How To Plan Your Vacation To Africa?

First off, it can be incredibly complicated charting a course of action in Africa, especially for the first time. Many properties won’t accept bookings from individuals, and Google Maps won’t get you very far because road conditions are often questionable, so I always recommend hiring a travel expert when planning a safari. If there’s one time in your life to let someone craft the experience for you, this is it. In the Serengeti alone there’s something like 115 camps: How do you even begin to narrow it down? I like to say that crafting a safari program is like conducting an orchestra — you should try to build upon each destination or property with unique experiences that complement one another. This is why it’s a good idea to work with someone who’s seen more than just the glossy pictures.

Things you must know to plan a safari trip to Africa

Are you yearning for an exciting African adventure filled with lively wildlife, diverse cultural experiences, and stunning landscapes? To plan a successful trip to Africa, you must know the best destinations, when to go, where to stay, how long to stay, and the local logistics. Otherwise, planning an African trip is a journey that can change your life, and there are countless remarkable experiences on the continent to discover. To guide you through the wonders of Africa, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know to create a memorable safari in Africa.

What are some of the most common questions you get asked by people planning a safari?

A big one is “How long should I go for?” A lot of people don’t realize that Africa is bigger than the United States, China, and all of Europe combined! I have people who tell me they want to see ten countries in ten days — that’s just not feasible. I like to suggest focusing on just ONE country and doing it for a minimum of ten days with no more than three stops. Trying to squeeze in more starts to feel like the Amazing Race and there’s just no point in rushing what will be the most fantastic trip of your life.

I also get asked about malaria a lot. The disease is very real and very serious. Most of sub-Saharan Africa has some level of the mosquito-borne disease, but there are pockets of so-called “malaria-free areas” in South Africa, which are an attractive option, especially for families traveling with young children (however, in these cases, “malaria-free” really means “very low chance of malaria”). The best defense? Talk to your doctor about prescribing malaria pills, which are incredibly effective.

10 Steps to Help You Plan Your Africa Safari Trip

1. Research and Choose Your Destination: Explore the unique offerings of each country. Look for places that align with your interests and travel style. For example, if you’re interested in seeing the Great Migration, you might consider Tanzania or Kenya and maybe extend your trip to Uganda or Rwanda for the gorilla trekking experience.

2. Plan Your Itinerary: Sketch out a rough plan of safari activities and places to visit. Consider how much time you have and what you want to see and do. It can be helpful to break your itinerary down by day and include specific activities, such as game drives or cultural tours.

3. Set a Budget: Determine your financial plan to ensure a feasible safari trip to Africa. Research the costs of flights, accommodations, permits, and ground transport, and factor in any additional expenses, such as service tips, meals, and souvenirs.

4. Book Flights, Permits, Accommodation, and Ground Transport: Secure your travel and stay well in advance for better deals. Look for package deals that include accommodation and activities, or book each component separately to get the best deals. Most tour operators in Africa, like Nkuringo Safaris, offer safari packages that cover everything: consider planning your trip to Africa with a local operator.

5. Check Visa and Health Requirements: Ensure all necessary documents and vaccinations are in order. Visit the website of the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit to check the visa requirements and any health-related concerns.

6. Pack Wisely: Assemble your essentials without overpacking. Consider the climate and the activities you have planned, and pack accordingly. Don’t forget to bring a good pair of binoculars and a camera to capture the amazing wildlife sightings.

7. Prepare Finances: Carry local currency and understand payment options. You’ll need cash for things like tips and souvenirs, so make sure you have enough local currency on hand. Also, check with your bank to see if your debit or credit card will work in the country you’re visiting.

8. Safety Precautions: Familiarize yourself with local customs and safety measures. Learn about the culture of the country you’re visiting and follow local customs to avoid offending anyone. Also, be aware of any potential safety hazards and take precautions to stay safe.

9. Stay Flexible: Embrace spontaneity while having a structured plan. While it’s important to have a plan, it’s also important to be flexible and open to changing it if necessary. Be prepared to adjust your itinerary based on weather conditions or unexpected events.

10. Stay Informed: Stay updated with travel advisories and local news. Check the latest travel advisories and stay informed about any local news or events that could affect your trip. Sign up for alerts from your embassy or consulate to stay in the know.