to tell and the experiences you crave. Whether it's the rolling plains of Kenya, the deep waterways of Botswana, or the misty mountains of Rwanda, 2026 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year to answer Africa’s call.
Ready to turn your 2026 safari dream into a plan?
Our expert team at
Beneber Africa Safaris specialises in crafting personalised, thoughtful, and unforgettable journeys. Contact us today to start planning the safari adventure of a lifetime.
Top 5 Tips for Booking Your African Safari
Planning your safari holiday in Africa is hugely exciting. There are so many bucket-list experiences to choose from; natural wonders to see; gorgeous tented camps and lodges to stay at; and alluring landscapes to soak in – from mountains to beaches, rainforests to deserts.
We've been planning safaris since 1998. We thrive on matching the right locations, lodges and activities to our clients' wish-lists, making their African safari dreams come true and their vacation unforgettable for all the right reasons.
Because of our excellent service, we are proud of our almost 100% rating on Feefo, an independent and verified review system where our clients give honest feedback. Read what they have to say here.
1. Know When You Want to Go
In Africa, timing is everything. Most of the continent's best safari experiences depend entirely on naturally occurring factors, like seasonal rainfall. This means that having preferred travel dates will make a big difference to your itinerary – you don't want to be in the Serengeti when the millions of wildebeest are already mowing down fresh grass in the Masai Mara!
Knowing how many days you want to spend in Africa and at what time of year is very important information to have when you start planning your itinerary. Not only will this influence what you'll see and experience, it also has a big impact on your budget. If your safari goal is a seasonal event, the best places to experience it will likely be booked up well in advance, which means you want to know the ideal travel dates as soon as you start planning.
Peak or High SeasonLow or Green SeasonAbout June to OctoberAbout November to MayHighest ratesLowest rates (except Christmas and New Year)Book up to 12 months in advanceAim to book 2-6 months in advanceCoolest and driest weatherWarmest and wettest weatherEasiest to find and see animalsMore challenging but rewarding to find and see animalsMost visitorsFewest visitorsThinnest vegetation and fewest water sourcesLushest vegetation and most waterMost dust, least mudLeast dust, most mud
2. Know Where You Want to Go
Start with having a specific goal for your safari. Maybe you've dreamt of seeing gorillas since you were a child, or witnessing Victoria Falls in full flood, or seeing all the Big 5 in the wild. What animals or experiences are at the heart of your dream safari? The answer will more than likely help determine your ideal destination.
Ask your travel consultant:
- Where is the best place to see the animal you most want to see?
- Where is the best place to experience what interests you the most?
When you have a primary destination and rough travel dates, you can explore which attractions and experiences combine well with your goal. This is the main reason we curate and publish tour packages and itinerary ideas. Browse our safaris to find out which locations and attractions go well together in terms of logistics and gain a general idea of the costs per person. You'll most likely enrich your safari goal with additional places and experiences, creating a wish list for our Africa Safari Experts to turn into a dream vacation itinerary.
Part of our service is to make sure your journey is tailored around your unique travel wishes and concerns. For example: if you're travelling with your young children or elderly parents, celebrating a special occasion, use a wheelchair or dietary requirements (vegan, kosher or halal), or simply prefer private residences to hotels – we tailor your itinerary around your needs and preferences.
If you don't yet have a specific safari goal, we recommend that you do a little research to find out what really interests you. A good source of inspiration and advice is our weekly newsletter – sign up for it here.
Alternatively, you can always connect with one of our Africa Safari Experts about what you generally do and don't like on holiday.
3. Have a Budget Estimate
An African safari is not an inexpensive holiday. Even though there is a wide range of available itineraries and travel styles, there are a lot of logistics involved in going on safari in Africa. It's also worth keeping in mind that safari lodges must deliver excellent service, food and accommodation in very remote destinations – and that costs much more than delivering the same standard of comfort in a big city.
4. Know Your Travel Style
Your travel style is a matter of personal preference and is influenced by the people you intend to travel with, your budget, and the time you have available for your vacation. If your budget is limited, you'll want the most affordable options. If you have limited time, you'll want the most efficient travel logistics.
Which One of These Travel Types Do You Prefer?
Tailor-made Trips:
Our tailoring service doesn't cost you anything extra – it's the value you get when you book through Beneber Africa Safaris. Our Africa Safari Experts match your wish-list, preferences and budget to the most suitable accommodations, activities and locations, and make sure you get the best value for your time and money.
Private Tailor-made Trips:
Perhaps you're planning a romantic honeymoon or want to travel with young children? If you want a completely private experience with features like your own dedicated guide, exclusive-use safari vehicle or private helicopter transfers, then chat with your Africa Safari Expert about the options.
Set Departure Dates:
These safari experiences start and end on fixed dates during the year. This type of travel includes luxury train journeys and mobile safari expeditions (such as following the Wildebeest Migration in East Africa). The rest of your itinerary can still be tailor-made to your wishes.
5. Choose an Established Travel Agent
When choosing a travel agent who can add true value to your African safari, look for the following criteria:
- Personal travel experience in the specific countries you want to visit.
- Independent, unbiased advice – your agent should not be employed by a specific lodge, safari activity operator or marketing company.
- Financial protection – the necessary supplier insurance to protect your travel investment.
- Full travel booking service – it's in your best interest to work with a full-service partner, an agent that takes care of every detail from your flights, activities, accommodation, transfers… everything.
- 24/7 on-safari support – an important advantage of booking through a credible agent who is based in Africa.
- Recent reviews published on independent sites like Feefo.
A great agent takes the time to get to know your preferences, addresses your all concerns, and offers you detailed, up-to-date travel advice. Good planning reduces risk and increases rewards – from making savvy savings to smart splurges, the best agents deliver vacations that you'll be talking about for the rest of your life.
Ready to Go?
You've set your travel goal, enriched your vacation wish-list, worked out your budget range and preferred dates, and been allocated your personal Africa Safari Expert. It's time to get ready for the holiday of a lifetime…
Must-visit places and must-do experiences named for 2026 news
Haven't booked your 2026 safari yet? Get moving, as the must-visit destination lists for next year are starting to drop—and Africa features prominently.
The venerable travel guide Lonely Planet published its “Best in Travel 2026” book on October 21, featuring a list of 25 great places and 25 great experiences to try out in the year ahead. Among these global highlights, one destination stands out for the discerning adventurer: Botswana. This recognition aligns perfectly with the immersive, wildlife-rich journeys we curate at Beneber Africa Safaris. Explore our tailored Botswana itineraries at Beneber Africa Safaris.
Also in the List is Botswana. For Botswana, it’s the unparalleled combination of vast, untamed wilderness and profound ecological wonders. As Chambers might attest, Botswana offers "a truly transformative encounter with nature."
Best Places: Africa’s Call
Botswana’s inclusion is no surprise to us. It’s a land of stunning contrasts—from the life-giving waters of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the stark, beautiful expanses of the Kalahari and the elephant-rich corridors of Chobe National Park.
“Botswana represents the pinnacle of sustainable, high-quality safari experiences,” says our team at Beneber. “It’s about witnessing the raw drama of the wild in pristine, protected landscapes.” This is the essence of the adventures we design. Discover why Botswana is a top pick for 2026 on our Destination Page.
Beyond the List: Curating Your Experience
While lists inspire, personalisation is key. At Beneber Africa Safaris, we don’t just book trips; we craft journeys. Whether it’s a serene mokoro (dugout canoe) excursion in the Delta, tracking predators on the Savuti plains, or experiencing cultural interactions with local communities, we ensure your 2026 safari is deeply meaningful and seamlessly executed.
Lonely Planet’s list also sparks excitement for other regions we specialise in, such as Peru, Tanzania, and South Africa. The world is full of wonder, but Africa holds a unique, soul-stirring magic.
Your 2026 Safari Awaits
Let the experts guide you. Don’t just read about the best places—experience them with the confidence that comes from expert planning and local knowledge.
Start crafting your legendary 2026 adventure with us today.
Contact Beneber Africa Safaris:
- Phone: +254 715 641 853
- Email: info@beneberafrica-safaris.com
- Website: Beneber Africa Safaris
Africa’s most luxurious safaris
Africa has always been a land of legend—a place of untamed wilderness, breathtaking landscapes, and wildlife encounters that echo in the soul long after the journey ends. But for the discerning traveller, there exists another Africa. One where raw adventure is seamlessly woven with profound luxury, where exclusivity meets authenticity, and where every moment is crafted to be nothing short of extraordinary.
Top Destinations & Iconic Lodges
The canvas of Africa is vast, but certain landscapes hold a mythic power. These are the places we call home.
- Kenya’s Masai Mara: The stage for the Great Migration is also a stage for human artistry in hospitality. Perch on the edge of the escarpment at Angama Mara, where every suite frames the Mara Triangle like a living painting. For front-row seats to the river crossings, the intimate Sala’s Camp offers unparalleled access, while the exclusive conservancies around Asilia's Naboisho promise private wildlife encounters away from the crowds.
- South Africa’s Sabi Sands: Renowned for the elusive leopard, this private reserve is the epitome of exclusivity. At Londolozi Private Granite Suites, you’re not just a guest; you’re part of a legacy of conservation and hyper-luxury, with a dedicated team ensuring your every moment is as wild or as relaxed as you desire.
- Tanzania’s Serengeti: Endless plains hold secret sanctuaries. Find profound seclusion and superb big cat viewing at Asilia's Namiri Plains, or experience the seamless fusion of global luxury and wild Africa at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge in the Serengeti.
- Botswana’s Okavango Delta: A jewel of life-giving water in the Kalahari. From the legendary Little Mombo camp, often called “the Place of Plenty,” witness wildlife from your private deck before taking to the skies on a breathtaking helicopter safari to grasp the Delta’s vast, labyrinthine beauty from above.
- Zambia’s Lower Zambezi: For romance and adventure intertwined. Sausage Tree Camp offers elegant tented suites and gourmet dining with the river as your backdrop, while Thorntree River Lodge blends sustainable design with an atmosphere of serene romance.
- Rwanda’s Misty Mountains: A journey of the spirit. Combine the profoundly moving experience of gorilla trekking with the serene luxury of island retreats on Lake Kivu, a contrast that embodies the transformative power of Africa.
- Namibia’s Skeleton Coast: Otherworldly and remote. Here, luxury is defined by solitude and stark beauty. Sleep under a universe of stars in a star bed, surrounded by the haunting silence of the desert meeting the sea.
Chapter Two: The Signature of Luxury – Experiences That Define a Journey
Luxury is not just about where you stay, but how you experience the wild. With Beneber Africa Safaris, every detail is an opportunity for wonder.
- The Ultimate Privacy: Imagine a fully exclusive-use camp—your own private oasis with dedicated guides, a personal chef to cater to your palate, and a vehicle ready to follow your rhythm. This isn’t just a safari; it’s your personal African narrative.
- Beyond the Game Drive: We unlock the wilderness from every angle. Soar above dramatic landscapes on a helicopter trip, traverse ancient paths on a guided walking safari, glide silently past hippos in a kayak, or enjoy a camel ride at sunrise. Culinary adventures await with bush breakfasts set in acacia groves and fireside dinners under the constellations.
- Architecture in Harmony: Our selected lodges are destinations in themselves. They are masterpieces perched on rocky kopjes like Jabali Ridge, overlooking migration highways like Ikuka, or suspended among trees to bring the canopy to your door.
- Gourmet in the Wild: Dining is an event. Savour garden-to-table cuisine where ingredients are sourced locally or from the lodge’s own garden. Each meal—from a picnic lunch on a remote sandbank to a multi-course dinner—celebrates the flavours of Africa with refinement.
- Sanctuaries of Comfort: After a day of adventure, retreat to your private sanctuary. Slip into a plunge pool overlooking a waterhole, unwind in a lavish bathroom with a view, and relax in a suite designed as a serene haven of space and style.
This is the realm of Beneber Africa Safaris, where we don’t just plan trips—we curate experiences for those who seek the pinnacle of both comfort and discovery. Let us guide you through a world where iconic destinations meet signature luxury.
This is more than a vacation; it is an immersion into a world where every sense is awakened and every expectation is surpassed. At Beneber Africa Safaris, we are the architects of these unparalleled experiences, blending extreme comfort with incredible wildlife encounters for the world’s most discerning travellers.
Are you ready to write your chapter?
Begin your legendary journey with us.
Contact Beneber Africa Safaris to start crafting your exclusive African narrative.
Phone: +254 715 641 853
Email: info@beneberafrica-safaris.com
Website:
www.beneberafrica-safaris.com
The wilderness is calling. Answer in style.