Best African Safari for Seniors (Travel Advice + Destinations)

If you were born somewhere between the 1940s and ’70s and you’re looking for the African Safari for Seniors and travel advice, you’ve come to the right place. African safaris for baby boomers are very popular and the demand for senior travel in Africa is growing rapidly.

Since 2018, we’ve tailor-made African Safari for Seniors for thousands of retirees from across the globe. Our experts know the ins and outs of every African safari destination, they will provide unbiased advice based on first-hand experience, and they can curate an itinerary that matches your personal travel needs.

INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE FOR SENIORS: Taking a safari in Africa

Africa is your oyster if you’re retired and have time to finally take that dream vacation. Here is our top recommendation on where to go and how to get there for senior safaris in Africa.

Best African Safari Destinations for Seniors

Kenya Safaris for Seniors

Kenya: Hot air balloon safari over Masai Mara

For older citizens, Kenya is a fantastic location for an African safari. However, as there are significant distances between safari sites and long, uncomfortable vehicle transfers, we definitely advise choosing a fly-in route. Flying between camps and lodges will offer a great deal of comfort and more time on safari if you are mobile enough to hop onboard and off tiny airplanes.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is the premier safari location in Kenya. Numerous animals, including elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, hyena, and Mara’s renowned big cats—lion, leopard, and cheetah—find refuge on its broad plains. The Mara is well known as a superb all-year-round safari destination due to its large population of resident species and temperate temperature. No matter what time of year you visit, there is almost always something to see because of its expansive and open plains.

Travelers can enjoy exclusivity, excellent game viewing in sole-use areas, and activities like night drives, bush walks, and off-road game viewing—activities that are not permitted in the national reserve—in The Mara’s private conservancies, which are conservation areas owned by local Maasai and border the national reserve. The nearby private conservancies offer a peaceful getaway from the spectacle when the annual Wildebeest Migration takes its turn in the Masai Mara between roughly August and November (the national reserve can become very packed), but you’re still close enough to all the Migration hot spots.

Amboseli National Park is a wonderful additional location in Kenya for a senior safari. The best spot in East Africa to witness vast herds of elephants is in Amboseli National Park, which has year-round wetlands flourishing beneath the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. And this is the spot to grab the shot if you’re seeking for the classic postcard image of wildlife against a backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Best Things to Do on a Senior Safari in Kenya

• Guided game drives in the Masai Mara
• Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration (August to November)
• Staying at luxury safari camps in the Mara’s private conservancies
• Staying at The Giraffe Manor while visiting Nairobi
• Seeing East Africa’s biggest elephant herds in Amboseli

Tanzania Safaris for Seniors

Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari

Tanzania provides senior tourists traveling to Africa with a fantastic array of wildlife, landscapes, and experiences, including the Wildebeest Migration, the Big 5, and tropical beaches. The well-known “northern safari circuit” of Tanzania, which includes the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire, is a practical itinerary and a wonderful opportunity to experience the best of the country. We advise choosing a fly-in itinerary, similar to Kenya, to avoid tedious and painful vehicle transfers.

Most people would agree that the Serengeti National Park is the most well-known safari location on earth. For the most exciting game viewing in Tanzania, this is the location to visit. It is the site of the majority of the annual Wildebeest Migration (which takes place there from January to August) and has one of the highest densities of species on the planet, including zebra, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, lion, leopard, and cheetah. The Serengeti is one of the greatest places for older citizens to go on an African safari because of its enormous size, accessibility, luxurious lodges and camps, and plenty of animals year-round.

A large volcano that erupted and then fell on itself some 3 million years ago produced the Ngorongoro Crater. It is currently the world’s largest preserved volcanic caldera. It is one of the most magnificent natural wonders in the world and is home to around 25 000 animals, including the Big 5. The most consistent Big 5 sightings in East Africa are available there for senior safari tourists; you can see all five in a single day! A memorable senior safari experience in an unbelievably distinctive setting is produced when you add in some out-of-this-world cliff-top lodging.

During Tanzania’s dry season (June to October), the elephant empire of Tarangire National Park offers spectacular game viewing, while Lake Manyara is a superb location for birdwatching.

Why We Love Tanzania for Senior Safaris

• Easily accessible ‘northern safari circuit’ offers a convenient way to see the best of Tanzania
• Sensational game viewing in the Serengeti
• Top-quality lodges and camps
• Home to the lion’s share of the Wildebeest Migration (January to August)

Our Best African Safari Travel Advice for Seniors

Packing and Preparing for an African Safari

How Important is Fitness When Planning an African Safari for Seniors?

How fit you are entirely depending on the kind of safari you wish to organize. You don’t need to be in shape to go on safari, and if you have slight mobility limitations, we can still accommodate you.

The more activities (guided walks, etc.) you plan to participate in, the more physically fit you need to be. But when it comes to an African safari for seniors, fitness is not necessary; being nimble enough to board a 4×4 safari vehicle, boat, small airplane, or hot-air balloon is more than sufficient.

Fitness is necessary for a gorilla trekking expedition, though. All fitness levels may be put to the test because to the challenging terrain, unpredictable gorilla movements, and dense forest. Nevertheless, travelers with physical limitations can enjoy this unique animal encounter because some porters are trained to carry you. In most situations, senior tourists in Africa are given preference when trekking to a gorilla family that is located closer to the wildlife park’s entrance.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that distances in East Africa are great, making a fly-in safari far more pleasant than a driving safari – particularly if you have back issues.

Based on your unique travel requirements, Kabira Safaris & Tours Africa creates safari trips just for you. Our specialists are skilled at organizing unforgettable African safaris for senior citizens, whether it be securing a room near the common areas at a lodge with no steps or booking suitable lodging for mobility-impaired travelers.

Are there opportunities to make friends if I am a single senior wanting to go on an African safari

Anyone can have an a if they so desire; making friends is a breeze on safari. visitors are encouraged to sit down together at large captains tables during supper and share stories with the camp manager and other visitors. However, there are campgrounds that would gladly bring you dinner to enjoy in the comfort of your own tent, right on the veranda. All of the camp employees, not only the Honeymoon couples, are committed to going out of their way to ensure that each and every one of their guests has an unforgettable and pleasant stay.

How important is fitness when planning a senior safari in Africa

When organizing a safari, it’s important to think about your age and physical level, but those factors shouldn’t take precedence over the safari style you choose. How about a sundowner on the escarpment while you watch the sun go down over the savannah, a boat safari, a walk in the woods, or perhaps seeing the Big Five? Everyone has the ability to do all of these things. In our opinion, the most important thing is to work with a sales consultant who is knowledgeable about Africa and has a deep love for the continent. Share your dreams with them and let them guide you through the possibilities. You will gain an awareness of the safari world and the confidence to fully enjoy your vacation thanks to the knowledge they impart.

It is highly recommended that you take your time and savor the experience on a senior safari. Spend adequate time in each location; a two-night stay in a park is insufficient because it only offers you one full day to explore the area. We think this is important for everyone, but particularly when planning the ideal safari for seniors, because traveling between parks may easily take up most of a day, which becomes tiring if you are changing every two days. So, make sure to allow yourself time to unpack your belongings and enjoy each camp.

Are there Luxury Safaris for Seniors in Africa

The thought of sleeping under the stars in a tent in the middle of nowhere is a common misconception among tourists planning a safari in Africa. While this is one option, there are plenty of high-end camps and lodges where guests may enjoy private bathrooms and other modern conveniences. Prioritizing the kind of safari experience you desire and, of course, location are the two most important factors to consider when selecting a safari lodge.

What else do I need to do before I go on a senior safari in Africa

You will visit your doctor to determine the necessary vaccinations and make sure you are well-prepared for your trip. Now that you’ve done all you need to do to prepare for a safari, a competent safari expert can assist you at every turn. Before you embark on any vacation, it’s a good idea to have full medical travel insurance that includes safari activities and check any government-relevant travel advice.

How to book a senior safari

No client’s needs or budget is too big or too small for an African safari; just ask a safari expert, and they’ll tell you anything is feasible. Please inform your sales consultant of any concerns or specific requests when you make your safari reservation. They will then advise you on the top camps, and if you inform them ahead of time of your needs, the campgrounds will be prepared for your arrival.

If you want your consultant to recommend camps and itineraries that are perfect for you, you need to spend some time talking to them so they can get to know you and your interests.