Between the sheer size of the continent, the distance from your home, the many unique people and places (and creatures!) that call it home and its relative remoteness, both geographically and culturally, an African safari for seniors can feel a little out of reach and, possibly, even somewhat intimidating. Even if you've dreamed of a vacation like this for decades, you might wonder, "Can older people like me go on safari?" or "Aren't African safari tours expensive? Is this even a trip I can afford?"
We're here to tell you that, yes, senior travelers can absolutely go on safari in Africa. In fact, not only is it possible, but your golden years are arguably the perfect opportunity to take this dream vacation. Most notably, the scenery and animals are unquestionably spectacular. Plus, unless you want to and are able, you don't have to worry about any extensive walking or strenuous activities, as you'll spend much of your time out on game drives from the comfort of your safari vehicle. And while African safaris certainly can be extravagantly priced, they don't have to be. So, before you scrap your senior safari plans for something a little closer to home, here are some reasons why you should add Africa to your future travel plans.
With its abundant wildlife, dramatic landscapes and colorful cultures, Africa is a lifelong bucket-list destination for many. And rightly so! Who hasn't wished they could see a herd of elephants lumber across a dusty savanna or a pride of lions resting in the shade of a baobab tree after a successful hunt? Unfortunately, for whatever reason, many people never turn that dream into a reality, telling themselves that they'll take the leap and book the trip when they have more time, more money or both.
That's why we think an African safari is perfect for seniors. For many, your long hours in the office are behind you, and you have more time than ever to do the things you have always dreamed of. As for your travel budget, all that hard work has finally paid off, leaving you with a nice little nest egg you can use to celebrate your accomplishments. In short, there is no better time to start checking off experiences on your travel bucket list. You put your life on hold for years to set yourself up for retirement, and now that you're there, we can't imagine a better way to honor your sacrifice and efforts than by stepping outside your comfort zone to fulfill a childhood dream. After all, few things are more life-affirming than hearing the bugle of an African elephant or feeling the earthquake of a thousand hooves during the Great Migration.
Some travel experiences require you to be an expert hiker, an avid biker or runner, or a no-holds-barred adrenaline junkie to enjoy all the thrills a destination has to offer. That isn't the case with African safaris. Although a senior safari certainly can include activities like whitewater rafting, mountain biking or trekking through the jungles of East Africa in search of gorillas, it doesn't need to for travellers to have an amazing, heart-pounding, life-changing adventure.
In fact, in many cases, the best way to experience Africa's wonders, particularly when it comes to wildlife, is from the safety of a seat in a rugged 4WD truck during a game drive. Helmed by experienced drivers and expert guides, these intrepid safari vehicles take adventurers off-road and into the heart of the action, all without travellers breaking a sweat, allowing them to enjoy up-close (but not too-close) views of Big Five animals like lions, leopards and rhinoceros. Because if you're only going to experience one African safari in your life, then you might as well spend it having your breath taken away by the beautiful views and incredible wildlife, not the effort of climbing a mountain or paddling a watercraft.
Unless, of course, those are activities that you enjoy—in which case, by all means, go ahead and include them. Thanks to its sheer size and geographical diversity, Africa has something to offer travellers of all kinds, no matter their age or fitness level. Sure, many wildlife safaris take place exclusively on four wheels, whether guided or even self-drive excursions. However, those who are looking to take things up a notch can embark on game drives on foot, by horseback, on the water or even in the air from a helicopter or hot air balloon. It's all a matter of personal preference and comfort level.
A great example of this is mountain gorilla trekking, which requires participants to journey into the bush through thick vegetation and across rough terrain. It is, by nature, one of Africa's more active safaris. However, even this type of African adventure isn't without accommodation. Seniors can request a gorilla group located closer to the trailhead or hire porters to assist with carrying their personal items. A workout regimen prior to your departure with some light walking uphill, along with the inevitable adrenaline rush in the moment, can also go a long way in making these kinds of wildlife-spotting trips totally doable for seniors.
Other accommodations that can be made during a senior safari to assist with mobility challenges, lower fitness levels or just comfort in general include requesting rooms closer to the main lobby or dining venues when staying at lodges or booking fly-in safaris instead of driving between stops. Although Africa's size is great when it comes to variety, all those wide, open plains, rough roads, and long distances between destinations can make traveling from place to place by car, truck, or van not only quite lengthy but also downright uncomfortable. Fly-in safaris, meanwhile, save you considerable time by flying you to the next stop on your itinerary while easing the strain on your body.
It doesn't get much more customizable than an African safari. As we just mentioned, this can mean physically intensive activities (or the lack thereof) or simply your chosen mode of transportation for game viewing. Similarly, many tour operators will also be happy to customize other aspects of your safari experience. For example, as experts in the continent's many varied destinations, safari planners can recommend certain countries based on which animals travelers most want to see or the best times of the year to visit (like during the great wildebeest migration). Alternatively, for those who are hoping to meet the people of Africa, safari tours for seniors can also include cultural experiences like a visit to a Maasai village or foraging for honey and tracking animals with bushmen.
Even more importantly, customization also applies to the overall cost of a senior safari. While some older clients want a grand vacation filled with stays at the most luxurious lodges, game drives in the finest vehicles available and elegant meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, more budget-minded senior travellers are happy to sacrifice some creature comforts for the good of their bank account. This can mean staying in less luxurious but still comfortable accommodations or, for the biggest cost savings, roughing it by camping out in a tent under the stars. Even traveling during the low season, typically April to May or November to early December, can earn you a respectable savings.
Africa has a world of safari destinations that are perfect for seniors. Along with incredible wildlife havens like Tanzania, Kenya, and Botswana, senior safari-goers can also explore the majestic Victoria Falls, which sits on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, or eat and drink their way through the delicious food scene of Cape Town and the lush vineyards of the Cape Winelands in South Africa. In fact, with only a bit of coordination and guidance from an expert safari planner, savvy seniors can actually enjoy it all. Here are the best safari destinations to consider when planning your trip of a lifetime through Africa.
Home of wilderness areas like Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania offers some of the finest wildlife-spotting opportunities in Africa. This is most notably the site of the world-renowned great wildebeest migration. Although you can also witness this grand spectacle across the border in the Masai Mara, the annual wildebeest migration only passes through Kenya a few months out of the year, from late July and early August through late October and early November. In Tanzania, however, the Serengeti plays host to the annual migration almost all year round, offering much more freedom when planning. Tanzania also boasts some spectacular beaches, including those on the idyllic island of Zanzibar.
With its world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, rich culture, and long tradition of warm hospitality, Kenya is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. Another fantastic safari location that is well worth a stop is Amboseli National Park, a relatively small park in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro home to over 1,600 elephants, including a fair number of the world's remaining super tuskers. Kenya is also one of the most developed countries in Africa, with top safari locations that are easily accessible via the international airport in Nairobi.
Of all the main safari destinations in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most easily accessible. The busiest airport in Africa, OR Tambo International Airport, is located in the South African capital of Johannesburg, making flying into and out of the country a breeze. Meanwhile, a network of smooth roads makes traveling between locations inside South Africa just as simple. The country also offers something for everyone, from exceptional wildlife and high-quality lodges at Kruger National Park and neighboring Sabi Sands Game Reserve to the cosmopolitan energy, breathtaking coastal scenery, and delectable food and wine scene of Cape Town and the surrounding Cape Winelands.
Safari goers hoping to see plenty of animals won't want to miss Botswana. Though smaller than other popular safari spots like Tanzania and South Africa, Botswana packs a punch with places like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Rich in both wildlife and water, the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park are two of the only locations in Africa where guests can enjoy game-viewing safaris by boat. Between the uniqueness of the transportation and the lushness of the surroundings, wildlife watching here truly can't be beaten. A Botswana safari is also one of the more exclusive options on our list, which, though expensive, means less crowds and access to some luxurious lodges and camps.
Few places in Africa are more spectacular than Victoria Falls, which rests along the Zambezi River in Southern Africa. The largest waterfall in the world when taking into account its massive height and width, Victoria Falls is breathtakingly beautiful and a worthwhile addition to any senior safari through Africa. Fortunately, thanks to its location not far from safari hotspots like Botswana and South Africa, taking a detour to explore Victoria Falls is relatively simple.
While Tanzania and Kenya have the Great Migration, South Africa has wine and Kruger National Park, and Botswana has the Okavango Delta, Rwanda has something that none of those countries have: mountain gorillas. In fact, the only other places you can see these incredible primates in the wild are Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Of Rwanda and Uganda, Rwanda tends to be more easily accessible when searching for gorillas, with groups that are typically closer to the trailhead and trails and bush that are simpler (though not easy) to navigate. That said, a safari here is more expensive due to higher permit costs. However, those who go on a senior safari here will be richly rewarded with one of the most in-demand experiences in Africa, as well as access to the country's fascinating history.
For those hoping to trek with gorillas, Uganda is the most affordable safari destination in Africa. And unlike Rwanda, Uganda actually has two different spots where seniors can see gorillas: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Another thing you'll find in Uganda that isn't in Rwanda is chimpanzees, making this a destination well worth adding to your senior safari through Africa. However, be aware that hiking here can be more of a challenge, as the bush can be dense, the terrain rough, and the treks longer.
While planning a trip can be enjoyable for some, for others, it can be downright stressful or intimidating. Fortunately, experienced tour operators like Good Earth Tours make exploring destinations like East Africa and Southern Africa easy, approachable, enjoyable and, most of all, safe. As experts on all things Africa, they know how to take your budget and interests and transform them into the best senior safari for you.
They have access to the most knowledgeable guides, know all the best lodges and can arrange seamless transfers between destinations. The best Africa safari operators will also have their fingers on the pulse of both the location and the wider travel industry, with insider knowledge and on-the-ground connections that allow them to recommend or offer access to places or experiences that might not be known by or available to the general public.
Safety is an important part of any vacation, but especially African safaris. Since safaris revolve largely around game viewing, guides and drivers go to great efforts to offer wildlife encounters that are safe for travelers and animals alike. That means keeping a safe distance so wildlife doesn't feel threatened and respecting their personal space.
Safari guides are also dedicated to the health, safety, and happiness of their guests. This can be bringing along bottled water to help keep everyone hydrated on hot days (or blankets during the cooler months), keeping in mind fitness levels and mobility when arranging experiences on the ground for seniors such as more physically intensive game-viewing activities like hikes or gorilla treks, or simply lending a helping hand when climbing into the safari vehicle.
An African safari is a dream vacation for many. Whether you want to go to the Serengeti in Tanzania, Botswana's Okavango Delta, Cape Town in South Africa, or Victoria Falls, we want to make your dream safari a reality.
Working with professional guides and safari planners can transform your experience from ordinary to extraordinary. However, unlike many other tour operators, our team members at Good Earth Tours are African-born and raised. Africa experts in the truest sense, we know each destination we visit first-hand, and we love sharing our knowledge with you to give you the best safari possible. We are passionate about our homeland, and we can't wait to share its many riches with you.
Since we first started in 1995, we've been committed to creating life-changing adventures through world-renowned destinations like the Serengeti, Maasai Mara and Kilimanjaro. That commitment has earned us a perfect rating and Traveler's Choice awards on TripAdvisor, achievements we proudly carry on today. We credit our success to the passion, qualifications and knowledge of our team members, especially our safari guides, who must have at least seven years of experience to lead Good Earth Tours. This ensures that each and every guide is well-poised to tackle any of guests' needs or concerns that may arise while out on safari while also giving valuable context and sharing their in-depth knowledge about anything they may encounter along the way.
We believe that working together and learning from each other makes our world a better place. For our senior travellers, that means getting to know you and your interests and concerns so that we can plan the perfect safari for you. Unlike small-group tour operators, we know that a private African safari gives you a bigger bang for your buck. It allows you to travel on your terms to see the places and things you care about most and to spend your time the way you want to, all while customizing your itinerary to match your activity level and budgetary needs. We also believe in reinvesting in one of Africa's most valuable resources: its people. By creating a supportive and socially responsible work environment that values employees' opinions, careers, communities and home lives, we build a motivated team that is invested in providing the best safari experience possible.
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all Africa safari, especially when it comes to budget. Thanks to our highly skilled partners like guides and drivers, as well as our network of carefully vetted lodges and other accommodations, we can customize an exceptional itinerary that hits your must-haves without leaving a dent in your wallet. We leverage our decades of safari-planning experience to recommend the best areas to visit and when (like during the slow season for lower rates) and arrange unforgettable activities like wildlife viewing and dining experiences.
Ready to learn more about our African safaris for seniors? Send us an email at info@goodearthtours.com or give us a call at +1 (888) 848-2315 today!
