Each person has their own concept of what is affordable, and their own level of what is comfortable.
Some visitors to Africa prefer camping safaris, as they want to be closer to nature and it is the most affordable safari option available, some prefer bedded accommodation. Some prefer luxury with minimum effort.
To plan your dream safari in Africa is not that complicated, once you have pinned down the basics.
1. How much holiday time / leave is available to you, and keep in mind to add your travel time.
2. Be realistic about your over-all budget (including flights) and what you could afford: looking for an luxury safari at an below market budget price might leave you with a few nasty surprises.
3. Interests: Some are more interested in experiencing the cultures of Africa, while others prefer only wildlife and nature. Plan your holiday around your interests.
4. Safety: Generally all the wildlife destinations in Southern Africa is of the beaten path, and quite safe. Keep in mind, Africa is poor third world environment and in some areas, tourists are easy targets. Common sense need to be applied. Leave your fancy jewellery and "bling" at home, no need for it on safari.
5 Types of safari accommodation: Tented camping safaris and their various accommodation up-grades, will be the most affordable option available. Camping might not be for every-one, but in Southern Africa the camping sites and facilities are of the best in world, and often the only option if you wish to experience the true African wilderness areas.
There are just as many standard and mid-range lodge accommodated tours available as with camping trips, but generally form part of the mass-tourist market. Where as the luxury lodge tours caters for the top end of the tourist market, and is a niche on its own.
6. Self-drive safaris is not as cheap and flexible as you might think. Keep in mind that who-ever is driving, do not see much, as you need to concentrate on the road. Especially if travelling on gravel roads. Not knowing the regions and the roads, all create stress, delays and waste of actual holiday time.
There is an little safari secret to having both the freedom and flexibility: Hire an professional Safari guide or Ranger guide. Let him help you plan your trip around your interests, be your guide and driver. Quite often they will supply the vehicle, arrange all accommodations and create an seamless African safari experience for you. These private safari vacations are not really that expensive, once you add up all the various costs of a self-drive safari.
Choosing your Destination:
For value-for-money safari options and general safety, we will concentrate on Southern Africa.
> Namibia:
An very large, sparsely populated and peaceful country that offer some
of the most diverse wildlife, cultural and scenic safari options available.
From the spectacular wildlife of the Etosha Park to the majestic high dunes of
Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert. The northern regions of Namibia offer an
sub-tropical environment with the Namibian Okavango Delta and water-rich
rich game
reserves of the Mahangu, Mamili and Mudumu. Namibia forms the perfect
starting point for exploring Southern Africa, due to be so centrally
located.
> Botswana:
The northern regions of Botswana is home to the
Okavango Delta, Moremi and
Chobe Reserves, all offer fantastic wildlife options, but not
always as
affordable.
> South Africa:
Diverse tour options, with modern cities and wonderful Game
Reserves. From beaches to wine estates, South Africa has it all.
> Victoria Falls:
One of the most popular Southern African destinations, and on many multi-country itineraries. Most activities is based around the Zambezi River and range from white-water rafting to game reserves.