Trying to plan a safari for the first time can be a little daunting, since there is a lot to consider about the process. Things to consider include the type of animals that you want to see, when you would want to go, and whether you’re interested in luxury accommodations or would be interested in camping.

The first thing to consider is that types of animals you would want to see. If you would like to see lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and elephants on a trip you might be best off going to Kenya or Tanzania.

If gorillas are your main interest, you might want to consider Rwanda, Uganda, or Gabon. It’s great to go to Tanzania or Rwanda to see the chimpanzees, and to focus on lions you would want to check out the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in East Africa or the Southern Africa, South Luangwa National Park which is also a great place to go if you want a more touristy experience.

Black rhinos are quite rare these days but some good places to look include the Etosha National Park, Kruger National Park and Chobe National Park. If you would like to see more hippos and crocodiles, the rivers and lakes in East and Southern Africa are good areas. Do keep in mind that both of these can be quite dangerous. Birds can be seen pretty much everywhere.

Next you have the choice to decide if you like seeing the animals from a Jeep or if you would prefer a more adventure oriented trip. Some of these things might include getting up close with animals like taking elephant rides, while others just get you a bit more out and about. There are walking safari options, bike riding, canoeing, and some of the parks even hot balloon rides.

In some places you can also take safaris on horseback or camelback. The good thing about going on camelback is that the guides are likely to be locals which will give you an interesting experience. On one of these safaris you will actually camp out all together at night which can be a once in a lifetime experience as well.

Mobile camps are another option, which is where a more luxury setup is created ahead of time and then they will be moved along with you as you go on the safari. That way you can commit to the journey but don’t have to worry about camping or handling any of your own equipment. These will generally have hot showers, gourmet food, and rival any glamping trip you’ve ever been on.