Expert Tips for Choosing an Experienced Safari Tour Operator

08/05/2023

Planning and embarking on a safari is an exciting thing and it could turn out to be an adventure of a lifetime. Safari offers you the opportunity to witness majestic wildlife in their natural habitat, explore breathtaking landscapes, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world.

While planning a safari adventure, it is essential to choose the right safari operator, one that can provide you with a well-planned itinerary, experienced and reliable tour guides, comfortable accommodation, and above all, a fantastic safari experience.

Choosing the right safari travel agency can help you to have a safe and enjoyable safari experience. In this guide, we’ll provide expert tips that will help you find the perfect safari operator.

Tips For Choosing A Reliable And Experienced Safari Tour Operator

1. Research and Recommendations

First and foremost, you should conduct thorough research about the safari tour operators you are considering. You want to find a reputable tour operator who can deliver what they say they can. One way to start your research is by doing an online search. During your research, you should consider factors such as the experience the tour operator has in organising safaris. A great way to determine that is by reading reviews left by past customers, pay close attention to any negative feedback as well.

Browse through our list of 1500+ best safari tour operators  to learn more about what they offer. You can read the genuine reviews left by safari visitors like you and see example travel itineraries.

Another tip is to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have gone on safari before. They can recommend a good safari operator, offering insights into their experience with the operator. This will give you an idea of what to expect from the operator.

2. Country and Parks Experts

It goes without saying that you should choose a safari operator specialising in the destinations you are planning to visit. The tour operator experienced in a specific country or park can offer personalised and knowledgeable guidance to deliver a  great safari experience. These destination experts are familiar with the region’s wildlife, landscape, and culture and they understand  the local customs and languages.

If you are interested in visiting Uganda for Gorilla tracking or a primate safari, you can explore the following 5-star rated best African safari operators:

• All in Africa Safaris
• Beyond Travel
• Milana Tours and Safaris
• The Shuttle Hospitality
• Uganda Adventure Safaris

You should  get in touch with the travel partners directly and enquire if they offer customised travel itineraries for that region. They will plan a safari led by a knowledgeable safari guide, giving you a better chance of spotting wildlife and learning more about the region.

3. Style of Tour Packages

The style of tour packages offered by safari tour operators can vary widely, so you should choose a tour operator offering safari packages that align with your preferences.

Some tour operators may specialise in luxury safaris that come with high-end accommodation and exclusive access to private concessions. Others may offer budget-friendly options with basic but comfortable accommodation and safari activities in general areas of the parks. If you have any specific requirements like a private vehicle, you need to let the tour operator know in advance.

Looking for safari operators that specialise in tailored safari experiences. Listed below are some top-rated safari companies that offer experiences customised to your preferences:

• Five Star Luxury Tour and Safari
• AROYÓ Safari
• Meijo Safaris
• Travel Wise Safari
• Adventure Expeditions

4. Price and Value for Money

Price is one of the most significant considerations when choosing a safari tour operator. You should look for tour operators that offer transparent pricing and a clear breakdown of what is included and what is not included in that cost. In addition, always ask prior to your safari what the tipping policy is for both your guide and at the camps so you can be prepared.

If you explore our safari tours, you’ll see that all of the safari listed by our trusted travel partners display clear prices and cover detailed information about each safari, what’s included and what’s excluded.

Since we are discussing price, let’s keep in mind that not all budget-friendly options offer the best value for the money. Your tour budget can affect the quality of accommodations, the level of service provided, and ultimately your safari experience. You should focus on finding a tour operator that offers good value for money without compromising on quality.

5. Responsible Tourism Practices

When choosing a safari provider, you need to consider one final important aspect: responsible tourism practices. Look for operators that are committed to responsible, sustainable, and ethical tourism practices that promote wildlife conservation, support local communities, minimise environmental impact and prioritise responsible wildlife viewing practices.

Look online to see if the safari tour operator has any sort of accreditation and check if they meet the above criteria. When you choose such responsible tour operators, you’ll have a fulfilling safari experience while contributing to conservation efforts and supporting local communities.

Conclusion

Choosing the right safari tour operator is an important decision that can affect the outcome of your safari.  Since there are so many safari partners to choose from, finding the one that meets your requirement can be challenging.

By considering factors such as recommendations, country and parks experts, style of tour packages, price and value for money, and responsible tourism practices, you’ll ultimately find a safari partner that’s right for you. One that will deliver a memorable safari experience.

You can use SafariDeal to conduct your research on safari travel partners and wildlife safari itineraries – and not just in Africa, but around the world in other safari destinations such as India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, Finland, Slovakia, Spain, Azores, Iran and Jordan, and many more. See all our travel partners >>

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