Wildlife Safari

What exactly is a safari? And how is a Wildlife Safari in Africa these days?
A safari is a trip to Africa that includes spending time in the bush with wild animals. So, in essence, a safari is any trip into the wilderness to view wildlife.
An African safari can be an adventure tour that includes time spent in nature viewing animals and birds. A safari would still be an inaccurate term for an urban or cultural tour in Africa. However, it is common to refer to a marine boat tour as a “ocean safari.” First, consider the traditional African safari and how it has evolved
The History of African Safaris
Safari is derived from the Swahili word for “journey.” In colonial times, the implication was that big game (large animals) would be hunted, shot, and then dragged overland by a small army of local tribespeople. US President Teddy Roosevelt popularised the concept in the United States when he embarked on a massive safari with the ostensible goal of stockpiling African specimens at the Smithsonian Institute. 11,400 animals were killed by the rifles of the party, including 512 ‘big game’ – elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, and rhino, including six white rhino, which were rare even at the time.
We’ll go into more detail about hunting later, but for now, let us state unequivocally that creation MSK Tours does not sell hunting trips and does not support hunting for sport. This, in our opinion, is a primitive colonial-era pastime that the vast majority of Africa has moved on from.

A modern wildlife safari is NOT a hunting trip.
The days of an African wildlife safari being an overland journey to hunt wild animals are long gone! The term’s traditional meaning has shifted, so put your preconceived notions of African safaris aside in favour of new and improved interpretations. African safaris are no longer about exploiting natural resources and trophy hunting for entertainment purposes.
The term “Big Five” was coined by big-game hunters to refer to the most dangerous animals to hunt. The Big Five of Africa, on the other hand, are the most popular animals among tourists on wildlife safaris today. Among the Big Five, only the buffalo is not threatened or endangered (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant). Observing these African animals in their natural habitat, learning about them, and photographing them is now the sole purpose of encountering them.
.

What African Safaris are all about:
African safaris are about more than just game viewing and wildlife tracking. It is about:
- experiencing the local cultures of Africa
- exploring scenic places and natural wonders
- visiting historical highlights and sightseeing
- participating in adventure and outdoor activities (adventure travel)
Most African safaris are overland trips, which means that they travel between destinations by road. This isn’t always the case as fly-in safaris are an option, along with canoeing, hiking, sailing and various other specialist safaris. Make your inquiries now
Here are a few of the cheaper safari options:
- Overland Tours/Safaris: The camping safaris that travel overland in medium to large groups are the most affordable of the organised safaris. Overland tours done in large Overlanding trucks for medium-to-large groups of people are also the cheapest of the accommodated safaris. Exclusive overland safaris provide a mix of camping and lodge accommodations, with prices and comfort levels falling somewhere in the middle.
- Budget Camping Safaris: The budget camping safari is the next tier up in terms of pricing, and it is also designed for the budget traveller, but it usually operates with smaller groups and vehicles.
- Exclusive Budget Safaris: A step up from camping, offering a mix of fixed and camping lodging in or near game parks along the way.
- Budget Lodge Safaris: Staying in lodges and tented camps close to the travel highlights adds a touch of style and comfort to the affordable safari category.
- Mobile Camping Safaris: Travel in a 4×4 vehicle, moving camp from one location to the next and getting up close and personal with nature. Camp in private and/or public campgrounds, shifting with the guides, staff, and camping gear. These safaris are unobtrusive and have a low environmental impact. The cost of a mobile tented safari varies depending on the size of the group and whether it is fully serviced or requires client participation.
There are also some mid-priced safaris that stay in comfortable but not opulent lodges. These semi-luxury safaris lack the frills and finery of luxury safaris, but they do provide more personalised service and superior lodging for those willing to spend a little more on a safari.
Our recommended tour idea
Our itinerary suggestions will help you get a sense of what your trip might entail. Treat them as inspiration only, as each trip is tailored specifically to you, and there are many more options available.
Luxury African Safaris – Travel in Style
Here are a few ways to experience a luxury safari:
- Tailor-made Luxury Safaris: Bespoke safaris are the most expensive option. These are luxurious vacations tailored to the specific requirements of the discerning traveller. While exploring private game reserves and staying in upscale private lodges, clients can expect to be pampered and cared for at every turn. Budget travellers can now enjoy tailor-made African safaris at affordable rates, albeit with fewer frills and finery.
- Luxury Safaris: These luxurious safaris also make use of high-end lodges and hotels, but the itinerary is pre-planned. Clients pay more for the extra privacy, lavish facilities, exclusive game viewing activities, and elegant lodging. Spa treatments, private boat cruises, private dining in remote locations, and other amenities are included in the ultimate luxury safaris.
- Lodge-based Safaris: Travel to one or several select lodges that serve as a base for exploring the game reserves. Game lodges on these safaris are in or near the wildlife parks and range from affordable to exorbitant. This type of safari includes transfers from the airport or nearby city, but not from one destination or lodge to the next.
The Fly-in Wildlife Safari – Travel Direct

These wildlife safaris fly directly to the chosen destination or from one location to another, avoiding rough roads and visiting otherwise inaccessible locations. Fly-in African safaris save time and provide the benefit of not having to endure Africa’s often difficult roads. Flights are conducted in small planes with limited luggage capacity, so be aware. Flying is a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of the wilderness and even spot game from above, but fly-in safaris are typically more expensive.
Some safaris, on the other hand, combine land and air travel, only flying between certain stops, making them more affordable.
African Safari Sizes – the Big, the Small, the Long, and the Short
A safari can now range from a quick weekend trip to a single game reserve (or travel destination) to an epic cross-continental journey spanning several months and countries! Long and short safaris come in a variety of group sizes, with long, inexpensive African safaris typically travelling in large groups. Smaller group safaris travel with four to twelve people and provide a more intimate bush experience at a higher cost.
Specialist Safaris – Niche Travel in Africa
The list of specialist safaris you can choose from goes on and on…
- Hiking & walking safaris
- Tailor-made safaris
- Photographic safaris
- Birding safaris
- Horseback safaris
- Motorcycle Tours
- Cycling Tours
- Canoeing safaris
- Big Five safaris
- 4×4 Expedition safaris
- Gorilla trekking tours
- Wildlife tracking safaris
- Culinary safaris
- Whale watching safaris
- Cultural safaris
- Historical safaris
- Family safaris
- Eco safaris
- Safaris for Seniors
Another marvelous development is that many African safaris are family-friendly, catering for children too. There are wildlife safaris for families with children that specifically visit malaria-free areas suited to the young ones.
Budget African Safaris to our Best Travel Destinations
East African Safaris & Travel Highlights:
- Tanzania Safaris – Serengeti Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara, Selous Reserve & Zanzibar Islands
- Kenya Safaris – Masai Mara, Amboseli Park, Lake Nakuru, Samburu Reserve, Tsavo National Park & Lake Naivasha
- Uganda Safaris – Bwindi National Park, Kibale Park, Murchison Falls, Jinja & Queen Elizabeth National Park
Overwhelmed by all the African Safari options? Get in touch with us for up-to-date advice from one of our Creation MSK Tours Safaris experts.
We do not subscribe to the ‘one-size-fits-all’ philosophy. Sample itineraries and cost estimates are meant purely as a guide. To find out more, please contact one of our expert travel consultants to plan a customized itinerary based on your budget and interests.
Ready for your trip? Let us help you plan everything.

Speak to a specialist to start planning your tailor-made holiday…
Call one of our experts or arrange a video appointment for ideas and advice.
+256 753737337