How to Choose a Safari For You

18/03/2020

Are you planning a safari adventure?

Going on a safari is an incredible experience; not only is seeing wildlife up close a memorable encounter, but the scenery is likely to be breathtaking and the locals welcoming and friendly. However, not all safaris are created equally so to make sure you have an excellent safari experience, you need to do a little research before you book to ensure it’s the right one for you. Here are some things to consider:-

1. Make sure the safari operator is responsible

Do some research to ensure the operator on the ground is a responsible company: how do they train their guides, is the company environmentally-friendly, do they support local communities, what is their conservation ethos? To help find out, check online reviews to see what other people have said. It’s also a good idea to look into whether or not the safari company has any certificates or awards to verify their level of quality, such as a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence.

2. Keep comfort in mind

Comfort may be the furthest thing from your mind when booking a safari tour, but it’s important to keep in mind that you may be spending considerable time in a safari vehicle. Find out what kind of vehicle you’ll be taking, whether or not it’s air-conditioned, how accessible are the windows for taking photos, is there a pop-up hatch, how many people will be in the vehicle so you can move around comfortably etc.

3. The importance of a guide

When it comes to spotting wildlife, your guide is the most important factor – not only do they find the wildlife for you, their knowledge and stories enhance your experience hugely. They are also vitally important in ensuring your safety. The number one rule on safari is to always listen to your guide. They are usually highly-trained and have years of experience in the bush so always follow their directions. Prior to travel, it’s worth finding out a little more about the safari guides; many operators have information about their guides on their websites.

Are you ready for your safari tour? Check out our worldwide safari tours and start planning your own!

About author

Robin Cormack

MD and Co-Founder. Born in Zimbabwe, Robin has a long history in Africa, and safaris in general, from running lodges to marketing. He is always on the look out for new ideas and products from around the safari world.