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20 Tips For Planning A Successful African Safari Vacation
hen planning a Safari, comparing the relative strengths
the starting point is to between countries, your choice is
think about the time of further narrowed. The final step
year you wish to travel; the is to compare the safari areas
anticipated duration of your within specific countries to
trip; the type of accommodation decide which is/are most likely
you prefer; your budget and any to provide the safari experience
special interests you wish to that you are looking for.
pursue. The more we know about
your aspirations for the trip the In this article I will highlight
easier the planning. the most important factors that
you need to take into
Before even contemplating the consideration or think about when
different safari areas and the planning a safari. I intend to
camps/lodges within them, it is write some sequels focusing in
helpful to consider the broader detail on the safari options in
context within which the safari different southern African
areas exist. The first question countries, including South
to ask your self is whether you Africa, Botswana, Namibia,
want the high end exclusive Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
safari destination or a low cost
destination. This immediately 1. Do some research
helps to focus on specific
countries, for instance if you Start by reading articles or
are looking for the high end books about African safaris and
market you may start focusing on the ‘big five’ Visit tour
Botswana or Namibia, if you are operator and travel agency
looking for bargain safaris, you websites to compare information.
may want to focus on South Make sure as part of your
Africa, Zambia or Zimbabwe. By research you get a safari video
to have a preview of what to and the uncertainty as to whether
expect. Safari videos are or not the general elections
available at coming in March 2008 will be
http://www.savannasafaris.com/ peaceful. It is important to note
and other safari operator that in most cases the cost of a
websites. Through your research safari excludes international
you will decide if you will go flights to/from Africa; visas;
for a packaged tour or a self passports; vaccination costs;
drive or a combination of both. excess baggage charges; optional
excursions; spending money; tips;
2. Cost of a Safari local and airport taxes.
Various factors play a role in 3. Game Concentration
one's choice of safari
destination and, for most people, For most people, an African
cost is one of the many criteria safari is not complete when they
that influence this important do not see the big five –
decision. The explanation for elephant, rhino, leopard, lion
cost differences between safari and leopard. These animals are
destinations, and between concentrated at different places.
camps/lodges within the same Please be aware that your trip
areas, is multi-faceted and might bring you into close
complicated. The safari market in contact with these wild animals,
southern Africa is highly which can be a threat to your
competitive and driven by supply safety and your health. Many of
and demand; for instance, right the safari camps are unfenced and
now, Zimbabwe safaris are at a particular care must be taken. It
bargain because of the low demand is essential that you always
resulting from the political and follow the advice of your guides,
economic crisis in the country do not walk out on your own and
do not touch any plants, animals example of this model of 'low
or insects. You should understand volume / high value' eco-tourism.
the risks involved and take Zambia is an 'emerging' safari
responsibility for your own destination heading towards this
safety. Please note that most model.
safari lodges will require you to
sign a personal indemnity form 6. Remoteness.
and you must be prepared to sign
these. The further from civilization a
camp/lodge, the more expensive it
4. Camp/lodge experience. is to supply and operate, and the
higher the access costs for
The level of style and luxury in guests. Zambia's three major
accommodation, the quality of National Parks are very different
food and service, facilities and and fairly far removed from each
amenities are all important other. This makes a Zambian
factors to consider when planning safari a very diverse experience,
a safari. The more expensive but travel costs are a little
properties invariably excel in higher than in Botswana for
these elements of the overall example. Namibia, home to some of
experience. southern Africa's most remote
camps, is perhaps the most
5. Wilderness and exclusivity. pronounced example of this type
of safari.
As a rule, the larger and more
private the concession /reserve, 7. Convenience.
the higher the premium. Botswana
(where private concessions are Camps/lodges with private
typically 100,000 acres or airstrips that are close to camp
larger) is the most prominent offer increased convenience due
to shorter transfer times between United States and United Kingdom
the airstrip and camp. This means passport holders. Visas are
less time in transit and more required for Zimbabwe and Zambia.
time on safari or relaxing. Such For detailed information about
airstrips, in addition to being visas you can go to
expensive to build and maintain, http://www.savannasafaris.com/
are desirable to guests and
attract a premium. 10. Insurance.
8. Political situation. It is a condition of booking for
most safari tours that all
The biggest factor influencing passengers have insurance cover.
the discounted rates in Zimbabwe Your insurance should be fully
is the negative perception comprehensive and include 24-hour
surrounding the government of emergency medical cover and
Robert Mugabe. Without doubt this repatriation along with general
regime has had a very negative cover for travel cancellation and
impact on the lives of local theft of valuables and personal
Zimbabweans but, as a safari items.
destination for foreign visitors,
it is still a good deal 11. Health.
destination.
You should consult your doctor at
9. Passports & visas. least six weeks prior to travel.
If guests have any medication
A full passport is essential and requirements an adequate supply
must be valid for at least six should be brought from home, as
months after your return. it might not be available
Generally, visas are not required locally. Anti-malaria medication
in South Africa and Botswana for is essential. It is recommended
that visitors bring plenty of
insect repellent and sun cream. The dress code at all of the
camps and lodges is casual and
12. Safety & security. there is no requirement to dress
for dinner. We recommend that you
In general, people in Africa have wear neutral colors with a good
an enviable reputation for being pair of lightweight walking boots
friendly and welcoming. Along for game walks. Evenings are
with most countries around the generally spent around a
world, mugging can be a problem campfire, so a lightweight jumper
in certain towns and it is is advisable. Early morning and
advisable that you do not walk at night game drives can get very
night unless you know the area cold, particularly in June/July,
well. If you are driving yourself so it is recommended that you
it is sensible to arrive at your bring a warm jacket and woolly
destination before dark as a hat. During the heat of the day a
myriad of animals enjoy lying on shady hat is essential. A long
the roads at night. It is always sleeved shirt and long trousers
sensible when traveling to take offer a degree of protection from
precautions against theft. By far mosquitoes.
the best precaution is to avoid
taking valuables with you on 14. Fitness levels.
holiday. If you do carry
valuables ensure you are There is generally no fitness
discreet. Do not leave any requirement for safaris. On
valuables or luggage unattended walking safaris the walks are
in a vehicle, unless in a locked slow and gentle, although the
trunk. ground is often uneven. Game
drives can be bumpy at times and
13. Clothing. might be uncomfortable for people
with back problems. Although local weather conditions
vary, the main weather patterns
15. Luggage limits. are the same throughout Southern
Africa. Evenings and early
A luggage limit applies for light mornings can get quite chilly,
aircraft transfers between camps. particularly between May and
Soft bags are recommended for August. October can be extremely
these flights. You will normally hot and humid (although this is
be advised of the requirements the best time for game viewing as
(if any) at the time of booking. animals congregate around the
remaining water). The rainy
16. Travel in Africa. season is normally between
November and March.
Part of what makes Africa so
special is that it is very 18. Currency.
different from Europe and the
USA. Please accept that things do The local currencies in the major
not always happen the way you safari destination countries are
would normally expect and you the Zambian Kwacha, the Botswana
must be prepared to adapt your Pula, South African Rand,
arrangements as necessary. Whilst Namibian Dollar, Mozambican
tour operators make every effort Metical and the Zimbabwean
to ensure that your trip goes Dollar. Tourists are expected to
smoothly it is recommended that use US Dollars in camps, lodges
you be patient and understanding, and hotels. For local shopping
accepting a degree of uncertainty for souvenirs and sundries you
and enjoying Africa as it is. will need local currency. Banks
will generally exchange US
17. Climate. Dollars, English Pounds, Euros
and US Dollars are required for
visas purchased at the border Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique,
posts (take the correct amount as Botswana, Zimbabwe and South
any change will be given in local Africa are all 2 hours ahead of
currency). In most of these GMT.
countries, especially Zimbabwe,
there are black market currency 20. Memories
dealers. Changing currency in the
black market is illegal, and you Get a journal book, camera or
can be robbed of your money and camcorder to document your
valuables. Always ask your hotel experiences.
staff about exchanging currency.
Happy safari planning and enjoy
19. Time. the unspoiled African wild!
About the Author:
I am native of Africa, currently resident in the USA. I would like to share my intimate knowledge of Southern Africa with people planning to go on an African Safari. Blog: http://savannasafaris.blogspot.com Websites: http://www.savannasafaris.com; http://www.victoriafallstours.net
Published At: www.Isnare.com
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