Question 1

What exactly is a private safari?

Accepted Answer

A private safari is a safari where only your party travels together — just you, your group, and your dedicated guide in a private vehicle. There are no other passengers, no shared schedules, and no compromise on where you go or when. You set the timing, the pace, and the itinerary based on your interests and the wildlife.

Question 2

What is a group departure safari?

Accepted Answer

A group departure safari books individual seats on a scheduled safari with other travellers — typically 6 to 8 people sharing a vehicle. Departure dates are fixed, the itinerary follows a set schedule, and the guide manages the group as a whole. This is the most affordable way to experience a Tanzania safari.

Question 3

How much more does a private safari cost?

Accepted Answer

A private safari typically costs 40–80% more than a group departure for the same itinerary, depending on season and group size. For a couple or solo traveller the premium is significant; for a family of four or more, the per-person cost difference narrows considerably. Most clients who have done both consider the private safari the last safari they will ever book in the group tier.

Question 4

Is a private safari worth it for a first-time visitor?

Accepted Answer

A private safari is particularly valuable for a first-time visitor. The flexibility to ask questions without disrupting others, to linger at a sighting, and to have the guide calibrate every moment to your level of knowledge — makes for a fundamentally more educational and memorable experience. The guide works for you, not for eight people at once.

Question 5

Can we mix private and group experiences on the same trip?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many clients combine a private safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro with a shared experience in more accessible regions where the wildlife is reliable and the group dynamic adds to the atmosphere. This approach delivers the best of both worlds and can significantly reduce the overall cost of the trip.

Private vs Group Safari Tanzania | Bobby Safaris Guide