Is an African Safari Right for Me?

If you've found yourself asking this question, I'd like to start by saying something that may surprise you.

Almost every woman who has ever travelled with Girl in the Wilderness has asked herself exactly the same thing.

Some have dreamed about Africa since childhood but quietly wondered if the reality would live up to the dream. Others have spent months researching destinations before becoming overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. Many simply questioned whether they were adventurous enough, fit enough or knowledgeable enough to enjoy a safari at all.

If any of those thoughts sound familiar, then welcome. You're in very good company.

One of the biggest misconceptions about an African safari is that it is only for experienced travellers, dedicated wildlife enthusiasts or people who have spent years exploring remote corners of the world. The truth is that the vast majority of women I guide are none of those things. Many are visiting Africa for the very first time. Some have never travelled outside Europe or North America before. A surprising number know very little about wildlife beyond recognising the obvious celebrities like lions, elephants and giraffes, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Safari isn't an exam that you need to study for before you arrive.

It is an experience, and like all the best experiences in life, you discover it by being present rather than by knowing all the answers beforehand.

In fact, I would argue that curiosity is far more valuable than experience. The women who seem to gain the most from their time in Africa are rarely those who can identify every antelope or list all of the Big Five before breakfast. They're the women who ask questions, notice the small details and allow themselves to be completely immersed in a world that operates to a very different rhythm from the one they left behind at home.

That rhythm is one of the things I think people underestimate.

We spend so much of our lives rushing from one deadline to the next that it can feel almost uncomfortable to slow down. Safari gently forces you to do exactly that. You begin to notice the smell of the bush after overnight rain, the chatter of hornbills while you're drinking your morning coffee, the way elephants communicate without making a sound that most of us can hear and the extraordinary silence that settles over the landscape just before the sun rises. Somewhere along the way, without really noticing it, you slow down as well.

Of course, safari isn't only about peaceful moments. There will almost certainly be times when your heart is racing because a leopard has appeared exactly where nobody expected it, or because a young elephant has decided your vehicle deserves a closer inspection than feels entirely necessary. There are moments of excitement, moments of laughter and, occasionally, moments where everyone in the vehicle collectively forgets to breathe.

Those are the stories you'll tell when you get home.

The stories you'll remember, however, are often the quieter ones.

You'll remember the guide who stopped to explain why a tiny dung beetle was every bit as important as a lion. You'll remember laughing around a campfire with women who had been complete strangers only a few days earlier. You'll remember the first sunrise, the first lion's roar after dark and the feeling of looking up at a sky so full of stars that it almost doesn't seem real.

Those are the moments that become part of you.

So, is an African safari right for you?

If you're looking for a holiday filled with shopping centres, packed sightseeing schedules or nightlife that stretches into the early hours of the morning, then probably not. Africa has plenty of vibrant cities, but safari is something entirely different.

If, however, you're looking for an experience that leaves you feeling inspired rather than simply entertained, if you enjoy nature even if you don't know every species by name, if you're curious about the world and willing to embrace a little unpredictability, then I honestly believe there's a very good chance you'll fall in love with safari.

One thing I've learnt after years of guiding women across Africa is that almost nobody returns home saying, "I wish I'd never gone."

What I hear far more often is something altogether different.

"I can't believe I waited so long."

And perhaps that's the question worth asking yourself.



Not whether you're the right sort of woman for an African safari, but whether an African safari might be exactly the kind of adventure you've been waiting for all along.

Who Should Go on an African Safari?

One of the questions I hear most often is, "What sort of people actually enjoy safari?"

The answer usually surprises people because there isn't a single type of traveller who falls in love with Africa. Over the years I've guided women from every imaginable background, including teachers, doctors, artists, business owners, retirees, mothers, daughters and first-time solo travellers. While their stories have all been different, the qualities that make someone love safari have very little to do with age, fitness or travel experience.

More than anything, safari suits women who are curious. You don't need to know the difference between a kudu and a nyala before you arrive, or be able to identify every bird that flies overhead. In fact, learning about the natural world is one of the greatest joys of being on safari. Every game drive teaches you something new, whether it's how elephants communicate, why hyenas deserve far more respect than they usually get or how your guide can somehow spot a leopard that everyone else has driven straight past.

Safari also appeals to women who value experiences over possessions. Out here, conversations are rarely about careers or material things. Instead, they're about incredible wildlife sightings, unforgettable sunsets and the simple pleasure of sharing stories around a campfire after a day spent in the bush. Life slows down, and in doing so, many women discover that they slow down too.

Perhaps the most important quality, however, is an open mind. Safari is wonderfully unpredictable. Some days you'll watch lions for an hour, while on others you'll find yourself completely captivated by a family of dwarf mongooses or a determined little dung beetle rolling a prize far bigger than itself. That's part of the magic. Nature doesn't follow an itinerary, and neither should you.

So, who should go on an African safari?



If you're naturally curious, enjoy meaningful travel and are willing to embrace the unexpected, there's a very good chance you'll discover what so many women tell me at the end of their first safari:

"I wish I'd done this years ago."

Is an African Safari Suitable for Women Travelling Alone?

One of the biggest reasons women postpone their dream safari has nothing to do with money or time. It's because they don't have anyone to travel with.

The wonderful thing about safari is that travelling alone doesn't mean experiencing Africa alone. Whether you join a women-only departure or a small guided group, you'll quickly discover that everyone is there for the same reason: a love of wildlife, adventure and discovering Africa. It doesn't take long before strangers become companions, and many women leave with friendships that continue long after the safari has ended.

From a practical perspective, organised safaris also remove much of the stress from travelling independently. Your accommodation, transfers, guides and daily logistics are all taken care of, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience rather than worrying about the details.

If travelling alone has been the one thing holding you back, don't let it stop you. Some of the most confident and independent women I know began with exactly the same hesitation.

Want to know more? Explore our complete guide to Solo Female Safaris in Africa, where we cover safety, choosing the right destination and why so many women now choose to experience Africa on their own.

This is one of those questions that almost every first-time safari traveller asks, usually with a slightly apologetic smile



The reassuring answer is that, for most safaris, you don't need to be particularly fit at all.

The majority of game viewing takes place from a comfortable safari vehicle, with plenty of opportunities to stop, stretch your legs and enjoy a cup of coffee or a picnic breakfast in the bush. Most lodges are also designed to be easily accessible, making safari a wonderful option for travellers of all ages.

Of course, Africa offers every level of adventure. If you're planning to trek to see mountain gorillas in Uganda, climb Mount Kilimanjaro or spend several days on a walking safari, you'll need a higher level of fitness. However, these are specialist experiences rather than the norm.

Do You Need to Be Fit to Go on Safari?

Are African Safaris Comfortable, or Do You Have to Camp?

When people tell me they're thinking about their first safari, this question usually isn't far behind. For many, the word safari still conjures up images of sleeping bags, basic tents and roughing it in the middle of nowhere.

The reality is quite different.

African safaris come in every style imaginable, from simple bush camps that bring you close to nature to beautiful lodges with swimming pools, excellent food and beds so comfortable you'll wonder how they're possible in the middle of the wilderness. There are even tented camps that feel more like boutique hotels than tents, complete with proper bathrooms, hot showers and all the comforts you'd expect from a high-quality hotel.

The right safari isn't about choosing the most luxurious lodge or the most adventurous camp. It's about choosing the experience that suits you. Some women love the atmosphere of an intimate tented camp where the sounds of the bush are all around them, while others prefer a larger lodge with a few extra comforts after a day of exploring.

One of the biggest myths about safari is that you have to sacrifice comfort to enjoy an authentic African experience. In my experience, the best safaris strike a balance between wonderful wildlife, warm hospitality and accommodation that allows you to relax and recharge before heading back into the bush.

The only real question is what kind of safari feels right for you.

Will I See the Big Five on Safari?

This question is high up on the top10 list of things I am asked when a woman starts planning her first safari, and the honest answer is... maybe.

The Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino – are some of Africa's most iconic animals, and with the right destination and enough time in the bush, there's every chance you'll see most, if not all, of them. But safari isn't a theme park, and that's exactly what makes it so special. The animals are completely wild, free to roam wherever they choose, and no guide, no matter how experienced, can guarantee a sighting.

Also, if any company guarantees you to see the Big5 - "Run. Run away and never return Simba" because honestly Africa is not a zoo, or Disney+.



Your chances increase exponentially depending on where you go, but to quote another famous movie, "Life is like a box of chocolates". A real safari is the same thing, you never know what you are going to get, but at the end of the day you are still seeing wildlife, and eating the proverbial chocolates.

Ironically, the moments that stay with most people aren't always the Big Five. It might be a family of elephants quietly feeding around your vehicle, a tiny chameleon crossing the road, a leopard melting silently into the long grass or a pair of hyenas greeting one another at sunrise. Sometimes it's simply watching the bush wake up as the first light catches the trees and knowing you're exactly where you're meant to be.

I've learnt that the guests who enjoy safari the most are the ones who arrive with curiosity rather than a checklist. Of course we all hope to see the Big Five, but Africa has a wonderful habit of reminding us that the greatest moments are often the ones we never expected.



So yes, you'll probably spend part of your safari looking for the Big Five. Just don't be surprised if you return home talking just as enthusiastically about the little things that made you fall in love with Africa.

What is a Typical Day on an African Safari Like?

No two days on safari are ever quite the same, and that's part of the magic. The wildlife decides the schedule, not us. That said, most safari days follow a gentle rhythm that quickly becomes one of the things people miss most when they return home.

Your day usually begins just before sunrise, often with a knock on your door and a steaming cup of coffee waiting for you. As the bush slowly comes to life, you'll head out on an early morning game drive, when many animals are at their most active and the light is perfect for photography.

After a few unforgettable hours exploring, you'll return to camp for a leisurely breakfast. The middle of the day is yours to enjoy. You might relax by the pool, read a book, sort through your photographs or simply sit on your veranda watching wildlife wander past. Some lodges also offer guided walks, spa treatments or conservation experiences, depending on where you're staying.

Later in the afternoon, it's time for another game drive as the heat begins to fade. Every outing is different. You might spend an hour watching a pride of lions, stumble across a herd of elephants making their way to a waterhole or become completely captivated by something much smaller, like a colourful bee-eater or an industrious dung beetle.

As the sun sets, many guides find a safe spot to stop for sundowners, one of safari's most cherished traditions. There's something rather special about watching the African sky turn shades of gold and pink while sharing stories about the day's adventures before heading back to camp for dinner under the stars.



It's a wonderfully simple way of life. Wake with the sun, spend your days immersed in nature and fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush. After a few days, you may find yourself wondering why life can't always be this uncomplicated.

Common Myths About African Safaris

If you've never been to Africa before, it's perfectly normal to arrive with a few misconceptions. After years of guiding women on safari, I've heard almost all of them, and I promise you're not the first to ask.

"Africa is one country."
It sounds obvious once you've travelled here, but Africa is made up of 54 countries, each with its own landscapes, cultures, wildlife and way of doing things. A safari in Botswana feels completely different to one in Kenya or Namibia, which is why choosing the right destination matters.

"Every safari is the same."
Not even close. You could spend a lifetime exploring Africa and never have the same safari twice. Some journeys focus on photography, others on conservation, walking safaris, family adventures or simply slowing down and enjoying nature. The best safari is the one that's right for you.

"You'll be roughing it."
Unless you've deliberately booked a wilderness expedition, probably not. Many safari lodges offer exceptional comfort, wonderful food and warm hospitality, all while keeping you immersed in the African bush.

"Safari is only about the Big Five."
The Big Five are remarkable, but they're only a tiny part of the story. Some of the most memorable moments happen when you're watching a family of elephants interact, listening to a woodland kingfisher at sunrise or laughing at the antics of a clan of hyenas. Africa has a habit of making you fall in love with the animals you never expected.

"You have to be an experienced traveller."
You really don't. Every year I guide women who are visiting Africa for the very first time, and they're often the ones who leave wondering why they waited so long. A well-planned safari takes care of the logistics, leaving you free to enjoy the experience.



The truth is that Africa has a wonderful way of exceeding expectations. Almost every guest arrives with a few assumptions and leaves with an entirely new perspective. That's one of the reasons so many women return again and again. Once Africa gets under your skin, it's very difficult to stay away.