Choosing the best company for your African safari can be overwhelming with many available on the web today. However there are steps you can take to select the right company which will take care of all your holiday needs such as transportation, accommodation and meals, guiding and other logistics necessary to have a successful trip.
Understand Your Company
Whether it’s a new company that just started a few years ago or the one that has been in business for so long, it must be registered with reputable tour operator associations. There are many safari companies in popular countries for safaris. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a local or international tour operator. The most important thing is to justify the company’s credibility to meet your expectations.
There are several tourist bodies on the African continent. It is advisable to check out the leading tour operator associations in a country where you want to go. Some of these organizations include Association of Uganda tour operators (AUTO) for Uganda, Kenya association of Tour Operators (KATO), Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA) etc. Continental bodies include the African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA), the newly launched Africa Tourism Board etc.
Recommendations
Look at travel recommendations made by other travelers. Recommendations of friends and family, or colleagues and the internet are the leading sources of information when it comes to making a decision for travel plans. Today there are several travel forums where you can read traveler reviews. These include the Trip Advisor, Safari Bookings, Your African Safari, Safari Reviews, Trust Pilot and other online travel advisory platforms rule when it comes to choosing a safari company. On these platforms, you will find reviews of those clients who have been on safari with the company you intend to select. A company with positive reviews of customers is an indicator of excellent services and a guarantee that your interests will be met. However if a company you wish to choose has less reviews, (may be its new or it uses agents), find out if it’s registered as mentioned above.
Find out the type of tours and safaris they offer if they match with your interests.
Are you interested in wildlife safaris, primate viewing such as gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, nature, and hiking, birding or cultural tours? Many safari companies provide a diversity of tours and custom made itineraries for independent or group travelers. However, for travelers who want special interest safaris such as photography, birding, mountain climbing make sure the company has expertise and experience in the respective field. In that case, a company should be able to offer logistics, knowledgeable guide who will be with you for entire trip.
Ask the right questions
Ask about the kind of accommodation facility, type of vehicle and the number of people you are likely to have on your trip. In other words, let the company clearly show you what’s included and not included on a trip. Some of these essentials you can have a look at the lodge from its website as well as see the pictures of the vehicles.
