So, what is a safari? Today it means a journey to watch wild animals in their natural habitat, often by vehicle, sometimes on foot or from a balloon. The word itself comes from Swahili, where safari simply means a journey, and Swahili borrowed it from Arabic. In Kenya, people use it for everything from a family road trip to a luxury wildlife holiday.
From hunting expeditions to photography
In the early twentieth century, safaris were largely hunting expeditions organised for wealthy visitors. Over time, attitudes changed. Kenya banned sport hunting in the 1970s, and wildlife tourism grew around cameras and binoculars. Today the money visitors spend helps pay for rangers, anti-poaching work and community projects, which is why choosing responsible operators matters.
Main types of safari
- Game drive. The classic: a 4×4 with a pop-up roof and a guide who knows where animals tend to be.
- Walking safari. Done in private conservancies with an armed ranger, focusing on tracks, plants and small creatures.
- Hot air balloon. A sunrise flight over the plains, followed by a bush breakfast. See our balloon safari guide.
- Boat safari. Gentle outings on lakes such as Naivasha and Baringo.
- Night drives. Only available in some conservancies and private ranches; read where night drives are allowed.
- Cultural visits. Meetings with Maasai, Samburu and other communities; our etiquette guide explains how to do it respectfully.
What a normal day looks like
You rise early, often before sunrise, have tea or coffee and head out for a morning drive. Animals are most active in the cool hours. By late morning you return for breakfast and a rest. After lunch there may be another drive or a visit to a community, then a sundowner and dinner by the fire. Our article on a typical day on safari describes the rhythm in more detail.
Who goes on safari?
Almost everyone: couples, families, solo travellers, retirees and photographers. Comfort levels vary from simple camping to lodges with plunge pools. You do not need to be athletic, but you should be happy with early starts and bumpy tracks.
Choosing your first safari
Start with where and when. The Maasai Mara is the best-known park, Amboseli is famous for elephants and Kilimanjaro views, and Lake Nakuru is excellent for rhinos and birds. Our park comparison helps you pick. Then decide how long you have; five to seven days is a comfortable first trip, as shown in our 7-day itinerary.
A safari is not a zoo visit. Animals do what they like, and you may wait for hours. That unpredictability is the point, and it is the reason a good moment feels unforgettable. If you tell us your dates and interests, we will suggest a realistic plan.
Quick answers
What does safari mean?
Safari is a Swahili word meaning journey, which Swahili borrowed from Arabic.
What happens on a typical safari day?
An early game drive, breakfast and rest at midday, an afternoon drive, a sundowner and dinner at camp.
Do I need to be fit for a safari?
No. Most safaris involve sitting in a vehicle, though early starts and bumpy tracks are normal.
Safaris that fit this guide
These Cherish Africa Safaris trips match what this guide covers. We can adjust any of them to your dates, group size and budget.
- 7 Days Budget Kenya Safari: Maasai Mara, Lakes & Hell’s Gate Adventure
- 3 Days Amboseli Bush Safari Adventure
- 3 Days Amboseli Safari Adventure: Majestic Wildlife & Mount Kilimanjaro Views
Not sure which trip suits you? Browse all our Kenya safari tours or send us an enquiry.
Plan it with people who live here
We are a Nairobi-based team and every trip starts from our own doorstep. If you would like help turning these ideas into a real itinerary, message us on WhatsApp (+254 794 588 242), write to info@cherishafricasafaris.com, or use our contact form. We usually reply the same day.
What is a safari: Key Takeaways
The main points on what is a safari are covered above. If you would like help applying them to your own dates and budget, our team can plan the trip with you. For more advice on what is a safari, or a quote tailored to your group, contact Cherish Africa Safaris and we will reply the same day.
