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Safaris and Adventure Travel
If you are dreaming of that once-in-a-lifetime African safari vacation, you can make it a reality with some careful planning. Read on for information on how to go on a safari. If you take the right steps and plan accordingly, you can experience a truly great adventure travel trip that most people can only hope to go on. -
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If you are dreaming of that once-in-a-lifetime African safari vacation, you can make it a reality with some careful planning. Read on for information on how to go on a safari.
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Introduction
- Each year, thousands embark on what many believe to be the ultimate vacation adventure: a safari in sub-Saharan Africa. If the idea of viewing animals in their natural habitats excites you, a safari could fulfill a dream. Before you start packing, though, you should plan ahead—decide where you want to go and what you wish to see before you book your trip.
Step 1: Choose Your Safari
- Where would you like to visit most? The vast majority of safari destinations are in Africa, including:
- Kenya
- Botswana
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- South Africa
- What types of animals do you hope to see? This could affect your choice of destination. According to the American Wildlife Foundation, a majority of safari-goers hope to see:
- Buffaloes
- Elephants
- Leopards
- Lions
- Rhinos
- There are many different types of safaris to consider. You can choose to go on:
- A luxury safari
- An overland or mobile safari
- A self-drive safari
Step 2: Use a Travel Agency
- Once you have determined the type of safari you'd like to go on and have a general idea about where you'd like to go and what you wish to see, you should contact a travel company. Travel companies can be invaluable in helping to arrange a major vacation like a safari.
- Be sure to choose a travel agent/agency with experience in booking safari vacations.
- Check the travel company's references carefully to avoid being scammed.
- Know the company's cancellation policy.
- Because an African safari is a major vacation that typically involves a great deal of travel, you should consider purchasing travel insurance.
Step 3: Before Your Leave
- Now that you've booked your trip, it's time to travel, right? Not so fast! You need to do several more things before you hop on your plane in your khakis and jaunty safari hat.
- If you are traveling to Africa on safari, you will need to be sure you stay healthy. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that you see your health care provider several weeks before you leave to get any necessary vaccinations you may need. If you are traveling to Kenya, for example, you may need vaccinations against:
- Yellow fever
- Typhoid
- Meningococcal (meningitis)
- Hepatitis A and B
- If you are traveling to an area that has seen outbreaks of malaria, you will need to be taking certain antimalarial drugs. The CDC recommends that you purchase these drugs in the U.S. before you leave to ensure they are of high quality.
- You will also want to keep abreast of any potential political unrest in countries where you may be traveling for your safari. Check the U.S. State Department advisories before you embark on your adventure.
