African Safaris for Seniors: Best Safaris for Single Seniors

African Safari Destinations for Seniors

Our 50+ clientele mostly travel to South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, and Kenya. Many of our more seasoned clients wind up having to decide between Botswana and Tanzania, with the fundamental question being, “Would you rather see the Okavango Delta in Botswana or the Serengeti and the Great Migration in Tanzania?”

Many African parks and reserves are ideal for senior safaris, but some of the best are Botswana’s Okavango Delta, South Africa’s Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, and Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve.

1. The Serengeti, Tanzania

Many of the top Tanzania safaris for retirees include visits to the Serengeti. The benefits of a mobile camp in the Serengeti would always be the first topic we would cover with tourists. Despite what you might expect from the name, these camps are anything but rustic.

As the big migration travels yearly through the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems, the temporary settlements track its every move. You will have the best opportunity of witnessing the Great Migration from the locations of these camps. The swimming pools, decks, and balconies of a permanent lodge aren’t available at these mobile campgrounds, but the service, comfort, and even the four-poster beds in some of the rooms are top-notch.

Our senior clients, in particular, should think about this degree of “adventure,” but all of our clients should. Clients frequently remember their time in the Serengeti mobiles for the exceptional quality of the genuine safari experience they had there. Their proximity to the wilderness was unmatched. However, bucket showers are common, and during the warmer months, the tents can become quite hot.

The Serengeti Safari Camp and Alex Walker’s Serian are our top picks for luxury mobile camps, while our favourites for value are Lemala Mara, Lemala Ndutu, and Nasikia’s Migration camp.

A permanent lodge in the Serengeti is another alternative, as we’ve already indicated. With so many factors to consider, it’s best to have a phone conversation to go over them all; seasonality is an important consideration when choosing a permanent lodge. But if you’re looking for a great resort that’s conveniently located for the Great Migration’s river crossing season (early July to mid-October), choose Lamai Serengeti, Kuria Hills, or Sayari.

Among the northern Serengeti’s granite kopjes, Lamai Serengeti boasts the most breathtaking setting and, from there, vistas of the whole park, should we be forced to chose just one? You should ask your specialist about getting a lower-level room if you’d prefer one because the upper-level accommodations are quite a distance from the main area.

2. Maasai Mara, Kenya

Concerning the Maasai Mara in Kenya, we get a lot of questions on the Migration. Herds of migratory animals traverse the Maasai Mara from the northern Serengeti every year from June through October. During this time, clients can almost always expect to see the iconic river crossings, making the Mara an ideal site for a senior safari. Plus, being so near to Nairobi means simple international flights home.

Camps like Angama Mara, Richard’s River Camp, and Sala’s are among the most luxurious options in Kenya, offering prime access to the country’s premier game watching zone. If you’re looking for bargain, your best bets are Naibor, the Governors Camp Collection, and Ol Seki.

3. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Now we’re in Southern Africa, where Botswana—and the Okavango Delta in particular—is often considered the most picturesque and “purest” African destination. Botswana is beautiful, but it’s not cheap, and it caters mostly to the elderly. Situated on private concessions, the top lodges offer prime game-viewing in the Okavango Delta and the neighbouring Linyanti and Savute districts.

The private exclusive reserves are the main reason for the high price. These regions provide some of the most opulent and costly lodges in Africa, in addition to some of the greatest game viewing in the continent.

Although “cheap” camps in the Delta are few and far between, we’ve found some great ones, including Wilderness Pelo in the Jao Reserve and Sango in the Khwai Reserve, that provide an incredible return on investment (ROI) for the money. But Shinde is our favourite Delta camp since it offers great lodging in a private reserve and is well-liked by everyone in the office. Having a bigger reserve to explore gives Kwando Safaris Splash Camp an advantage over Shinde, another competitor. Wilderness Qorokwe, Wilderness Chitabe, and Wilderness Little Vumbura are examples of more luxurious camps that charge more but ensure excellent camping experiences. Then there are places like Wilderness Mombo and Wilderness Vumbura Plains, where prices just go through the roof…

Wet and dry camps are the way to go for an unforgettable Botswana safari for seniors exploring the Okavango Delta. Naturally, these camps aren’t all in the same place. Some are right on the major delta’s shores, perfect for boat safaris and mokoro rides across the delta, while others are farther inland. As an example, wild dogs tend to congregate in drier regions, which makes them ideal habitats for some species. If you want to book a safari that really delivers on your dreams, local expertise is essential.

4. Sabi Sands, South Africa

Lastly, a senior safari to South Africa is an always-deserving option. Here, you may experience the best of both worlds: a safari in places like the Sabi Sands, which is just next to Kruger National Park, and a city break in Cape Town, South Africa’s Winelands. The accommodations here are second to none. Guests may expect to see the “Big Five” on many occasions during a three-night stay, and the prices are fair considering the level of comfort offered.

In South Africa, the safari sector is centred around three well-known names: Mala Mala, Londolozi Varty, and Singita Boulders. If you’re looking for a bargain, your best bets are Notten’s and Kirkman’s Kamp.

5. Victoria Falls

With daily flights connecting Victoria Falls to other amazing wildlife sites in Southern Africa, such as Kruger National Park in South Africa, Chobe National Park in Botswana, and the Okavango Delta in Namibia, this southern African safari destination is perfect for nature lovers.

Approximately 280 Olympic swimming pools’ worth of water thunders over the falls every minute during the high-water season (February to July), which lasts for about seventy-two minutes. Most African safari itineraries for seniors include a guided tour to the world’s biggest waterfall, which is a genuinely soul-stirring event and a “bucket list item” for many.

Additionally, Victoria Falls offers excellent lodging options. Victoria Falls has accommodations to suit any taste or budget, from quaint riverfront rooms to opulent hotels with groomed lawns where you may sip a G&T. When you stay on the Zimbabwean side of the Falls, you’ll be near the river and the busy markets, but when you stay upstream in Zambia, you’ll have more peace and quiet.

Best Things to Do on a Senior Safari in Victoria Falls

• Guided tour of the waterfall
• Sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River
• High tea at Victoria Falls Hotel
• Shopping at the vibrant outdoor markets
• Helicopter flight over the waterfall

6. Botswana

Thanks to a mild climate and an abundance of wildlife in heavyweight destinations like the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, Botswana delivers superb African safari experiences for seniors any time of the year.

The country has dedicated airports that service the Okavango Delta and Chobe regions via quick and easy air transfers. We recommend fly-in safari itineraries for seniors, meaning you won’t have to spend time on long and uncomfortable road transfers.

Because of regular flights and accessibility to other blockbuster destinations like South Africa and Victoria Falls, it’s easy to augment your Botswana safari. Some of the greatest African safari itineraries for seniors will combine Botswana with a visit to the award-winning Cape Town, an encounter with the colossal Victoria Falls, or a distinct safari experience in the famed Kruger National Park.

Best Things to Do on a Senior Safari in Botswana

• Guided game drives in Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park
• Sunrise or sunset boat cruises on the Chobe River
• Birdwatching in Linyanti’s private reserves
• Staying at excellent riverside lodges along the Chobe River
• Up-close meerkat encounters in the Kalahari

7. Rovos Rail

Experience the timeless grandeur of Rovos Rail by boarding the most opulent train in the world. Despite not being a destination in and of itself, Rovos Rail offers first-rate African safari vacations for retirees with an emphasis on the journey.

There’s something magical about taking a long-distance train ride, and Rovos Rail has a variety of custom train trips that capture the essence of old-school, opulent safaris. An epic 15-day voyage from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, replete with off-train excursions and safari stays at some of the continent’s finest resorts, is possible, as are shorter 2-day trips from Cape Town to Pretoria in South Africa.

Relish the moment as you float across some of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. Savour delicious food, a great selection of award-winning wines, and discreet, courteous service.

8. South Africa

South Africa’s first-rate tourist infrastructure allows it to provide some of the top safaris in Africa for retirees. Charter planes make it easy to reach Kruger National Park, while commercial flights connect all the main towns in the nation every day. Combining a trip to South Africa with a visit to other amazing places like Botswana and Victoria Falls is made incredibly easy by OR Tambo International Airport, a major travel hub and the gateway to the rest of Africa.

The most famous and largest safari park in South Africa, Kruger National Park is also the place where you can see the most diverse array of animals, including the famous Big Five. In the private game reserves of the Kruger National Park, African seniors can stay in opulent lodges with first-rate service and facilities.

When planning an African safari for seniors, be sure to include a stop in Cape Town. You can’t find a more “have-it-all” location than South Africa’s Mother City. Conveniently located between the Kruger National Park and the Cape Winelands, this city offers a laid-back blend of South African culture, urban life, and outstanding culinary experiences, all while being encircled by picturesque mountains, beaches, historical sites, and bottle-green valleys. Plus, getting around and seeing the sights on your own is a breeze in this city.

If you’re worried about taking multiple medications for malaria, a senior safari in a malaria-free area, such as the Madikwe Game Reserve or a safari park in the Eastern Cape, is a great option.

Why We Love South Africa for Senior Safaris

• Getting around is easy and comfortable
• Luxury safari lodges offer world-class service and amenities
• Easy to combine a safari in Kruger with a visit to Cape Town or Victoria Falls
• Award-winning culinary experiences in the Cape Winelands

9. Kenya

Kenya is a superb African safari location for elders. We do, however, advocate opting for a fly-in plan, as distances between safari regions are large and car transfers can grow very long and uncomfortable. If you are mobile enough to hop onboard and off tiny airplanes, flying between camps and lodges will offer a great lot of comfort and more time on safari.

Kenya’s premier safari location is the Masai Mara National Reserve. Its wide-open plains provide a shelter for an abundance of species like elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, hyena and the Mara’s famous big cats: lion, leopard and cheetah. Thanks to its huge quantities of resident wildlife and mild temperature, the Mara is usually considered as a superb year-round safari destination. Its large and open plains ensure there is usually always something to view – no matter what time of year you visit.

Travellers may enjoy the Mara in a way that the national reserve cannot: seclusion, superb game viewing in sole-use zones, and activities like night drives, bush hikes, and off-road game viewing. These are all offered by the private conservancies, which are conservation areas owned by local Maasai that border the national reserve. When the annual Wildebeest Migration takes its turn in the Masai Mara between roughly August and November, the surrounding private conservancies offer a calm respite from the spectacle (the national reserve can become somewhat busy), yet you’re still close enough to all the Migration hot spots.

Another wonderful place for a senior safari in Kenya is Amboseli National Park. With its permanent wetlands blossoming beneath high Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is the ideal spot in East Africa to witness enormous herds of elephant. And if you’re searching for that iconic postcard photograph of wildlife against a Kilimanjaro backdrop, this is the location to get the shot.

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

10. Tanzania

Tanzania is a fantastic destination for senior African tourists due to the incredible variety of wildlife, landscapes, and experiences it provides, including tropical beaches, the Big 5, and the Wildebeest Migration. In addition, a great way to view the top of Tanzania is in the well-known “northern safari circuit,” which includes the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire. Just like in Kenya, avoiding the tedious and unpleasant road transfers is best accomplished by booking a flight-in itinerary.

One of the world’s most well-known safari locations is Serengeti National Park. If you are looking for the most spectacular wildlife viewing in Tanzania, this is the spot for you. It is home to a large number of animals, including zebras, buffalo, elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and cheetahs, and it is the site of the annual Wildebeest Migration, which occurs from January to August. The Serengeti is a great place for seniors to go on a safari because of its size, accessibility, high-quality lodges and camps, and plenty of animals all year round.

About three million years ago, a large volcano fell and exploded, creating the Ngorongoro Crater. Currently, it remains the largest preserved volcanic caldera on the planet. It’s home to more than 25,000 species, including all five of the Big Five, and is truly awe-inspiring. It provides the best chances for senior safari goers to observe all five members of the Big Five in East Africa—that is, all five in a single day! The combination of an absolutely one-of-a-kind location with accommodation on a celestial cliff makes for a senior safari that will stay with them forever.

From June through October, Tanzania’s dry season, you can see the elephant empire at Tarangire National Park, and if you’re a birdwatcher, you won’t want to miss Lake Manyara.

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

How Important is Fitness When Planning a Safari for Seniors?

How fit you need to be to go on a safari is entirely up to you. Going on safari doesn’t necessarily require you to be in top physical condition, and we can even accommodate those with mild mobility concerns.

You should be in better shape if you intend to include more activities (guided walks, etc.) in your schedule. Being physically active is not a concern for seniors going on an African safari. All that is required is the ability to quickly and easily climb aboard a 4×4 safari vehicle, boat, tiny aeroplane or hot-air balloon.

However, physical health is key for a gorilla trekking adventure. Every level of fitness can be challenged by the high altitudes, unpredictable movements of the gorillas, and dense foliage. However, certain porters are trained to carry passengers, so even those with mobility limitations can have this unique animal encounter. It is common practice to bring elderly tourists to a gorilla family that is located closer to the park’s entrance when they visit Africa.

Keep in mind that the distances covered on an East African safari are quite long; therefore, a fly-in safari is preferable than a road safari, particularly for elderly people or those with back issues.

Safari packages are custom-made at Kabira Safaris Africa to meet your every demand. When it comes to organising memorable African safaris for seniors, our experts have you covered, whether it’s finding a room near the lodge’s common areas without steps or making special arrangements for tourists with mobility issues.

Are There African Safari for Seniors Who Want to Travel Solo?

Absolutely! Africa is a great place to go on an adventure by yourself if you book through a travel agency that has frequent, hands-on safari expertise and worked with reliable suppliers before. A smart travel agency will know just which resorts and camps to arrange for your single holiday, and slot in seamless transfers and activities.

Again, better go for a fly-in safari during which you’ll easily meet fellow visitors as you enjoy exciting charter flights and game drives.

Going on a solo senior safari with Kabira Safaris Africa also means you have a direct, 24/7 phone line to obtain aid or advise at any moment once you are in Africa.

Are African Safaris for Seniors Escorted or Guided?

Every aspect of your trip is attended to when you book with Kabira Safaris Africa. Someone will be waiting for you at every turn thanks to the meet-and-greet services and transfers arranged by a full-service travel agency. Professional guides are there to keep you safe and make sure you have an unforgettable experience on a senior safari. These guides are highly trained and skilled professionals.

In addition, you can book special guides to accompany you during your journey and VIP meet-and-greet packages.

I’ve Never Been on an African Safari Before. What Are Some of the Most Important Things to Know?

To ensure the security of your holiday, travel insurance is an absolute necessity. An African safari for seniors can be covered by this, and it can even take into consideration any pre-existing problems you may have.

Always have a note from your doctor outlining the different medications you are taking and the conditions they address if you are travelling with prescription medication. That way, you’ll be prepared in the event that you require assistance when travelling or can’t find your regular medication in another nation.

To get a feel for the range of manoeuvrability required on your safari, make a mental note of the many types of safari vehicles, boats, and small charter planes you’ll be flying.

Things to Consider:

Health requirements: Is there any medical equipment, such as CPAP machines, that needs electricity? Before you go, make sure you have the proper storage space for any drugs that have special temperature requirements. For any travelling visitors’ added peace of mind, there is a medical staff and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) standing by.

Bathrooms: Think you’d be more at ease with eco-toilets and bucket showers, or would you rather have instantaneous hot and cold water at your fingertips?

Accessibility: Take into account your mobility needs when planning your trip. Do you have no problem finding your way about the resort and getting to your room? When deciding where to sit on the safari, think about if you need help getting into or out of the van or staying close to your guide. When planning an activity, keep in mind your current degree of physical ability, mobility, and stamina.

Temperatures: Think about how changes in temperature throughout the year can affect your level of comfort. Without air conditioning, certain activities and accommodations may be too hot during certain months of the year. Muddy conditions impacting accessibility and trekking experiences are another potential consequence of rainy weather.