Going on safari is surely a frequent addition to many people’s ‘to do’ list. The idea of seeing majestic, dangerous and very rare animals in their natural environment is an exciting one. However, the cost of such trips can often put potential visitors off, especially if they’re looking to save a little money. Luckily, there are a few things that can help shave money off your total safari bill, meaning that not only do you get the trip of a lifetime; you won’t have to worry about finances the whole time either. Read on for our guide to meeting the king of the jungle on a budget.
The biggest tip is to carefully consider when you’re going to jet off on your safari break. The dry season tends to be the most popular for safari holidays, since less vegetation and rainfall can make the animals easier to spot. However, the rainy season also has its own rewards: many of the animals will have given birth, meaning there’ll be plenty of cubs to adore, and the landscape will look leafier and greener. And don’t be put off by the title, even during the ‘rainy season’, the heavens generally only open in the mornings and evenings, leaving the days all yours to enjoy. As the rainy season is a less popular time, flights, accommodation and even transport are likely to be much cheaper, so consider opting for a safari tour package.
While there are no guarantees on safari (these animals are wild remember, and roam around freely), by taking the right adventure tours you can increase your chances of seeing the animals you want to see, as well as finding out as much as possible about the local area.
Make sure you are accompanied by an experienced guide, with his/her insider knowledge you will get to know the area as well as the habits of the animals you are looking for.
Finally, a good way to reduce the cost of a safari is to think carefully about the area you’ll be visiting. Africa has many national parks, and these come with varying costs. East African countries such as Tanzania and Kenya are also rather cheap, and the major advantage of these countries is that they’re both home to a huge assortment of different animals, meaning you’ll really get your money’s worth.
If going on safari has always been a dream of yours, but you’ve always felt as though they were a little too expensive for your budget, there are ways in which you can keep the costs down; just make sure you take plenty of pictures to make your friends jealous!