How To Plan Your First Safari Vacation
How To Plan Your First Safari Vacation. A safari trip in Africa or Tanzania is something that many people want to do, but it takes a lot of planning to make it happen.
You could fly to Tanzania, rent a car, and drive off into the bush, but that’s not a good idea because most of the roads aren’t marked. Simply put, it’s better to be with someone who knows the area.
Plans for how you will spend your trip and safe ways to get there need to be made by professionals.
You don’t have to hire professionals to plan your whole trip, though. You should be able to plan your own trip, but don’t forget that experts know what’s hot.
Picking the right place and time for your trip can make or break it. This is quite especially true for a tour trip in Africa. So, how do you make plans for your first adventure trip?
Why Should You Go On A Safari in Africa or Tanzania?
Going on a safari means giving yourself over to the wild world and seeing the vast skies. More wildlife will be close to you, and you will meet new people and learn new things.
This is why you might want to go on a tour in Tanzania.
Learn about African culture
Not only do tours look at wildlife, but they’re also a great way to learn about other cultures. You learn more about African societies and get to try special foods that only people from that area can make.
You could meet a group in the area and learn about their way of life. You come back from holiday with a fresh outlook on life and how to live it. You see the world and people in it in a new way.
Wildlife
Things are very different when we get to see these animals in real life than when we see them on TV or in movies.
Seeing a documentary about elephants is not the same as seeing a group of elephants in real life.
It’s so much more impressive to see a group of lions walk by or a hippo bathe like you would than to see these things on TV. These animals are in their natural environment, where people don’t get in the way much.
This way of seeing them is not only more accurate and honest, but there are also no breaks in the action and no walls.
A Different View
Any trip to Tanzania is a break from the chaos and stress of normal life, and it puts you back in touch with nature. Once in a while, going to a different place gives you a fresh start with new sights, sounds, and ways of life.
You will be surprised by how beautiful the world can be in places like the Serengeti, Tarangire National Park, Mikumi National Park, and more.
When we can take a break and enjoy what nature has given us.
Want to try new things
Any trip away makes you feel like you’re on an adventure. There’s something exciting, joyful, and new to see and learn that most of us look for outside of our daily lives. A safari will give you the sense of excitement you’ve been looking for.
There isn’t much else to do in the middle of the Serengeti besides go on an adventure. You’ll be on a tour with a professional, but it’s still enough to make you feel like a kid again.
Experience You’ll Never Have Again
Most of us only get to spend five minutes or less in the woods before we have to go back home. A lot of people think of going to the zoo when they want to see lions or animals.
But it’s a whole different experience to see lions and elephants in their natural environment, with no bars or glass between you and them. We don’t get to take trips like this very often, so it is well worth the money.
It’s rare for most people to have anything but a Starbucks and a bunch of cars right outside their door, but everyone should wake up and have an adventure right there.
Things to Think About
You can’t just pack up and go on any safari; you have to plan your trip, and safaris are even more important. What do you need to think about?
Look over your budget.
Though no trip is ever going to be cheap, safaris can be pretty pricey. If you want a great safari trip, you should keep your money aside before you book.
It can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000 per person per day to go on a tour.
This covers getting from one camp to another, but not your trips, and you should leave a tip. First, check your budget to make sure you can afford it, or at least start saving.
Different kinds of lodging
Think about where you want to stay: a lodge, a tent, or something else? Keep in mind that almost all national parks offer tent camps or lodges for tourists.
Before you book, don’t forget to always look at the different types of lodging that are available!
People will be able to visit each national park in their own way. For instance, Sangaiwe Tented Camp in Tarangire has large rooms made of cloth thatch that have their own bathroom and even a pool.
If you go to Arusha National Park, on the other hand, there are many lodges to choose from, or you could stay in a hotel if that’s more your way.
Northern Tanzania Safaris go from Arusha to the Serengeti through Tarangire and other places. This would be a great way to spend a long holiday. You could go on this 8-day trip and have a great time on Safari while staying in nice places.
A trip that lasts eight days is the best way to get to know a new place. A great way to do this is to go on a safari like this and stay in a tent camp or cabin in a national park.
Thank goodness, most parks have lodges or tents for you to stay in.
Take a look at a guided tour.
If you like to go on adventures by yourself, themed tours might not seem like the best idea, but they can be one of the best decisions you ever make.
They are sold as a set, and the more people you have in your group, the less it costs. That person will know a lot about the area and have a lot of experience because they spend most of their time on tour.
Plus, this makes the experience even more real.
More see-through
A lot of tour companies will give you a guide to help you get from one camp to the next.
One great thing about having a guide with you is that they will have a radio that lets them talk to other guides. The other guides will then talk to each other to make sure they know where the animals are.
You will be able to see more of the trip with their help than if you were just hoping that a pack of hyenas or a pride of lions would show up.
Don’t forget that you can take a tour with a guide in a car that lets you see everything. It’s better than driving your car!
Get More Information
If you have a guide, they will teach you things while they show you around. Following riders on the trip can make the whole thing better by giving you information and company.
You will learn more from talking to the guide and other riders than from reading or listening to an audiobook. You might even learn some things that a book or tape couldn’t give you.
Expertise is given
In treks, the knowledge of a guide is very important. A guide will know the area very well, and because they will probably be talking to other guides, they will know even more about it.
That being said, if something dangerous does happen, they know how to handle it, so you don’t have to worry about your safety.
There is a reason why your guide tells you to stay still. They will show you how to stay safe.
Without a guide, this is one of the main things you would not have.
More ease of access
In some safaris, you may be able to go out without a guide. But in many places, you won’t be able to get to the best parts unless you are on a full safari trip with a guide. From here, you can see things that you can’t see from a normal road.
These guides know the best places to hunt, the tracks, the animals, and the most amazing things to see.
If you choose a guided tour, you’ll be able to see most of the trip. Having a professional with you has its benefits.
When to Go
When we should take a trip is another thing that many of us forget to think about. Since Africa is on the equator, we might think that it will always be summer there.
Compared to those of us who live in areas that are clearly getting warmer, this may be true.
It does rain and snow in Africa, though. East Africa as a whole will have a wet season and a dry season. Besides that, the price and what you see will depend on when you go. Let’s think about what you need.
December, January, February, and March
From June to October and from December to March, it’s dry. It looks like these are the busiest times to visit Tanzania.
The best time to visit Tanzania is in the first two months of the year if you want to see something amazing.
There may be babies, though, if you’re lucky in January and February. That’s when wildebeest tend to give birth.
After July to October, you can go back to the Serengeti and Masai Mara to see the crossing and see the trip the calves have to make.
Also, it’s important to note that it’s peak season.
April and May
The rainy season is from April to May. There will be a lot of growth and prices will be much lower. Because not as many people are going to Safari, the prices will be lower than they are during the rest of the year.
You will miss seeing the babies being born, though, and crossing the Masai Mara. So, even though they are always moving, you will still see some of the great movement.
June
The dry season, which doesn’t last long, starts in June. This is the best time of year to visit the Serengeti’s center area.
If you want to go during the dry season but don’t want to wait for the hot season, this is the best month to go.
July, August, September, and October
People who like safaris usually go during this time. There are many reasons for this, such as the animals being in easy-to-see places.
If the weather is nice, there aren’t many bugs that bite, and it’s easy to move, there’s not much to complain about.
There are more wildebeest migrating than any other animal in the world. It’s also one of the seven wonders of the world. You can see a lot of wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras running across the Serengeti fields.
If you can time this right, you will definitely only get to experience it once in your life. The beginning of the year is great if you don’t want to see the calves being born, but July to October is a better time.
At this point, the herds will be near the Mara River. The most likely time to see the Mara River Crossing is at this time. People can see this movement all year, but one of the best times is when they cross the Mara River.
But it’s not all sunshine and roses, and you should think a lot about it. Safari season is at its busiest. A lot of people go at this time of year because animals gather around water holes. You can see them better now.
It’s also the best time to see wildebeest because the skies are clear and it’s cooler in the mornings and nights.
You will see the herds cross the river if you get the chance to see this amazing natural event. Fighting rivers that flow quickly and alligators that are hungry. It is a very scary sight to see.
Prices are higher during these months because they are the best times to visit. If you want to go during peak season, you can be sure you will pay more.
November
September through November is also the rainy season, so there will be lots of plants all around. There is a lot less noise, just like during the rainy season earlier in the year.
While it’s dry, most people go to see events like calves being born and animals crossing the Masai Mara. You can still see some of the Great Migration during the wet season, when it is usually less busy. You can also find better deals.
Where to Go
Great places to visit can be found all over Africa. But which one is right for you?
East Africa
There are many things to see and enjoy in Eastern Africa, but each country has its own unique charm.
Tanzania
If you go to Tanzania, you can see the great movement from the Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara. It will be beautiful if you time it right and the rain falls at the right time.
But because the time is random, you can see many parts of this event.
In the early months of the year, you might see the calves being born. In the summer, you might see them passing rivers.
Cheetahs, wild dogs, lions, and hyenas will follow the group, so you might see a lot of different animals.
In Kenya, you can see the Masai Mara river crossings, where a huge group of wildebeest try to cross a river full of crocodiles to get to the other side.
You can also go to one of their 24 national parks, though. If you go between September and October, though, you’ll be able to enjoy the dry season with cooler weather. Of course, this is also the time of year when the Masai Mara migrate.
It is a great chance to see gazelles, zebras, wildebeest, and even lions and cheetahs in the wild. It costs a lot because this is a well-known event and one of the seven wonders of the world, but it is worth it.
Mount Kenya lets you go on hikes with gorillas. You should go to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is a jungle where about half of the world’s mountain gorillas live.
Between June and September, in the summer, is the best time to visit. For those who don’t want to spend a lot of money, November is a great month to travel and beat the crowds.
The off-season is March and April, but it’s still worth going because you can hike with the gorillas in small groups.
Arusha
While the rainy season is over, the dry season is the best time to go on safari in Rwanda. This is also a popular time to book gorilla hikes because the weather is nice and clear.
In this area, the gorilla walks happen in the rainforests, mostly in Volcanoes National Park. There are also chimpanzees and colobus monkeys live in the trees.
This place, on the other hand, is naturally wet because it is home to gorillas. No matter how hard you try, it will always rain here. If it rains a lot, though, know that the sky will clear up and the sun will shine.
Since prices are going up, it’s best to grab a deal on a gorilla trek in Rwanda while you still can!
Southern Africa
A lot of amazing events and beautiful sights can be found in southern Africa as well.
But keep in mind that you don’t have to go to Africa during a big event. You can also go there just to see the animals and enjoy the beauty of this one-of-a-kind and much-loved place.
A lot of us think of the northern and eastern parts of Africa when we want to go on holiday, but the southern parts are just as beautiful.
South Africa
South Africa is the best place in Africa to go on vacation because it has everything you could want. But what’s even better is how cheap it is.
If you want to avoid a lot of people and enjoy nice weather, you should plan your trip for the spring, around March or April.
You can expect some rain, though, since these months are in the wet season. The rain, on the other hand, opens the door to some of the best wildlife watching in the area.
You can also find Kruger National Park here. It is the most famous national park in this area.
You can see the “big five” animals there, and it’s also close to Johannesburg, so you can do some shopping in the city after you’re done with the wildlife.
That being said, you can go to South Africa at any time. Cape Town has great food, shopping, wine, and more. It’s a great place to go on safari and then see the city.
Botswana
There is a lot of beautiful nature in Botswana. The Okavango Delta is one example. From May to September, when it’s dry, is the best time to visit any of these places.
The months will be winter here, but summer in the US, so the weather will be more consistent.
It will also be less green during these months, which means that animals will be more likely to be near watering holes, making them easier to find.
Malawi
Some of the best walking safaris in Africa can be found in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, which is where the best safaris are located.
A big part of Zambia’s image comes from the fact that safaris here aren’t really run for profit. In fact, it has more family-run safaris and hotels than any other country in Africa.
Over the years, their safari business has grown, which has led to more and better safari camps. It is also the home of night safaris, a brand-new and pure type of adventure.
You can go on a night tour, which is another reason why Zambia has the most leopard sightings on the continent.
Zimbabwe
The country of Zimbabwe is also very pretty. One of the best times to go is in May. This is the month when things go from being wet to dry.
The recent rain will keep the land looking green and juicy, but the weather is slowly drying out and getting cooler at night.
The days will be warm in June, but the nights will be cool. The drier weather will bring animals to rivers and water holes, making it easier to see them. This is the busiest time for a tour.
More than just elephants, leopards, zebras, lions, rhinos, and more can be found here. Victoria Falls is also in this country.
Namibia
In the huge desert country of Namibia, there are many chances to see wildlife. You might think it would be empty, but that’s not true.
That being said, many animals have learned to live in this harsh temperature and small space.
The Namib Desert is a coastal desert that is rough and beautiful. Different kinds of antelope, lions, and zebras can be found here. There are also groups of elephants that walk through the desert.
If you’re not in this desert, March can be wet and rainy at the beginning, but April is generally dryer. It will start to rain earlier in the year, and by April, the country will be greener.
Best Advice
These tips will help you make the best plans for your first journey!
Plan a trip to Tanzania that lasts at least eight days.
Everything in Africa is very big. Each country is the same size. Some people think a week’s vacation is perfect, but you will be too busy to enjoy it if you try to fit everything into just seven days, including your trips.
We suggest that you stay for 8 days, plus the days of your journey. If you do it this way, you can enjoy everything the country has to offer and still have time to unwind.
Take a hot air balloon trip.
Normal safari trips are great, but if you stay in Tanzania for a long time, you can also find other things to do. You can go on a normal tour and see everything up close, but after that, do something else.
Take a hot air balloon ride too. You can now see everything from a very long way away. From above, you can see how beautiful the scenery really is. You will see things you will never forget if you can do both of these.
Get to know a Maasai village.
Kenya: Spend some time in a Maasai village. When Maasai people walk around with their spears in their hands, their native clothes make them stand out.
The Maasai are nomads who raise sheep, horses, and goats. Over time, they have had to change to fit in with modern life. Most of them have gone into farming, and some have even moved to towns.
Tourists will be able to visit some Maasai towns, and the people there will perform dances, including the famous udumu.
After your safari, take it easy on a tropical island.
After your tour, why not enjoy a different type of nature?
Most of Tanzania’s beautiful tropical beaches are on the country’s islands.
If you want to relax before or after your safari on the island, Mafia, Zanzibar, and Pemba are all great places to do so.
This includes the island of your words, where you can plan your trip the way you want it to be. Make your own trip after the tour and chill out by the water.
Keep an open mind.
When you go on a trek, keep an open mind. Every trip is different, so it’s hard to say what will happen. You shouldn’t worry about things you can’t change. You might see everything, or you might not see much.
There is a chance that the trip is too long or too hard. The weather is unpredictable, so it’s never a good idea to set goals.
Take a look at
When it comes to safaris, you should also be ready for hot or cold weather, strong winds, or burning sun. Get ready for bugs and mosquitoes, a rough ride, and more.
The driver may cross a river, a field of stones, or just drive into the brush. Most of the time, you will be driving on sand and gravel. Be ready for anything that might happen.
Follow the Safari rules.
On a safari, you should always follow the rules. They are there for a reason; it’s not a game and can get very dangerous.
Do not get too close to elephants or make noise. When you are near big cats, keep your hands and cameras inside your cars and never stand in the water next to a hippos.
These are the rules that everyone knows. Rules are there for a reason, so make sure you follow them. After all, they are meant to keep you safe.
Ask questions while on the tour
During a tour, don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you want. The guides will be very smart and know a lot about the animals and how they behave.
If you think the question is silly, don’t be. Your tour guide has a lot of information saved away in his or her brain.
Ask to be stopped while on tour
You might not want to ask for things because you are shy or worried. That’s why we told you to ask those questions. Want to get a better look at something far away with your binoculars? Ask to be stopped.
Do you want to see that pig again? Do it. The guides are there to make sure you have the best trip experience possible. If you want to stop, just let them know.
Picture as many things as you can.
You might think that you won’t want to keep the pictures because you won’t be taking as many after seeing 18 giraffes.
You should always take as many pictures as you can because you never know when you might catch something important!
Keep going because you never know when you’ll get another chance to take a shot that good.
You might see a lot on your first trip, so make sure you get lots of pictures. The next time around, you might not see as much wildlife.
In short
Safaris are one of the best and most exciting ways to spend a holiday. They are also one of the most expensive, but they put you in the middle of a place you will never forget and may never visit again.
These places are the heart and soul of nature. They are wonders that climate change could easily take away from us, so it’s worth every penny to go out and enjoy their beauty.
Take the chance to see these amazing, exotic animals in their natural habitats by going on your first African tour!
