A safari experience is often found high on people’s bucket lists; however, many envision high prices and fear it won’t fit into their budget. Follow the tips below and we will have you on those game drives in no time!
From spotting the Big 5 on game drives in South Africa and camping out in the Okavango Delta in Botswana to trekking with gorillas in Uganda, there is an incredible variety of ways to experience a safari. By carefully considering what you wish to experience and wildlife you hope to see will allow you to get the most out of your travels and allow you to better plan out your budget.
.jpg "Aerial view of Okavango Delta, Botswana")
The best time to go on safari can differ considerably between destinations. You may wish to witness the Great Migration in either Kenya or Tanzania but the months to see the migration is different in each country (mid-August to mid-October for Kenya and June to July for Tanzania). In terms of budget the Great Migration is also a peak time to travel which will mean higher prices so you may opt for a shorter trip to keep the cost down. Another good consideration is whether to visit in shoulder or low season, as in most places you can still experience some great game viewing but will benefit from fewer crowds and lower prices!
There are many budget friendly ways to experience a safari and joining a guided group adventure tour is a great option to consider! Travelling on a group tour offers fantastic value for money, the chance to meet like-minded people and the advantage of being accompanied by an expert guide. Many group tours also travel overland, encompassing multiple countries, so you can continue ticking off that bucket list whilst saving on expensive flights! If you are after more flexibility, then a self-drive journey can be a great, cost-effective way to travel and is popular across countries such as Namibia or South Africa.
Considering the above tips will provide great clarity on what you wish to experience and allow you to decide how to delegate your budget in the best way. Consider mix and matching your experiences, for example visiting Botswana may be non-negotiable for you but lodges can be expensive - you could therefore consider wild camping here as part of a guided group tour to keep the cost down, but then combining it with a lodge stay in South Africa where you can find exceptional value for money.
Planning a trip can be overwhelming, but we are on hand to help! Our consultants will provide useful tips and advice from their own travels and will also go through the relevant visas and vaccinations you may need. When booking with Trailfinders you also receive a discount on your vaccinations at our Travel Clinic which leaves more funds for activities whilst you are away. We also have access to fantastic and exclusive deals to ensure you get the best value for money on your trip!
.jpg "Masai giraffe in front of Kilimanjaro mountain in Amboseli National Park, KenyaRef")
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Emily Peopall
Procurement Manager
Emily is a Procurement Manager based in our Kensington head office. Emily has worked at TF since 2020 and has travelled to 45 countries and trying to hit 50 by the end of the year! Her favourite destinations include South Africa, India and Vietnam.
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