How to get the best out of your safari

If you love traveling like me, you will agree that vacation time needs planning ahead, and some research is called for. Depending on where you want to vacation, prior information comes in hardy.

Here are 10 factors that could make your African safari a dream come true or a disaster.

1. Check the best seasons compared to the time you have for vacation time.

Whatever you want to do/see during your safari, first thing you should do

Is to consider when the best times are. While all-year round could be

Good, the rainy seasons can make things very hard. And if it’s the annual migration you have in mind, the months of July till early September is what you need.

2. In addition, what other places of interest would you want to see?

Lonely planet has good suggestions off course, but there are other

Sources like friends, family, online directories and reviews that are great source of updated information.

3. After you know what you want to see/experience, its time now to know what it might cost you. Avoid disappointments by not being aware what you might be expected to part with. Get a rough idea by enquiring from travel agents and park authority sites, Tour Operator Association sites. Be informed!

4. Accommodations vary greatly, both in level and in prices. Some lodges and Camps are high end, while others fall somewhere medium level. And in addition there is the option of camping. Definitely the accommodation type you choose affects what you have to pay in the end. How much do you want to spend or can afford to spend? That’s up to you.

5. You are informed. You know what you want to do/see, and you know when you want to do that dream safari, to see wildlife at close range or vacation on beach. You also have a rough idea how much it might cost you. But you have to choose your tour operator. Again recommendations from those who have first experience are great. If not, check online, contact several tour operators and make a list of several that gives you confidence.

6. This is now the most important part. From the mails or your contact with agents/tour operators, you may have an idea of what kind of a company you are dealing with. But that is far from enough. Check the operator(s) you have settled for. Check for reviews from previous travelers. Get their email address/phones from testimonials and comments pages. Hear their experience with that company.

7. You have settled for one? Good. Now go pin down last details of your itinerary. Have your itinerary finalized to the last bit. Be sure/aware what prices includes and what not and what costs what. Day –to-day program and if possible driving times/distances between parks/towns. You don’t want to be driving at night or spending all your time on road.

8. Ask for discount, especially if booking in advance. Besides, am yet to hear of a law against asking for discount.

9. Book your safari.

Depending on when you want to travel, some seasons demand booking in advance. The peak seasons, usually the months of July, August, September, January/February require that you have booked your safari several months in advance.

10. Then go enjoy your safari. Remember, the best prints you can leave are to leave none.

PKP. safaris in kenya desk
Natural Track Safaris.