Social Dynamic

An important component to consider is the social dynamic of your safari. If traveling on a customized independent safari what types of interaction with other travelers do you want? On fly-in safaris you typically are assigned to a guide at each camp and will likely share a vehicle with other guests. At top quality destinations every one will have a ‘window’ seat for viewing (typically 6 guests) and never be stuck in the middle between people on drives. Cheaper locations may fill up to 10 seats packing people in which is certainly not recommended and is a big reduction in quality. Sharing a vehicle with assigned strangers usually works fine and can be a lot of fun as you make new friends but there is always the potential of competing demands that a guide has to try and balance. If you are ever saddled with guests that are very incompatible you should talk to the Camp Manager and request to be moved to a different guide and vehicle. At these fly-in camps meals are usually shared in a common area with all guests in camp. Some camps will break parties into their own separate tables. Usually it is possible to pay extra for a sole use vehicle (SUV) that will be yours to use privately but this tends to add a large cost if your party is just one or two people.

Safari Group Enjoying Campfire

On a guided vehicle safari, most common in Tanzania and Kenya, you will have your own private vehicle and guide that you use for all your game drives and transfers between locations. This is a great benefit to have the vehicle and guide all to yourself, although it is also a reason why there is some vehicle overcrowding in the popular East African parks. With this type of safari, unless you pay for your own private camping experience, you will be based out of camps that are shared with other people and thus your social component is sharing the fire and meals with other guests.

If you want more of a social dynamic you can sign on for an arranged group itinerary where you will be with the same people on the entire trip.