How to Choose a Safari Company
Are you embarking on an African adventure?
There’s nothing in the world that compares to getting up close and personal with wild animals.
But to ensure safety, you should book with a safari company before you arrive in Africa.
But how do you know which African safari is the best?
You want to ensure the company is reliable but will also take you to the best destinations. You want to see several different wild animals, but want to make sure a lion won’t run up and attack you.
Read these safari tips and choose the best company for the most amazing safari experience.
Identify Your Safari Style Before You Select A Safari Company
No two safaris are equal.
Different types of safaris are created for different purposes. Some are intended for adventurers, while others are specialized for adults and kids. Other safaris focus on certain locations and animal species.
Before you book with a safari company, know which type of safari you want to experience.Â
Know Your Budget
Do you want to spend a fortune on your safari?
Some travelers would rather pay high-price for absolute luxury. But other travelers would rather find the best deals on all travel activities. Fortunately, there’s a safari company that will work with your budget needs.
There are plenty of incredible safaris that won’t cost a fortune. If your priority is seeing animals in their natural environment, look for a budget safari.
There are certain budget facts to keep in mind — certain countries are more expensive and cheaper safaris don’t include as many amenities.
But when you discover what you want and devise a budget, you can find incredible safaris at great rates.
Are you the traveler who would rather stick to luxury?
Plenty of companies offer luxury safaris. You’ll receive the best of a luxury experience and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see wild animals in their natural habitat.
What does a luxury safari include?
Each luxury safari is different. Some safaris offer an amazing camping and lodging experience. Others offer expert-led expeditions.
When you pay a higher price, you have the chance to view endangered species. Amenities usually include meals and alcohol.
Find Additional Activities
When you picture a safari, what do you picture?
Most focus on sitting in a jeep, staring at animals through binoculars. While you will experience a similar situation, safaris offer more fun activities than the classic jungle trekking experience.
Are you a hiker?
Find an on-foot safari. You can hike through mountains and other parks, viewing all of the sites and the animals. Would you rather ride on horseback?
There are plenty of safaris that offer horse guides — you can even have the opportunity to ride an elephant or a camel.
Are you a conservationist?
Many safaris offer a chance to meet endangered species — with a little education included. This feature offers insight into the species, why they’re facing extinction, and what you can do to help.
Are you a water lover? Go on a water-based safari.
Many African countries have an abundance of lakes and rivers. Since water is the source of life, many animals gravitate to these areas.
You can easily take a boat or a canoe to view these animals. To see African ocean animals, take a snorkeling safari.
Choose a Private Safari
Would you rather not share your safari with other travelers? Consider a private safari. Booking a private safari means everything is catered to you.
Depending on the safari company, your flight and room may be an all-inclusive deal.
When you embark on your safari, you have an expert who will transport you throughout the jungle. They will cater to your interests — you may even have the opportunity to control the schedule and your meals.
Keep in mind, private safaris are the most expensive type of safari. But when the services are fully catered to you, the price is worth it.
Book a Safari Tour
If you don’t need the private safari, book a tour with a safari company. These tours offer full accommodation plus the chance to see many wildlife species.
When you book a tour, you book fixed departure dates, your airfare, boarding, and you’ll receive a safari schedule.
Safari tours are convenient because they take you to popular attractions. These include some of the most-sought animals and other fun activities.
Since you’ll be traveling in large groups, you have the opportunity to make new friends and experience an exciting adventure with others.
These tours are usually offered at a low cost and are a favorite amongst budget safari adventurers.
Find Safari Experts
Unless you plan on renting a vehicle and finding the animals yourself, you probably want to hire a guide. Specifically, you want to hire an expert. A reputable safari company doesn’t hire the run-of-the-mill tour guide.
Instead, they hire a tour guide who knows the country, animals, and forests like it’s the back of their hand.
Most of these guides have explored every inch of their country and have a vast knowledge of the land and animals.
Some are even doctors, biologists, zoologists, and conservationists. Those with these type of credentials are ones you want to pick.
Before you schedule your safari, call the company and inquire about their hosts or search their hosts on their website.
If you find a host you want to work with, you can usually request the expert as your guide — though it may be more expensive, having an expert guide is worth the extra price.
Are You Ready to Book With a Safari Company?
Several African countries have incredible safari opportunities. But each safari company is different.
Before you schedule your safari, know what kind of safari you want. You can choose the classic jeep expedition, or choose a newer adventure.
You also want to make sure the safari company is legitimate and they hire expert tour guides.
Are you ready to book your safari? Take a look at our safaris.