Private safari vs. group safari Tanzania – which is right for you?

Oct 16

3 min read

Many travellers ask themselves this question before booking their first safari in Tanzania. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as both options have their advantages.

I started out on group safaris myself, but over time, I found myself choosing private safaris more and more often. The reason is simple: I want to plan my safari around my own interests. If I’m watching a lioness with her cubs or want to spend hours observing the action during the calving season, I don’t have to worry about keeping other guests waiting.

Sharing these experiences with an experienced guide or friends who are just as passionate about wildlife makes the safari even more special.

However, this freedom comes at a price. A private safari is considerably more expensive because the costs of the vehicle, guide and organisation are usually shared between just two people. On a group safari, up to six guests typically travel together, which brings the cost per person down considerably. So choosing the right option isn’t just about your budget. It also depends on what you want to get out of your safari.

Large herd of wildebeest in the open savanna of Tanzania’s Serengeti.

Group safari: Share the adventure and save money

A group safari is a great option for travellers who want to experience Tanzania while keeping an eye on their budget. Up to six people can share a safari vehicle, with the costs of the vehicle, guide, fuel and organisation split between all guests. This makes the price per person much more affordable.

Another advantage is the opportunity to meet new people. Many guests enjoy chatting over dinner at the lodge and sharing experiences as they explore Tanzania’s national parks together.

Of course, travelling as a group also means making compromises. Everyone has their own interests. While one person might be keen to see as many lions as possible, another might be more interested in birds or landscapes. Sometimes, the group also needs to agree on how long to stay at a wildlife sighting.

For many travellers, though, this combination of adventure, shared experiences and good value for money is the perfect way to discover Tanzania.

Private safari: More freedom and a personalised experience

A private safari offers one major advantage: maximum flexibility. You travel on your own or with friends in a private safari vehicle accompanied by an experienced guide. This allows you to tailor the experience much more closely to your personal interests.

Would you like to spend more time watching a family of cheetahs, observe the behaviour of a group of animals or stay longer in a particular area of the Serengeti during the calving season? On a private safari, you can discuss these wishes directly with your guide without having to consider the preferences of other guests.

You also have more flexibility when it comes to planning each day. After just a few hours together, your guide will have a good understanding of what interests you most and can adjust the route and stops accordingly.

Another benefit is the more personal atmosphere. If you’re travelling with friends or family who share your love of nature and wildlife, the safari can become a truly special experience to enjoy together.

The main downside is the cost. Since the vehicle, guide and organisation aren’t shared among several guests, a private safari is considerably more expensive than a group safari. For many travellers, however, the extra freedom and flexibility are exactly what make a safari in Tanzania unforgettable.

My tip

The right choice depends above all on what you want from your safari.

If you’re visiting Tanzania for the first time, would like to meet new people and need to keep an eye on your budget, a group safari can be a wonderful way to experience Africa’s incredible wildlife.

If, on the other hand, you want to plan your safari around your own interests, value flexibility or have specific wildlife experiences in mind – such as the calving season, predator sightings or dedicated wildlife photography – a private safari gives you much more freedom.

Whichever option you choose, a safari in Tanzania is always a special experience. What matters most is finding the style of safari that suits your expectations.

Whether you prefer the social atmosphere of a small group or the freedom of your own private safari vehicle, I’ll help you find the right option for your budget and wishes.

Enquire about your safari