If you’re planning a safari to southern Africa, or are simply exploring the idea, it would my pleasure to talk with you directly.  More times than not, clients are more excited after we’ve discussed their options and the realities of what exactly an African safari entails.  Wild Safari Africa  can tailor an African holiday accordingly, matching your needs, to ensure you have one heck of a safari!

Wild Safari Africa Guidebooks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, before we jump ahead of ourselves, let us first discuss some current issues you have, or have had, when it comes to planning that once in a lifetime African safari.

How does the safari business operate?

An African safari is a considerable investment.  Before spending thousands of dollars we believe you should have a very clear idea of how the Safari business operates.

There is a plethora of travel agents who sell Africa but don’t know it intimately or firsthand.  This is where the difference in quality, specialty, and attention to detail can “weed out” the good and bad companies.  Who would you rather work with, someone who knows what to expect or someone with only discounted rates?

The ground suppliers –vehicle hire companies, lodges, and tour operators –give discounts to all travel agents that seek them.  I’ve seen it thousands of times, prospective travelers looking for sound advice and repeatedly coming up short.

Everyone wants the best, but what percentage actually is confident with the company they’ve chosen to work with?

Travelers today are faced with endless amount of safari choices.  Each destination, lodge, restaurant looks and sounds great.  You know as well as we do, this simply isn’t the case.  There are some that portray one thing but the picture does the reality little justice.  It isn’t fair to you.

How do you then choose which are the most reputable lodges, restaurants, car hire companies, etc.?

It is extremely IMPORTANT to find a company that has intimate connections to the countries you wish to safari.

Ask as many questions as they should be asking you.

What activities does the lodge offer?  Who do we contact in country if something goes wrong? When was the last time you were in country yourself? How often to you visit Africa?  These are all questions that YOU should be asking the company you choose to do business with.

Ensure that your guides, game trackers, places of accommodation, car hire companies, and restaurants will be the best of the best.  Simplify your travels with LOADS of information.

How to distinguish the real from the fakes

A GREAT company will personally prepare a set of documents, including your itinerary, short biography of the creator, a customized travel guide, and examples of the activities/wildlife you may encounter, passport/visa information, suggested clothing and equipment, health issues, cultural considerations, and a list of suggested reading –AND deliver it to you during the safari planning process.

Seek the intimate attention that you deserve.  An honest company will tell you when they cannot offer what you’re looking for and would then refer you to a company that can.

Did you know many companies hire consultants who have visited Africa, but rarely to any of the camps, lodges, or places of interests they’re suggesting you see?

The company you choose to do business with should have a vast network of colleagues in Africa working to secure the absolute best of choices.  Camps, lodges, and supplier companies should regularly be visited by the consultants of the safari company and education should be a continual practice.

• What organizations and/or affiliations is the safari company a member of?
• What credentials separate them for better or worse?
• Why should you listen to what they have to say?

Why is the company recommending what they are?

There is a BIG difference between recommending a preferred lodge or camp versus having a vested interest in what is recommended.  All companies have their preferred suppliers, or at least they should.  Unfortunately, some safari companies recommend certain safaris or lodging because they hold a financial stake or are shareholders.  How does this keep the client in their best interests?  It doesn’t.

Rather, a reputable safari company should be in a position to put you first.  To be in a position to independently analyze all tour operators, destinations, and properties for the country the client requests quotes and information for.  You should expect impartial and objective advice.

Be alert for a couple red flags

There are a couple easy indicators that help you determine if the consultant you’re dealing with is a true specialist.

Red flag #1 – Is the company telling you that any and every month is great for safari?

Here is the truth.  Not all seasons are best for safari.  Each season offers something different.  Depending on the country and region, the weather differentiates significantly causing wildlife to disperse because of the rains or other natural phenomenon.  There are perks and downfalls to everything, why would the time you safari be any different?

Red flag #2 –Does the company sell anything and everything?

If a company says it sells anything and everything, that is not niche-ing out a specialty.  That is agents who have little to NONE hands on experience with what you’re trying to heavily invest in.  Could this also mean companies in Africa?  You bet ya!

Ask the company if they can suggest an itinerary that fits your exact needs.  If wildlife is the reason you’re visiting Africa, ask to be put in the best wildlife sanctuaries.  Ask for the best guides.  The most brilliant trackers.  You need to have a specialist who knows what it is you want.

It is always about you… the client

It is imperative to work with a company that puts your needs first.  You deserve attentive service, attention to detail, and honesty.  Punctuality is another virtue extremely important to the safari business.  You need your emails and phone calls returned in a timely manner.  You need information and have unlimited and unbiased access to information so you can make the decision you can feel confident in.

Be part of the planning process, working together with the company, to ensure all of your needs and desires are clearly understood to begin crafting an itinerary.  You approve and make the final executive decision.

How to ensure your safari company is reputable

You can ensure the safari company you choose to work with is reputable by deciding if they know Africa intimately.  Has their safari consultants lived and worked in Africa?  Do they continue to visit and keep up with the times?  Do yourself a service and seek the answers to your very many questions.

From all of us at Wild Safari Africa, we wish you happy safari planning!

We are safari consultants who have lived and have a vast network of colleagues in Africa. Our focus is on southern Arica – Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Victoria Falls (Zambia and Zimbabwe side).  We are travel agents who specialize in ONLY Africa.  Contact us for more DETAILED information and receive full investment quotes, self-drive distance tables, personally prepared set of documents, including your itinerary, short biography of the creator, a customized travel guide, and examples of the activities/wildlife you may encounter, passport/visa information, suggested clothing and equipment, health issues, cultural considerations, and a list of suggested reading.  (Sample Itinerary – You Can Expect the Same)

Take these 6 Easy Steps to Guarantee You are Getting What You Pay For!

Africa is ENORMOUS, thin it out by taking 30 seconds to answer the following questions and receive a clear idea of what you want to get out of YOUR “once in a lifetime” African safari.

 

1) How much time do you have for safari?

This is the MOST IMPORTANT question and will automatically decide your final choice destination.

If you only have a Short Amount of Time you will want to choose a destination with:

• Many Attractions and Activities
• Good Transportation Links

It is VERY IMPORTANT to remember distances between destinations can be very, very long!

If you have More Amount of Time allowing for a longer trip, opportunity allows your safari to include:

• Combination of Destinations
• Enjoy the Sights at a Much Slower Pace

Remember the length of your safari has a direct impact on your mode of transport.

Africa is Immense and What it Offers is Infinite.

Begin Your Safari by First Answering These 6 Questions,

Then Work with the Expert at Wild Safari Africa to Develop the Safari of Your Dreams.

2) When do you want to go on safari?

Traveling Africa is all about timing.  The answer to this question will affect what you see, what you do, and even if you can get to where you want to go!

You should carefully plan your safari around “the perfect season.”  And remember the season in southern Africa is not going to be the same as the season at your home.

• Some National and Game Parks Remain Closed during the Rainy Season
• Wildlife Populations Move throughout the Seasons, One Season a Reserve may be Bursting with Game and Another Season Having No Game What-so-Ever and Completely Quiet

Jeremy asks “What’s More Important to You?  The Destination or the Wildlife?”

• Ask Open Ended Questions.  For Example, “If I Safari in the month of February, where is the best chances to see the most varieties wildlife?”
• Be Absolutely Sure You are Familiar with Seasonal Weather Patterns

3) Who are you going on safari with?

Who you safari with is just as, if not more important, than where you safari.  Are you traveling alone, with a partner, friends, family?  What comfort level are you looking for during your safari?

• Camping
• Mid-Range Hotel
• Luxurious Game Lodge

Don’t be fooled!  Tented camping may sound like you’re roughin’ it; however, it can be quite the opposite.  There are many options for luxurious camping, giving you both the rustic adventure feel of an African safari, yet with the comforts of home.  Don’t rule out camping until knowing the facts!

Think About Your Comfort & Fitness Level

Are you energetic, wanting to scramble up the highest sand dunes for the perfect picture?  Or are you content with getting your experience from the base of the dunes? Are you wild enough to tumble down those same dunes to get a quick adrenaline rush?  Will you scream “I LOVE AFRICA!” after that defining moment?  Ok, Ok you get the point, group dynamics will affect the way you travel.

4) Do you want a private or organized safari?

The BIG difference between a private and organized safari is flexibility.

Organized Safaris in 10 seconds!

• Planned Itinerary
• Hassle Free
• For Travelers on a Budget
• Not Having to Worry about Logistics
• Arguably More Rewarding than Traveling on Your Own

Private Safaris in 10 seconds!

• Freedom to Create Your Own Adventure
• Safari with the Group You Want
• Go Where You Want to Go, When You Want To Go
• Work Directly with Jermibia in Planning Your Own Personal Safari

5) How much are you willing to spend to safari?

Traveling on a budget will rarely stop you from visiting any desired destination.  It will however decide your transportation, accommodation, and activities.

There is no question budget travelers have a more culturally sound experience when compared to travelers who can afford a Fly-in safari.  It can also safely be said; both experiences are original and depend entirely on WHAT YOU WANT.

Your African Safari experience, depending on how far you want to take it, can add up quickly.  BUT if you are willing to pay for that “once in a lifetime” experience you will receive first class treatment.

Budget Safaris in 10 seconds!

• Public Guided Game Drives
• Ground Transportation
• Public Game Parks
• Camping & Mid-Range Hotels

First Class Safaris in 10 seconds!

• Private Guided Game Drives
• Fly-in Safari Saving You Time
• Access to Private Game Reserves
• Lavish Comfort & Luxury

No Matter Where You Are At With Planning Your Safari,

Whether You Are Just Thinking About a Safari

Or Are In The Beginning Stages,

I am Here to Assist in Crafting That Custom Dream Safari You Have Always Wanted.

6) What do you really want to see and do while in Africa?

What is your reasoning for wanting to visit Africa?  Is it wildlife, history, culture, landscapes, activities, or a combination of them all?

If it’s wildlife, which wildlife?  The BIG FIVE? Endemic species? Birds?

If it’s landscapes, which landscapes?  Dunes? Desert? Rivers? Delta’s, lakes or seas?

If it’s activities, which activities?  Adrenaline filled walking safaris?  Or relaxed Game drives at sunset?

Now That You Have a Better Feel For What It Is You Want,

Contact Me to Officially Begin

YOUR African Dream Safari.

Get Started Planning Your Custom African Safari Today!

Here at Wild Safari Africa I encourage questions, lots of questions!  I will never tire of questions pertaining to something as adventurous as an African safari!  I will use my expertise to guide you in the right direction.

To find answers to those questions just lurking behind the bush, contact us, take a look at Jermibia’s Guidebook, or Sign up for our FREE Newsletter.

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