Doing your research will help you get a better sense of the safari tour operators’ reputation, expertise, quality, and reliability. You will also be able to spot any red flags, such as hidden fees, poor customer service, or unethical practices.
Tip 3: Ask questions
After you have narrowed down your list of potential safari tour operators, you can contact them directly and ask them any questions you may have. This is a great way to get more details, clarify any doubts, and establish a rapport with the safari tour operators. You can also request a quote, a brochure, or a customized itinerary from them.
Some of the questions you may want to ask are:
- How long have you been in business and how many safaris have you organized?
- What are your credentials, affiliations, and certifications?
- What are your terms and conditions, cancellation policy, and payment methods?
- What are the inclusions and exclusions of your safari packages?
- How do you select and train your guides and drivers?
- How do you ensure the safety and security of your clients?
- How do you support the conservation and community development of the places you visit?
- How do you handle any emergencies or contingencies that may arise during the safari?
- How do you deal with any feedback or complaints from your clients?
Asking questions will help you evaluate the safari tour operators’ professionalism, transparency, responsiveness, and flexibility. You will also be able to gauge their passion, enthusiasm, and knowledge about the safari.
Tip 4: Check references
One of the best ways to verify the quality and credibility of a safari tour operator is to check their references. You can ask the safari tour operator for the contact details of some of their past or current clients who have agreed to share their experiences with you. You can also look for independent and unbiased reviews and testimonials from online sources such as TripAdvisor, SafariBookings, or Trustpilot.
Checking references will help you get honest and firsthand feedback from people who have used the safari tour operator’s services. You will be able to learn more about their strengths and weaknesses, their pros and cons, and their satisfaction and dissatisfaction. You will also be able to get some tips and advice from them on how to make the most of your safari.
Tip 5: Trust your gut
Finally, after you have done all the above steps, you need to trust your gut and make your decision. You need to choose the safari tour operator that you feel the most comfortable and confident with, the one that you think will deliver the best safari experience for you. You need to listen to your intuition and follow your heart.
