Group Joining Safaris

It is a safari on a fixed departure date that you share with other travellers rather than booking privately. You each pay a seat price, which covers the vehicle, an English-speaking guide, park fees, meals and accommodation, so the cost of the 4x4 and its running expenses is spread across the group. The route and itinerary are set in advance, and you join it alongside a handful of other guests, usually no more than six or seven. It is a sociable, good-value way to see the classic northern parks, and the wildlife and guiding are exactly the same as on a private trip. If you enjoy a little company and want to keep costs down, it is an excellent choice.

Usually no more than six or seven guests, and often fewer. We deliberately keep groups small so that everyone has room to spread out, a clear view from the pop-up roof, and a chance to ask the guide questions. A typical 4x4 seats seven passengers comfortably alongside the driver, and on quieter departures you may travel with just two or three others. Small groups also make it easier to agree on the pace and to move quickly when a sighting appears. If a departure is looking full, we will let you know before you book, and if you would rather have the vehicle entirely to yourselves, a private safari is a straightforward alternative. Comfort and good viewing are the priorities.

Yes — group joining is ideal for solo travellers, and it is one of the most affordable ways to safari alone. You pay for a single seat rather than a whole vehicle, and you share the experience with like-minded people, which many guests find makes the trip more enjoyable. It is also a safe, sociable option if you are travelling on your own for the first time. Couples and small groups of friends are very welcome on the same departures, so you may find yourself alongside a mix of nationalities and ages. Single travellers sometimes pay a small supplement for a room to themselves, and we will always explain the options clearly before you book, so there are no surprises.

The parks, the guides and the wildlife are exactly the same — you are not getting a lesser safari. The main difference is flexibility. A private trip lets you set the pace, linger at sightings and change the route on a whim, while a group joins a set itinerary that suits everyone onboard. Group departures can also fill a fixed number of seats, so you go when they go. If freedom matters most to you, a private safari costs only a little more per person once two or more travel together, and it is often worth it. If value and company are the priority, group joining is hard to beat for the classic northern circuit.

We will let you know in good time rather than leaving you guessing. If a date looks unlikely to reach its minimum, you can usually choose between paying a small supplement to guarantee the trip as a private or near-private departure, switching to another date that is already confirmed, or upgrading to a fully private safari for your party. Occasionally we may combine two thin departures into one, and we will always explain exactly what is happening before you commit. Because our departures run right through the season, there is usually a confirmed date not far away. Our aim is simple: you should never be left uncertain, and you should always have a workable option that suits your plans and budget.

Older children and teenagers are usually fine on a group joining safari, and many enjoy the company of other travellers. However, because the pace and itinerary are shared, families with younger children generally prefer a private vehicle, where you can shorten drives, stop for naps or snacks, and return to camp early when needed. Young children can also find long days in the vehicle tiring, and other guests may not want an unplanned change of plan. If you are travelling with children, tell us their ages and we will advise honestly on whether a group departure or a private safari will suit you better. A private family safari is often the more relaxed choice.

On a group departure, the accommodation is a set standard so that everyone shares the same arrangements and the seat price stays predictable. You will usually stay in comfortable mid-range lodges or permanent tented camps, chosen for location and value rather than exclusivity. If you have a particular level in mind — perhaps a luxury lodge or a simple camping option — a private safari lets you choose exactly where you stay and when. Alternatively, some group itineraries offer an upgrade at certain camps for an extra cost, which we can arrange on request. Do tell us your preferences when you enquire, and we will be clear about what the group departure includes and where a private trip would give you more choice.

It is simple. Tell us your preferred travel dates and the route or parks you would like to see, and we will confirm which departures have space and what the seat price is. Once you are happy, a deposit secures your place, with the balance typically due before departure. We will send a clear itinerary, a packing list and details of what is included, and we are on hand to answer questions by email or phone right up to your trip. Because departures are fixed, it helps to book reasonably early, especially for the peak months of June to October when the best dates fill fastest. Let us know if you are flexible and we will find the departure that fits you best.