A small group safari keeps the best part of travelling together, shared moments and new friendships, without the crowds and compromise of a large coach tour. Groups stay small enough that everyone has a window seat, the guide knows every name by the second day and the itinerary still moves at a human pace. It is a warm, social way to see Africa, and it suits travellers who like company as much as wildlife.
What small means
Our small group departures keep numbers low, so that a single safari vehicle carries everyone and no one is pushed to the back. Compared with a private safari, the cost of the guide and vehicle is shared, which makes a small group an attractive way to reach the same remarkable places. Compared with a large tour, you spend more time watching animals and less time waiting for a coach to fill.
Two ways to travel in a small group
- Join a shared departure. You travel with a few other guests on a set route and dates. It is sociable, well priced and ideal for solo travellers who want company.
- Bring your own group. Friends, extended family, a book club or a colleague team travel together on a private departure, with a route designed for you alone. Every seat belongs to your party.
Who it suits
Small groups suit solo travellers, couples travelling with friends, families with grown children, and anyone who enjoys sharing the thrill of a sighting. They are particularly well suited to primate and wildlife routes, where a small party moves quietly and the guide can focus on everyone’s experience. If you need complete flexibility on timing, a private safari may fit better.
How we keep it excellent
We choose routes where small groups shine and where permits and rooms can be confirmed with confidence. The same lodges, guides and standards apply as on every Offmap safari, and each departure is led by a driver-guide chosen for their knowledge and their way with people. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are limited and non-refundable once issued, so we confirm availability against the dates before you commit.
Where to go
Popular small group routes include gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, the great plains of Kenya and Tanzania, and combined itineraries across borders. See combined safaris for routes that link two or more countries.
Ask about group safaris
Tell us how many of you there are, your dates and what you hope to see. We will recommend a departure or design a private group route, with a clear price in US dollars confirmed in writing. Visit Plan My African Safari, message +256 701 243 304 on WhatsApp, or email [email protected].
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From the Travel Guide
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