There are a huge variety of African safaris for the traveller to choose from and deciding which one is for you can be a minefield! This blog will help you decide what’s right for you. And of course, when you contact Travel Africa we will listen to your needs and work closely with you to tailor make your dream safari in southern Africa.
Here are 4 key considerations to take into account.
1. Budget
Cost is usually one of the key considerations for safari choice. African safaris can range from well over $1000 per person per day at top end, luxury destinations down to $120 per person per day self-drive safaris staying at national parks self-catering bungalows. And of course, there are a range of options in between including self-drive roof top tent safaris, participatory mobile camping safaris, glamping safaris, and walking safaris.
Many of Travel Africa’s clients choose to mix safari styles, combining more affordable options with luxury options at various points. This adds variety to your safaris and let’s you spend much more time with Africa’s amazing widlife.
Elephants drinking at Imabli Safari Lodge waterhole, Kruger National Park, South Africa
Self-catering rondavel, Kruger National Park
2. Independence
You need to consider how you like to travel when choosing your safari. Do you prefer to always have a guide with or do you prefer more independent travel? Escorted and guided safaris are perfect for the traveller who wants constant care and attention. If you are more independent and self-directed (or perhaps you have children who don’t always like to follow a set plan) then more independent self-drive safaris may be for you.
Again, you could consider combining styles. Add some ranger guided activities to your self-drive travel or add a few days of more independent travel to your escorted tour.
Close encounters during a self drive safari
Guided safari in South Luangwa, Zambia
3. Comfort
Carefully consider the level of comfort you want from your safari. Often people enjoy more comfortable safaris in easy to access locations for their first trip to Africa. But once they go back they are more adventurous and prepared to forego a few comforts to reach some incredible destinations. You may want to think about whether you want your camp and lodge fenced or not, whether you are happy to go in a small charter plane with limited luggage, whether you are happy to share ablutions, whether you will be comfortable in an open safari vehicle and whether you prefer to share a safari vehicle with other tourists or not.
Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge
Gharagab self-catering wilderness camp, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa
4. Special touches
Holidays are special times and when doing an African safari you want to make sure you get absolutely everything you can out of the trip. So make sure you consider those special touches and work them into your safari. These could include ethical, fairtrade safaris; horse riding safaris; walking safaris; sleep outs under the stars; hot-air balloon flights over the savanna.
Lxury tree house in Kruger National Park
Walking safari with the #Khomani San in the Kalahari
Hopefully this blog has given you lots of information to help you think about what type of safari would suit you best. Now do contact us at Travel Africa to help you organise and book the perfect African safari!
