There’s something unforgettable about Africa —
the thunder of hooves across the savanna, the quiet breath of a lion at dawn, the warm glow of sunset melting into the horizon as the wild world awakens around you.
For travelers seeking an authentic, meaningful, and luxurious safari, two names often dominate the conversation: East Africa Wild and Great Plains Conservation. Both are known for delivering powerful wildlife encounters — but they do it in very different ways.
So which one creates the better African journey?
The soulful, community-rooted experience of East Africa Wild, or the ultra-exclusive, conservation-driven luxury of Great Plains Conservation?
Let’s dive into a rich, honest, human comparison to help you choose the safari brand that matches your dream.
Company Overviews
East Africa Wild
East Africa Wild is a boutique, locally owned safari company built by passionate naturalists and conservationists who grew up on East Africa’s native soil. Their mission goes far beyond tourism — they aim to connect travelers to Africa’s heart through meaningful wildlife moments, cultural immersion, and eco-friendly travel.
From the Maasai Mara to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater to Rwanda’s volcanoes, and even the tropical shores of Zanzibar, East Africa Wild crafts journeys that are deeply personal, flexible, and full of authentic encounters.
Their philosophy:
“A safari should feel real, connected, and alive.”
With expert local guides, sustainable lodges, and community-first tourism, East Africa Wild delivers safaris that feel intimate, honest, and beautifully human.
Key Destinations: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zanzibar
Unique Strength: Locally owned, personal, customizable, and rooted in genuine African heritage.
Great Plains Conservation
Great Plains Conservation is one of Africa’s most exclusive high-end safari brands, founded by world-renowned filmmakers and conservationists Dereck and Beverly Joubert. Their camps are located in private reserves across Kenya, Botswana, and Zimbabwe — areas chosen for wildlife density, untouched landscapes, and potential for long-term conservation.
Known for luxurious eco-camps, private guides, gourmet dining, and high-level privacy, Great Plains Conservation delivers a safari experience that feels refined and cinematic.
Their philosophy:
“Luxury should protect the wild, not harm it.”
Every camp is built with natural materials, powered by solar systems, and designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding wilderness.
Key Destinations: Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe
Unique Strength: Exclusive camps, top-tier luxury, and strong conservation impact.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
1. Safari Destinations & Wildlife Experiences
East Africa Wild thrives on diversity. Their itineraries stretch across multiple countries, offering a wide mix of landscapes — classic savannas, volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and tropical islands. Whether you want the Great Migration, big cats, gorilla trekking, or a beach-and-safari combo, East Africa Wild makes it happen.
Great Plains Conservation is more selective.
Their camps focus on a smaller number of ultra-exclusive private reserves designed for privacy, silence, and deep, uninterrupted wildlife encounters.
Verdict:
If you want variety and cross-country exploration, choose East Africa Wild.
If you want secluded luxury in private conservancies, choose Great Plains Conservation.
2. Customization & Local Expertise
East Africa Wild designs every trip from scratch — you choose your style, budget, pace, lodge type, destinations, and experiences. Their guides are born and raised in East Africa, bringing unmatched cultural and ecological insight that no international company can replicate.
Great Plains Conservation offers luxury itineraries within their own camps.
While personal, the customization remains within the framework of their fixed locations.
Verdict:
East Africa Wild for deep personalization and local wisdom.
Great Plains Conservation for curated exclusivity within their private ecosystems.
3. Pricing & Value for Money
Great Plains Conservation is among Africa’s most premium operators.
Their prices reflect their private reserves, luxurious eco-camps, and high-end hospitality — often reaching the very top of the safari pricing scale.
East Africa Wild provides flexible pricing, from boutique mid-range lodges to premium luxury camps. Travelers consistently note that they receive exceptional value, paying significantly less than ultra-luxury brands while still enjoying world-class experiences.
Verdict:
East Africa Wild wins for value and flexibility.
Great Plains is ideal for travelers who want luxury without compromise.
4. Sustainability & Conservation Impact
Both companies care deeply about conservation — but in different ways.
East Africa Wild supports community-driven projects, local employment, anti-poaching programs, and eco-lodges powered by renewable energy. Their grassroots approach ensures that revenue stays within local communities.
Great Plains Conservation operates its own conservation foundation, funds wildlife protection, relocates vulnerable animals, and protects vast private reserves. Their projects are high-impact and well-respected globally.
Verdict:
East Africa Wild excels in community-level sustainability.
Great Plains Conservation leads in large-scale wildlife protection.
5. Guest Experience & Reviews
East Africa Wild guests praise the warmth of the team, the heartfelt hospitality, the storytelling guides, and the feeling of being treated like family. Travelers often describe their safaris as emotional, meaningful, and eye-opening.
Guests of Great Plains Conservation rave about luxury, exclusivity, fine dining, cinematic landscapes, and unreal wildlife encounters in complete privacy.
Verdict:
Both exceptional — but with different flavors:
- East Africa Wild = authentic, personal, emotional.
- Great Plains Conservation = luxurious, private, polished.
6. Website & Booking Experience
East Africa Wild offers a transparent, easy-to-use website with clear itineraries, pricing guidance, and direct contact with local planners who personally help build your trip.
Great Plains Conservation’s website showcases stunning imagery and camp details but focuses more on inspiration than detailed, flexible itinerary planning.
Verdict:
East Africa Wild for simplicity and personalization.
Great Plains Conservation for visual immersion and luxury presentation.
Comparison Table: East Africa Wild vs Great Plains Conservation
| Feature | East Africa Wild | Great Plains Conservation |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Locally owned & community-based | Conservation-driven luxury brand |
| Destinations | Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zanzibar | Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe |
| Safari Style | Authentic, versatile, cultural | Ultra-luxury, private, exclusive |
| Customization | Fully tailor-made | Limited to camp locations |
| Sustainability | Grassroots & community-focused | Large-scale wildlife conservation |
| Price Range | $$–$$$ (Affordable Luxury) | $$$$ (High-End Luxury) |
| Best For | Wildlife lovers, families, eco-travelers | Luxury seekers, honeymooners |
Real-World Experience
Imagine waking in a canvas tent in the Serengeti as your East Africa Wild guide gently says,
“The elephants are moving — let’s catch the sunrise with them.”
You step outside to golden light across the plains, the scent of fresh earth, and the sound of distant herds beginning their day. After an incredible game drive, you sit around a fire sharing stories with your guide — not as a tourist, but as someone embraced by Africa.
That’s the East Africa Wild experience — raw, real, deeply human.
Now picture Great Plains Conservation — arriving at a private airstrip, greeted with cool towels and champagne, driving into a secluded reserve where no other vehicles roam. Dinner is served under lantern-lit trees, and your suite overlooks untouched wilderness stretching for miles.
That’s Great Plains — refined, luxurious, cinematic.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you want a safari that is intimate, authentic, flexible, affordable, and locally connected,
East Africa Wild is your perfect match.
If you prefer absolute exclusivity, fine dining, private conservancies, and world-class luxury,
Great Plains Conservation will exceed every expectation.
Both are extraordinary — but your heart will guide the choice.
Conclusion
East Africa Wild and Great Plains Conservation both deliver unforgettable African safaris.
But if you’re seeking authenticity, connection, flexibility, sustainability, and emotional depth, East Africa Wild stands out as the more personal and purpose-driven choice.
It’s not just a safari.
It’s a story — and you become part of it.
FAQs
1. Is East Africa Wild a trustworthy safari company?
Absolutely. It’s locally owned, licensed, and widely praised for safe, authentic safaris.
2. How is East Africa Wild different from Great Plains Conservation?
East Africa Wild prioritizes local expertise, cultural connection, and tailor-made trips.
Great Plains focuses on luxury, privacy, and conservation in private reserves.
3. Does East Africa Wild offer luxury safaris?
Yes. They provide boutique mid-range to high-end luxury options.
4. Are both companies sustainable?
Yes, but in different ways — East Africa Wild emphasizes local communities, while Great Plains invests in large-scale conservation.
5. Does East Africa Wild offer family-friendly safaris?
Yes — with safe lodges, kid-friendly guides, and fun wildlife activities.
6. Where can I book an East Africa Wild safari?
Visit eastafricawild.com to explore itineraries or request a custom plan.
