Going on an African Safari is on just about everyone’s bucket list. A safari is one of the most exciting types of tours in the world; seeing wild animals in their natural habitat is truly extraordinary. However, to experience this can cost a bundle. KeenHistory has some tips on going on safari, and here are ten ways to do this on a budget.
- Get together a compatible group of people to travel together. This will allow you to stay at a lodge designed for groups which is less expensive per person. It's a great way to save some money on board and lodging. The Eastern Cape and Waterberg offer cheaper accommodations for groups and - bonus - is practically malaria-free.
- Watch where you go. If you plan to visit several destinations, keep an eye out for places to avoid. Research the places to go to and those you should avoid.
- Long Stay Rates. Most of the safari lodgings offer lower rates for longer stays, like four days for the price of three. Other accommodations offer benefits, like points and rate discounts, if you decide to stay at their camp sites. Talk to a tour handler about these options.
- Check out the immediate vicinity outside of the city you are staying in and visit nearby National Parks and natural park where wildlife is located. These are interesting and inexpensive to access. Aside from money, this tip will also save you time. The less time you spend on travel, the more time you spend seeing the animals. Search for the best wildlife parks online.
- Look for accommodations near national parks. These are more reasonably priced than those located within the park boundaries. Lodging within the park is two to three times more expensive in part because they include several days of park entrance fees.
- Eat cheap. The best way to do this is simply to eat where your safari driver eats. Restaurants meant for tourists are over-priced. The canteens where these drivers eat are priced for locals. All you need to do is look around the hotel premises and you will discover where the employees eat.
- Travel during non-peak season. This is one of the best ways to save, particularly on lodging -- off peak travel is as much as 40 percent less expensive than travel during peak season. May to September are the non-peak months in Africa.
- Look for accommodations that are flexible. Some accommodations combine a few days stay in a hotel with an option to go camping in the park’s campsite. You save money, since paying for these accommodations separately costs more. Bonus: you will get to meet more people, mingle and have fun with them all night if you wish.
- Beware of name brand tour companies. They may charge more than lesser known companies that can offer the same amenities as their more established competitors but at lower prices. Be certain to read reviews, however, and fully vet any agency before sigtning on the dotted line.
- Get the best deals that you can find for your lodging and airfare by scheduling your trip on the dates that offer the lowest rates. Establish a budget and shop around to stay within it.
Have a fabulous African Safari!
