Here are five essential tips to consider when planning your African safari booking.
Planning Your African Safari Booking – Embarking on a safari adventure in Africa is undeniably thrilling, offering a plethora of bucket-list experiences and breathtaking natural wonders to explore. From luxurious tented camps to scenic lodges, and captivating landscapes spanning from mountains to beaches, rainforests to deserts, the options are endless.
With over two decades of experience in safari planning since 1998, we specialize in curating tailor-made experiences that align perfectly with our clients’ preferences. Our expertise lies in matching ideal locations, lodges, and activities to fulfill their safari dreams, ensuring an unforgettable vacation for all the right reasons.
Ready to kickstart your African safari journey? Dive into our expert tips for a seamless planning process:
1. Know Where You Want To Go
Begin by establishing a clear goal for your safari adventure. Whether it’s the childhood dream of encountering gorillas, the awe-inspiring sight of Victoria Falls at its peak, or the thrill of witnessing the Big Five in their natural habitat, identifying your desired animals or experiences is key to shaping your ideal safari.
Consult your travel advisor for insights:
- What destination offers the optimal chance to encounter your most sought-after animal?
- Which location provides the ultimate experience aligned with your interests?
Once you’ve narrowed down your primary destination and tentative travel dates, it’s time to explore complementary attractions and experiences that align with your goal. This is precisely why we meticulously curate and publish tour packages and itinerary ideas. By perusing our safaris, you can discover which locations and activities harmonize seamlessly in terms of logistics and gain a preliminary understanding of costs per person. As you delve into these options, you’re likely to enhance your safari aspirations with additional destinations and experiences, crafting a wish list for our Africa Safari Experts to transform into a bespoke vacation itinerary.
At the core of our service is the commitment to tailor your journey around your unique travel desires and considerations. Whether you’re traveling with young children, elderly parents, celebrating a special occasion, have specific dietary needs, require accessibility accommodations, or simply prefer private residences over hotels, we customize your itinerary to accommodate your preferences and requirements.
If you’re still in the process of defining your safari goals, we recommend conducting some research to pinpoint your interests. Our weekly newsletter serves as an excellent source of inspiration and guidance – sign up for it here. Alternatively, feel free to engage with one of our Africa Safari Experts to discuss your general holiday preferences and dislikes.
2. Know When You Want To Go
In Africa, timing plays a pivotal role in crafting the ultimate safari experience. Many of the continent’s most exceptional wildlife encounters hinge on natural phenomena like seasonal rainfall. Therefore, specifying your preferred travel dates significantly impacts your itinerary. You wouldn’t want to find yourself in the Serengeti when the wildebeest migration is already underway in the Masai Mara!
Having a clear idea of the duration of your African adventure and the time of year you wish to travel is crucial when planning your itinerary. This information not only influences the wildlife sightings and experiences you’ll encounter but also has a significant impact on your budget. If your safari goal revolves around a seasonal event, it’s essential to secure your travel dates well in advance. This ensures that you can secure accommodations in the best locations to witness these natural spectacles. Therefore, determining your ideal travel dates at the outset of your planning process is essential for a seamless and fulfilling safari experience.
| Peak or High Season | Low or Green Season | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| About June to October | About November to May | ||
| Highest rates | Lowest rates (except Christmas and New Year) | ||
| Book up to 12 months in advance | Aim to book 2-6 months in advance | ||
| Coolest and driest weather | Warmest and wettest weather | ||
| Easiest to find and see animals | More challenging but rewarding to find and see animals | ||
| Most visitors | Fewest visitors | ||
| Thinnest vegetation and fewest water sources | Lushest vegetation and most water | ||
| Most dust, least mud | Least dust, most mud |
3. Have A Budget Estimate
An African safari is a substantial investment in your holiday experience. Despite the diverse range of available itineraries and travel styles, embarking on a safari in Africa entails intricate logistics. Additionally, safari lodges are tasked with providing exceptional service, food, and accommodation in remote locations, which incurs higher costs compared to urban settings. Therefore, it’s essential to recognize that the expenses associated with safari accommodations reflect the challenges of delivering quality comfort in wilderness environments.
4. Know Your Travel Style
Your choice of travel style is deeply personal and shaped by various factors, including your companions, budget constraints, and available vacation time. For those with limited budgets, affordability becomes a priority, while those with time constraints prioritize efficient travel logistics. Ultimately, tailoring your travel style to align with your specific circumstances ensures a rewarding and enjoyable safari experience.
Which One Of These Travel Types Do You Prefer?
Tailor-made Trips:
Our personalized tailoring service comes at no additional cost to you—it’s the added value you receive when booking through Go2Africa. Our Africa Safari Experts meticulously match your wish-list, preferences, and budget to the most suitable accommodations, activities, and destinations, ensuring you get the best value for your time and money.
Private Tailor-made Trips:
Whether you’re planning a romantic honeymoon or traveling with young children, if you desire an exclusive experience with features like a dedicated guide, exclusive-use safari vehicle, or private helicopter transfers, simply discuss your preferences with your Africa Safari Expert to explore the available options.
Set Departure Dates:
These safari experiences commence and conclude on predetermined dates throughout the year. This category includes luxury train journeys and mobile safari expeditions, such as tracking the Wildebeest Migration in East Africa. While the departure dates are fixed, the remainder of your itinerary can still be customized to suit your preferences.
5. Choose An Established Travel Agent
When selecting a travel agent to enhance your African safari experience, consider the following criteria:
- Personal Travel Experience: Seek an agent with firsthand knowledge of the specific countries you intend to visit, ensuring they can offer insightful advice and recommendations.
- Independent and Unbiased Advice: Choose an agent who provides impartial guidance, free from affiliations with specific lodges, safari operators, or marketing entities.
- Financial Protection: Ensure your agent offers necessary supplier insurance to safeguard your travel investment against unforeseen circumstances.
- Full Travel Booking Service: Opt for a full-service partner capable of handling all aspects of your journey, including flights, activities, accommodations, transfers, and more.
- 24/7 On-Safari Support: Prioritize agents based in Africa who offer round-the-clock support, providing peace of mind throughout your safari adventure.
- Recent Reviews: Look for recent reviews on independent platforms like Feefo to gauge the agent’s reliability and customer satisfaction.
A reputable agent takes the time to understand your preferences, addresses your concerns, and offers detailed, up-to-date travel advice. Through meticulous planning, they mitigate risks and enhance rewards, ensuring your safari experience is memorable and fulfilling.
