Have you ever dreamed of exploring the wild, unspoiled natural beauty of the world? Trekking across beautiful landscapes and seeing in person animals you once only saw in books, or at your local zoo. If you have, then it might be time to start planning your next vacation adventure: an African safari. Safari means “long journey” in Swahili, and if you plan it right, it will be a journey of a lifetime.
A trip to Africa is on many people’s bucket lists, but the thought of planning one can be daunting. Because of that for many people their dreams of experiencing Africa up close and personal stay just that, dreams. When people think about planning a safari, they usually don’t know where to begin and assume that no matter what they decide a safari will be too expensive. With some research and a little planning though your African adventure can be possible.
The best way to start your preparations is to decide where in Africa you want to explore. Africa is massive and just choosing what area you wish to visit can be challenging. Do you want to gaze at giraffes in Tanzania, lose yourself in the seclusion and vastness of the Kalahari Desert or get to know the gorillas in the mists of Rwanda? There are websites that can help you decide and narrow down which country or region of Africa you should visit. If you’re going to be doing your safari planning on your own, you should definitely research what each country and destination has to offer and decided what works best for you.
The next step in your planning should be deciding how you want to travel. Do you want to be part of a group safari or would you prefer a private tour? Your decision on this will definitely set the tone for your trip, and also affect the cost of the safari. Group safaris are generally less expensive and can be an excellent way to meet other travelers and make some new friends. Private tours are the pricier option, but if you have the money and want a more relaxed intimate experience where you can customize your itinerary and travel at your own pace, then a private tour might be for you.
Speaking of budget, the cost of a safari is one thing that scares countless people away from even considering one. However, depending on the choices you make there can be a safari in just about everyone’s budget. Some great websites can help you plan a more budget-friendly safari, and you should definitely check them out. Just making some slight changes to your travel plans can save you thousands and put a safari within your reach.
Once you’ve planned and researched, you should be on your way to the vacation of your dreams. No excuses, all you have to do is get up and go. Remember to enjoy your trip and soak in every moment. Take loads of pictures and maybe even keep a journal to document your exploits. Reward yourself for having planned the trip of a lifetime and perhaps even start planning your next great adventure. Because there will always be new and exciting places to explore in this big beautiful world.
