Embarking on an African safari is a dream adventure for many travelers, but proper planning is key to making the experience truly unforgettable. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential aspects of booking a safari, ensuring that you make informed decisions every step of the way.
Our page here will give you some idea of what to consider before booking your safari in Africa.
• One option is to travel outside of peak safari season dates which is generally between June and October
• Last minute bookings are also great money savers and possible in all seasons, but not with all travel partners in Africa. There is a risk that availability could be a challenge, especially in peak safari season, and is therefore only advisable if you have flexible travel dates
• Visiting fewer locations also curbs the safari cost as flying from camp to camp, in remote regions in Africa, is not cheap. Staying in fewer locations that are in close proximity to each other, can make a big difference in the cost of a safari. For some people however, this is not a compromise they are willing to make as they want to see diverse landscapes and cultures on their African adventure
• Mobile camps are a bit more basic and can be an option, if you don’t mind roughing it
• One sure way to get more for you money is to make use of the same supplier for you safari itinerary - where possible. This will allow you to get discounts such as: stay for 4 pay for 3 etc.
• Another option, one that we do not recommend however, is to join the bigger, tour groups. These experiences are less flexible and less private, but do come cheaper, and may be an option for younger safari enthusiasts.
In short, your interests, budget and time constraints will be the major factors in suggesting the best fit safari itineraries to you. We personally enjoy the exclusive safari offerings in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia, but Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Malawi offers really amazing safari experiences too.
For example, we are not going to suggest a big 5 safari in South Africa if you really want to see the last remaining Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda, or the wildebeest migration in Tanzania/Kenya.
As we always say: "One single, consistent purpose underpins all that we do; to match you with the best fit African safari customized to your interests and time constraints."
It really depends on what you would like to see and do. Please reach out to us, we are more than happy to simply chat (or email info@dustybootstravel.com, text, WhatsApp) to discuss destinations and possible itineraries that may be of interest to you.
This is a good question with many possible answers, but again it depends on your interests. If you would like to see a lot of animals at the waterhole, then the peak safari season, usually May to October, is a good choice. But if you would like to see lots of baby animals on the plains, then November to February may be a better choice for you. We suggest you reach out to us and let us know what you would like to see and do and we will happily make a couple of suggestions to help plan that amazing African safari.
If you're planning a safari in Africa, it's important to pack appropriately for the trip. Comfortable, breathable clothing in neutral colors is a must, as it will help you blend in with the natural surroundings and keep you cool in the African heat. You should also bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent to protect yourself from the sun and insects. A camera and binoculars are essential for wildlife viewing, as well as a small backpack to carry your essentials. Comfortable walking shoes are also important, as some safaris involve walking or hiking. Finally, if you're traveling during the rainy season, it's a good idea to bring a rain jacket or poncho to keep you dry.