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Factors To Consider When Planning An African Safari

By Dorothy Stone


Africa is home to many wild animals, beautiful vegetation and scenery. For many centuries, visitors have come to the continent for a number of reasons. Early visitors, in the thirteenth century, came on hunting expeditions and took home trophies of their kills. Today, visitors come to marvel at the beauty of nature and end up taking home videos and photos of their visits. African safari is a truly memorable adventure where one can see all of the big five members in their natural habitats.

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 packages available. It is thus relevant to do a little research to find out issues like cost and which services are offered under each. Cost is affected by luxury accommodations and length of stay. Also, look at double as well as single packages available. The most expensive one is a luxury package with an all expenses paid policy. Here one is put in a luxurious tent and treated to a five star service delivery. Mobile safaris are cheap because of pooling of resources while there is another option where one can drive themselves while on tour.

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.

Be very careful when booking and paying for a safari because there are many fraudsters and scams out there. Always verify the legitimacy of a travel agent before paying them. Check ratings on TripAdvisor and other relevant sites and read their reviews.

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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