How to Plan the Perfect Safari Holidays

Plan Your Safari Holidays

We all want our vacations to be the best time ever spent. Some families wait all year long to enjoy vacation time together. So every penny should be worth it. If you want an adventurous and fun tour rather than a calm beach holiday, plan your safari holidays.

With the right package and wise planning your safari holidays tour can be lit. It can be on budget and still cover the best spots. You can watch wildlife in their habitat or enjoy game drives. Northeast and South Safaris can have different experiences. 

Which Safari Spot to Choose?

This depends on what you want. All safaris have wildlife but some offer forest and others offer water sighting. Landscapes are different and people also choose based on facilities available in the area. The budget is also varying depending on the place. 

North And East Africa Safari

This is your classic African safari. This is for newbies and those who love wildlife herds in their habitat. Some best places to choose your vacation spot are

If you Book for Maasai Mara in Kenya

• It has golden grasslands. You will spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes.
• A good chance that you will witness millions of wildebeests crossing the rivers.
• The experience is good for a first time safari visitor. 
• You will get both budget friendly and luxury lodges. 

If Serengeti In Tanzania is Your Pick

• It has the same eco system as Maasai Mara but on a bigger canvas. 
• You will see endless plains. 
• The wildlife density is amazing all year around. 
• If you want to spend more days on a safari vacation, it’s ideal here. 
• The honeymoon style luxury accommodations are available.

Picking Akagera in Rwanda? 

This is a quiet place with few visitors. 

• If you want a safari experience that is unique and peaceful. Rwanda is the right pick. 
• There are lakes, savannah and hills all in one safari. 
• See animals without being in a crowd. 
• Gorilla trekking is nearby. 

Southern Africa Safaris

The south part is more diverse landscape wise. 

Pick Kruger National Park In South Africa

• It’s one of the easiest safari experiences. 
• Lions and leopard sightings are common. 
• Lodges are available. Both luxury and budgeted ones. 
• This is a comfortable adventure.

Choose Okavango Delta in Botswana

• This is a water safari paradise.
• Elephants, lagoons and Hippos sightings are common.
• You can do this safari by boat, by foot or by jeep.
• It’s exclusive, remote and more premium than other regions.
• Perfect for a luxury off-grid experience for honeymooners. 

Going South Luangwa in Zambia?

This is a walking safari. Here you track animals on foot with guides.

• It’s less commercial as compared to Kenya or the southern part. 
• This safari is more raw and wild. 
• You will have excellent leopard sightings.
• If you have already done safari and want to upgrade your experience with something new. This is it. 

Choosing the Right Safari 

You have all the right information to pick any of the above safari. Each safari is different based on destination, season and style of your safari experience. To get the most out of your holiday, consider everything . 

Place matters because each region has its own fan favorites. Some people love watching great migration and others want an intimate low crowd walking safari. Also, the cost is highly different in different places. Seasons also affect your experience. Wildlife behaviour and crowd levels shift with the seasons.

If you go during a shoulder season or less famous time. You might get better value and fewer crowds.  Before picking the final destination keep these questions in mind. 

• Will You stay in luxury lodges or tents?
•  Self-drive or guided? Private or group tour?
• How many locations will you cover?
• Decide how much you can trade your comfort. 

What to Expect and Prepare?

Packing for your trip? Here is must know information for you. 

• You must start your days early in the morning. Animals are more active at that time. Also, you will be on a journey for a long time so it is better to start early. 
• You may wait long hours sometimes to get a sighting. Trust us! it will be worth it. 
• Conditions are variable. Dust, heat, chills (early morning), maybe rain. 
• Wi-fi is limited. 
• The condition of lodges can vary. 
• Wildlife is unpredictable. 

Vacation Musts

• Early birds get the best views. 
• Try being focused. Being present in the moment is all what makes this special. 
• Ask questions from guides. They are encyclopedias. Their information on animal behaviour, local flora and ecosystem secrets will amaze you. 
• Nature doesn’t stick to timetables. So be flexible. 
• Respect the environment. 
• Stay at a safe distance and follow guide instructions. 
• Don’t feed or harass animals.

How does your Vacation Impact Locals?

Your safari holidays are not for you only. The tour impacts the local community too. 

• It creates jobs for them. Local guides , cooks and drivers get employment. 
• Buying locally made souvenirs brings income to the community.
• Your every entry ticket helps fund wildlife protection programs. So you are also contributing to wildlife.
• You get to see local Africa. How their culture works and communities take pride. 
• Many Activentures collaborate with groups like 4Africa. These empower women through crafts and tourism exposure.

What Not to Pack?

You must have read here and there about packing light. Smart packing is everything in this tour. Here are a few things that you must and must not pack for your vacation. 

Pack

• Light colored clothes. Dark clothes can attract insects. 
• Good closed-toe shoes.
• A decent zoom lens camera or binoculars. 
• Dust-proof bag/covers for gear. 
• Battery backups. 
• Water bottle, sunblock, insect repellent.
• A small notebook or journal. 

Don’t pack 

• Bright flashy clothes.
• Loud jewellery
• Heavy makeup
• Overpacked luggage

What Will Cost Less?

• Less-touristy destinations.
• Off seasons
• Group tours 
• Hiring local tour operators 
• Nature 

Tips for Minimum Regret

If you don’t want any regrets

• Choose a longer stay.
• Pick fewer locations rather than rush through many.
• Ask your tour operator about flexibility. In case the weather or animals don’t cooperate.
• allow for rest days and reflection time.
• Carry a small book or download an app on local wildlife/plant species. You’ll enjoy things more when you recognise them.
• Choose camps and operators that respect wildlife and habitat. 
• support local communities.

Vacation No One Wants to Return From

Safari holidays are best for people who are tired of city life. It’s like a complete reset. If you have a spirit of adventure, try it. If you are more of a comfort person, this tour might be a little uncomfortable for you. 

So start planning now. Pick your destination. Get qoute and Pack light but smart. The wilderness awaits for you. This is the vacation you don’t want to come back from.