Safari Planning 101

We know all tours are not created equal … but how can you tell? Here are some tips from the pros on the finer points and the fine print to help you avoid the most common mistakes made by first time safari travelers.
	Ask for a detailed itinerary from your tour or safari operator. Try to determine what you can afford, and keep in mind that in general, you get what you pay for: safaris are no exception, so know what you’re getting! Pay close attention to what’s included and what’s not included in the cost. A “Fully Inclusive” rate includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, teas and a minimum of two game viewing activities per day. Alternatively, while “Full Board” may sound good, it only includes your meals. All your safari activities are charged separately – oftentimes at an additional $100-$200+ per person per day. Keep in mind that a 10-day tour means 9 nights, and if this includes your flying time to and from Africa, you could be looking at as little as 6 nights on safari. Make sure that park fees are included in the price you’re quoted. They might be just $30 per person per day, but for two people on a ten-day safari – that’s an additional $600! Ask whether taxes are included – especially on airfare. It’s not unheard of for taxes to be $350 or more and they rarely come to less than $200 per person on a transatlantic flight. Ask to know the exact name of every lodge, camp or hotel visited on your tour. Don’t settle for phrases like, “You overnight in the Masai Mara”, which means practically nothing when you try to evaluate or compare trips. As importantly, you certainly have a right to know the details of what you are buying BEFORE you spend a dime. Ask about the safari vehicles: are they open or closed? Is there a roof hatch that opens up? How many passengers do they take? Are you guaranteed a window seat? How much fun is a safari if you’re packed like sardines in your vehicle, staring at your neighbor’s knees all day? If you’re traveling alone – expect to pay a single supplement, which may vary from nominal to almost 100% of the trip cost, depending on the logistics involved and the expertise of your safari planner. An experienced and knowledgeable safari planner can recommend a trip that offers the best value for a single traveler, sometimes even eliminating this extra charge altogether! When setting aside your “spending money” allow for tips, drinks, and miscellaneous expenses like visas, levies, laundry and gifts. Remember exchange rates and fuel prices fluctuate and governments periodically change visa fees, park fees, tourism levies or sales taxes, all factors that impact travel costs. Your safari planner should be able to offer sound advice about how much extra to budget for these “unplanned” expenses.
	In general, think about what you can afford and what you want to spend. Keep in mind that, like everything else, you get what you pay for ~ safaris are no exception. So by all means, know what you are getting and do your homework to ensure you are getting good value, not just a good price.

Yours Truly,
Ferdinand Che