Tips on planning your first African Safari

It’s not an experience that everyone will be able to have in their lifetime, but a safari is something that will stay with you forever. If you’re hoping to make an African safari your next adventure, here are some tips to plan it successfully.

Set Yourself A Budget

A safari is certainly not cheap, it can be very expensive, and therefore it’s good to set yourself a reasonable budget. When researching safari operators, you’ll soon find that you have to spend a lot of money to get the most out of your experience. A safari is likely to come around only once in a lifetime, so think about how much you could fork out to get the best opportunity without overspending and landing yourself in financial trouble. If something comes up that’s cheaper than usual, it’s probably not a good idea in this scenario to go with. These trips are always going to be expensive, so don’t fall for a potential scam or a poor experience.

Do Your Research

There are plenty of safaris available, so it’s worth doing some research to find the best one for you. It’s important that you choose one that’s ethical an sustainable. Do the providers of the safari support the wildlife and contribute towards sustainable initiatives? At the end of the day, you’re seeing these magnificent animals in mostly a natural habitat, so you want to ensure that the money you are paying is going towards some form of support for the environment they live in. There are plenty of reviews on safaris that you can read up on, with many being on TripAdvisor. This is one of the most trusted review sites, so you’ll know you’re getting mostly genuine feedback from previous travelers of safaris.

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a must wherever you go in the world as it can protect you should you get injured and have to use the health services of the country you are in. It can help avoid big medical bills, which is the last thing you want when coming from such a wonderful holiday. For a safari though, you may need additional insurance or one that covers a lot more as these risks are obviously going to be higher where wild animals are involved! Always read the small print when it comes to buying travel insurance to make sure that all aspects and scenarios are covered.

Consider The Transport

It’s worth knowing what transport the company you pick is using. A bad choice may end up ruining your experience, so you want to ensure that the vehicle is safe and that it’s going to keep you secure while driving around to see the animals. You want something that’s comfortable and spacious, especially if you’re travelling in a group. Some vehicles may be air-conditioned, and some may not. The weather can be quite drastic compared to what you might be used to, so it’s good to go with a company that has the right vehicle for your needs.

Think About Accommodations

When going on safaris to Africa, it’s also worth considering what sort of accommodation you’d like to stay in during your time away. There are safari lodges which are permanent structures that are built with stone or wood. You have tented safari camps that are glamping style and are stationed in just the one area. Mobile tented camps are more basic and can be useful if you’re travelling to various different locations over the course of your stay. There are also a number of private houses, and these are great for families or for those wanting an exclusive and luxurious experience.
Having the right accommodation for your safari is very important, so consider it to some length and ensure that you can afford it alongside the safari itself.

Listen To Instructions And Rules

A safari does have an element of danger that you’re not going to get on other trips, so when it comes to listening to safety instructions and rules of the safari, pay attention. There might be certain plans and procedures that are in place should anything unexpected happen. This is on your head to make sure you listen to what’s being said and that you follow the instructions down to the letter. These safari operators have got yours and their drivers safety in mind, so heed any warnings and always pay attention when you’re out on the safari itself. Whenever you’re in the vehicle, make sure you keep your hands and legs within it and that you’ve got on suitable clothing on for the drive.

Invest In A Good Camera

And finally, even if you don’t consider yourself an expert in photography, you want to invest in a good camera. Even if it’s one that you hire for the holiday itself. You’re going to experience these animals up close and personal, so you want to be able to capture it in high-quality. That way, you can look back on the experience and know that you have beautiful photos of the safari to look back on when desired. Make sure to take as many pictures as possible and remember to take extra batteries and plenty of memory cards so that you don’t run out of space. These animals are going to be very photogenic so expect to take a lot of photos during your time away!

Going on a safari will truly give you an eye-opening experience and if you’re lucky enough to do it in your lifetime, make sure you follow these tips. Set yourself a budget that covers everything from the safari to flights and insurance and any spending money you might need. Do your research and find the best safari operators in the area you wish to travel to. Consider the type of transport the operators will use and what accommodation you would prefer to stay in. Listen to the rules and instructions given by the operators and finally make sure you have a good camera to photograph all those wonderful memories.

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