Group departures vs private safari
A group safari shares the vehicle and the cost. A private safari gives you the vehicle and the day. Both work. The right choice depends on who you are travelling with and how much control you want.
Group departures
You join other travellers on fixed dates and a fixed itinerary, sharing a vehicle, usually with up to six people.
- Lower cost per person, because vehicle and guide costs are shared.
- Fixed dates and routes.
- Seats by the window may rotate.
- Timings are set by the group.
- Good for solo travellers and couples who enjoy company.
Private safari
The vehicle and guide are yours.
- Dates and routes set around you.
- Stay at a sighting as long as you want, or move on.
- Everyone has a window seat and space for camera gear.
- The cost of the vehicle is shared only within your party, so it is lower per person for groups of four or more.
- Good for families, photographers, and anyone with a specific plan.
At a glance
- Cost per person
- lower for groups when travelling as one or two
- Flexibility
- fixed with group, full with private
- Vehicle space
- shared with group, your own with private
- Best for
- solo and couples on a budget, or families and photographers
The cost question
For one or two people, a group departure is usually noticeably cheaper. For four or more travelling together, a private safari often costs about the same per person as a group trip, and gives you far more control.
Questions to ask
- How many people per vehicle on a group departure?
- Does everyone get a window seat?
- Is the guide the same for the whole trip?
- Can the itinerary change if the wildlife moves?
Questions we get asked
Are group safaris good for solo travellers?
Yes. They lower the cost and give you company. Some also avoid or reduce the single supplement.
Can we make our own group?
Yes. If you travel with friends or family, a private safari for your group is usually the best option.
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