Many safari companies are advertising on the internet. All claiming to be the best, delivering unique safaris, off the beaten track. They claim to give the best value; and the sheer numbers of tour operators appearing online the situation is intimidating for anyone wanting to book a safari direct. Which company to choose? Which company can you trust? With most companies requiring payment in advance this can be a potentially hazardous decision to make with your hard earned cash. The whole idea of wanting to book direct is to save money. However, the fear for many is who can be trusted. How to tell the true safari bargain from the con? A personal recommendation of a company is probably the best way to have some peace about a potential booking of a safari company. Do not trust online recommendations many small companies make these postings of their success themselves. Word of mouth is the only way to put any weight behind a recommendation. Look to see if the company is registered with an accountable, professional tourism organization; a reputable, recognized tourist organization. Any claimed awards may look nice but not be genuine; check them out. Send off your request to a few companies. If quotes come back that are too good to be true; that that's precisely what they are. You may arrive on safari to find your car is overcrowded and you have to fight for a window seat. The game viewing will be in a vehicle that is weary from overuse and may break down. You promised itinerary will mean very little and your whole experience of an African Safari may be a sham. Look for imaginative itineraries. Companies that are interested at giving back to the community; that practice responsible tourism and doesn't just talk about it; it is important that tourism contributes to the comminutes it relies on for its continued success. A company that involves some genuine cultural involvement to add to the experience of the safari. Do not be attracted to an itinerary that shoehorns a lot into your time in Africa. The more your itinerary includes; the more hectic the schedule; the less the company knows or cares for your comfort. The only way to appreciate Africa is to do it slowly; spending more than a day at each location. Safari fatigue is caused when traveling too far in a short time with only a day at each location; soon you will be longing for the end of your safari and vowing never to return to Africa. |
