What are The Best Ways to Book a Safari?

Image illustration of the best ways to book a safari

Travelling to any of the Africa Safari is one of the best ways to have a feel of nature, and we often get people asking what’s the best way to book a Safari. Without a doubt, before you can arrive at the best ways to get this done, you must conduct thorough research and comparison of safari tour operators. This is why we have saved you the stress by putting all that you need to know about the best ways to book a Safari.

African safari countries offer unique experiences because the best safari encounters depend solely on natural occurrences. A sizable number of the best safari locations are in East Africa, where tourists can witness one of the natural wonders of the world. From Tanzania’s Serengeti through the fenceless border into the Masai Mara in Kenya is where the Great Annual Wildebeest Migration occurs. The enormous ecosystem is home to the iconic Big Five and an abundant assortment of other wildlife species. Regardless of when you decide to visit, you can be sure of a remarkable experience because of the rich natural environment.

How to Compare Safari Packages and Providers

When we talk about the best ways to book a safari, the budget is one essential factor to consider. Securing the best safari package deals can be a daunting task but with the right information, it can be seamless. Remember, how much you are willing to spend and what you want to see will determine the destination for your African safari adventure.

While there are affordable safari companies for travellers not looking to break the bank, going cheap in terms of an African safari could be a terrible idea. Wise travelers will compare the offers from the various safari tour operators to be sure that they align with their expectations. Taking advantage of operators who have an all-inclusive deal from flights to accommodation, and food, guarantees a less stressful time during your trip. Also, when traveling with kids, be conscious of considering packages that have provisions for children’s activities and safety. You can use Safari Bookings to compare over 10,518 African Safari offered by top-rated tour operators.

Another fantastic way to ensure you are getting the best deals is to check the reviews from previous visitors to a particular destination. This way you can be sure of getting in-depth details and be clearer about what each location has to offer. An affordable safari booking tip is making a cost comparison of the safari operators and the services they offer on the various packages. Applying principal factors like these can help you know the best ways to book a safari adventure with lifelong memories. 

Check out this resource to learn more about the cost of an African safari.

Is Booking Directly with Safari Lodges or Tour Operators the Best Way to Book a Safari?

Open vehicle with tracker bushman
Image from CN Traveller

One established truth you should know before you get that safari tour operator contact. It is always cheaper and safer to use the services of local safari companies than international companies. They provide access to on-ground tour operators with expert guides who are mostly locals and are conversant with wildlife and its ecosystem.

When you book a safari lodge directly for your tour, remember that only private game reserves offer lodges within the habitats. Private parks provide a more up-close encounter with the animals enhanced by the availability of these close-range camps. But note that they are usually in off-grid locations and are smaller in size, meaning a lesser number of wildlife and a restricted itinerary. Public parks are usually bigger with a wider concentration of wildlife however, they have tight restrictions. There is a specific opening and closing time with zero to no provisions for overnight guests.

Booking with a safari tour operator creates the opportunity for a wholesome experience. They can advise tourists on how to combine multiple locations within a country and neighbouring countries. They collaborate with the safari lodges to organize accommodation and other details of the game drives. Safari tour operators can also help you negotiate the best deals and inform you about exclusive offers that you could miss during a direct safari booking, lowering the overall cost of your trip.

For a more eventful adventure, booking through reputable local companies is the best way to book a safari. With adequate research travelers without budget constraints can also have access to luxury safari booking guides for a more thrilling experience. 

RECOMMENDED: How Much is an African Safari Adventure: Cost to Consider

When is the Best Time to Book a Safari?

When exploring the best ways to book a safari, timing is everything! Different weather provokes different natural reactions making it necessary to familiarize yourself with the various safari destinations. Your preferred safari activity and travel style are other essential factors to guide you on when to book a safari trip.

  • Most individuals agree that the best time to book a safari in Africa is during the dry season because you have the highest chance of optimal game viewing. During this period, the conditions are harsh for the animals as the grasses wither with limited availability of water. This results in an enormous gathering of the herds around limited water supply within their habitats which can create a clear view for wildlife spotting. One downside of traveling during this period is it tends to get rowdy, and you can find yourself struggling to catch a glimpse of unusual wildlife encounters.
  • Visitors who choose to visit during the wet season have a different opinion. The thrill is they get to experience a spectacular view of the African continent. The lush landscape and savannah plains make for the most scenic safari sightings you can get. There is also enough food and water for the animals. During this feasting season, the blooming vegetation can make wildlife spotting exceedingly difficult. Travelers should also remember that most safari destinations are not functional during this season due to extreme weather conditions. However, there are selected safari destinations that are functional all-year-round safari destinations you can consider.

Taking advantage of certain safari booking seasons and reserving your trip four to six months ahead can significantly help ascertain the best time to book a safari. 

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Why Using Travel Agencies Might be the Best Way to Book a Safari

As you plan for your African safari adventure, one element to acknowledge is the importance of using an expert service for your travel arrangements. With the help of a trusted safari booking agent, you can easily curate a travel itinerary of your choice.

Credible safari travel agencies have mastered the art of creating personalized experiences that complement individual or group preferences. You just need to communicate your expectations clearly to avoid any disappointments or unforeseen circumstances. They have a deeper understanding of how African safari works and are readily available to provide useful advice.

These safari booking specialists can help you benefit from a hassle-free booking experience by providing accurate information about your preferred destination. This completely eradicates unnecessary mistakes and allows you to make decisions based on real-time information.

Most safari destinations also make provisions for special requests from more adventurous travellers. These offers range from intimate dining, proposals, picnics in the parks, and other special kinds of game viewing like the Ariel safari and Hot-air balloon safari. Although they come at a significantly excessive cost, using the services of safari travel agencies can help navigate the complexities. Now you can completely relax during your trip and focus on having a wonderful time.

What are the Best Safari Booking Platforms to Use for your Trip?

Due to proximity and accessibility, one of the best ways to book a safari is undoubtedly through credible online safari booking platforms. It opens you up to thousands of safari packages to choose from that cut across different budget categories.

  • TourRadar is one of the best safari booking websites with robust information on everything safari. You can search for information based on your budget, by country, by top safari operators, or by special deals. Using this or any recommended booking platform will completely simplify your booking process and provide enough details on the best ways to book a safari.
  • It is necessary to verify the authenticity of the tour operators before you book a safari online. You should also take into consideration their years of experience in the field and areas of speciality to ensure they can fulfil your expectations. Visiting independent review websites like Feefo will shed more light on specific destinations. Reading what other visitors have to say about the different safari companies is one of the most reliable ways to book a safari.

How to Find Discounts and Deals.

  • One key determinant of how to get safari promotions is booking your trip way in advance. Making your reservation 8 to 9 months ahead can help you take advantage of lower flight fares. Accommodation prices are also considerably lower than usual because there is no high demand.
  • The expertise of a local tour operator comes in handy here because they are in the best position to advise you on available safari discounts and group tours you can join to further reduce your overall expenses.
  • Exploring Ex-Deals is another opportunity most bloggers are taking advantage of these days. Offering your operator a detailed review in your blog post is surely a way to negotiate cheap safari deals. Some safari companies even invite bloggers to use this service.

We hope these tips of ours help you save money while looking out for the best ways to book an African Safari, thanks for coming around!