safari planning
fOr beginners
start here
1
START PLANNING EARLY
2
SET YOUR PRIORITIES FOR THE TRIP
3
DON´T JUST GO FOR A FAMOUS NAME
4
SHOP AROUND AND GET OFFERS
5
BE OPEN TO ADVICE FROM EXPERTS
TIPS TO A GOOD START
let's get ready tO plan
A trip like this should not be a last minute deal. Planning your safari should be an adventure in itself, and we dare to say that good "last minute deals" for safari are usually exactly what you want to avoid, because they are rarely what you are after. In most cases, the earlier you book, the better prices you will get. And the most sought after camps and lodges fill up a year in advance!
As with everything else in life, you can seldom have it all. So when you are planning your safari, it´s easy to get carried away....and the budget flies. It´s good to have a clear picture of what the most important part of your journey is, and what part of the journey you would prefer to have as close to your dream as possible. This is to ensure you stick as close to your budget as possible.
One of the biggest mistakes safari travelers do, is picking their destination based on places they have heard of. If this is how you choose your ultimate safari destination, be sure to do proper research so that you understand what it is, and what it is not. The most famous places are often crowded, more expensive and might not even be the ideal places to visit at the time you are going.
It´s a jungle out there. Tour operators, safari operators, travel agencies, all promoting why you should choose them. It´s vital to choose someone who understands your needs and wishes and a good relationship with your safari planner is important. So before you choose your provider, it´s a good idea to compare a few of them! And do not make your choice only based on price.
If you have started on this section, it´s likely that you don´t have that many safaris under your belt. The best choice for you, based on the preferences you have and time of year you are going, might actually be places you haven´t even heard of. So be open to advice from an expert, because no safaris are alike. Listen to experts that have actually been to the places at the right time of year.
why should I START to PLAN EARLY
?
why are PRIoRITIES important
?
but i want to see the famous places
?
why should i collect several offers
?
why should i listen to adviCe
?
The #
advice:
Do NoT choose a standard
"ready to go" package deal like you are going on a charter trip
"
Any professional safari company should be able to customise your trip! And when it comes to safari-trips, this is vital to get the trip you want, not just something you are fine settling with. Do not get fooled by a set package with seemingly good price. This can be your biggest mistake when planning your trip to Africa!
We recognize the fact that all our customers are different, have different expectations and want different kind of experiences. We also recognize the fact that all our travelers have different knowledge about travel and experience with Africa.
In this section we’ll try to give you simple, understandable and sensible advice on how to get the most out of your trip. Since there are so many adventures to choose from, selecting a random “pre-defined package” just because it fit´s your budget –rarely gives you exactly what you are after.
Let´s start with sOme basic terms
The most important words and definitions
What we talk abOut when we talk abOut safari
In the early days, “safari” was used to describe big-game hunting.
Nowadays, "safari” often refers to observing and photographing wildlife.
The word means long journey in Swahili.
GAME
RESERVE
A game reserve is a place where ecosystems are protected and conservation is key. Indigenous wildlife in its natural habitat helps growth in numbers at a natural rate. Off road is permitted here!
National Park
A national park is classified as a park used for conservation purposes. In most cases a national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural or development land of a sovereign state declares or owns
Conservation Area
A conservation area, also referred to as a protected area, are locations which receive protection because of their recognised natural, ecological and/or cultural values. Ex. Ngorongoro Crater
Game
Originally the term was used for animals hunted for food. In the safari content the term is used on all the different wild animals you would see on safari
Game
drive
The term is used to describe the activity where you are in a 4x4 vehicle out on safari looking for game
Safari
The word "safari" means "long journey" in Swahili. For us it means being on journey to explore, not just observing animals but enjoying nature
River
safari
Safari on a boat or in a canoe. The Zambezi River offers probably the best river safari in the world!
Balloon safari
Morning hot air balloon safari is something else! Doable in Zambia, Namibia, Botswana & Tanzania. A unique thrill!
Walking safari
A hike with an armed ranger or guide to get up close and personal with the animals! Mana Pools !
AccOmmOdatiOn & standard On safari
A piece of advice
Basically you can get whatever you want in all price-ranges. And as anywhere else in the world, quality and cost have a certain connection for obvious reasons.
This being said, very luxurious camps and lodges on safari are very seldom worth their price. Although spectacular, you don’t spend a lot of time in the room or at the campsite (since you are out for game-drives most of the day). So no need to go for the top level unless you plan to stay in camp all day!
The most luxurious camps and lodges can charge up to 1000 USD per night per person.
On the other end, stay away from the lowest segment. Yes, it might be tempting to get the lowest price possible, but it could highly affect the quality (and safety) of your stay. You might be able to get decent beds, but quality food and a good guide are critical elements to have a successful and memorable trip. You won’t get that on a very low budget.
It´s important to mention, that the type of accommodation does not necessarily say anything about standard of the place! So just because you choose a specific type of accommodation it does not mean you have a set standard. Lodges & tented camps in particular come in all styles, categories and standards.
Just to give you an idea of what to expect:
accOmmOdatiOn categOries
LODGE
A lodge is a permanent structure inside or outside a reserve. Rooms are often large canvas tents on permanent structures, stone bandas or even similar to hotel rooms in some places. In larger reserves a lodge can even be pretty much like a hotel, especially in larger reserves that are well developed and frequently visited by safari travelers. So needless to say, a lodge can basically be of any kind of permanent structure. Many lodges have pools, and electricity are more common to be supplied 24/7 in as opposed to the other types of accommodation types.
TENTED CAMP
A tented camp is like a permanent lodge but smaller and more intimate. A normal size tented camp will have anywhere from 6-12 tents. As the word expresses, accommodation will be in large canvas tents, often with a permanent structure or deck around. Normally, electricity is provided by solar/ generator a few hours per day. Facilities are often good, and many tented camps will also have a pool. The dining area is often a permanent but open structure with a thatched roof. Tented camps are found both inside and outside reserves, often close to waterholes where animals roam.
FLY CAMP / MoBILE TENTED CAMP
/ SEMI PERMANENT
Glamping! Smaller than tented camps, with only semi-permanent structures to have minimal impact on nature. Often seasonal, depending on areas, and some camps move several times per year to follow special events. For example the great wildebeest migration in Serengeti. When they pack up, there should be no visible signs left of the camp. Do not expect any pool or high luxury facilities, but do expect the best locations! These camps are set for the best safari experience and creates an intimate atmosphare shared with other safari enthusiasts. Often not more than 4-8 tents, and often costly.
CAMPING
This is camping, more or less like you know it from back home, with a few upgrades. We provide dome tents, portable shower and portable toilet and set up our own camp for you. We will provide safety for those who like with an armed ranger, and a chef will provide the cooking. Other than that it´s you and the wilderness! You have the opportunity to do camping at public camping sites where others can also set camp, or we can provide special private camping sites where you are the sole camper. Although primitive, it could provide a fantastic and "raw" African wilderness experience !
ACCOMMODATION STANDARDS
BUDGET
Small rooms/tents, bungalows and hostels. Sometimes shared bathrooms. Usually fans, don't expect AC. Our "budget" recommendations would in most cases pass as mid-range.
HIGH
Thoroughly good standard hotels and lodges. Big differentiator from mid-range especially when it comes to food! Sometimes AC, swimming pool, laundry service and might even have spa.
MID-RANGE
Hotels, camps and lodges. Fan or AC. Could have great location although the facilities might differ. Restaurant service and might have a swimming pool. Big differences in this category.
LUXURY
Best there is! Exclusive hotel rooms, private villas, private pools, spa, total isolated area, restaurants etc. On safari you will have the best guides available. Often no children policy.
meal plan explanatiOn
BB
Bed & breakfast included. An option we only use on arrival & departure day, and at places with special restaurant options
HB
Means Half-board. 2 meals per day is included -in most cases breakfast and dinner. Drinks are in most cases not included, unless it is specified. This is the default option on your beach location (ie Zanzibar)
FB
Means Full-board. 3 meals a day is included -breakfast, lunch and dinner. Drinks (soft drinks and alcoholic beverages) are in most cases not included, unless it is specified. This is the default board option when you are out on safari, since there are no other options than your lodge
AI
All meals are included, soft drinks as well as locally produced beer and spirits. An option we do not recommend, solely because you will probably spend some time away from the hotel on excursions during the day. If you are accommodated at larger resorts or at very remote locations, this could however be a good option
How to choose accommodation
Most of the destinations we provide offer all classes and standards when it comes to accommodation! Sometimes a great place can have a bad web-page that doesen´t really give the right impression. On the other hand, some places can seem really nice on their webpage, but might actually use pictures from other places to look more attractive than they really are.
Once you are there, it might be too late to change the hotel, so that´s why you shouldn´t book a hotel/accommodation yourself in Africa without doing a significant amount of research. Pages like TripAdvisor can be of good help, but needs to be read with a certain level of skepticism.
While TripAdvisor and similar sites, as well as information on a webpage could provide good information, do not blindly trust what you read. A place can change owners, which can affect the whole experience of a place, and there is very little control and justice of what is written on webpages in many African countries.
A place could pretend to be a 5 star luxury resort with fantastic pictures, but in reality they are a mid-range 3 star hotel, who got some lucky shots in the dark of their facilities. Just because a company can create a great web-page, does not mean they understand and can provide a great stay for the customers. So please trust our advice here.
By booking through Old Explorer you can be sure you get the right information about your accommodation. We have approved all the places we recommend and visit the places regulary to make sure we have updated information about the stay. That allows us to secure the standard you want, to the price you expect! In addition we have great deals with hotels and lodges all over Central and Eastern Africa, at lower rates than you would normally get if you booked directly.
We will try to give you a few hints on what you can expect from the different standards, both "out in the bush" on safari and at your beach vacation.
These are some examples in general. The most important thing is that you tell us what you are looking for, and together we will find the best option for your budget and time of travel, since this might also vary!
The big questiOns
Budget & cost
You should have an idea of how much you are willing to spend, to get the best deal
When to go
If you know when you want to go -be open to where you want to go
what to do
Having a clear priority on the most important things you want to experience is crucial
Where to go
If you know where you want to go -be open to when you want to go there
The BIG questions
Now that you have gotten an idea in the former chapters about accomodation, it´s time to target the big decisions. Not that accommodation isn´t important, but we will always suggest accommodation alternatives to you, based on the 4 big questions above.
Budget and cost are naturally linked to what you want to do and experience on your journey, that´s a given. What might not be a given is that if you know when you want to go, you should be open to which destinations you include, as quality of areas can vary a lot during the different seasons. So you should never have the mindset of "I want to visit area X during time Y", unless you know that the area is suitable for the activities you want to do, during that particular time. So let´s jump straight into the elements that affect the price, and what you have to expect to pay for a good safari adventure.
PS! Keep in mind that we customise your trip, based on the budget you have at hand.
budget & cOst
How much does it cost and elements that affect the price
A safari day including accommodation, food, park fees guides and safari activities, costs between
250 -1 000 USD per day per person
"
FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE PRICE
Group size
Especially regarding drive-in safaris. It varies from location to location, but in many cases the cost of a car/driver/guide per day, are mostly the same no matter how many people that is in a car. So more people = more to split the cost between. This being said, it is not advised to “cramp up” in a car just to save costs. Safari cars normally come in 2 sizes: normal car with 6 seats, and extended safari vehicles with 8 seats. One seat is naturally occupied by the driverguide. For short safaris you might be fine using the front seat, but for longer safari adventures we recommend 4 pax in the normal car, and 6 pax in the extended cars, as you are likely to have to luggage as well. It also differs if there is a drive-in safari where closed cars are used, or an open safari vehicle used by most camps and lodges.
PS! At all costs avoid safari companies that use the middle seats in their cars, except from open vehicles. It highly limits the view.
Room arrangements
It goes without saying that sharing rooms (within your family) is a cheaper option. If you are friends traveling, there could be a big buck to save if you choose a double room with twin beds, instead of 2 single rooms. Families can also cut a good deal, as many places have family rooms and/or interconnecting rooms. Even on safari!
Accommodation standard
Hopefully you have an idea here, based on the previous chapters on this page. While you are on safari, you will most likely not spend that much time in your room. So going for the absolute top level of accommodation could be throwing money out the window. This is where it is vital to have a good safari planner, so that you can get proper advise on what lodges or camps that could fit both your requirements and you budget. This is really hard to do by yourself, as many lodges and camps aren´t even listed on booking sites.
Length of your safari
The most costly part of your trip will probably be the safari. So if you plan a week safari in luxury accommodation, be prepared to pay a substantial amount for your safari. For most customers that have never been on safari before, 3-4 days on safari in one park or 5-7 days roadtrip with 2-4 parks would normally be enough. Park fees and other fees linked to various reserves can be tricky to calculate, so providing a sensible and smart route for your safari is essensial. Fees vary a lot. But never complain about the wildlife fees, they are what protects the animals that you are paying to see -so this is a good investment for everyone! :)
Time of travel / season
This is the big one. Camps, lodges & hotels operate with seasons, and can operate with different seasons in terms of pricing even though they are right next to each other! And if you are traveling when a season shifts, prices can easily double or be cut in half over night. That´s why you should get some proper advice here. Also, "low season" does not neccesarily refer to a bad time to travel to a certain area. It´s just that few people normally travel during that time, because it could be out of normal holidays. One solid example here is that May is considered low season in Serengeti (Tanzania) because it is at the end of the defined "wet season", or green season as we like to call it. However Serengeti has statistically very little rain during this period, but amazing green areas and very little tourists -so it´s the perfect time to go, and the prices are also perfect!
Although this varies a lot from lodge to lodge and area to area, this is normally how seasons are set in the region:
when tO gO where
Different places are ideal at different times of year
JANUARY-FEBRUARY-MARCH
The start of the calendar year is best in Tanzania, especially if you want some beach in combination with your safari. Rwanda and Namibia are also good and as March approaches - Western Zimbabwe could be great!
TANZANIA, NAMIBIA & RWANDA
APRIL - MAY
ZIMBABWE, NAMIBIA & BOTSWANA
The trickiest period or the year for many countries. Botswana is good although the Okavango Delta might not be flooded, but your safest bet this period is definitely Zimbabwe which is great this time of year
JUNE - JULY
Great period to experience all of Tanzania and also Botswana. The Northern parts of Zimbabwe, like Mana Pools and Matusadona have optimal
conditions for safari activities!
TANZANIA, ZIMBABWE, BOTSWANA
AUGUST - OCTOBER
ALL AREAS
Best time to go in most countries in our region! When moving into late October, Tanzania is the safest bet, and Zimbabwe could also be good although it might be hot in some areas
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
TANZANIA, BOTSWANA, NAMIBIA
Most countries will experience the "short rains" and the most remote areas could have trouble with accessibility. Botswana and Namibia could be good, but Tanzania is preferred if you want a shot of beach in combination with safari
where to gO and what tO dO
If you have budget & when you want to go sorted out, then you are ready to look into destinations and activities
