<img src="https://scontent.fnbo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/153231763_10159129181410750_1992936758013751842_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=730e14&amp;_nc_ohc=U_UZRvGPIIYAX8AjM-P&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfB15Myat81kzgPJyZTT9yYJajCYbNQklfsgNZApYMDQiQ&amp;oe=64155B4C" alt="Siyabona Africa" width="786" height="416" />
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Africa is a land of splendor, playing home to magnificent wildlife, extraordinary land formations, unique flora and fauna, fantastic weather, and even warmer people. An African safari is a stimulating, bucket-list-worthy experience, allowing you to get incredibly close to the wildlife.&nbsp;
However, a little-known fact is that planning a safari is an adventure. African safaris feature unique requirements that first-time travelers to the continent may not anticipate. Therefore, below is a checklist of factors to consider when planning an African safari dream vacation.
<h2>Choose A Country or Region To Visit</h2>
<img src="https://scontent.fnbo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/196972840_10159378184630750_8051993624807100158_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=730e14&amp;_nc_ohc=hgbg1R81j1YAX8K3CDq&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfCQdBSS2vHUpTUnGDwe3PAEyR_Hv9O_bZlptefja1QW4A&amp;oe=641571A7" alt="Siyabona Africa" width="2048" height="1152" />
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Contrary to the popular yet misguided belief that Africa is a country, it is a continent almost three times Europe&rsquo;s size. The African continent is home to 54 fully autonomous countries.
Also, the most popular African safari destinations are in the Eastern, Central, and Southern parts of the continent. The countries along this stretch include Kenya (Africa&rsquo;s leading travel destination), Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, and South Africa.
Each country along the stretch is popular for specific safari attractions. For example, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa are popular for big five sitings, while Rwanda and Uganda are popular for Gorilla tracking. Also, Namibia is popular for its dramatic landscapes.
The continent&rsquo;s sheer size means you cannot dash through it overnight. Also, an African Safari is a once-in-a-lifetime journey worth savoring rather than rushing. Therefore, identify the defining characteristics of each safari destination before choosing where to plan your safari trip.
<h2>Identify the Best Time to Travel</h2>
<img src="https://scontent.fnbo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/312500325_633725951798437_932056922515008574_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=730e14&amp;_nc_ohc=jg9iN7VE07AAX9Ri1wG&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfC5FnNFRVDgbVSDpix1o4oZaRQU_rOERgMKl74rIj57dg&amp;oe=63F23154" alt="Tipilikwani Mara Camp - Masai Mara" width="1080" height="721" />
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As earlier stated, Africa has fantastic weather; hence most popular African safari countries are year-round travel destinations. However, while snow doesn&rsquo;t fall on the continent, each country has different rainfall patterns.
Although the rain enhances the landscape&rsquo;s lushness, it may render some roads impassable and inhibit some activities like bush trekking. Nonetheless, the rain facilitates fantastic wildlife photography.
Besides the weather, animal behavior, like migratory patterns and breeding season, also influences the best time to travel for an African Safari. For example, although you can visit Kenya&rsquo;s Masai Mara all year round, the peak season for the great wildebeest migration runs from late July to early October. Therefore, consider the peak season to visit each destination before planning your trip.
<h2>Have A Budget</h2>
<img src="https://scontent.fnbo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/184480707_10159309159355750_5697971210878225490_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=730e14&amp;_nc_ohc=Ht6ag3Btxe8AX-K7qZL&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfBwx2nuyQfhTMxwq67ousc3tHIicDHlx2Q4PTTQT3J7gA&amp;oe=641580FD" alt="Siyabona Africa" width="590" height="390" />
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An African safari is likely the most expensive vacation you will ever take. So, why are safaris so costly?
Various factors contribute to the relatively high travel costs. However, the most significant factor is that the governments in popular safari destinations utilize the high-price-low-visitor-density model to prevent a tourist influx likely to damage ecosystems. Second, most game reserves and conservancies are in far-flung areas with limited transport infrastructure.&nbsp;
The budget estimates for an African safari are approximately USD125 per night per person for a budget safari and up to USD750 for a mid-range safari. Luxury safaris can cost up to USD1500 per person per night.&nbsp;
Most safari costs are all-inclusive and cater for food, accommodation, park entry fees, and safari guides. However, you may have to dig deeper than the baseline price for special activities, like the hot air balloon safari.
Besides the activities in your itinerary, consider budgeting for tips (given in local currency at the end of your stay) and souvenirs. Also, the cost estimates do not include international flight tickets. Consider consulting safari travel experts for advice on how to lower costs while planning an African safari.&nbsp;
<h2>Accommodation</h2>
<img src="https://scontent.fnbo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/283152284_5865818313445189_6124193430778372620_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=730e14&amp;_nc_ohc=GjhkHcO_vAYAX-h3o1y&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfCot6x_Sw31nCeaEUq36z3g1i2K3nc6rXO4VUZ2kcy7eg&amp;oe=63F267B6" alt="Lions Bluff Lodge, Tsavo, Kenya" width="1500" height="1000" />
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African safari destinations have numerous accommodation options, including hotels, tented camps, lodges, and outdoor camping; the only limit is your budget. The safari stays include budget, mid-range, and luxury options.&nbsp;
Moreover, you can opt for maximum privacy by staying in the conservancies rather than the more populous national reserves. However, consider booking your accommodation in advance to ensure availability. Also, besides amenities, consider the activities available at the accommodation property while choosing your preferred stay.
<h2>Private VS Group (Overland) Trips</h2>
<img src="https://scontent.fnbo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/53121545_10157066226169288_1757970074628521984_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=730e14&amp;_nc_ohc=ecqL-R3K0AoAX_dhfDv&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfCSPhLHUFSVfx7d4qpOwsPw622zuo3RFba7kfXKkJ1WUg&amp;oe=64157963" alt="Tipilikwani Mara Camp - Masai Mara" width="2048" height="1367" />
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Private trips typically feature guide-led game drives with six people maximum. Their primary advantage is that they allow for greater itinerary customization and are ideal for family travel.
In contrast, overland group trips can accommodate 20-15 travellers at a go. However, while such trips feature rigid itineraries, they create opportunities to meet and interact with like-minded individuals.
<h2>Safari Vacation Duration</h2>
<img src="https://scontent.fnbo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/308508723_518398756955981_7279367978703108425_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=730e14&amp;_nc_ohc=qwiFI7Lt9o8AX_lgb4v&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfDSvAM4fPOEZ1-CgqRapqfhyCV9GIIJXD8BltBu9HpBgQ&amp;oe=63F3DDB0" alt="Lions Bluff Lodge, Tsavo, Kenya" width="1000" height="1250" />
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As earlier stated, an African safari is a lifetime experience worth savoring. Although there is no set standard on how long a safari should be, consider spending at least two days and three nights at a reserve or conservancy for a worthwhile safari experience.
Planning an African safari can prove overwhelming, especially to a first-timer. You are better off designating the planning to someone with a better understanding o the lay of the land. Therefore, contact us for curated trips across the African continent featuring the best price deals, itineraries, and optimal value.
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African Safari 101: Step-by-step First-timer’s Guide To Planning A Memorable Safari