Safari 101: National Parks, Conservancies & Private Reserves (And Why It Matters for Your Safari)

If you’re dreaming of an African safari, here’s the truth no one tells you:Your experience is shaped far more by where you go than when you go.

And I don’t just mean “Kenya vs. Tanzania” or “Kruger vs. Sabi Sand.”I’m talking about the type of land you’re on.

1. National Parks

2. National Conservancies

3. Private Concessions

4. Private Game Reserves

Each one offers a completely different wildlife experience—different rules, different crowds, and different levels of exclusivity. Let’s break them down.

National Parks

National parks are the “postcard” safaris people picture. They’re government-owned and open to the public through entry fees. You’ll find huge landscapes, dense wildlife populations, and iconic migrations. Because they are public spaces, national parks can become crowded. It’s common to see 10–30 vehicles gathered around a predator sighting, especially during peak migration season.

Pros: • Massive ecosystems • Incredible wildlife numbers • Budget-friendly entry

Trade-offs: • More vehicles, especially in peak season • Stricter regulations (no off-road, night drives, limited walking) • Lodging zoned to specific areas

Great for travelers who want the classic safari and don’t mind some crowds.

National Conservancies

Examples: Kenyan conservancies surrounding the Mara

Conservancies are government-owned but co-managed with local communities. They balance conservation with traditional land use and provide income for surrounding villages.

Pros: • Fewer crowds than the parks • Community benefits tourism directly • Some allow more flexible activities

Trade-offs: • Rules vary widely conservancy to conservancy • Less infrastructure in some areas

Private Concessions

Examples: Concessions within the Serengeti or Kruger borders

Private concessions are the “hidden gems” of safari. These areas are leased and managed by private operators but located within or neighboring national parks. Only guests staying at the concession’s lodges can enter, meaning exclusivity and better wildlife viewing.

Pros: • Limited vehicle numbers • Off-road driving allowed in most concessions • Night drives + walking safaris • Exceptional guiding standards

Trade-offs: • Higher price point • Must stay at a designated lodge

If you want the same wildlife as the national park without the crowds, this is the sweet spot.

Private Game Reserves

Examples: Sabi Sand, Phinda, Londolozi, Manyeleti

These are fully privately owned wildlife reserves with their own conservation programs, guiding teams, and management. Private reserves offer some of the highest-quality safari experiences in Africa, especially for close-up Big Five viewing.

Pros: • Highly exclusive with very few vehicles • Top-tier guides and trackers • Off-roading, night drives, walking safaris• Luxury lodges with incredible service

Trade-offs: • Higher cost • Smaller geographic areas (though wildlife density is exceptional)

Perfect for travelers who want a seamless luxury safari with unforgettable wildlife moments.

How a Safari Travel Advisor Helps You Get It Right

The truth is, safari planning is not DIY-friendly.

There are:

• hundreds of land-use zones,

• dozens of conservancies with different rules,

• multiple concessions within each park,

• and private reserves with varying wildlife densities.

My job? To match you with the right region, right lodge, right land type, and right activities for the experience you actually want.

Whether that’s:

• Big Five in 48 hours

• Photography-focused tracking

• Cultural immersion

• Luxury honeymoon seclusion

• Great Migration crossings

• Walking-safari adventures

• Family-friendly pacing

I eliminate the guesswork and make sure your trip is curated, ethical, seamless, and unforgettable.

Safari 101: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What type of safari land is best for first-time travelers?

National parks are great for classic landscapes, but private concessions or private reserves offer better sightings with fewer crowds. Many travelers enjoy combining both.

Q: Do I need to visit a national park to see the Big Five?

No! Many private game reserves and concessions have higher Big Five densities than public parks—and far fewer vehicles.

Q: Are private reserves worth the higher price?

If you want intimate wildlife encounters, better photography, off-road tracking, and fewer crowds, then yes—private reserves offer exceptional value.

Q: Can I do a walking safari anywhere?

Only in certain conservancies, concessions, and private reserves. National parks often restrict walking for safety and conservation reasons.

Q: Where can I see wildlife without huge crowds?

Private concessions and private game reserves have strict caps on vehicle numbers, offering a quieter, more exclusive experience.

Q: Is a safari safe?

Yes. Lodges operate with trained guides, strict protocols, and well-established safety practices. Walking safaris require qualified armed rangers.

Q: Can I combine different land types in one trip?

Absolutely—and it often creates the best safari. For example:✔ National park for scenery✔ Conservancy for culture✔ Private reserve for intimate sightings

Q: When is the best time to go on safari?

Dry season (June–October) offers high visibility. Green season (November–March) is stunning for photography and baby animals. I customize timing based on your goals.