An all-inclusive African safari offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the continent's stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. With everything from accommodation and meals to game-viewing activities included in one set daily rate per person, these tours provide a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Since 1998, tailor-made all-inclusive African safari vacations have been crafted for thousands of travellers from across the globe. An African safari offers a rare chance to connect with nature, diverse cultures, and one another.
The Serengeti and Maasai Mara Ecosystem
Why Choose an All-Inclusive Safari?
Opting for an all-inclusive African safari vacation means smart savings without sacrificing comfort or luxury. The set daily rate typically covers:
- Accommodation
- Meals and snacks
- Standard drinks (soft drinks, beer, wine, and regular spirits)
- Game-viewing activities
However, some resorts or lodges offer optional activities like hot-air ballooning and helicopter rides at an additional cost, often provided by independent operators. All standard game-viewing activities are usually included too, although some properties offer certain activities as optional extras that incur an additional cost. However, in other camps these same activities are included, so it really depends on the individual camp and what is offered as standard.
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Top Destinations for a 7-Day African Safari
7-Day African safari tours offer an unforgettable journey into some of the world’s most iconic and diverse wilderness areas, where travelers can witness the majestic Big Five, experience the Great Migration, trek with gorillas, or explore vast savannahs, lush rainforests, and remote deserts. The ultimate 7-day African safari tours, where each destination promises a once-in-a-lifetime blend of wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and impressive cultural experiences.
Top destinations for a 7-day safari include:
- Kenya’s Maasai Mara: Known for the Big Five and the Great Migration.
- Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater: Offers incredible wildlife viewing.
- Uganda’s Bwindi: Famous for gorilla trekking.
- South Africa’s Kruger National Park: A diverse and accessible wildlife destination.
Each offers incredible wildlife viewing, luxurious lodges, and cultural experiences. A week allows travelers to explore one country deeply or combine two regions.
The Great Migration
The Great Migration - Wildebeest Migration from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara, Crossing Mara River
Best Time to Visit
The time of your travel is critical to enjoying the safari experience. The best time for a 7-day safari is during the dry season (June-October), when wildlife gathers around waterholes and grass is shorter, ideal for sightings. Peak Season is when the animals are at their most plentiful or they are most visible. For example, they are most plentiful on the Maasai Mara National Reserve during the July-October period when 2 million animals migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Conversely, the Serengeti is better in the December-June period because the migrating animals are all in that area. In places where waterholes provide the best viewing, the dry season is better.
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The wet season (March-May) offers lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but makes roads muddy and game viewing harder. November to February can also be rewarding in East Africa due to baby animals and migrating birds.
The Green Season is the time when rains bring plenty of green. It is usually the cheapest time to visit a place. Sounds lovely, but there are some things to consider. The more it rains, the more foliage appears and the harder it is to see animals. Due to the extra water, animals that usually gather around waterholes can find water elsewhere, thus making it even harder to find the animals. Remember, that in some places where the green season occurs (such as Kenya) parks will close to visitors because the dirt roads become impassable.
Shoulder Season occurs between the two listed above, and it is a bit of a lottery. Sometimes the animals will stay longer if they find more food in the area, but this varies greatly year by year. For example, in the Maasai Mara November is the shoulder season. Still, if there have been more rains in Kenya during the proceeding few months, there will be more grass to graze on, and the animals on The Great Migration will linger for long past their normal departure date of October.
Cost of a 7-Day Safari
Prices vary by destination, accommodation, and inclusions. On average, a 7-day safari costs $2,600-$4,500 per person for mid-range options. Luxury safaris range from $5,000-$10,000, with exclusive camps, private guides, and charter flights. Budget safaris, often group-based, start around $1,800. Costs typically cover park fees, game drives, meals, and lodging. International flights, visas, and tips are usually separate.
| Safari Type | Average Cost (per person) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $1,800 - $2,600 | Group-based, basic accommodation |
| Mid-Range | $2,600 - $4,500 | Comfortable lodging, standard inclusions |
| Luxury | $5,000 - $10,000+ | Exclusive camps, private guides, charter flights |
Accommodation Options
The standard of accommodation can be very high, and the price reflects this quality. There are two types of accommodation.
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- The first type is the lodge-style - this can be a similar style to a hotel or different self-contained chalets.
- The second type is preferred by many, and it is the luxury tented option. These are larger (if not larger) than most hotel rooms you have stayed in). They can even have Wifi, and I once stayed in a luxury tent with a chandelier - look at the photograph below to see what a tented camp can look like.
Note that almost all safari accommodation is full board (meaning they provide all food - 3 meals a day) though drinks can cost extra. Finally, many places (especially tented camps) have a minimum age restriction. Check with them before you book. These tents are in the open and wild animals can and do roam close to them.
Luxury tented camp
There are three different areas to stay when on safari.
- The first is to stay within the park.
- The second is to stay within a conservancy adjacent to major parks. The advantage of staying in conservancies attached to major parks is that they attract far less vehicular traffic. They charge an additional fee to enter, thus deterring many from coming in. During peak season some parks can become a traffic jam, whereas the adjacent conservancy has just as many animals but with only a handful of vehicles. I remember once on the Maasai Mara seeing a family of 3 cheetahs relaxing under the shade of a tree - and there were literally dozens of vehicles battling for the best position.
- The third option is to stay outside the park. You do not need to stay in a park (and thus pay park fees) if you stay very close by - plus you can still enjoy animal viewing. We once stayed near to South Luangwa Park in Zambia - the park was located on the other side of the river.
Game Drives: The Heart of Your Safari
Of all the sections on this page, this is one of the most important. Game drives are at the heart of a safari experience - and the more time you are in a vehicle searching for animals, the better. The best times for viewing are the 30 minutes before sunrise and 60 minutes after sunrise, as well as 60 minutes before sunset and 30 minutes after sunset. Look for camps that provide the most game drive time.
Be aware that a number will only allow for 2 hours both at sunrise and sunset. These may be cheaper to stay at, but it is a false economy. For example, let’s say you have found a camp that costs you 400 US dollars per night, and they provide you with 4 hours of game drives per day (2 hours sunrise, 2 hours sunset), but there is another camp that charges 600 US dollars per night, and they provide you with 8 hours per day (2 hours sunrise, 6 hours afternoon and sunset). Now consider the different rates per hour for your game drives. In the first, your 400 US dollars for 4 hours of game drives equates to 100 US dollars per hour. But for the second, your 600 USD dollars for 8 hours of games drives equates 75 US dollars per hour - this is far better value.
One final piece of advice, it is far better to go on a game drive first and eat breakfast after you have finished your drive. Request if this is possible - and if it isn’t, find a camp that allows you to do this. That period for half an hour, either side of sunrise is when animals are most active. For example, I stayed at a camp in Tsavo West in Kenya. We were told there would be a 06:00 departure (30 minutes before sunrise) for those who wanted it - and I was the only person who did. There were wonderful variety and volume of animals to see - it was really special. Upon returning to the camp, I met other travellers who decided to take the later 06:30 departure, and they told me ‘We didn’t see much at all’.
Note that there is a particular type of game drive called a Sundowner - this is when you head to a viewing point to watch a sunset with a drink of wine and some food. For those who want the African sunset experience, this is a fantastic way to end your day. However, if you love photography, you will find the sundowners to be frustrating.
Some areas allow you to go on a Night Safari - this is when many animals (such as predators) are most active. The vehicle carries at least one very powerful light that illuminates a wide area. The only time I’ve seen an active lion hunt was during a night safari, as lions mostly rest during the day.
Remember that on all game drives to keep talking to a minimum. The loudest noise from a vehicle should be the engine and not your voice. It’s not unusual to be driving for 20-30 minutes without people saying anything except ‘beautiful’ and similar words about the landscape. When close to an animal, silence is essential. If you wish to talk about what you have seen - wait until after you drive away from the animals.
Safari Vehicle
Self-Drive vs. Guided Game Drives
I love driving myself around - and much prefer it to have someone drive me due to the freedom it allows. However, the exception to this rule is on a game drive in Africa - and it is far better to be driven by a local person with knowledge of the area.
Local drivers offer several advantages:
- Network for animal sightings: Local drivers within a National Park have a network. You will regularly see drivers talking to other drivers as they pass each other (even if they are from competing accommodation places), and drivers from the same accommodation will keep in contact with each other by two-way radios. In every one of these conversations, drivers will share information as to where animals are being found.
- Experience for safety: Can you recognise the signs when a bull elephant is about to charge a vehicle? Unless you can answer this question quickly and confidently, you are taking an unnecessary risk if you drive yourself.
- Support network: What happens if your vehicle breaks down in a National Park? Who is going to help you? If you are using a local driver, they will always source someone to assist - especially with their two-way radios.
If you do decide to drive yourself, ensure that you have the correct type of vehicle and the correct colour of vehicle.
Other Ways to Experience the Wild
If you have the opportunity to visit a local village - then do so. There are other ways to get around a park than being in a vehicle. Horse and camel safaris are available in certain areas, and though you see a lot less, the experience is incredible.
Sometimes, one can visit animal sanctuaries, where animals at risk are placed under protective care. The quality of the care and the sanctuary varies greatly, but there are two that are highly recommended. First, is the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust where you can view orphaned elephants that will eventually be returned to the wild. The other is the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, more commonly known as the Giraffe Centre, home to the endangered Rothchild Giraffe.
Walking safaris are also available in certain parks, but these only occur where there are no predators and no elephants. You will always have a guard with you, so safety is not an issue. This gives you a chance to look closely at trees, plants, animal tracks, and resting places for certain creatures as well.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
This is something many people overlook when on safari, but it is critical to your enjoyment. The two key aspects of having the right vehicle are comfort and viewing.
- Minivan - if you find a very cheap safari operator, it is likely they will use these vehicles. They don’t handle the bumps of dirt roads as well as the other vehicles listed, their smaller windows hinder visibility, and if you happen to find yourself in the middle seat, you won’t be able to see much at all.
- Standard off-road vehicle (such as the Toyota Land Cruiser) - they may be comfortable and suitable great for most outdoor activities. Still, due to the limited windows, these hinder your ability to command a full 360-degree view of the area. Yes, some do have pop-up tops where you can look through the top, but standing while bumping along a road is not comfortable.
- Modified off-road vehicle - these sit higher and have a longer wheelbase than a standard off-road vehicle. This allows you to see more of the landscape, plus these vehicles handle the bumps much better than standard off-road vehicles.
- Modified windowless off-road vehicle - these are very similar to the previous vehicle but have no window frames at all and thus provide the best visibility (a photo of one is below). However, these vehicles are harder to find - but if you do find them, you are guaranteed the best experience in terms of comfort and viewing. The only negative is that if the weather gets cold, you cannot close windows.
Note that safari camps or tour operators that use modified vehicles will charge you more, but is definitely worth the extra expense.
Modified windowless off-road vehicle
What to Pack
- Bring neutral and pastel-coloured clothes - avoid wearing anything bright.
- Safari locations can get cold at night, so bring a light pair of thermals and/or a jacket.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat and avoid too many short clothes (skirts, pants, shorts). Longer clothes protect you against the sun and from potentially malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
- Avoid bringing any strong smelling perfume or deodorant. Bright colours and strong deodorant can deter some animals.
- If you want to make the most of the photographic opportunities, bring a DSLR or Mirrorless camera with a longer (at least 200mm) zoom lens.
- Remember that if you need to fly a smaller plane to reach your safari destination, there is a strict 15kg limit (including hand luggage) per person. You may be allowed to bring more weight with you, but it is not guaranteed. Soft bags are preferred by domestic airlines, and luggage with wheels does not work well in any safari destination - consider an alternative.
With 25 years of experience in safari and 11 incredible adventures, there's nothing quite like an African Safari with Tauck. Our expertise allows us to introduce guests to new cultures and destinations. We do it all… intimate wildlife encounters, thrilling game drives, opportunities to connect with local communities, and accommodations with animal neighbors. Africa's "Big Five" are among the wildlife that can be spotted on our classic safaris evoking expeditions of yesteryear... but with modern day touches such as night vision goggles that make wildlife viewing on night safari drives something special.
Discover a time when the Great Rift Valley held the secrets of the origins of mankind... a place where the Serengeti and the Masai Mara harbor umbrella-like acacia tree and rocky outcrops known as "kopje"... A once-in-a-lifetime encounter with endangered mountain gorillas... On two safaris in wildlife-rich game reserves in Tanzania and Kenya, you'll spend the last three nights of your journey in Rwanda - home to the last remaining mountain gorillas on Earth.
After gaining insights on gorilla behavior at private lectures and a visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Museum, you'll be ready to begin your gorilla trek. We can't find any itineraries that match your departure date. The keyword's results do not contain the selected date.
Adhere to all instructions by your safari guides and hosts whether you are in the camp or on a game drive - their primary concern is your safety, and they have the experience to support it. If they tell you to not wander around your safari camp on your own - don’t do it. Never, ever leave a vehicle during a game drive unless permitted by your safari guide or driver. In most cases, if a wild animal is near and you are on the ground - don’t move. Elephants will pass you if you are motionlessness and if you run, predators automatically assume you are prey, even if you don’t smell like one.
Many people believe that the most dangerous animals are predators (such as lions, leopards and cheetahs) - this is incorrect - they much prefer to munch on a juicy zebra, wildebeest or an antelope. The most dangerous animals in Africa are the hippo and the elephant - they easily account for more deaths than predators (predators usually attack livestock instead of people). Though they are vegetarians, they will violently defend their territory. For hippos, it is the water they are soaking in or the area around them if heading to land to graze at night, and for elephants, it is wherever they happen to be. Most dangerous of them all is the lone male elephant who has been driven away from their herd (the adults in a herd are only female) as they can become very aggressive.
There are two mains regions for safaris in Africa. East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda) and Southern Africa (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Botswana and Namibia). There is a definite difference between the two. The largest animals are found in East Africa - the elephants are bigger, and the lions are bigger, to name just two. My educated guess for this is that poaching was endemic in Southern Africa and it wiped out the largest of most species - whereas this did not occur on such a scale in East Africa.
Some places are more famed for its wildlife than others. Chobe National Park in Botswana is famed for elephants, and so is to Samburu National Reserve in Kenya, South Luangwa in Zambia is known for its leopards, but the grandest of them all is the Maasai Mara/Serengeti ecosystem that straddles Tanzania and Kenya. Every year 2 million animals (mostly wildebeest but also zebra and different antelopes) migrate between the northern and southern parts of this ecosystem, in what is termed ‘The Great Migration’.
Animal Viewing - Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya during The Great Migration (July-October) nothing else comes close to this spectacle of 2 million animals searching for literally greener pastures. I saw more animals in the first half-hour of a game drive during The Great Migration than all my previous days of game drives combined.
Natural Beauty - Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania. To be within this crater at any time of day is incredible for you are entirely encircled by a steep, high escarpment. If you arrive at dawn, you could experience the breathtaking sight of driving through the fog and suddenly breaking through the cloud to see the crater spread out below you. Below are two recommendations for Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Best Value for Money - South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. There are many camps on the border of the park that are very reasonably priced.
Specialist activities, such as hot air ballooning and scenic flights, are generally arranged with outside suppliers and therefore incur an additional charge. Laundry services are included at almost all lodges and this is particularly important and useful since internal scheduled and charter aircraft flights within Africa have very strict baggage limits (23kg in Zambia, 20kg in South Africa and Botswana, and just 15kg in Kenya and Tanzania, including hand luggage), and there is, therefore, a need to pack lightly.
Several of our favorite camps and lodges are amongst the most luxurious properties in the world, with private plunge pools overlooking the plains, decadent décor, and world-class chefs serving cuisine rivaling top city restaurants - all this is included in your stay.
