5 Reasons You’ll Fall in Love with an African Safari
There’s travel… and then there’s safari travel. If you’ve ever dreamed of getting up close to a lion on the prowl, watching elephants roam freely, or witnessing a jaw-dropping African sunset in the wild, this is your sign to stop dreaming and start planning. A safari isn’t just a trip—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you humbled, amazed, and forever changed.
We took our first safari trip together in the summer of 2021 (trying to escape the Pandemic). We spent 7 days on a Tanzanian safari adventure and it was one of the most incredible experiences we’ve ever had. Neither of us really knew what to expect, but if we had gone in with high expectations, they would’ve been blown out of the water. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a luxury traveler, or someone craving a deeper connection with nature, here’s why an African safari belongs on your itinerary.
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Here’s why you need to try an African Safari at least once:
The Wildlife
We went in wanting to see “The Big Five” (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo) + 2 (giraffes and zebras are Briana’s favorites!), but we didn’t really give our tour driver guidance beyond that. We were open to anything besides bird watching (no shade to anyone who enjoys that pastime). After we acclimated to how close we got to the animals on day 1 and put our full trust in our guide, we were suddenly obsessed with seeing a hunt, looking for every sign of movement, desperate to see a hunter chase down its prey. Unfortunately we didn’t catch one in Tanzania so that will be our main ask in Kenya. Here are some of the things we saw:
Watched a lion cub playfully pounce on its mother. Magical.
Saw an elephant herd gather at a watering hole. Breathtaking.
Spotted a cheetah (plus her cub) lazily lounging. Unreal.
Say Yes Pro Tip: Ask your guide about their favorite hidden spots—some of the best sightings happen off the beaten path.
The Peace is Unmatched
This may just be an us thing because our driver was quite surprised, but we both fell asleep in the car multiple times. There are points where you’re driving and there’s not much to see and the bumps in the road feel just like being rocked to sleep.
There’s a kind of quiet in the African wilderness that’s hard to describe. It’s not the eerie silence of a city at 2 AM or the forced calm of a spa retreat. It’s the kind of silence that fills you up—the kind that reminds you how big the world is and how small your worries are.
At first, we thought safaris would be nonstop action, but there are stretches of time where you’re just driving through the savannah, taking it all in. The rhythm of the vehicle, the vastness of the landscape, the occasional sighting of a distant giraffe—it’s a level of tranquility we didn’t know we needed.
And listen—we weren’t expecting to fall asleep in the safari car (multiple times, oops). But something about the gentle rocking of the vehicle and the warm breeze made for the most peaceful naps of our lives. We felt so relaxed all day, which is what you want when you take significant time off work.
If you’re someone who loves the idea of an adventure that doesn’t leave you feeling exhausted, this is it. You get thrilling moments, but also deeply relaxing ones.
You Can Accommodate Different Types of Travelers
Jordan’s ideal travel itineraries include nap time. Briana’s do not. But on safari, we didn’t have to compromise. We could nap or stay up and chat with our driver. It was the best of both worlds. One of the things we loved most about our trip was how flexible it was. A safari can be as fast-paced or as relaxed as you want it to be. Here is how its perfect for each type of traveler:
Early risers? Book a sunrise game drive for golden-hour magic.
Night owls? Some lodges offer night safaris, where you can spot nocturnal animals.
Luxury lovers? Stay in a boutique safari lodge with plunge pools & gourmet dining (a luxury safari is our absolute favorite).
Adventure seekers? Go on a walking safari and track animals with an expert guide.
No matter your travel style, a safari molds to YOU. You can have thrilling wildlife encounters in the morning, then spend your afternoon sipping cocktails at a luxury lodge overlooking a watering hole.
Say Yes Pro Tip: Check out this Kenya Travel Guide for where to stay in Kenya.
It’s Humbling
We remember being up in the hot air balloon in pure awe. It’s so easy to get caught up in your world and your issues but being in the middle of nowhere surrounded by nature as it was originally designed, you feel incredibly humbled and grateful for the experience. It’s a feeling that words can’t even fully describe.
We all get caught up in our day-to-day routines—emails, deadlines, traffic, errands. But when you’re on safari, the world slows down.
One morning, we found ourselves floating above the Serengeti in a hot air balloon, watching the sunrise paint the landscape in shades of gold and orange. It was surreal, humbling, and deeply grounding.
Safaris strip life down to its essentials:
Nature in its purest form—no skyscrapers, no distractions, just raw beauty.
Wildlife following its ancient rhythms, reminding you that life is bigger than emails.
A sense of awe and gratitude that stays with you long after you return home.
Say Yes Pro Tip: A hot air balloon ride is an unmatched way to experience a safari. It is worth every penny. Book it.
The Connections
If you don’t feel like you want to take your driver home with you, something must’ve gone severely wrong. We were obsessed with our guide. He was friendly, funny and knowledgeable and we trusted him almost immediately. He gave us exactly what we asked for and more. We even requested that he cross the border and drive us around in Kenya. The request was denied but we’re confident we’ll be just as obsessed with our guide in Kenya too.
Your safari guide is more than just a driver. They’re your storyteller, animal tracker, and personal encyclopedia of the wild.
We were obsessed with our guide. He knew the Serengeti like the back of his hand, could spot a leopard from miles away, and somehow always knew where to position the vehicle for the best views. He also had the best sense of humor, which made the long drives even more fun.
From lodge staff to local guides, the people you meet on safari are passionate about conservation and wildlife, and they make the experience unforgettable.
Our guide from Tanzania - Zebi! He felt like our long lost big brother
If you’ve been thinking about an african safari trip, this is your sign to stop thinking and Say Yes!
Safe Travels,
Briana & Jordan
