The deep blue of night starts to pale on the horizon, and you can almost make out the glug-glug sound made by a bottle bird. It’s just before dawn and the engine of your game viewer shudders to silence. Your safari guide lowers his binoculars and points silently to an unremarkable bush, about 10 meters to the right. At first, you don’t see anything. A tentative movement, then stillness again. Then it steals into view – a leopard, its ears twitching, and tail making the slightest flicking movements. You lift your lens, but somehow can’t quite get yourself to take a portrait of this elusive creature. So you simply sit, keeping your breathing steady, and drink in this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
This kind of bespoke safari experience might seem hard to plan, but it doesn’t have to be. By choosing the right safari company, you can ensure a seamless, luxurious adventure full of rare sightings and unforgettable moments. In this guide, we’ll help you ask the right questions to find the perfect safari operator to create your dream trip.
These seven key questions will help you narrow down your options and find a company that delivers the safari of your dreams. Let’s help you leapfrog the back-and-forth, scratchy sheets and crowded game reserves straight into that Land Cruiser.
1. Experience and Expertise: How Long Has the Company Been Organizing Bespoke Safaris?
This might sound straightforward, but choosing a safari company with a long track record is essential for a smooth, well-organized trip. Their experience in your chosen destination can make all the difference in ensuring you get the most out of your safari. Look for a company with years of experience and verified client testimonials. Each safari destination offers unique encounters and challenges, so make sure your operator has a deep understanding of the landscape you’ll be exploring.
2. Expert Guidance: Can They Help You Achieve Your Wildlife Goals?
Can they guide you to the best animal sightings in the planet’s wildest destinations? And moreover, do they have the expertise to help you achieve your specific goals? If you’re a keen wildlife photographer, you’ll want guides that know intimately the rhythms and secrets of the bush, AND how to help you adjust your aperture for that perfect sunset shot.
3. Conservation Commitment: Do They Support Sustainable Tourism?
Find out how the safari company supports wildlife conservation, community empowerment and sustainable tourism practices. Do they walk the talk, without compromising on your luxury experience? Are they actively involved in preserving the landscapes where they operate? Make sure you choose a company that aligns with your sustainability values to ensure an immersive, impactful experience that leaves your destination a little better after each visit.
4. Ethical Encounters: How Do They Approach Responsible Tourism?
What is the company’s policy on responsible wildlife encounters and engagement with local communities? As a visitor in Africa, you’ll be relying on your safari guide to craft an authentic experience with the landscape, its animals and its people. Responsible tourism means fully embracing the responsibility to nature, as well as to their guests.
5. Tailored Itineraries: What Can They Offer That’s Unique to You?
What can the safari company offer that you won’t be able to find with your own independent research? For a truly transformative, luxury safari you want more than one of four standard options. Find a company that prides itself on unreasonable hospitality, willing to customise your family’s interests, needs and schedule. Find a bespoke safari company that makes it their business to align your unique desires with a perfectly personalised journey seamlessly.
6. Your Group’s Needs: Can They Cater to Your Specific Requirements?
Travelling with children, differently abled travellers or people with special needs requires experienced advice and guidance to ensure an unforgettable experience for all. Whether you’re considering a solo trip, romantic holiday, family bush break with multiple generations, or a corporate retreat, you might have specific requirements for your bespoke trip. Your safari company should know which destinations are welcoming to LGBTQIA+ travellers, have children’s entertainment options or a projector screen available for sharing the album of gran’s milestones on the big screen during lunch.
7. Cost Transparency: What Are You Really Paying For?
Be clear on what is included in your safari package and what might incur additional costs. When discussing pricing, be sure to ask:
- Is the refund policy clear in case of changes or cancellations?
- Are there hidden fees for transfers, meals, or activities?
- What is the tipping policy in your chosen destination?
By asking the right questions, you can ensure your safari is the experience of a lifetime, tailored to your needs and aligned with your values. From expert guidance and sustainable practices to personalized itineraries, choosing the right company will turn your dream safari into reality.
Ready to start planning? Talk to one of the experts at Tanda Afrika, and fall in love with African hospitality.