Group Safaris Guide in East Africa

Ideas of a group safari have begun popping up in the WhatsApp group chat, and everyone is excited and on board with the idea, but none of you know how to go about it. Don’t worry, Alba Wonders Africa has got your back.  Planning a perfect group safari isn’t something you should take too lightly, as it means a million things are running through your mind at once. We also understand that planning a group safari might seem daunting at first, but with our comprehensive Group safari guide, you will be able to plan like an expert in no time.

From choosing the perfect East African safari destination/s, what to pack, the safety of the safari destinations, to managing logistics such as transportation and accommodation, as well as budgeting, this group safari guide has everything you require to ensure a seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable journey for everyone involved. So, grab your notebook and paper and be prepared to plan the unforgettable group safari with your favorite people.

Why should you go on a group safari?

There are a million and one benefits of embarking on a group safari, and these include;

• Group safaris are stress-free to plan

When planning a safari for your family or yourself, it is quite stressful as you are in charge of everything, from putting together logistics to organization. However, with group safaris, there are more people to help with these things, hence making the whole process much less stressful.

• Group safaris help to save money

Undertaking an East African safari as a group allows you to share certain costs and take advantage of discounts on transportation, accommodation, as well as certain activities.

• Opportunity to bond

When you take a safari as a group, you have an opportunity to meet new people and bond with old friends. In the process, you experience new adventures together and create memories that will last a lifetime.

How to pick the right safari destination for your Group safari in East Africa

When planning a group safari, it is important to consider the interests of all members of the group. Get everyone’s opinion on what kind of adventures they would like to do on the safari. Once you get the idea of the overall tone and feel of the safari, you can then start narrowing down your destination options.

Would you like savannah destinations like Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Akagera National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park, or forest-dominated destinations like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Gombe Stream National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park? Do you want you prefer a touristy-y location like Zanzibar or an offbeat location like Semliki National Park?

If traveling during the high season, most safari destinations in East Africa are too crowded or costly. Alternatively, off-peak safaris can be cheaper and provide a more relaxed safari experience.

Do some research on each safari destination to find out what kinds of attractions and adventures are available. Ensure that there is enough to keep everyone in the group occupied for the duration of the safari. Additionally, be sure that the chosen safari destination/s is safe and has enough infrastructure to support a group of visitors.

Serengeti National Park

One of our favorite safari destinations for group safaris in Tanzania is Serengeti National Park, allowing visitors to explore remote areas and game tracks while discovering some of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife species, such as the Big Five Game. Aside from experiencing the Great Wildebeest Migration, groups also have an opportunity to undertake game drives through wildlife-filled game tracks. While here, groups can stay at Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, and Mwiba River Lodge, among others.

Masai Mara National Reserve

You can’t talk about group safaris in East Africa without mentioning Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, a 151000-hectare destination that also provides ground for the Great Wildebeest migration. With opportunities of sighting the Big Five game, antelopes, zebras, Masai giraffes, lots of primates, and bird species, there is so much a group can take in through game drives and other adventures. Accommodation options (depending on the number of people) here include Ashnil Mara, Mara Intrepids, Governors Camp, Karen Blixen Camp, Neptune Mara Rianta, Little Governors, Angama Mara, Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Tipilikwani Camp, Entumoto Safari Camp, Matira Bush Camp, Mara Ngenche Safari Camp, Mara Eden Safari Camp, and many others.

Murchison Falls National Park

Set in the northwestern side of Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is another perfect destination for group safaris, offering game drives, boat rides, and guided walking safaris. Accommodations that favor group stays include Paraa Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Entikko Safari Lodge, and Twiga Safari Lodge, among others.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Offering the exceptional experience of tracking and meeting face-to-face with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats, group safaris are also possible in Bwindi Impenetrable N ational Park. With over 25 habituated gorilla families, at least 200 gorilla permits are available each day, but a 6-12-month booking is required due to the high demand for gorilla permits. Lodges that favor group stays around this Park include Mahogany Springs Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Four Gorillas Lodge, among others.

Volcanoes National Park

Just like Bwindi, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park provides gorilla trekking adventures, but for smaller groups. With 12 habituated gorilla families, only 96 gorilla permits are sold each day for this protected Area. Some of the Lodges you can stay at during your group safari include Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or Singita Kataza House, which is ideal for smaller groups.

When is the best time to visit East Africa for your Group safari?

For the best weather and wildlife viewing experience in East Africa, the dry season months of June to September and December through April are ideal. However, that is the most costly time of the year and the most crowded, especially savannah National Parks such as Masai Mara National Reserve, Murchison Falls National Park, and Serengeti National Park. The vegetation is sparser and open, hence providing better visibility. The grasses being lower, bushes and trees sparsely leaved (due to reduced rains), animals are forced to move towards water sources, hence providing unforgettable views.

For the cheapest prices (especially on some accommodations) and fewer crowds, we recommend traveling in March, April, May, and November. However, these are also the rainiest months for the majority of the East African region. This means forest trails will be muddy and slippery during gorilla treks, and animals scattered during game drives in the savannah National Parks.