When it comes to organizing a trip to Africa, some individuals have their sights set on one or two countries. Others, on the other hand, remain utterly unaware. We’ve compiled a list of suggestions that aren’t required in any particular sequence but are intended to help you get started on your African vacation planning. Here are our steps for planning an African safari.
WHAT AREAS DO YOU WANT TO VISIT?
It can be difficult to decide what to do on your trip. However, narrowing down all the sights and activities available begins with picking where you want to go. For your first trip, we suggest focusing on one or two countries. Trying to cram too many countries into one trip will make each stop feel rushed, and the experience will suffer as a result. If you’re a first-time visitor who wants to see a lot of wildlife, Tanzania, Kenya, or South Africa are the best places to go because they have the best chances of seeing the “big 5” and a variety of other animals.
South Africa may be a better option if you’re searching for a more well-rounded vacation. South Africa offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Cape Town, as well as the breathtaking Winelands and, of course, world-class game viewing. South Africa is a diversified country with plenty to offer everyone.
If you’re seeking a “National Geographic” experience, though, east Africa is a must-see. The sheer number of games distinguishes Kenya and Tanzania from South Africa. The Great Wildebeest Migration takes place in the Serengeti and the Masai Mara, which are both located in Tanzania.
WHEN TO VISIT
During peak season, countries become more congested, costs rise, and safaris get fully booked faster. During the low season, the situation is the polar opposite. Lower costs, fewer tourists, and a better chance of obtaining your preferred safari accommodation, tour, or activity, even with short notice. However, you must evaluate the creatures you wish to visit as well as the activities you choose to partake in.
If you want to see specific creatures or see a specific event, such as the Great Migration from July to October, you’ll need to learn about the seasons in your target country and the best times to observe them. Although game viewing is better during the drier and hotter seasons, it is generally decent throughout most of Africa all year. Birdwatching
BUDGET
Setting a budget is difficult unless you have a large sum of money in your bank account. So, if you want to get the most out of your African vacation while staying within your budget, decide how much you’re ready to spend only on the safari. The cost of the flight isn’t included, so keep that in mind. Naturally, rates differ depending on your departure location and travel dates. You can get an estimate from the airlines ahead of time.
Depending on your budget, you can choose from a variety of safari tours ranging from low-cost to high-end. You can’t expect a luxury vacation on a shoestring budget, of course. However, you may be able to afford a luxury trip but not necessarily stay in luxury lodges if you have sufficient funds. Instead, you could wish to extend your stay, see other sights, or go to the beach for a day or two, or if you’re lucky, you can even get a fantastic discount.
PICK THE NUMBER OF DAYS YOU WANT TO TRAVEL
This will most likely be determined by the amount of vacation time you have available, but it is something to consider.
Many first-time visitors now want to cram as much as they can into their trip and cross as many items off their bucket lists as possible. However, in Africa, less is more, and taking things slowly will be far more gratifying than rushing from place to place.
It’ll also be worthwhile to look at how long it takes to travel between locations. The distances traveled are enormous, and they are sometimes on rough, bumpy, and sandy roads. Even if Google Maps says it’s 300km, it could take 5–6 hours to get there, or even longer in bad weather.
CHOOSE A GOOD SERVICE PROVIDER
Speaking with a knowledgeable African safari specialist can be quite beneficial and make the entire process a lot less intimidating. Self-research is a great place to start. When it comes to picking and booking a safari, though, having someone to answer questions along the route is beneficial. Even if you’ve only read our budget safari planning guide.
An African safari expert will have a thorough understanding of their portfolio and will be able to suggest solutions that will meet your requirements. This can help you save a lot of time and effort in the long run.
If you’re traveling with children, a large group of family and friends, or have unique dietary needs, you’ll want to pay extra attention to the specifics.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS AND GET READY
Airfares differ based on where you are flying from, when you are flying, and if it is a direct or connecting trip. Consider your travel companions as well. You might not want a long stopover if you have children with you. Also, if you’re planning a multi-country safari, see whether traveling to country A and out of country B is more cost-effective than flying the other way around.
Some travelers prefer to book early (as early as one year in advance). This provides customers the advantage of reserving seats and accommodations on their preferred dates, as well as a much-increased chance of obtaining reduced rates on flights and maybe other items.
So, now that you’ve done your homework, you’re ready to book!