A safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and requires some careful planning. Let’s review some Tips for Booking Your African Safari:
This means setting your preferred travel dates and desired animal sightings. If you want to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration you should visit Kenya or Tanzania in June through October.
Know Your Goals
Whether your safari goal is to see The Big Five or witness the annual wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, a great travel agent will listen carefully to your desires and offer detailed, expert advice. They’ll also take into account any time constraints you may have.
The best safaris can’t be planned around hitting a checklist of animals – they’re about experiencing the wildlife, the landscape, and learning to appreciate the beguiling ugliness of a warthog. And this will happen at all times of day – not just early morning!
Knowing your preferred travel dates will also make a huge difference to the quality of your trip. If you want to see the wildebeest migration, for example, it’s best to visit in June through October.
Know Your Budget
When you’re booking a safari, it’s important to know your budget. While a trip to Africa is not cheap, it can be affordable for most travelers.
The cost of a safari includes the park entry fees, the meals, the accommodations and any additional activities that you want to do. The park fees can be a significant expense, especially in high season.
Your tour company will likely have a suggested tip amount for your guide and driver. However, tipping is a personal decision and should be based on your own experiences with the guides you’re traveling with. The best way to get the most out of a safari is to ask questions. There’s no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to safaris!
Do Your Research
Saying you want to go on safari is not enough information for a travel operator to give you the best experience. You need to know if you have any special dietary needs (like being gluten-free or vegan). You should also research the time of year that you intend to visit Africa, as this will affect both price and the animals you can see. It’s important to avoid high-season if you can, as the crowds can detract from the experience, Browse around this site.
You should also make sure you have the appropriate gear for your trip. For example, a good pair of binoculars can make all the difference for your safari experience. Finally, it’s a good idea to pack a medical kit with re-hydration tablets, painkillers and bug repellant.
Ask Questions
The best way to get the most out of your safari is to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask about animal behavior, wildlife guides’ opinions on a certain topic or anything else that you may need clarification on.
The country you visit and the time of year will also make a difference in your experience. If seeing the Big 5 is your main goal, consider a trip to Botswana, Namibia or South Africa. If you dream of witnessing the wildebeest migration, Kenya and Tanzania are your best bets.
For those planning to follow the migration, be sure to keep in mind that it’s a seasonal event and no two years are the same. This is important to know in advance to avoid disappointment if the migration doesn’t happen exactly when you planned.
Be Respectful
While safaris are a thrilling experience, they are also a natural habitat for animals. As a visitor to their environment, you should observe and respect their behavior. This includes not approaching wildlife head-on or pursuing them. This can cause them distress and may alter their normal behaviour.
Similarly, noise and disturbances will scare the wildlife. Mute your devices and talk only in a low whisper. This will help you to spot the animals with more ease.
Conclusion:
Many visitors to Africa are awed by the kindness and generosity of local people. Be sure to tip your safari guides and other lodge/camp staff well. This will go a long way to ensuring that they continue to strive to exceed your expectations. A good rule of thumb is US$10 per day for the driver/guide and camp staff.