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9 questions to ask yourself before planning a safari

 Thinking of going on an African safari?

Here are 9 questions that you can ask yourself and will help to design your perfect itinerary.  I could come up with more questions, but let’s say that this is a very good start.

  1. What destinations can I go to based on Covid-19 vaccination requirements?

    Some countries like Kenya require a proof of full cover course of vaccination, others currently don’t.



  2. When do I want to travel and how long?

    Dry seasons, rainy seasons, shoulder seasons, annual wildlife events, all come into the balance of where you should go on safari.



  3. Do I want to go on Safari only or Safari and beach?

    An African safari can be tiring especially when it goes over 4 days and it is sometimes a good idea to unwind on white sand beaches afterwards before heading back home.



  4. What level of luxury do I want for my lodges?

    The classic answer to this questions is ‘authentic’, ‘cosy’, ‘no big structure’, ‘small camps’, ‘tented room’, thinking that this will be kinder on the wallet. It is the opposite.  Camping is the cheapest option, luxury camps with only a few tents (4 to 8), a la carte menu, and so on.


    Photo credit: African Bushcamps


  5. What are my special interests?

    Are you particularly interested in Big cats? Birds? Wildlife photography? Whatever your interests, there is a perfect destination for you. A combination of all is also possible!



  6. I am travelling with young children (under 12 y/o), do I want kids activities to be included?

    While the typical schedule of a day on safari is to go on 2 games drives a day and relax in between, it can be a bit long for the younger ones. Luckily this is completely taken into account by some lodges that offers amazing extra activities!




  7. Am I prepared to go on a self drive safari?

    You are allowed to drive your own vehicle in National Parks and of course not require the service of a professional guide. But while this is cheaper, it is not for everyone. Firstly, you won’t have anyone to teach you about wildlife, its environment and listen to amazing stories of a guide, and secondly, you need to be careful as animals are wild and can be dangerous if their behaviour isn’t understood. However, if this is not a concern to you, self drive safari means that you can do your game drive at your own pace and this is really enjoyable.




  8. Do I want to go on a group tour? Just travel with my party and possibly share game drives? Or go completely private with no one else?

    Group tour will involved sharing game drives and activities with fellow travellers during the whole trip, travelling with your party could either be private (Kenya and Tanzania) with share game drives (private game reserves) but not your whole itinerary, private safari will only be for you and your party with seeing other people only in camps/lodges. Obviously these choices have an effect on your budget.

    Photo credit: African Bushcamps


  9. What is my budget?

    It is always the hardest question to answer…. An African safari won’t be cheap or if it is, there are reasons for it. The range of budget can easily be x 10 for a same destination! Group tour will definitely lower your budget a lot while a private safari goes on the other side of the spectrum. Different destinations, time of the year and level of luxury require different budgets. But you need to remember what is included in a safari: vehicle, petrol, professional guide, park entrance fees, game drives activities, 3 meals a day, night accommodation. When you think in those terms, price per person per night becomes easier to digest. 



Don’t worry if you can’t answer all those questions, I will help you. Send me a message and we’ll discuss how to make your dream African holidays come true!


Geraldine


www.rareencounters.co.uk

@rareencounters
+44 781 555 3834

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