04 janvier 2016

Important Issues To Consider During The Planning Of An African Safari

By Dorothy Stone


Africa is blessed with a vast population of wildlife that has fascinated travelers for centuries. In the earlier centuries, the continent was a popular destination for hunters who thronged the plains in search in search of game trophies that were hung on walls. Today, this trend has changed because more and more travelers come to the continent in search of memories and photos of spectacular game activity. Many travelers come on an African safari in search of the big five land animals including buffalo, leopards, lions, rhinoceroses and elephants.

This is the main reason why each year, thousands of tourists come to Africa to visit its national parks, game reserves and see spectacular sites like the Victoria Falls and Mount Kilimanjaro. However, there is a lot more to consider while planning this trip. This is because it entails visiting a new country so a visa is required as well as financing. It also requires one to take precautions for health and safety purposes. So during planning, consider getting a good guidebook and visiting travel sites to check for the experiences and reviews of other visitors.

There are different distinct packages available. So consider which one will best suit your needs in terms of what you want to see, cost and services offered. Most are double occupancy but there are also family and single ones available. Luxury safaris are typically very expensive because they include high quality services covering food, drinks, tours and excursions. Some can cost over one thousand dollars per night. Overland or mobile safaris are a cheaper option. They have campsite accommodations and involve travelling in groups while sharing resources. Adventurous persons can choose to drive through the land without a guide. They need to hire a car for the same.

Every trip must have a destination in mind. This will allow individuals to effectively plan for a specific trip. The southern part of Africa is famous for its large population of elephants. Kenya is famous for flamingoes in Lake Nakuru and wildebeest migration at Maasai Mara. Uganda is popular for its huge number of monkeys, gorillas and other primates.

The best time to come to this continent is also dependent on which destination one wants to visit. Summer in Africa is from December to March while winter runs from June to September. It is best to travel during the dry season. Other considerations include the migration patterns of wildlife such as the wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania.

Since the continent is prone to diseases, make sure to get vaccinated at home before the trip. Make an appointment with a specialist in this field and get all the relevant shots. These include typhoid, yellow fever and hepatitis. Malaria is given a treatment and protected against by nets and repellent sprays.

Beware of scams and conmen especially when selecting a package. Research the prospective provider, ask for references and look for any relevant reviews online on sites like TripAdvisor. Also, ask for cancellation and refund policies if any.

Be sure to remain safe during the trip and stay in communication with your family and the embassy. Before and during your trip, check for any updates and travel advisories from the State Department. Get medical cover and travel insurance.




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