How many game drives is enough?
 

Hi, my partner and I are traveling to South Africa in October. Right now the plan is to stay at 2 private reserves near Kruger, with each stay being 2 nights 3 days. The total number of game drives would be 8.

Our #1 priority in Africa is to see the wildlife, but even so, we're wondering if going on 8 game drives is too many? Should we cut it down? Maybe just stay at 1 private reserve for 3 nights?

Interested in hearing your opinions. Thanks!

Well I would say there is never enough but then on our next visit we are spending 22 days self-driving in Kruger all day every day, so my opinion is probably different to many others!

Difficult question to answer, really.
After you have seen two elephants then you will be satisfied you have seen elephants? If so then you're right, 8 drives is about twice too many, do 4. Myself, I've been on over 200 game drives and very much looking forward to another 40 this May.

regards - tom

No way to answer this!

My next trip is 36 game drives (or walks). And that is NOT enough. :-) But just like Tom, I am an addict.

If this is your first trip to Africa, and your first safari experience, I'd say: just stick with the plan.

Just make sure you can get the needed funds together asap, in case you need to go back for another fix.

Ciao,

J.

If you stay at 1 reserve for 3 nights, it would be easier to opt out of a game drive if/when you decide to take a break. It would also be more relaxing than being constantly on the move.

The concept of "too many game drives" is oxymoronic to many of the users of this forum. I'd say stay the course with your plans. It's not just seeing the game that's rewarding: simply getting into the rhythm of the game drives, sitting back and relaxing, chatting with the guides and enjoying the scenery will all become part of the memories you'll look back on.

I am like Tom, there are never enough. On a game drive you may see something where you cannot ever see anywhere else on earth. You never know what is around the next corner.

Mike

I'm also an addict so I don't think 8 game drives is too much. Each one is unique.

Deb

8 game drives may sound like a lot but it isn't.

I am copying what sdb2 said above so you will read it again. "<i>It's not just seeing the game that's rewarding: simply getting into the rhythm of the game drives, sitting back and relaxing, chatting with the guides and enjoying the scenery will all become part of the memories you'll look back on.</i>

I would suggest staying at one camp for the 4 nights so you can sit back and enjoy yourselves and experience the whole thing instead of rushing around.

I'm going in June (to Kenya this year) and I'm staying 5 nights at the first camp and 6 nights at the second camp. Even after 11 nights the last day will still get there to quickly.

Wow - pretty much a concensus. Rare, for sure!

My question is how can you extend your stay and do three nights at two different camps? Two night stays are fine, but you don't get to settle in. Another concensus (pretty much) here is three night minimums. It gives more opportunity to get to know the place and people (guests and staff).

So to answer your question, no, if your priority is wildlife.