If you are thinking of doing one safaris on your next trip, you have probably wondered whether to make a private safari or a small group safari. It is normal to have doubts and, therefore, from Watatu we want to explain some differences to take into account and thus help you make the final decision.
Private Safari or Group Safari?
Going on a safari is a Magical Journey, of those that you will always keep in your memory, but, to guarantee to have an experience of 10, you must also choose a safari according to your travel style. Therefore, we are going to comment on some basic aspects that differentiate both safari modalities.
Differences between a Private Safari and a Small-Group Safari
At Watatu Travel we offer two types of safaris: private and small group.Note that in Watatu's trips, when we talk about group we do not mean the huge groups of 30 people who go in “trucks”, but our group safaris are VERY small, with a maximum capacity of 13 people distributed in two 4x4 cars (that is, each maximum car can accommodate 7 people).
Some trips, such as Classic Safari with Regular Departureare even smaller groups, since there is only room for7 people.
Broadly speaking, these are the Main differencesbetween the two modes of safari:
All of our travels private safari, both Tanzania as in other destinations such as Ugandao Botswana, they are prepared hand in hand with you, since both the route and the accommodations are 100% customisable. Ours specialized teamwill help you with the itinerary, since theexperience at destinationis key to drawing a route that is realistic.
Also, in one Private safari you can improve the category of accommodationsif the basic proposals do not convince you. Another point in favor of private safaris is that You can start whenever you want. That is, there is no need to adjust to closed dates as it happens with small group safaris.
Of course, having so much freedom both to choose route, dates and accommodations, makes the cost of the private safari is slightly higher than the small group safari.In this case, if what you prioritize is an economic safari, the best idea will be to join one of our already closed trips.
Looking for a group departure that fits your budget?
The Tanzania Classic Safari is one of our most popular small-group options, combining iconic parks with great value. 6 days, from 2.095 € per person. Tanzania - Classic Safari
Take a look at the new experiences calendar 2027and reserve your place
Finally, the main difference that we notice the most is also the fact ofshare the safari with other travelers or not. This will already be your decision although, if you allow us, we always advise you to join a group, since the experience is usually more dynamic.
Safari with children: Better in private or in a group?
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If you have read our post Safari with children in Tanzaniayou will know that it is increasingly common to travel with the little ones so that they hallucinate with the wild life of the country. It is a joy to see them during the trip, They have a great time and it is not dangerous at all.
But a recurring doubt of parents is choosing between doing a private safari or a group safari when traveling with children. Well, based on our experience, We offer you three options:
· Choose the private safari option for those trips with children under 8, as they tend to tire more easily and it may be better to opt for a trip totally at your own pace.
· Choose the private safari option if the total family group is equal to or greater than 4 people.The price in terms of the group does not vary much and you gain all the flexibility of preparing the route and choosing a start date.
· Join our small group safari Special Families, if you like the idea of the little one sharing the experience with other children and being able to make friends. And also for parents, who will thus disconnect with other parents during the trip.
Ready to plan your perfect safari?
Whether you prefer the total flexibility of a private trip or the social energy of a small group, our Tanzania Special Families safari is a wonderful starting point for families. 7 days, from 2.495 € per person. Tanzania - Special Families
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum group size on a Watatu small-group safari?
Watatu's small-group safaris are intentionally kept very small. Most departures accommodate no more than a handful of travellers, and certain routes such as the Classic Safari with Regular Departure are capped at just seven people, ensuring an intimate experience quite different from the large coach-style tours common elsewhere.
Can I customise the route and accommodation on a private safari?
Yes. Every private safari at Watatu is built around your preferences. Both the itinerary and the accommodation category are fully customisable, and you can upgrade to higher-end lodges if the standard proposals do not suit you. Your departure date is also completely flexible, with no fixed calendar to follow.
Is a private or group safari better when travelling with children?
It depends on the children's ages and the size of your party. Watatu recommends a private safari for children under eight or for family groups of four or more, as the flexibility helps manage energy levels and pacing. Families who want their children to socialise with peers may prefer the Special Families group departure instead.
Is a group safari significantly cheaper than a private safari?
Generally, yes. Because costs are shared among several travellers, a small-group safari tends to be more budget-friendly than a private itinerary of equivalent length and standard. However, for larger families of four or more the price gap narrows considerably, making a private safari worth serious consideration on value grounds alone.
Which destinations does Watatu cover for private safaris?
Watatu offers private safaris across several East and Southern African destinations, including Tanzania, Uganda, and Botswana, among others. Each private itinerary is crafted in close collaboration with you from scratch, so the route, parks visited, and accommodation tier can all be adjusted to match your interests and travel style.
When should I book to secure a place on a small-group departure?
Because Watatu's group safaris are deliberately small, spaces fill up quickly, especially on popular or themed departures. The company recommends checking the experiences calendar for the relevant year and reserving your place as early as possible to avoid missing your preferred travel window.
If you are thinking of doing one safaris on your next trip, you have probably wondered whether to make a private safari or a small group safari. It is normal to have doubts and, therefore, from Watatu we want to explain some differences to take into account and thus help you make the final decision.
Private Safari or Group Safari?
Going on a safari is a Magical Journey, of those that you will always keep in your memory, but, to guarantee to have an experience of 10, you must also choose a safari according to your travel style. Therefore, we are going to comment on some basic aspects that differentiate both safari modalities.
Differences between a Private Safari and a Small-Group Safari
At Watatu Travel we offer two types of safaris: private and small group.Note that in Watatu's trips, when we talk about group we do not mean the huge groups of 30 people who go in “trucks”, but our group safaris are VERY small, with a maximum capacity of 13 people distributed in two 4x4 cars (that is, each maximum car can accommodate 7 people).
Some trips, such as Classic Safari with Regular Departureare even smaller groups, since there is only room for7 people.
Broadly speaking, these are the Main differencesbetween the two modes of safari:
All of our travels private safari, both Tanzania as in other destinations such as Ugandao Botswana, they are prepared hand in hand with you, since both the route and the accommodations are 100% customisable. Ours specialized teamwill help you with the itinerary, since theexperience at destinationis key to drawing a route that is realistic.
Also, in one Private safari you can improve the category of accommodationsif the basic proposals do not convince you. Another point in favor of private safaris is that You can start whenever you want. That is, there is no need to adjust to closed dates as it happens with small group safaris.
Of course, having so much freedom both to choose route, dates and accommodations, makes the cost of the private safari is slightly higher than the small group safari.In this case, if what you prioritize is an economic safari, the best idea will be to join one of our already closed trips.
Looking for a group departure that fits your budget?
The Tanzania Classic Safari is one of our most popular small-group options, combining iconic parks with great value. 6 days, from 2.095 € per person. Tanzania - Classic Safari
Take a look at the new experiences calendar 2027and reserve your place
Finally, the main difference that we notice the most is also the fact ofshare the safari with other travelers or not. This will already be your decision although, if you allow us, we always advise you to join a group, since the experience is usually more dynamic.
Safari with children: Better in private or in a group?
If you have read our post Safari with children in Tanzaniayou will know that it is increasingly common to travel with the little ones so that they hallucinate with the wild life of the country. It is a joy to see them during the trip, They have a great time and it is not dangerous at all.
But a recurring doubt of parents is choosing between doing a private safari or a group safari when traveling with children. Well, based on our experience, We offer you three options:
· Choose the private safari option for those trips with children under 8, as they tend to tire more easily and it may be better to opt for a trip totally at your own pace.
· Choose the private safari option if the total family group is equal to or greater than 4 people.The price in terms of the group does not vary much and you gain all the flexibility of preparing the route and choosing a start date.
· Join our small group safari Special Families, if you like the idea of the little one sharing the experience with other children and being able to make friends. And also for parents, who will thus disconnect with other parents during the trip.
Ready to plan your perfect safari?
Whether you prefer the total flexibility of a private trip or the social energy of a small group, our Tanzania Special Families safari is a wonderful starting point for families. 7 days, from 2.495 € per person. Tanzania - Special Families
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum group size on a Watatu small-group safari?
Watatu's small-group safaris are intentionally kept very small. Most departures accommodate no more than a handful of travellers, and certain routes such as the Classic Safari with Regular Departure are capped at just seven people, ensuring an intimate experience quite different from the large coach-style tours common elsewhere.
Can I customise the route and accommodation on a private safari?
Yes. Every private safari at Watatu is built around your preferences. Both the itinerary and the accommodation category are fully customisable, and you can upgrade to higher-end lodges if the standard proposals do not suit you. Your departure date is also completely flexible, with no fixed calendar to follow.
Is a private or group safari better when travelling with children?
It depends on the children's ages and the size of your party. Watatu recommends a private safari for children under eight or for family groups of four or more, as the flexibility helps manage energy levels and pacing. Families who want their children to socialise with peers may prefer the Special Families group departure instead.
Is a group safari significantly cheaper than a private safari?
Generally, yes. Because costs are shared among several travellers, a small-group safari tends to be more budget-friendly than a private itinerary of equivalent length and standard. However, for larger families of four or more the price gap narrows considerably, making a private safari worth serious consideration on value grounds alone.
Which destinations does Watatu cover for private safaris?
Watatu offers private safaris across several East and Southern African destinations, including Tanzania, Uganda, and Botswana, among others. Each private itinerary is crafted in close collaboration with you from scratch, so the route, parks visited, and accommodation tier can all be adjusted to match your interests and travel style.
When should I book to secure a place on a small-group departure?
Because Watatu's group safaris are deliberately small, spaces fill up quickly, especially on popular or themed departures. The company recommends checking the experiences calendar for the relevant year and reserving your place as early as possible to avoid missing your preferred travel window.
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