Diksia.com - An African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that many people dream of. But with so many safari tour companies, destinations, and options to choose from, how do you find the best one for your needs and budget? In this article, we will share some tips on how to choose the best African safari tour company for your dream trip.
1. Decide on your preferred safari destination and style
The first step in choosing the best safari tour company is to decide where you want to go and what kind of safari you want to have. Africa is a vast and diverse continent, with different wildlife, landscapes, cultures, and seasons. Some of the most popular safari destinations include:
- Botswana: Known for its pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, and luxury camps. Botswana offers some of the best game viewing in Africa, especially in the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Moremi Game Reserve.
- Kenya: The birthplace of safari, Kenya is home to the iconic Masai Mara, where you can witness the annual wildebeest migration, as well as other wildlife-rich parks like Amboseli, Samburu, and Lake Nakuru.
- Rwanda: The land of a thousand hills, Rwanda is famous for its mountain gorillas, which you can track in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda also has other attractions, such as Nyungwe Forest, Akagera National Park, and Kigali.
- South Africa: A diverse and accessible destination, South Africa offers something for everyone, from the cosmopolitan Cape Town to the scenic Garden Route to the wildlife-rich Kruger National Park. South Africa also has a variety of safari styles, from self-drive to luxury lodges to tented camps.
- Tanzania: The ultimate safari destination, Tanzania boasts the Serengeti, where you can see the wildebeest migration, the Ngorongoro Crater, where you can see the Big Five, and the exotic Zanzibar, where you can relax on the beach. Tanzania also has other gems, such as Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Selous.
Depending on your destination, you can also choose different safari styles, such as:
- Classic safari: The traditional way of experiencing Africa, a classic safari involves staying in comfortable lodges or tented camps, and going on game drives in open vehicles with a guide and driver.
- Walking safari: A more adventurous and immersive way of exploring Africa, a walking safari involves walking in the bush with a guide and a tracker, and staying in rustic camps or fly camps. A walking safari allows you to get closer to nature and learn more about the flora and fauna.
- Fly-in safari: A convenient and luxurious way of seeing Africa, a fly-in safari involves flying from one destination to another in a small plane, and staying in exclusive camps or lodges. A fly-in safari saves you time and gives you access to remote and pristine areas.
2. Research the safari tour companies and their reviews
The next step in choosing the best safari tour company is to research the different options and read their reviews. There are hundreds of safari tour companies in Africa, ranging from local to international, from budget to luxury, from specialized to general. Some of the factors to consider when comparing safari tour companies are:
- Reputation and experience: How long have they been in business? What are their credentials and affiliations? What are their awards and recognitions? How do they handle customer service and complaints?
- Staff and guides: Who are their staff and guides? What are their qualifications and training? How do they interact with guests and locals? How do they handle emergencies and safety?
- Itineraries and destinations: What are their itineraries and destinations? How flexible and customizable are they? How do they balance game viewing and other activities? How do they avoid crowds and support conservation?
- Activities and accommodations: What are their activities and accommodations? How varied and exciting are they? How comfortable and authentic are they? How do they cater to different needs and preferences?
- Price and value: What is their price and what is included and excluded? How do they compare with other safari tour companies? How do they offer value for money and quality service?
One of the best ways to research safari tour companies is to read their reviews from past clients. You can find reviews on their websites, social media, blogs, and online platforms like SafariBookings and TourRadar. Reviews can give you an insight into the pros and cons of each safari tour company, as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
3. Contact the safari tour companies and ask questions
The final step in choosing the best safari tour company is to contact them and ask questions. You can contact them by email, phone, or online chat, depending on your preference. You can also request a quote or a proposal based on your requirements and budget. Some of the questions to ask the safari tour companies are:
- Availability and booking: Are they available for your preferred dates and duration? How do you book and pay for your safari? What are their terms and conditions and cancellation policy?
- Travel arrangements and logistics: How do you get to and from your safari destination? What are the transport options and costs? What are the luggage restrictions and recommendations?
- Health and safety: What are the health and safety precautions and requirements for your safari destination? Do you need any vaccinations or medications? Do you need any travel insurance or medical evacuation?
- Equipment and gear: What are the equipment and gear provided and required for your safari? Do you need any special clothing or accessories? Do you need any adapters or chargers?
- Expectations and tips: What can you expect from your safari experience? What are the typical days and nights like? What are the dos and don’ts of safari etiquette? How much should you tip your staff and guides?
By contacting the safari tour companies and asking questions, you can get a better sense of their professionalism, responsiveness, and personality. You can also compare their quotes and proposals, and negotiate for the best deal.
Conclusion
Choosing the best African safari tour company for your dream trip can be a daunting task, but it can also be a fun and rewarding one. By following these tips, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect match for your needs and budget. Remember, the best safari tour company is the one that makes your safari dreams come true. Happy safari!
