Planning a safari is a challenge that you'll find quite unlike any other vacation planning process.
Below are the main questions you should ask yourself in beginning the planning process:
Where should you go on safari?
A favorite for first-time safari-goers, East Africa offers a bit of everything. No matter which game parks you visit, you are likely to see a wide array of game in larger numbers than almost anywhere else. For those of you who are as fascinated and perplexed by the great migration of the wildebeest as the scientific community, this phenomenon can be seen here most of the year, depending on where you go.
Like East Africa, Southern Africa offers an outstanding and rewarding game-viewing experience. One of the reasons for this is that drives are conducted in open 4 x 4 safari vehicles, as opposed to the mini-van which is the most common safari vehicle in East Africa (although there are some exceptions). The open vehicle allows unparalleled visibility and the unique raised seating in some of the vehicles will spoil you forever! Guides in southern Africa are the most highly-trained and respected professionals in their field and their knowledge will be one of the main reasons that your safari to southern Africa surpasses your expectations.
When is a good time of year to go on safari?
Each season has its advantages, so if you have set dates for travel, chances are you will be able to have a great trip no matter where or when you are going. It is important to understand the seasonal trends and how that will affect your trip; but remember that weather is variable and so it is quite possible to go for days without rain during the peak of the rainy season, or have thundershowers in the middle of the dry season.
What types of activities are available?
The type of safari you choose is pretty much up to your own design. There are companies that offer walking safaris, elephant back, horseback or camel back safaris, bird watching safaris and even self driving safaris.
What is your budget?
This is one of the most important questions to consider when selecting a trip. It will affect the level of luxury you can afford and the length of your safari.
What is your travel style?
The level of accommodation that you are expecting is important to consider - unabashed luxury or 2-man dome tents? It is possible to combine different levels of accommodation on different parts of your trip; however it is important that you have the right expectations for each of the places you go.
