Embarking on an African safari is one more thing you need to cross off your bucket list. It’s a trip of a lifetime. You know you want to do it. But perhaps you’re sitting in your cosy living room in your first-world house with all its modern, comfortable amenities, and you’re wondering – and fretting – about just how one goes about booking a safari a continent away. The African continent, no less. Fascinating, enthralling, achingly beautiful, and yet… it’s the great unknown.
Planning and booking a safari can seem daunting, but fear not! This guide will walk you through the steps.
Planning and booking a safari can seem daunting, but fear not! This guide will walk you through the steps.
1. Determine Your Budget
First, the all-important Budget. How much are you willing – or able to spend? African safaris range from budget-friendly to the ultra-luxurious. The choice is up to you. Do you want to rough it in tented accommodation and get the real, authentic African bush experience, or go first-class all the way by booking a 5-star luxury lodge trip?
When figuring out your budget, you will also need to factor in airfares as most safari packages feature picking you up from the nearest airport. However, if you book through a travel agent, airfares will probably be included in the package deal.
2. Choose Your Destination
Africa is a vast continent and offers a plethora of safari destinations, each offering unique geographical environments with wildlife species specific to the region.
Popular destinations include:
Set in hot, dry, semi-desert conditions, the Etosha National Park has its own beautifully stark landscapes and an abundance of wildlife. And the Namib desert is just a stone’s throw away.
First, the all-important Budget. How much are you willing – or able to spend? African safaris range from budget-friendly to the ultra-luxurious. The choice is up to you. Do you want to rough it in tented accommodation and get the real, authentic African bush experience, or go first-class all the way by booking a 5-star luxury lodge trip?
When figuring out your budget, you will also need to factor in airfares as most safari packages feature picking you up from the nearest airport. However, if you book through a travel agent, airfares will probably be included in the package deal.
2. Choose Your Destination
Africa is a vast continent and offers a plethora of safari destinations, each offering unique geographical environments with wildlife species specific to the region.
Popular destinations include:
- Tanzania's Serengeti National Park
- Kenya's Maasai Mara Reserve
- Botswana's Okavango Delta
- South Africa's Kruger National Park
- Namibia's Etosha National Park
Set in hot, dry, semi-desert conditions, the Etosha National Park has its own beautifully stark landscapes and an abundance of wildlife. And the Namib desert is just a stone’s throw away.
3. Select Your Safari Type
Determine the type of safari experience you’re looking for (see our article Different Types of African Safaris). You could go for a traditional game drive safari (the most popular), walking safari, fly-in safari, luxury safari, custom tailormade safari, or specialized safari like birdwatching or photographic safari. Each type offers a distinct type of adventure.
4. Research Safari Operators
Once you've chosen your destination and safari type, it's time to find a safari operator. You can do this online. Look for reputable companies with a proven track record with knowledgeable guides. Read reviews from previous travellers. Explore the websites of different operators to compare packages and pricing. You can also book your African safari through online safari booking companies such as SafariBookings.com, showing different types of safaris located in various areas in Africa.
Note: If your planned safari is a seasonal event such as the million-strong wildebeest migration from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara, many of the safari operators will likely be booked up well in advance, so make sure you start planning and booking your dates early.
Determine the type of safari experience you’re looking for (see our article Different Types of African Safaris). You could go for a traditional game drive safari (the most popular), walking safari, fly-in safari, luxury safari, custom tailormade safari, or specialized safari like birdwatching or photographic safari. Each type offers a distinct type of adventure.
4. Research Safari Operators
Once you've chosen your destination and safari type, it's time to find a safari operator. You can do this online. Look for reputable companies with a proven track record with knowledgeable guides. Read reviews from previous travellers. Explore the websites of different operators to compare packages and pricing. You can also book your African safari through online safari booking companies such as SafariBookings.com, showing different types of safaris located in various areas in Africa.
Note: If your planned safari is a seasonal event such as the million-strong wildebeest migration from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara, many of the safari operators will likely be booked up well in advance, so make sure you start planning and booking your dates early.
5. Booking Your Safari Through A Travel Agent
You can also book your safari through your local travel agent.
6. Check Your Itinerary
Before making your final decision (and payment) check your itinerary. Consider factors such as the duration of the safari, the accommodations offered (e.g. lodges, tented camps, or luxury villas), meals included, activities (game drives, guided walks, cultural visits), and any additional experiences you'd like to include.
You can also book your safari through your local travel agent.
- Factors to look out for when booking through a travel agent:
- Choose a reputable travel agent. Preferably someone who has been to and has experienced a safari in the country you want to visit.
- Make sure your agent is not getting a kickback from any specific game lodge or safari operator so that you get an unbiased opinion.
- Take out the necessary insurance to safeguard your travel investment.
- Make sure that the safari package includes all costs: flights, airport tax, accommodation, meals, transfers, etc.
- Check recent reviews online on reputable websites such as Feefo.
6. Check Your Itinerary
Before making your final decision (and payment) check your itinerary. Consider factors such as the duration of the safari, the accommodations offered (e.g. lodges, tented camps, or luxury villas), meals included, activities (game drives, guided walks, cultural visits), and any additional experiences you'd like to include.
7. Preparing for Your Safari
Once you’ve booked your safari, it’s time to prepare for your adventure. This may include obtaining travel insurance, getting the necessary visas and vaccinations, and packing appropriate clothing and gear (see our article 10 Essential Items to Take on Your African Safari).
Once you’ve booked your safari, it’s time to prepare for your adventure. This may include obtaining travel insurance, getting the necessary visas and vaccinations, and packing appropriate clothing and gear (see our article 10 Essential Items to Take on Your African Safari).