I’ve Been Traveling to Africa for 35 Years — Here’s What You Should Know Before Planning Your First Trip

I first traveled to Africa when I was five years old, and I’ve returned every year since. No matter how many times I go, I’m always filled with that same excitement and awe I had as a little boy. 

Now armed with 35 years of experience touring the continent, I have some strong opinions on how to plan the perfect vacation to this part of the world. Here are five recommendations for anyone looking to take their first trip to Africa. 

Don’t Think of Africa as a “Once-in-a-Lifetime” Destination

“This will be our one and only, once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa” is a comment I hear a lot when speaking with prospective travelers. Not only does this put enormous pressure on the guest and the consultant to get the trip right, it also really limits you as to what you’re going to see or do. Africa is a huge continent with stunning landscapes, fascinating cultures, amazing wildlife, and unique experiences that deserves more than one visit. 

The mindset that Africa is a single-trip destination needs to change. People don’t think of Europe as a one-time destination, for example; they realize that Spain, France, and Greece are completely different countries with vastly different appeals and cultures. The same goes for Morocco, Kenya, and South Africa. Each has their own unique offering, and the deeper you dive into each country, the more you’ll get out of the experience. 

Travel to Africa in Mid- or Off-season

I’m a big fan of traveling during off-peak season, as it often allows you to see the parks, animals, and sights of Africa with far fewer tourists around. This is typically the rainy season, falling between November and April.

Not only is it cheaper to travel this time of year, but I often find that the staff at the lodges and camps are more relaxed and energetic, as they’re simply not as busy. Unless you’re set on experiencing a specific event — such as the Wildebeest river crossings in East Africa — you can have just as good of a safari in the mid-season months, without paying a premium for it. 

Plan Ahead

Planning a perfect vacation to Africa requires a lot of detail, and a lot of time. As travel to this part of the world becomes more popular, you’re basically booking “last minute” if you’re within a six-month window. If you want to stay at specific properties and have the best experiences possible — particularly when traveling with a big family — you should book your trip 12 to 18 months in advance. Trust me, all of those months of anticipation will pay off. 

Bring the Whole Family

Having just taken my own children on their first safari, I can attest that a trip here is a core memory for everyone in the family. For the kids, the wildlife, different cultures, and people are fascinating. And for parents, getting to see your kids engage in nature and learn something new while on vacation is fantastic. Africa is great for kids of all ages, making it a very relaxing trip for the parents, too. 

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone 

While I’m a sucker for a luxury lodge with amazing food, a private pool, and great service, I do urge people to spend a few nights in accommodations that they’re not used to. This may be a tented camp in the Masai Mara or a tree house sleep out in South Africa, or you could even sleep under the stars in Botswana. For me, exploring a new destination involves getting out of your comfort zone and doing something you haven’t done before.

Bjorn Behlert is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in trips to Africa. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Behlert by contacting him at Bjorn.Behlert@scottdunn.com.