What Is a Safari?

Picture this: the sun rising over the savanna — golden light brushing the tall grass, elephants trudging by, and a lion’s roar carrying across the plains.

The term safari comes from the Swahili word for “journey.” It reflects both the physical adventure and the emotional discovery that come with venturing into the wild.

A safari offers the chance to see nature at its most raw and real. From Kenya’s open savannas to Tanzania’s endless plains, safaris reveal the intricate balance of life that unfolds in the natural world.

Quick Answer — What Is a Safari?

A safari is a guided trek into protected wilderness areas to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Travelers set out in safari vehicles with professional guides to explore grasslands and wetlands, discovering amazing wildlife along the way. Each day on safari unfolds at nature’s pace, with early mornings, leisurely afternoons, and evenings under starry skies. It’s a blend of adventure, conservation, and connection to nature.

What Happens on a Safari?

1. Morning Game Drives

Before sunrise, the air is crisp and still. You climb into your safari vehicle as the landscape begins to glow with the first light of day. This is when the animals are most active. Lions are on the prowl, giraffes are feeding among acacia trees, and elephants are heading to watering holes. Morning drives offer your best chance to witness Africa’s famous “Big Five”: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and Cape buffalo. But you’ll also spot zebras, gazelles, and hundreds of bird species in motion.

2. Afternoons of Discovery

After a picnic lunch or rest at your lodge, you’ll often head out again for an afternoon game drive. The light softens, the heat fades, and the savanna hums with renewed life.

Pro Tip: Neutral, lightweight clothing helps you stay cool and comfortable during both drives and cultural visits. Learn more about what to pack for a safari.

3. Evenings Under the African Sky

As the sun sinks low, the sky shifts to orange, violet, and rose. This is “sundowner” time — a beloved safari tradition of enjoying a cool drink as the day fades to dusk. Back at camp, dinner is often served under a blanket of stars. You’ll share stories with fellow travelers, listen to the sounds of the bush, and feel a world away from ordinary life. Safari lodges and tented camps offer a range of rustic charm and modern comforts, including comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and verandas that open to sweeping views of the wild. Falling asleep to the symphony of crickets and distant animal calls is a memory you’ll never forget.

Featured Tour:African Safari: Kenya & Tanzania

When’s the Best Time to Go on a Safari?

The best time to go on a safari depends on what you most want to see. Wildlife viewing is excellent year-round, offering something special in every season. During the dry months, animals gather around water sources, making sightings easier and more frequent.

In contrast, the rainy months transform the landscape into a lush, green paradise teeming with life. This is also the best time to spot vibrant bird species and witness the region’s natural beauty in full bloom. Additionally, crowds are fewer during the rainy season.

Where to Go on Safari

Safaris in Kenya

In Kenya, the landscape feels infinite. You might spot elephants crossing the plains of Amboseli with snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in the background or watch herds of animals moving through the Masai Mara during migration season. Nairobi, the capital, offers unique opportunities to learn about conservation efforts, such as elephant sanctuaries and giraffe centers.

Featured Tour:The Plains of Africa

When is the Best Time to Go on a Safari in Kenya?

At the end of the rainy season, typically May or June, the Masai Mara becomes the stage for one of Earth’s most extraordinary dramas — the Great Migration. More than a million and a half wildebeest, joined by herds of zebra and gazelle, thunder across the plains in search of fresh grazing. It’s a season defined by movement and survival, highlighted by the dramatic river crossings of the Mara and Talek Rivers. As the landscape turns golden and dry, vegetation thins, making it the perfect time for remarkable, unobstructed wildlife viewing.

Wildlife areas are at their prime from January to March and again from June to October, when the weather is mild and dry. That said, the short rainy season from November to December offers its own unique advantages. Wildlife viewing remains excellent, and crowds are fewer.

Tanzania Safaris

To the south, Tanzania provides a different kind of wonder. The Serengeti, whose name means “endless plains,” is home to some of the world’s most dramatic wildlife encounters. Nearby, the Ngorongoro Crater shelters one of the densest populations of mammals on earth, while Tarangire National Park is known for its ancient baobab trees and thriving elephant herds.

Featured Tour:Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana

When is the Best Time to Go on a Safari in Tanzania?

Similar to Kenya, the dry season in Tanzania, from June to October, is ideal for concentrated wildlife viewing. However, the green season, from November to May, offers lush scenery and fewer crowds.

Namibia Safaris

Namibia’s landscapes tell a story all their own. From the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, where the sand glows in shades of red and gold, to the otherworldly salt pans of Etosha National Park, this is a destination defined by contrasts. Watch desert-adapted elephants roam the rugged Damaraland region or gaze up at some of the clearest night skies on Earth in the Namib Desert.

Featured Tour: Namibia & South Africa: Epic Landscapes & Wildlife

When is the Best Time to Go on a Safari in Namibia?

The best time to visit Namibia is during the dry season, from May to October, when wildlife congregates around waterholes and temperatures are cooler. The green season, from November to April, transforms the desert into a photogenic landscape with dramatic skies and bursts of color — ideal for photographers and solitude seekers alike.

Safaris That Go Beyond Wildlife — Cultural Encounters

A safari is also about people — the communities who have lived in harmony with these landscapes for generations. Meeting artisans and tribal groups reveals a side of Africa that’s rooted in storytelling, tradition, and respect for the natural world. These exchanges turn a safari into more than sightseeing. It becomes a shared experience that bridges cultures and deepens understanding.

On Collette African safari tours, travelers go beyond wildlife and into local communities. For example, onAfrican Safari: Kenya & Tanzania, travelers stop at a bead workshop that empowers single mothers. That tour also includes visits to tribal villages to learn about ways of life closely tied to the land. These encounters deepen your connection to Africa’s people and cultures.

FAQs About Safaris

What's a Typical Day Like on a Safari?

Expect early mornings for game drives, afternoons for rest or exploration, and evenings around the fire. Each day balances excitement and serenity.

What Should I Pack for a Safari?

Light, neutral clothing; comfortable shoes; sunscreen; insect repellent; binoculars; and a wide-brim hat. Many safaris have luggage limits, so soft duffel bags are ideal. Explore more safari packing recommendations.

Are Safaris Safe?

Yes. Guided safaris follow strict park rules and safety protocols. Collette works with expert guides who ensure travelers observe wildlife respectfully and responsibly.

Final Thoughts

A safari invites you to see the world differently — to slow down, look closer, and feel awe at every turn. Marvel at the breathtaking sunrise, the quiet patience of watching elephants cross a river, and the laughter shared with new friends beneath a vast African sky. With Collette, you’ll experience the wild authentically and responsibly through immersive game drives, meaningful cultural moments, and the unmatched beauty of Africa’s natural rhythms.

Ready to answer the call of the wild? Start your safari adventure with Collette.