Which Safari is Right for You?
Whether it's your first safari or you're a seasoned pro, choosing the right one is essential. That's why we've created a helpful guide highlighting key details for each safari, making it easier to navigate your options. Discover the best activities, destinations, and ideal seasons that match your interests. Check out the guide below and start planning your adventure!
East Africa vs. Southern Africa
Exhilarating game drives, luxury accommodations, and beautiful scenery, can be found in both East and Southern Africa, however your choice depends on the sites you want to see. East Africa captivates travelers with herds of animals, the Serengeti, and a chance to view the Great Migration. You'll see a vast amount of savannahs, rivers, and granite vistas in various national parks. Southern Africa presents a completely different adventure with tours of Victoria Falls, wine tastings in Cape Town, and more intimate wildlife journeys. In Southern Africa, you'll get a mix of city and safari.
| Safaris at a Glance | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tour | Days | Avg Guests | Departure Months | Potential Wildlife Spotting | Perfect For… |
| Spotlight on South Africa and Victoria Falls → | 9 | 30 | Jan - Feb, Apr - Oct |
The Big Five*, African Penguins, Zebra, Giraffe |
First Timers in Africa – our newest South Africa journey offers a well-rounded South Africa experience, including three nights in Cape Town exploring Table Mountain, Cape Point, and the stunning Cape Winelands.
5+ game drives |
| Namibia: Epic Safari → | 12 | 15 | Apr - Oct | The Big 5*, Baboon, Flamingo, Cheetah, Cape fur seal |
Adventure Seekers – for those who want to explore
desert and coastal landscapes plus the wildlife
reserves of Namibia, featuring game drives and
opportunities for cultural discoveries.
9+ game drives |
| South Africa: An Elegant Adventure → | 12 | 24 or 30 | Jan - Oct | The Big 5*, Springbok, Penguins, African painted dog | First Timers in Africa – Tauck's most popular Africa journey, combining a shorter safari experience with city experiences; also great for guests who have already been to East Africa
7+ game drives | small group departures available |
| Botswana, South Africa & Zambia → | 12 | 24 | May - Oct | The Big 5*, Hippopotamus, Cheetah, Giraffe, Meerkats | Adventure Seekers – an active safari with unique experiences, from ATVs to boats, canoes & helicopters, and animals not seen in other locations
10+ game drives |
| Wildlife Odyssey: South Africa, Botswana & Zimbabwe → | 12 | 15 | Mar - Oct, Dec | The Big 5*, Giraffe, Zebra, Antelope | Adventure Seekers – exploring by game drives, motorboats, bush walks and a helicopter flight tour over Cape Town & Cape of Good Hope
10+ game drives |
| Great Migration: Tanzania & Kenya → | 10 | 15 | Jan - Feb, Jun - Oct | The Big 5*, Wildebeest, Zebra, Eland, Gazelle | Adventure Seekers – our only safari focused on the Great Migration, with stays in tented camps, flightseeing, and a front row seat at one of the greatest shows on Earth
10+ game drives | hot-air balloon over the Serengeti |
| Kenya & Tanzania: A Classic Safari → | 13 | 30 | Jan - Feb, May - Oct, Dec | The Big 5*, Impalas, Zebra, Baboon | First Timers in Africa – a classic safari combining animal viewing, cultural experiences, and premier accommodations
10+ game drives | hot-air balloon over the Maasai Mara |
| Mountain Gorilla Safari: Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda → | 16 | 24 | Jun - Oct | The Big 5*, Gorillas, Giraffes | Adventure Seekers – a classic safari combining animal viewing and tribal cultural experiences with a trek to view a wild mountain gorilla family
11+ game drives | hot-air balloon over Massai Mara |
| Tanzania: Serengeti to Zanzibar → | 10 | 24 | Jan - Feb, May - Oct, Dec | The Big 5*, Primates, Waterbuck, Zebra | First Timers in Africa – the most affordable Tauck safari journey, combining animal viewing with exploration in seaside Zanzibar
9+ game drives | hot-air balloon over the Serengeti |
| Mountain Gorilla Safari: Tanzania, Zanzibar & Rwanda → | 13 | 24 | Jun - Jul, Sep | The Big 5*, Gorilla, Giraffe | Adventure Seekers – animal viewing with exploration
in seaside Zanzibar and a trek to view a wild mountain
gorilla family
11+ game drives | hot-air balloon in the Serengeti |
| Tanzania: A Grand Family Safari → | 10 | 30 | Jun - Aug, Dec | The Big 5*, Primates, Waterbuck, Zebra | Families looking for a bucket list wildlife adventure for multiple generations
10+ game drives | hot-air balloon in the Serengeti |
| *The Big 5 - elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros and buffalo. | |||||