Going on safari is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. It isn’t the cheapest vacation around, but it’ll be worth every penny. We think a luxury safari ultimately gives you better value for money than a budget safari. And here’s why:
Quality Guides and Trackers — Guides and trackers can make or break your safari experience, they are the ones who will be able to locate the animals you wish to see. This is especially important since reserves and parks cover a vast territory and rare animals like rhino require a lot of knowledge to successfully track down. It’s also important to have a guide that can communicate his knowledge well. The bush contains many wonders that the untrained eye will miss. Spotting rare birds, insects, medicinal plants and trees, animal spores — quality guides will make every safari drive an exciting adventure, regardless of whether you see the Big 5 or not.
Safari Vehicle — You want to be able to spot wildlife and take a quick photo without climbing over your fellow passengers or having to wait your turn for a glimpse of the lion kill. Luxury safaris will ensure your safari vehicle is uncrowded and every seat will have a window or open view.
Nourishment — When you’re up at the crack of dawn and you’ve seen sights you’ve previously only dreamed about, you really work up an appetite. Meals are important and there’s usually plenty of them when you’re on safari. The quantity of food is rarely a problem but the quality can differ greatly. And enjoying a good glass of wine while watching the sun go down is simply heavenly.
Beds — Since you’re up early, a good night’s sleep is crucial to enjoying your safari. The drives are often bumpy and dusty and the mid-afternoon break is perfect for a nap. A comfortable bed in a tent, on a sleeping platform, or in a luxury lodge is well worth it.
Location, location, location — Luxury safaris get prime locations in national parks and offer access to private reserves. This translates into a unique safari experience with fewer crowds and better amenities. In private reserves you can go on night drives and get off the main road to get much closer to grazing giraffe or napping lions.
Tip: The price of a luxury safari will usually include full board, game drives, park entrance fees and quality guides. When you shop around, make sure these are all included in the price because they can add a significant amount to your total safari cost.