How To Bag A Bargain Safari In Africa

By Author: Emma Richard
Total Articles: 6
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One of the most exhilarating things you can do in your lifetime is go on a safari. However, the saying "the best things in life are free" isn't always true, and traveling alone can be very expensive. Safaris in particular can be real budget-breakers, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out. There are lots of ways in which you can make huge savings on safaris.

1. Give lesser known places a chance

The most famous resorts are the ones everybody wants to go to. That means they're the most expensive ones. Places which aren't so well known have just as much wildlife and are a lot cheaper to visit because they need to try harder to attract guests. Similarly, try to stay at a privately owned venue. Venues owned by the bigger companies will be more expensive, but accommodation owned privately will be much cheaper because it will not get as much exposure.

2. Don't go at peak time

Going on Safari in Africa is popular during peak time, between November and January, because that's when the local people take their holidays, and when it is warmest. However, you'll find that going at off-peak times is better ...
... because wildlife viewing is often better, and the temperature is cooler (and if you've never been to Africa before, that's something to be glad of). Plus, there are less people, so the reserves are less crowded, which means there's more chance of spotting shyer wildlife.

3. Stay in a group

If you're planning an Africa honeymoon, then a safari is probably high up on your to-do list, but a great way to keep the cost down is to go on safari in a group. Whilst this isn't quote as romantic as a private safari, it's a great way to meet new people and to save money at the same time. Group safaris are an excellent option for couples and single travellers, and typically take up to eight guests, with a minimum of two. That means if you're lucky, you might have picked a date that no one else picked, so it could end up being just the two of you anyway, but for a much lower price than a private safari would have been.

4. Stay in newer lodges

If you can't resist visiting those famous reserves that everybody seems to flock to, then a good way to save money is to stay in newer accommodation. This is cheaper because established lodges will have lots of guests eager to stay in them, whilst newer lodges are still having to work hard to attract their guests. Just because a lodge is cheaper, it doesn't mean the quality or the service will be any lower; it's just that people haven't found out about it yet. You can also stay in a "sibling camp". Many reserves have smaller, more rustic camps built next to the high quality, luxury camps which are more affordable, but offer the same game-viewing opportunities and quality of service.

5. Drive yourself

You can save a lot of money by driving yourself around instead of going on a guided tour. This is easy to do on safari in Africa, because you will still see plenty of game, and you can hire a 4x4 yourself and drive with some friends. Obviously you won't get as much information as you would on a guided tour, but it's still a brilliant experience and will give you a sense of freedom. You can still stay in top quality accommodation by night.

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