Sunday, January 3, 2016

Factors To Consider When Planning An African Safari

By Dorothy Stone


Africa is blessed with a vast population of wildlife that has fascinated travelers for centuries. In the earlier centuries, the continent was a popular destination for hunters who thronged the plains in search in search of game trophies that were hung on walls. Today, this trend has changed because more and more travelers come to the continent in search of memories and photos of spectacular game activity. Many travelers come on an African safari in search of the big five land animals including buffalo, leopards, lions, rhinoceroses and elephants.

Visiting animals in the wild is nothing like visiting the zoo. It requires more planning because one has to leave home for a period and visit anew country. You may require a visa, passports and money to spend. It is important to read relevant materials like guidebooks and online reviews on travel sites.

There are different distinct packages available. So consider which one will best suit your needs in terms of what you want to see, cost and services offered. Most are double occupancy but there are also family and single ones available. Luxury safaris are typically very expensive because they include high quality services covering food, drinks, tours and excursions. Some can cost over one thousand dollars per night. Overland or mobile safaris are a cheaper option. They have campsite accommodations and involve travelling in groups while sharing resources. Adventurous persons can choose to drive through the land without a guide. They need to hire a car for the same.

It is important to have a clue on where exactly you want to go. This decision is based on what game you want to see. Different countries have different animals. Popular destinations on the continent are East African countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda and Southern African countries like South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. Kenya and Tanzania are famous for the Wildebeests migrations while Uganda is famous for its primates. The south is known for its impressive elephant population.

Timing of the trip is everything. This is especially so if you plan to see a specific event like the wildebeest migration. Animal behavior is affected by weather, climate and other natural phenomena. It is generally better to visit during the dry season.

Since the continent is prone to diseases, make sure to get vaccinated at home before the trip. Make an appointment with a specialist in this field and get all the relevant shots. These include typhoid, yellow fever and hepatitis. Malaria is given a treatment and protected against by nets and repellent sprays.

Beware of scams and conmen especially when selecting a package. Research the prospective provider, ask for references and look for any relevant reviews online on sites like TripAdvisor. Also, ask for cancellation and refund policies if any.

Remember to stay safe during the tour. Always look at the State Department advisories while planning the trip. This is because of insecurity issues, politics and crime. Do not forget to get travel insurance and medical cover.




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