Everything you need to know for your first safari
Vivian McCarthy is a director and co-founder of Acacia Africa – a specialist tour operator focusing on adventure and safari trips to Africa. This year, Acacia opens its safari adventures to teenagers 16+ for the first time, making it an exciting option for a memorable family adventure.
If you’ve not been on safari before, this conversation will give you a clear overview of what is involved in a safari holiday, from travel and logistics and food and animal sightings.
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Vivian explains safari as wildlife game driving within wider trips that can include scenery, culture and beaches, and discusses Africa’s range from luxury to budget with a growing middle of comfortable 2–4 star options.
He covers logistics and expectations including flight times with minimal jet lag from the UK, suggested daily spending of about $20–$30 plus optional activities, and the roles of tour guides versus specialist driver-guides in safari vehicles.
Vivian shares first-timer etiquette, early starts, clothing layers, safety in camps, malaria precautions, and options for camping vs accommodated tours, solo travellers, and facilities.
He recommends week, two-week and three-week itineraries featuring Kruger, Matobo, Victoria Falls, Namibia/Botswana, and the Maasai Mara–Serengeti–Zanzibar route, plus timing tips, book picks, local food highlights, and souvenir ideas.
