Major Factors To Consider When Planning Your African Safari : It can be exciting and rewarding to plan an African safari, but it can also be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Focus East Africa Tours has put together a list of quick and simple steps to creating an African safari to assist you in making the ideal travel arrangements. We are here to assist you every step of the way because, as subject-matter experts, we are aware of the difficulties of organizing a safari.
Our tried-and-true safari travel advice will make sure that your trip is easy and trouble-free, so you can concentrate on taking in Africa’s breathtaking beauty. These suggestions will assist you in organizing a safari that is both enjoyable and memorable, whether you are an experienced safari traveler or a first-time visitor to Africa.
Destination
Safari excursions are available in a wide range of African nations, each of which has its own distinctive attractions and highlights. Pick a location that fits both your interests and your budget.
The season
The destination and the kind of wildlife you want to see determine the best time to travel to Africa for a safari. While other areas experience a more stable climate year-round, some, like the Serengeti, have a distinct rainy season. Recall that if you are on a tight budget, the low season is more likely to have the best offers.
Trip duration
The length of your safari will depend on your time and financial constraints. The majority of safaris last 3–10 days, but longer journeys are also possible.
Type of safari
Africa offers a wide variety of safaris, from extravagant lodges to low-cost camping safaris. Pick a safari that fits your needs in terms of comfort and price. This is a crucial component of the safari and shouldn’t be disregarded. Budget safaris are not something we advise because there will be a compromise between comfort and price.
Group size
The cost of your safari as well as the kinds of accommodations and activities you can participate in may be influenced by the size of your group. Smaller groups may have more flexibility and a more personalized experience, while larger groups may be able to negotiate a better rate with safari operators.
Accommodations
Africa has a variety of lodging options, from pricey campgrounds to opulent lodges. Select lodgings that fit your needs in terms of comfort and price. We advise picking a hotel that costs at least $100 per night for full board if you want a comfortable stay.
Mode of transportation
There are several options for the mode of transportation you select for your safari, including flights, boats, or cars. If you decide to drive, it’s important to demand new, well-kept vehicles.
Selecting the proper Operator
Choosing the best operator to handle all of your travel logistics is another important consideration that should not be overlooked. We advise you to get in touch with the operator and make a thorough itinerary before traveling; this will allow for hassle-free movement once you arrive. A better deal is guaranteed if you choose a local business, but be on the lookout for fraudsters.
Flight Booking and Arrangements
The itinerary can be significantly influenced by the flight schedules, arrival dates, and times. The time of the international flight can affect whether there is enough time to travel directly from the port of arrival to the first safari destination or if an overnight stay is required.
It’s common to have taken a long flight to get to Africa, so you might actually prefer to spend the night in the port of arrival. For this reason, Cape Town, for example, makes the ideal gateway for a safari, as it offers incredible one- or two-night rest and experiences prior to going on safari. The timing of the transfer from your safari to the port of departure is also influenced by the flight schedule back to your home location.
Additional Experiences You Would Want To Do
Many of the lodges offer a variety of activities, including drives, walks, canoe safaris, horseback safaris, and cultural and community tours. Safaris are not just about game drives. While there are many options available in cities and resort towns, they can be broadly divided into the following categories:
- Adrenalin,
- Historical,
- Art and Cultural,
- Cuisine,
- Special Interest Day Tours
Making it clear which areas you are interested in will help the travel planner create an itinerary that truly reflects your preferences.
What Safari Type Suits You?
Safaris in Africa can take on many forms and options; the main ones are:
Overland Safaris: For travelers who enjoy driving, camping, sitting around a campfire at night, and meeting locals along the way, these adventure safaris are ideal. The tours are typically conducted in groups and are carried out in specially designed vehicles.
Therefore, if you want to interact with other visitors and don’t mind riding in shared vehicles on a drive safari, a scheduled or small group option might be a good fit for you. Remember that each vehicle can typically accommodate up to seven passengers. A committed guide is by your side the entire time.
Self-Drive Safaris: Similar in nature to overland safaris, self-drive safaris put the guest in control of the car and, as the name implies, let them take the wheel while traveling along pre-planned routes that may include camping or lodges.
Fly in Safari: As the name suggests, fly-in safaris involve flying from Lodge to Lodge using, typically, light aircraft as opposed to lengthy and time-consuming road transfers. This is likely the most popular tour type because it gives you a lot more freedom and the opportunity to travel to more places, possibly even different countries.
