Jason:

I forgot to mention, please, please don't think:

But if there are so many tourist vehicles driving so close to them, then they must be very habituated to the vehicles and it will just be the "open zoo" that Cody described. I might as well stay home and go to the zoo

There is no way that any zoo in any country can give you the same feelings you will get if you are there in person. The sights, the sounds (lion roaring at night), the smells are incredible. The crowds we all have mentioned are usually as Cody and Pippa stated around the big cats, because that is what tourists particularly want to see. Each place differs. For instance, in Amboseli the elephants are indeed habituated to vehicles and aren't bothered as long as they don't get too close. In Tsavo, the elephants are much more nervous because years ago they were shot from vehicles.

It also depends on how flexible your guide and safari company are. In one place, instead of going on a game drive at the usual 6:15 am., I go at 9:30 a.m. Very few other vehicles to contend with then.
It's nice having the park and its animals almost to yourself.

When we, who go to Kenya often, crab about too many vehicles in one place or another, it is because we have been there before and perhaps seen things without crowds, for instance in off season. Then we compare with the busy season and get frustrated.

I would NOT consider staying at home and going to a zoo. Doesn't even remotely compare to the experience you would have in Africa.

Jason, Jan is spot on about the zoo thing. We have been to Tanzania and now are going to Kenya. Once you have been to such places, it is difficult to go to a zoo. We live in San Diego with one of the world's great zoos and animal park where animals are not caged and yet we find little pleasure in going to them anymore. The big value of these venues is the programs they have for reestablishing endangered species. They do great work in this area.

Don't give up on going on safari. I drug my husband to Tanzania--didn't want to go. Now he will tell you it was the greatest of our travels.

I agree - do not give up going on Safari; there is really no feeling on what it is like.
My article on an Open Zoo what the feeling from seeing such a situation. Born and bread in the open in Tanzania - I found it quite shocking to see what happened in Ambo in the past years.
However Jane is correct - go for it Jason; there is no feeling of freedom and beauty you will get from being in the Bush.

There is no way I would even think of going to a zoo - unless to protest against confining animals for human pleasure!

SAFARI is totally different. Not to miss! Animals are habituated to vehicles but that doesn't mean it's a zoo. Not at all. It's WILDERNESS.

Give it a try - and I am betting you will look forward to getting back soon. It gets into your blood. You become addicted to see those animals in the wilds as long as they are there.

You won't regret it! Sure!

Trying to catch up here...

Zoo? just look at the condition of the animals against a wild animal.
Zoo / Trained animals are fat, out of condition & have lost the wild from their eyes.

It is 7 years since I last saw more than two vehicles at a sighting & that was in Tanzania.
I now keep to the southern countries, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia.
No guarantees but far less crowded & normally I have been the only vehicle with Lions, leapoard, Rhino.........
Bushland has the animals just harder to find & a stopped vehicle is not a Beacon as no one can see you.

Night drives are good even if you see nothing the excitement is still there but look out for Elephants!... & Aardvarks!..... I wish!!!

You will have an excellent trip where ever you go.

Africa will run in your blood from then on & if like me you will leave the usual to sample the raw Africa.

I'm sure you'll have a great trip, Jason. Expect nothing then everything you see will be a bonus!

AND - I forgot to stress.........AFRICA SMELLS UNIQUE!

Landing on an airtstrip in TAZ or BOT breathing that African scent....I feel somehow I GOT HOME!