GUIDE ON HOW TO pick and book an african safari
It’s important to put some thought into your safari – the planning is a part of the expedition. Africa offers a diversity of attractions and highlights that must be visited at the right time to ensure an experience of a life-time. When to travel Africa is essential to a great experience! This depends on your specific needs and requirements. Interests range from Africa’s spectacular wildlife to the wide variety of birds that occur in Africa at different times of the year.
When to travel Africa really depends on the type of animals you wish to see or the activity you would like to partake in. Certain reserves have good game viewing all year round but others will have particularly good elephant sightings or other migratory animals at different times of the year.
Generally all the year long is possible to undertake an African safari, though the dry seasons are most likely to guarantee better road conditions in the parks, as the grass is dry and vegetation sparse making game viewing easier. It is also the time when animals are on the move looking for food and water. In Kenya and Tanzania, you have the memorable opportunity of witnessing the magnificent migration of over two million wildebeests and zebra. Temperatures in winter are mild but can become considerably cooler in the evening, so pack multiple layers of clothing to ensure you stay comfortable on afternoon game drives and walks. It goes without saying that the standard safari gear must include a broad brim hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
Research a little and make sure your ground operator is willing to make your safari special. Some are rather sadly only bothered about money and each client is a number only, others offer excellent personalized services. Beware of such companies as your safari experience is more important.
This step by step overview guide encompasses a few important guidelines designed primarily to assist and guide you in your quest for that fantastic safari getaway.
Following is an outline of some important steps for booking and confirming your african safari:
- Where to go?
- Budget
- Safari package search
- Booking the safari
Step 1: Where to go? Destination
If you have never been on an African safari before, you may be at a loss as to where to go. If you have been already, you might want to plan on going somewhere different. Not because you didn’t enjoy where you went, but because there are so many beautiful things to see in Africa.
Africa is one of a few destinations in the world that gives visitors a veritable spectacle of wildlife that co-exists harmoniously with its human neighbours. This has been as a result of continued support and encouraging the communities to know the importance of self sustaining tourism that does not degrade the environment while at the same time reducing conflict between local communities and wildlife.
From snow covered mountains and beautiful waterfalls, to sandy deserts and aquatic reefs, Africa has got it all. Not to mention all the wildlife; Gorilla trekkers, bird watchers and bush adventure enthusiasts will all be equally delighted. If you love beautiful landscapes and communities rich in culture, you’ll find that, too.
There are quite a few safari destinations to choose from; East africa, Central africa & South africa.
East and Central Africa
Many consider eastern Africa and central Africa to be the best destination for African safaris, this region is loaded with many game parks which include a large variety and population of animals, from the wildebeest migration in Kenya (middle of the year) and Tanzania (early in the year) to the gorillas of Uganda.
East Africa’s landscape includes the spectacular and majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and the famous volcanic Ngorongoro Crater, the largest of its type in the world, which is home to thousands of animals such as Zebra, wildebeest, black rhino, prides of lion including the black-maned males, leopard, cheetah, hyena, elephants, warthog, impala, buffalo, hartebeest, eland and other members of the antelope family.