Here are 10 factors that
could make your African safari a dream come true or a disaster.
1. Check the best
seasons compared to the time you have for vacation time.
Whatever you want to
do/see during your safari, first thing you should do
Is to consider when the
best times are. While all-year round could be
Good, the rainy seasons
can make things very hard. And if it’s the annual migration you have in mind,
the months of July till early September is what you need.
2. In addition, what other places of
interest would you want to see?
Lonely planet has good
suggestions off course, but there are other
Sources like friends,
family, online directories and reviews that are great source of updated
information.
3. After you know what
you want to see/experience, its time now to know what it might cost you. Avoid
disappointments by not being aware what you might be expected to part with. Get
a rough idea by enquiring from travel agents and park authority sites, Tour
Operator Association sites. Be informed!
4. Accommodations vary
greatly, both in level and in prices. Some lodges and Camps are high end, while
others fall somewhere medium level. And in addition there is the option of camping.
Definitely the accommodation type you choose affects what you have to pay in
the end. How much do you want to spend or can afford to spend? That’s up to
you.
5. You are informed.
You know what you want to do/see, and you know when you want to do that dream
safari, to see wildlife at close range or vacation on beach. You also have a
rough idea how much it might cost you. But you have to choose your tour
operator. Again recommendations from those who have first experience are great.
If not, check online, contact several tour operators and make a list of several
that gives you confidence.
6. This is now the most
important part. From the mails or your contact with agents/tour operators, you
may have an idea of what kind of a company you are dealing with. But that is
far from enough. Check the operator(s) you have settled for. Check for reviews
from previous travelers. Get their email address/phones from testimonials and
comments pages. Hear their experience with that company.
7. You have settled for
one? Good. Now go pin down last details of your itinerary. Have your itinerary
finalized to the last bit. Be sure/aware what prices includes and what not and
what costs what. Day –to-day program and if possible driving times/distances
between parks/towns. You don’t want to be driving at night or spending all your
time on road.
8. Ask for discount,
especially if booking in advance. Besides, am yet to hear of a law against
asking for discount.
9. Book your safari.
Depending on when you
want to travel, some seasons demand booking in advance. The peak seasons,
usually the months of July, August, September, January/February require that
you have booked your safari several months in advance.
10. Then go enjoy your
safari. Remember, the best prints you can leave are to leave none.
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