USA to Africa: The Big African Safari Adventure

Planning the Ultimate African Safari for US Clients

For many American travellers, Africa represents the ultimate frontier—untamed wilderness, majestic wildlife, and vibrant cultures all in one epic journey.

When clients from the USA set their sights on Africa, especially for a safari-focused holiday, they tend to have big dreams and a few specific expectations in mind. Here’s what typically shapes their African travel experience:

Multi-Country Exploration: One Trip, Many Borders

Unlike shorter holidays closer to home, Americans travelling to Africa often aim to make the most of their time and the distance travelled. It’s not uncommon for them to visit two, three or even four countries in a single trip. Since flights from the US to Africa can take upwards of 16 hours, clients often see this as a once-in-a-lifetime journey—so they want to cover as much ground as possible.

Popular combinations include:

• Kenya and Tanzania for the Great Migration and Ngorongoro Crater.

• South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe for a mix of wildlife, luxury lodges, and Victoria Falls.

• Namibia and South Africa, offering a contrast between dramatic desert landscapes and Big Five safaris.

• Rwanda or Uganda paired with Kenya or Tanzania for gorilla trekking followed by classic savannah game drives.

Travelling across multiple countries allows for a richer, more diverse African experience, but it does require careful planning around visas, logistics, and internal flights.

Chasing the Bucket List Moments

American travellers are often drawn to those once-in-a-lifetime, Instagram-worthy moments that make an African safari unforgettable. Bucket list experiences are high on the agenda and often include:

• Witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti or Maasai Mara.

• Hot air balloon safaris over the plains at sunrise.

• Gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda.

• Luxury tented camps in remote private reserves.

• Night game drives and walking safaris for an up-close look at Africa’s wildlife.

• Cultural encounters with local tribes, like the Maasai or Himba people.

They often seek a balance between high-adrenaline wildlife encounters and more personal, immersive experiences that offer insight into the land and its people.

The Cost of a Dream Safari

Safaris aren’t typically budget holidays, and most American clients understand this. They’re often willing to invest significantly in a high-quality experience—after all, for many, this is a “big birthday”, honeymoon, or retirement trip.

Pricing varies, but here’s a general idea:

• Mid-range safari (shared lodges, group tours): $500–$700 USD per person per day.

• Luxury safari (private guides, top-end lodges, charter flights): $1,000–$2,500 USD per person per day.

• Ultra-luxury or bespoke journeys with private planes, exclusive-use camps, and fine dining: upwards of $3,000 USD per person per day.

Adding multiple countries, internal flights, and premium experiences can quickly increase the overall cost. However, clients often see the value in paying for comfort, exclusivity, and seamless logistics.

Flight Routes: Getting from the US to Africa

Flights to Africa from the US are long-haul, often requiring at least one connection, usually in Europe or the Middle East. That said, there are some direct routes available:

• Delta Air Lines offers non-stop flights from Atlanta to Johannesburg, South Africa.

• United Airlines operates direct routes from Newark to Johannesburg and Cape Town.

• Most major US airports connect to African hubs via Europe (Amsterdam, Paris, London) or the Middle East (Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi).

Once in Africa, travellers typically rely on regional carriers such as Kenya Airways, South African Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines for internal flights and cross-border connections.

Planning the Ultimate African Safari for US Clients

American safari-goers are adventurers at heart, but they also value convenience, comfort, and curated experiences. They want to tick off bucket list wildlife sightings, enjoy luxurious lodges, and come home with stories worth sharing. The key is crafting itineraries that balance excitement and ease—seamlessly connecting countries, landscapes and experiences into one extraordinary African journey.

For travel advisors and safari operators, understanding these motivations is key to building trips that exceed expectations and turn a dream safari into a lifelong memory.