5 Top tips for Safari planning
We can still plan you a magnificent safari in 2022 but do get in touch soon – time is of the essence. If you’re looking a little further ahead, this is the perfect time to start planning for 2023 (or beyond). Get everything in place now then sit back and enjoy the anticipation of a very special holiday on the horizon.
Plan now and enjoy the anticipation of a superb safari holiday. Time + Tide Chongwe River Camp, Lower Zambezi, Zambia
So, how do you go about planning a spectacular safari holiday. Africa is a big place – so are the numbers of styles, prices, and types of safari holiday. While it’s relatively easy to book a European beach break using Google etc., a safari is a whole different kettle of fish. That‘s where we come in. Our team of experts are widely travelled though this stunning continent. We’ve got ex-raft guides, ex-safari house managers, ex-riding safari guides, and ex-overland safari guides ready to talk you through all the options. Between them there’s very little they haven’t seen or done. That’s the joy of choosing to work with an out-and-out Africa specialist like Aardvark Safaris – we really do know what we’re talking about!
Chatting to you is very much our preferred way of working, but here are some simple tips to get you started.
1. Try not to get set on a particular country
Lots of people know of Botswana and South Africa, for example, but are surprised by what Zambia and Namibia can offer. Stick with us if we seem to be going off course – we want you to have a perfect holiday and aren’t afraid to gently nudge you away from your initial thoughts if we think it’s going to make a better safari for you.
One of Southern Africa’s most beautiful countries, Namibia is definitely one to add to the ‘must visit’ list. Wolwedans Boulders Camp
2. Low season is great
In many places, the rainy season is a succession of pleasant cooling showers. Granted they may be heavy showers, but they are normally brief. It’s a time of year when Africa really comes alive – the scenery is lush, the air is clear, and the skies are dramatic. There’s plenty of predator action and the birdlife is spectacular. It’s less busy and lower priced – what’s not to like?
The rainy (or green) season is a great time to visit. Lush vegetation and plenty of wildlife action. Time + Tide Chinzombo, Zambia
3. Cheapest isn’t necessarily best
A big percentage of your safari is spent in the company of your safari guide. An outstanding guide will ensure you have an unforgettable journey. We work closely with companies renowned for the standard of their guides – it might cost a fraction more than some, but the experience you get is priceless.
Your safari guide can make or break your holiday. We work with the very best. Kaingo Camp, Zambia
4. Take it slowly
Pole pole means ‘take it slowly’ in Swahili. A safari in Africa is not a sprint from one place to another but rather a journey of discovery. Too often travellers try and fit too much in, as a result spend a lot of time in transit and rather miss the essence of Africa. Try and spend at least three nights per camp; using one place as a base to explore the area and give yourself time to connect with your surroundings. Slow down, nothing moves quickly in Africa.
Relaxing with a sundowner at Ubuntu Camp in the Serengeti at the end of the day
5. Do consider sleeping in a tent
Most of us have a tale to tell from the days when we were intrepid backpackers or braved a youthful camping expedition. We’d suggest that even the most discerning luxury-lover tries a night or two under canvas in Africa. Comfort is guaranteed and you’ll have memories forever. Safari highlights so often come from the simpler things – a night under the stars or the camaraderie found at a classic tented camp – which allow you to really get under the skin of this magical place.
Gorgeous tented accommodation at Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Tanzania
Aardvark Safaris’ Insider Guide
If you’d like more tp tips on safari planning download a copy of our African Safari Insider Guide. Over 60 pages of invaluable advice and how-tos, written by our team of African Safari experts. Get your (free) African Safari Insider Guide now.
What next?
Our team of experts has travelled widely throughout Africa and the Indian Ocean and can offer expert advice on planning every type of safari from family and beach holidays to riding and primate safaris. Do get in touch – chatting to people in person, by phone or email is what we do best. We listen, we explain, we answer all sorts of questions even those you didn’t know to ask, and finally we make suggestions. Whether this is your first time to Africa or your twenty first, we have a team standing by to help make the planning easy and the journey the best ever. Please get in touch whatever stage you’re at.
Camel safari, Kenya, Laikipia, 
Luxury safari accommodation Waterberg, South Africa, 
Hippos on a walking safari, South Luangwa, Zambia,
Hello. My husband and I are thinking of a safari holiday with our two adult, well travelled daughters snd their partners for next year February/March 2023. We oldies will be well out of our comfort zone but we need to do it before we’re too old! (62 and 70 by then) .
Thinking of South Africa as no malaria there if that is correct?
No idea of budget that would be required for what would be suitable for us!
What might you suggest please?
Thanks for your comment. You’re right, about 2/3 of South Africa is malaria free – areas which include the opportunity for safari, good beaches, and cities such as Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. I’ll ask one of our team to get in touch with some initial thoughts, ask some more questions about you and your family, and then come up with some choices for you all.