Top Private African Safaris: How to Plan Your Dream Tour
If you’re dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime private safari in Africa, every detail matters—just ask our Africa specialist, Barbara Wright. With more than 30 years of experience scouting 13 African countries, vetting countless camps and lodges, and building trusted local relationships, her expertise is the difference between a good safari and an extraordinary one.
From working with local organizations that plant baobabs in Madagascar and partnering with a Botswanan child care center to planning a surprise sundowner after a thrilling game drive in Tanzania, Barbara’s passion for crafting the perfect safari has earned her recognition as one of Condé Nast’s Top Travel Specialists and a spot on Travel + Leisure’s A-List. Below are a few of her favorite private African safaris, along with top tips for planning the private safari of a lifetime.
Best SafarI For Your FIRST TIME IN AFRICA
Tanzania Private Safari
For the ultimate safari introduction, head to Tanzania’s iconic Serengeti and Tarangire national parks for incredible year-round wildlife migration. Explore Ngorongoro Crater and stay at luxury camps in remote locations with cultural options like a Swahili lesson with Maasai people, plus night game drives.
Best SafarI FOR COUPLES
Kenya Private Safari
Journey to the birthplace of safaris in the legendary Masai Mara—home to the greatest concentration of wildlife on Earth—and the remote Samburu National Reserve. Optional hot air balloon rides, iconic Giraffe Manor, and starlit nights at our exclusive camps await.
Best SafarI FOR FAMILIES
South Africa, Victoria Falls & Hwange Private Safari
Relax in vibrant Cape Town, enjoy exciting game drives in Greater Kruger, explore thundering Victoria Falls, and spend a morning with local schoolkids in Hwange. This safari offers the perfect balance of activity, wildlife, and culture to engage every generation.
Ask the Private Safari Expert
You should ideally start planning a private safari 10-18 months in advance. This may seem like a long time, but it’s crucial to plan ahead if you’re aiming for peak wildlife seasons or planning experiences like gorilla trekking, where permits are limited and sell out quickly.
Flexibility. You travel on your own dates with your own group, and enjoy a private guide and dedicated vehicles. Every detail—from daily pacing to wildlife priorities—is tailored specifically to you.
Not all safari experiences are equal—even within the same national park. Camp location, timing, and access to less-visited areas can completely shape your experience. In places like the Serengeti, being in the right region at the right time can mean the difference between seeing scattered wildlife or witnessing the Great Migration unfold right in front of you.
On a recent scouting trip in Hwange, I walked with local children on their way to school and saw how our guests are directly supporting the community, from school lunches to the medical clinic. Later in the trip, I was on foot tracking elephants and watching lions on the Ngamo Plains, which has this wild, open feel that almost reminds me of the Serengeti, but without the crowds. It’s the combination of raw wilderness and meaningful community connection. No two days ever feel the same, and even after years of planning safaris, Africa still has a way of surprising me.
May 18, 2026
