Both the African Safari (Serengeti National Park) and the Machu Picchu Trek offer unique and enriching travel experiences. The choice depends on individual preferences: wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking a more relaxed pace with varied accommodation options may prefer the Serengeti, while history buffs and those seeking a physical challenge with cultural immersion may find the Machu Picchu Trek more appealing. Both require booking with reputable tour operators to ensure a well-organized and safe trip.
| Attribute | African Safari (Serengeti National Park) | Machu Picchu Trek, Peru |
|---|---|---|
| Duration of the tour | Serengeti safaris typically last from 3 to 7 days, but can be shorter or longer depending on your preferences. A well-rounded safari is best enjoyed over a minimum of 4 to 5 days. | The classic Inca Trail is typically 4 days and 3 nights, covering approximately 26 miles (42 km). There are also shorter options, such as a 2-day Inca Trail. Some treks, like the Inca Jungle Trek, can also be around 4 days. |
| Level of physical difficulty | This can vary. Some safaris involve basic camping, which can be physically demanding. Others offer lodging in comfortable or luxury accommodations. Game drives usually involve sitting in a vehicle. Walking safaris can be arranged in some areas. | The Inca Trail is generally considered moderately challenging. It requires a reasonable level of fitness. Factors contributing to the difficulty include the high altitude, steep stone paths, rocky trails, and steep climbs. The second day, which includes Dead Woman's Pass, is often considered the most challenging. |
| Accommodation type (camping, hotels, lodges) | Options range from basic camping to mid-range lodges and luxury tented camps. Camping: Basic tented camps or public campsites. Facilities may vary, and restrooms/showers are often separate and for public use. Lodges: Comfortable lodges with en-suite bathrooms. They offer amenities like restaurants, bars, and swimming pools. Tented Camps: These can be permanent or mobile. They offer comfortable tents with beds and en-suite bathrooms. Mobile camps are often set up to follow the wildebeest migration. | Accommodation during the trek is typically camping. Some tours offer the option of staying in hotels or lodges in Aguas Calientes. |
| Price per person | Costs vary widely based on the type of safari, accommodation, and duration. Budget Camping Safaris: Can range from $200 to $500 per person per day. A 5-day budget camping safari could cost $1,200 - $2,000 per person. Mid-Range Safaris (Lodges & Small Groups): Estimated cost of $3,000 - $5,000 per person for 6 days. Luxury Safaris: Can cost $7,000 - $15,000+ per person for 7 days. Park Fees: $60 USD per adult per day. | The classic Inca Trail can range from $739 to $980. Some treks can cost between $600 to $825 USD. Prices can vary widely depending on the operator, group size, and inclusions, with some luxury options exceeding $1,000 USD. |
| Included meals | Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are usually included in safari packages. Breakfasts often include eggs, cereal, toast, fruits. Lunches can be picnic-style during game drives or buffet-style at the lodge. Dinners are often three-course meals served at the lodge or campsite. | Inca Trail tours typically include most meals. This usually covers 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. The final lunch on the last day is often not included. Meals are prepared by cooks and include a variety of Peruvian dishes. |
| Guide expertise and language proficiency | Professional English-speaking guides are almost always included. Guides are knowledgeable about wildlife and the area. | Tours are typically led by certified and experienced guides. Guides often have expertise in first aid, altitude sickness, and CPR. Language proficiency includes English and Spanish. |
| Group size | Group sizes vary depending on the type of safari. Budget safaris often involve sharing a vehicle with other travelers. Private safaris are available for families or small groups. | Group sizes vary, but many tours have a maximum of 12 to 16 people. |
| Wildlife viewing opportunities | The Serengeti offers extraordinary wildlife viewing throughout the year. It's famous for the Great Migration. You can see the "Big Five" (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceroses). The Serengeti has a high density of predators. There are also opportunities for bird watching, with over 500 species recorded. | The Inca Trail passes through diverse microclimates, offering opportunities to see various flora and fauna. |
| Cultural immersion experiences | Some tours include visits to Maasai villages or other cultural experiences. | Treks offer cultural immersion through visits to remote Andean villages and interactions with local communities. Some tours include activities like llama and alpaca shearing, wool dyeing, and sampling local cuisine. |
| Altitude acclimatization measures | Not typically a major concern for Serengeti safaris, as the altitude is generally moderate. | Spending at least a day in Cusco before the trek is essential for acclimatization. Coca tea is often provided to help with altitude sickness. Guides often carry oxygen tanks. |
| Transportation during the tour | You'll usually travel in a 4x4 game drive vehicle with a pop-up roof. Transportation between locations can be by road or internal flights. | Transportation includes buses, trains, and vans. The train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is a common part of the return journey. |
| Permits and entrance fees included | Most safari packages include park entry fees. Serengeti Park Fees are approximately $70 per person per day for adults, and $20 for children (5-15 years). | The cost of the Inca Trail includes entrance fees for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Permits are required and must be booked well in advance. |