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Safari Your Way: Group Travel or Tailored Adventure?

  • Writer: Erin Smith
    Erin Smith
  • Sep 9
  • 3 min read

Updated: Sep 30

A safari is one of the most thrilling ways to experience the raw beauty of nature. It’s a journey that can shift your perspective, where every sunrise brings the promise of discovery and every sound in the night sparks excitement. But before you set off into the wild, there’s a key decision to make: will you join a group safari or create a journey designed entirely around you?


Both options offer unforgettable experiences, yet they cater to different travel styles, comfort levels, and budgets. Understanding the differences will help you choose the adventure that feels right for you.


A group of elephants gather by the riverbank as tourists observe from a boat under a clear sky, capturing a tranquil moment in the wild.
A group of elephants gather by the riverbank as tourists observe from a boat under a clear sky, capturing a tranquil moment in the wild.

The Group Safari Experience


Group safaris are about shared moments and collective wonder. You’ll join fellow travelers from around the world who share your love for wildlife and exploration. The itinerary is set, providing a clear structure for your days, with professional guides leading the way to maximize sightings and experiences.


For many, the appeal is both practical and social. Costs are lower because they’re shared among the group. The camaraderie of swapping stories around the campfire or celebrating a rare animal sighting together adds an extra layer of connection to the trip. It’s a fantastic choice for first-time safari-goers, those on a budget, or anyone who enjoys the energy of a group dynamic.


Of course, there are trade-offs. Group travel means fixed dates and routes, and less flexibility if you want to linger in one spot or change the plan mid-journey. Privacy is limited, and your experience will move at the collective pace of the group.


The Tailored Safari


A tailored safari offers complete freedom. You decide where to go, when to go, and what to focus on, whether that’s tracking the Great Migration, photographing elusive leopards, or immersing yourself in local cultures. Every detail, from the pace of your days to the style of your lodging, reflects your personal vision.


This kind of trip is ideal for seasoned travelers, honeymooners, families seeking privacy, or anyone with specific goals in mind. You can choose secluded luxury camps, remote wilderness lodges, or a mix of both. The flexibility allows for unique experiences that group tours often can’t provide, like spending hours observing a single herd of elephants or arranging private bush dinners under the stars.


The trade-off is that tailored safaris typically cost more and require more planning. You’ll need to work closely with your travel planner to communicate your preferences and priorities. But for those who value independence and personalization, the investment pays off in unmatched experiences.


A zebra stands in the foreground of an open savannah, its distinct black and white stripes vividly contrasting with the grassy landscape. In the background, other animals, including a zebra and an antelope, are visible against the rolling hills, creating a picturesque scene of the African wilderness.
A zebra stands in the foreground of an open savannah, its distinct black and white stripes vividly contrasting with the grassy landscape. In the background, other animals, including a zebra and an antelope, are visible against the rolling hills, creating a picturesque scene of the African wilderness.

Choosing What’s Right for You


When deciding between a group or tailored safari, think about your budget, travel style, and goals. Are you energized by social interaction, or do you crave solitude? Is your interest broad and exploratory, or do you have specific wildlife or photography targets in mind? Do you prefer a predictable schedule, or the flexibility to follow your instincts and the movements of the animals?


There’s no wrong choice.  Only the one that best matches how you want to feel on your journey. Both paths promise breathtaking game drives, sunsets over sweeping savannas, and the magic of seeing wild animals in their natural habitat.


Whether you find yourself laughing with new friends in a lively group or savoring the quiet intimacy of a private adventure, your safari will leave you with stories and memories that last a lifetime.


If you’re ready to plan your perfect safari, Cultivating Connections Travel Planners can design an experience that reflects your style, whether that’s sharing the thrill with others or embracing the wild on your own terms.




To find out more check out my home page here.



Or you can just give me a call at 405.310.7588





Europe, Luxury Travel, adventure, Cultivating Connections Travel Planners, empty-nester


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A woman at a café uses a tablet displaying "Top 10 Trips to Supercharge Your High Schooler’s Essays & Life Skills," alongside a coffee and notebook.
A woman at a café uses a tablet displaying "Top 10 Trips to Supercharge Your High Schooler’s Essays & Life Skills," alongside a coffee and notebook.

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