Best Safari Destinations for Senior Travelers in Africa | Sixty and Me
An African safari remains on many tourists’ wish lists because of its unmatched wildlife encounters, vast, untamed landscapes, and the opportunity for a deep sense of adventure. For senior vacationers, it’s. . .
An African safari remains on many tourists’ wish lists because of its unmatched wildlife encounters, vast, untamed landscapes, and the opportunity for a deep sense of adventure. For senior vacationers, it’s an easy, enjoyable travel experience that requires almost no physical effort. No strenuous outdoor activities – just you sitting comfortably in a customized safari vehicle, a hot-air balloon, or a light aircraft, with just the sound of the wilderness, your tour guide’s expertise, the rolling savannah grasslands, and an incredibly diverse wildlife. As long as you know exactly what you want and long to see Mother Continent at its absolute best, you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime. To help you plan your next trip, I have put together a guide of the best safari destinations for senior travelers in Africa. Serengeti National Park, TanzaniaSuitable for:Great MigrationSerengeti is a key element of a memorable safari for seniors. It’s world-famous forthe Great Migration, where over 15 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, indulge in a circular movement between the park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara in search of pasture and water. Thousands of wildebeest move across the plains during the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. The massive herd stretching across the savanna illustrates one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife migrations. Dubbed ‘the Greatest Show on Earth’, it’s a year-round spectacle with different phases, with Serengeti hosting the vast majority (80-90%) of the cycle. Each of the migration stages, from the Calving season to the river crossings, offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Serengeti is 10 times bigger than the Maasai Mara, which makes wildlife viewing easier and less crowded than the denser bush. A game drive through the park gives access to all of the Big Five (though rhino sightings aren’t guaranteed), among other wonderful creatures. How to Get to SerengetiSerengeti has seven airstrips, so you can easily do a fly-in safari from either Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport. This will take roughly 45-60 minutes. From the airstrip, you’ll spend another 45 minutes to 2 hours for lodging transfer, with the duration varying depending on your hotel’s location. Where to StayFour Seasons Safari Lodgeis in the Central Serengeti, minimizing long, bumpy rides on the rough dirt tracks. Its amenities include accessible suites, on-site medical care, and elevators. How to Get Around Serengeti SafelyOpt for customized 4×4 Land Cruisers for reliable features, such as large sliding windows and charging ports you can use for your medical devices. Tip:If you want a front-row seat to the Great Migration, consider booking a mobile camp. They don’t have the luxuries of permanent hotels, but their comfort is more than adequate. And they follow the herds, which means a more intimate and authentic bush experience. Maasai Mara National Reserve, KenyaSuitable for:Classic Kenya safaris and Mara River crossingsThere’s no better place for a classicKenya safarithan the Maasai Mara. It is where the Great Migration peaks between July and October, featuring the dramatic Mara River Crossings as herds cross from the Northern Serengeti to the Maasai Mara. Considered the spectacle’s main highlight, it’s your best chance to see the most unforgettable wildlife moments, from navigating the dangerous, crocodile-infested waters to intense chases from land-based predators, like lions, hyenas, and leopards. Wildebeest crossing the Mara river during the Great Migration. However, it’s worth noting that the crossings, which happen between July and October, get super crowded. If you want a more peaceful experience, consider staying in a private conservancy, where visitor and vehicle numbers are strictly limited per sighting, and you can go off-roading. The dramatic moments of the Great Migration might not be as accessible as from the main reserve, but you’ll be rewarded by utmost exclusivity and robust wildlife viewing. You can also consider traveling during the shoulder seasons to get a feel of the plains in the quietest moments. How to get to Maasai MaraYou can either fly in or opt for the 5-6-hour road transfer from Nairobi via a private 4×4, but for comfort, it’s best to book a light-aircraft flight from Wilson Airport, which will land you on one of the park’s airstrips: Olseki or Keekorok, and takes around 45 minutes. Where to stayMara Serena Safari Lodge (Mara Triangle) features paved walkways, dedicated mobility rooms, on-site medical care, and breathtaking views right from the comfort of your room. How to Get Around SafelyConsider customized 4×4 safari jeeps that come with specialized features, such as wide doors and lower window sills to avoid straining. Tip:A hot-air balloon over the Maasai Mara is a unique way to experience wildlife and the landscape. You’ll not only enjoy a 360-degree view of the savannah, but also get through tranquil sunrise flights and a champagne bush breakfast. The ride lasts about an hour and costs around $440-$600 per person. Okavango Delta, BotswanaSuitable for:Luxury safarisIf a luxurious African safari is your vibe, there’s no better safari destination than Botswana’s Okavango Delta. It’s a special one not only because it’s the world’s largest delta, but also hosts some of the highest wildlife densities on the continent, including the Big Five, alongside other wild beauties, such as the rare African wild dog. A lone African elephant walks through lush marsh grass in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The fact that it offers both land-based and water safaris also makes it stand out, with a ride via the traditional ‘mokoro’ being the signature experience. You can explore the delta year-round, but the dry season, between June and September, is when water levels are at their highest, offering the most robust wildlife viewing. How to Get to Okavango DeltaConsider taking a commercial flight to Maun International Airport, and another short bush flight, lasting 30-45 minutes, to a camp airstrip. From there, you can reach your camp by road or boat. Where to StaySanctuary Chief’s Campcomes with well-grounded permanent structures, with features such as easy links to medical evacuation and 24-hour electricity. How to Get Around SafelyThe safest, easiest, and quickest way to get around this massive delta is via a light aircraft. Mokoro transfers allow a more immersive experience, but ensure your poler is well-experienced and certified so you can safely navigate the waters past crocodiles and hippos. Kruger National Park, South AfricaSuitable for:Comfort and easy self-drive safarisA combination of exceptional wildlife-spotting opportunities, smooth, paved roads, and high comfort levels makes Kruger one of the best safari destinations for seniors in Africa. Stretching over 2 million ha, the park boasts 148 mammal species, including the Big Five, and over 500 types of birds. Go out for sunset and sunrise game drives, watch these creatures right from the river, and waterhole hides, such as the Sable Dam Hide, or take a guided walking safari for a more immersive experience. For your relaxation, you can always unwind atAM Spa Kruger in Skukuza Rest Campor take a delicious bush meal under the African stars. White rhino family at Kruger National Park. How to Get to Kruger National ParkFly right into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport or Skukuza Airport from either Cape Town or Johannesburg. From there, you can opt for a quick charter flight or a road transfer to your camp/lodge. Where to StayKruger Gate Hotel, right at the Paul Kruger Gate, ensures an unforgettable stay at Kruger, with thoughtful features, such as elevated walkways, in-room service, peaceful viewing decks, and relaxed surroundings. How to Get Around SafelyGo for guided open-safari vehicles or rent an elevated SUV if you are choosing to self-drive. Nairobi National Park, KenyaSuitable for:Budget safaris and short itinerariesKenya’s most accessible national park, Nairobi, offers seniors a significantly cheaper safari for a limited time. The park is special for many reasons, including the fact that it’s the world’s only national park in a capital city, guaranteeing unmatched convenience, just about 4 miles from the CBD. A half-day trip through the park offers an opportunity for authentic wildlife encounters against the backdrop of the capital’s breathtaking skyline. You can see four of the Big Five: lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos, plus zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, and more than 400 bird species. A herd of Burchell’s Zebra grazing in the grasslands of Nairobi National Park. How to Get to Nairobi National ParkYou can get through an organized tour package, booking a 4×4 safari vehicle, or hiring a well-experienced private driver. Where to StayOlolo Safari Lodge & Farm on the park’s southern border offers a safe, stable farmhouse environment with scenic surroundings and easy, flat pathways. It’s perfect if you are looking for a home feel and personalized service. How to Get Around SafelyBook a 4×4 safari vehicle or Land Cruiser through a trusted tour operator. Etosha National Park, NamibiaSuitable for:Effortless wildlife viewingKnown for its massive salt pan, Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s most underrated safari destinations, yet it offers some of the continent’s most accessible wildlife viewing. Unlike other safari parks that involve long, bumpy drives through dense bush, animals come right to you here. You can simply relax at a floodlit, fenced camp waterhole and take in the beauty as multiple creatures drink together, especially during the dry season. Game drives are also easy and enjoyable, thanks to the park’s well-maintained gravel roads. Besides, the flat, sparse nature of the landscape makes wildlife encounters effortless. Hundreds of eyes pointed on the lion. Herds of oryx and impalas looking for water at a rare waterhole in Etosha national park, Namibia, Africa. How to Get to Etosha National ParkFly into Hosea Kutako International Airport. You can then do a road transfer to Etosha, which takes 5-6 hours. Where to StayStaying at Okaukuejo Camp near Andersson Gate gives you the easiest access to robust wildlife viewing, thanks to its floodlit waterhole, which is just a short walking distance from the rooms. How to Get Around SafelyBooking guided open safari vehicles with your lodge or renting a high-clearance SUV are the safest options to get around Etosha. The Best Time to Travel for a Senior SafariJuly through Octoberis generally the best time to enjoy African safaris. It’s the dry season, and so the vegetation is thinner, the weather is comfortable, and wildlife gather at water sources, creating the best viewing opportunities. Serengeti and Maasai Mara operateyear-round, but your timing for the Great Migration matters. If you want to experience the calving season, travel to Serengeti’s southern plains betweenJanuary and March. For the dramatic Mara River crossings, visit the northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara betweenJuly and October. How Much Does a Senior Safari Cost?How much you’ll pay for an African safari depends on the destination, the level of comfort you are going for, and your travel duration. For a standard budget safari, you can set aside $150-$300 per day, though it often involves bumpy drives and rugged camping. For a senior-tailored experience, be prepared to spend $350-$700 for a mid-range safari, $800-$1,500 for a luxury safari, and $2,000-$3,000+ for an ultra-luxury safari per person, per night. Maasai Mara and Serengeti both offer a wide range of safaris, with plenty of budget options. Okavango Delta comes with a price tag, with rates starting from $4,500 per person for a 4-day safari. Whether you choose a budget-friendly adventure or a luxury experience, the best safari destinations for seniors guarantee unforgettable memories. Just opt for a destination that suits your style and watch the beauty of this lovely continent unfold right in front of you. Let’s Talk:Have you visited any of these destinations? How was your experience? Any other destination you’d recommend? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.