Scheduled vs. Tailor-Made Safaris and Tours

When planning your African adventure, understanding the difference between a safari and a tour can help you choose the best experience for your trip. Though the terms are often used together, they refer to different types of travel.

What Is a Safari?

A safari involves spending multiple consecutive days (or even weeks) dedicated to game-viewing. A typical day on safari includes a morning and afternoon game drive in a national park, game reserve, or private conservancy, where you can observe and photograph Africa’s iconic wildlife.

Since safaris are focused on wildlife, they tend to be more expensive than tours. Entry fees to national parks and reserves, such as the Masai Mara Game Reserve (US$ 80 per person per day), can add up quickly. For instance, staying three nights in the Masai Mara would cost US$ 320 per person, excluding accommodation, transport, and guide fees. Examples of safaris include the 9-day Botswana Discover Fly-in Safari and the 12-day Classic Kenya Wilderness Safari.

What Is a Tour?

A tour, on the other hand, covers more ground and isn’t solely focused on game-viewing. Tours like the 20-day TransKalahari Adventure or the 21-day Cape Town to Victoria Falls often span thousands of kilometers. Tours are more affordable because they usually involve traveling in larger groups (12 to 16 people) and don’t always stay in wildlife areas. They’re a great option for first-time travelers to Africa, as they offer a variety of experiences that combine wildlife, landscapes, and cultural interactions.

Scheduled Safaris and Tours

Scheduled safaris and tours come with set departure dates and fixed pricing. These trips typically run with a minimum of two to four guests and are guided throughout. Scheduled safaris provide the advantage of traveling with a group of like-minded individuals, sharing an adventure that often leads to lasting friendships.

Accommodations on scheduled safaris vary, often combining lodges and tented camps. These trips are great for solo travelers but can also be booked by groups, such as families or friends.

Tailor-Made Safaris and Tours

A tailor-made safari or tour is a customized experience designed to match your specific interests or desired destinations. This option is ideal for both first-time visitors looking to experience a range of African highlights and returning travelers who want to explore new destinations or revisit their favorites.

Tailor-Made Road-Based Safaris and Tours

In a road-based safari, you have a private vehicle and guide for the duration of your trip. This type of safari is common in countries like Tanzania and Namibia.

Tailor-Made Fly-In Safaris and Tours

In a fly-in safari, you fly from camp to camp or lodge to lodge, either because there’s no road access or to avoid long drives. While the itinerary is tailored to your preferences, game drives and transfers at each lodge are typically shared with other guests. However, for an additional cost, you can arrange exclusive use of a guide, vehicle, or even a private aircraft.

Combining Safaris and Tours

Tailor-made safaris offer great flexibility. For instance, you can combine a scheduled safari, like the 13-day Botswana Lodge and Mobile Safari, with a week of customized travel in Kenya or Tanzania. This mix-and-match approach allows you to create the perfect African adventure tailored to your needs.