An African safari holiday is on most people’s bucket lists. However, this once-in-a-lifetime experience can get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list because of the perception it will be too difficult to organise or too costly. With the help of experienced safari planners, a safari holiday can be more affordable than you expect. Alongside our African Safari Specialists we work with clients looking for different travel styles, from bespoke itineraries through to group tours (including for solo travellers).
In this blog, we discuss eight reasons to move a safari up your travel bucket list.
Your investment in an African safari will depend on how much or how little you want to include and the quality of the inclusions. From “glamping” (glamorous camping) through to budget safaris, single country to multi-country itineraries, costs can vary.
Pre-packaged safari holidays can be cost effective because our specialist partners have negotiated group rates that combine accommodation, internal flights, meals, sightseeing, activities, and airport transfers into one accessible price. Once you’ve paid the tour cost, you won’t find yourself opening your wallet all that often.
This is the real drawcard of a safari holiday: intimate encounters with Africa’s incredible wildlife. You’ll get the chance to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most awe-inspiring creatures.
Your safari doesn’t need to just be about the “Big 5”. If there are specific animals you want to see, or you are interested in trekking to see the Mountain Gorillas, we can work with our specialist partners to plan an itinerary that works best for you.
Photos can’t quite do this experience justice. It’s adrenalin, intrigue, awe, elation, and wonder all at once.
Even when you’re not scanning the horizon for wildlife, you’ll still be looking out the window wherever you are, absolutely transfixed by Africa’s beautiful landscapes. From forests to savannahs to coastlines, Africa is wonderfully diverse and, in many parts, relatively untouched.
Wherever you choose to go on safari, you’ll get an opportunity to learn about the area’s culture and history. Learn about local tribes and their rituals and participate in some cultural activities such as dancing or arts and crafts.
A safari guide: what a career! Your knowledgeable and experienced guide will know all there is to know about the wildlife you want to see, the local customs and cultures, and the surrounding landscapes. They’ll likely have some entertaining stories to share having met so many different people from all walks of life. Tune in to their stories and anecdotes to add another layer of excitement to your safari holiday.
There’s nothing quite like being a few feet from a giant predator in its natural habitat to help you form a bond with your fellow safari-goers. You’ll certainly have no shortage of exhilarating experiences to discuss over dinner.
Forget Facebook and Instagram – the photos you take on safari will be so good, they’ll likely decorate your home when you get back! The stunning landscapes and wildlife offer incredible photo opportunities.
Let’s be fair: often people listen to travel stories out of sheer politeness (sometimes, you really do have to be there). But, with an African safari holiday, the experience is so different friends and family will look forward to hearing all your stories, seeing your photos, and living vicariously through your experience – and perhaps start to plan their own safari.
Planning a safari holiday often comes down to connecting a number of moving parts, and connecting your own research and reading with on the ground realities. Questions that often come up are:
We work alongside trusted New Zealand based partners who have long term relationships in Africa. We can take care of everything from arranging flights and accommodation to helping you decide where in Africa to visit based on the animals and scenery you’d most like to see.
Whether you’re travelling alone, in a group, with your partner or as a family, we can create an itinerary that suits your needs.
Contact us today to start planning your African safari