African Safaris Guide

Category: Safari Planning

  • How to Choose the Best African Safari

    Choosing the best African safari from the multitude of amazing sounding trips isn’t an easy thing to do. Africa is a large continent and the possibilities to explore it are endless. This magical continent features a strong hold of safari possibilities on the planet, ranging from the endless savanna grasslands to extensive deserts and zigzag deltas and so, choosing the best safari for you is something very tricky.

    However, there is a safari in Africa for everyone regardless of your wallet size or schedule. Whether you are interested in mountain gorilla trekking expeditions in Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or game viewing in the pristine wilderness areas of South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Africa has you covered. An African safari is by far a lifetime experience and that is why it is essential for you to get it right and return home when filled with lots of memories. When choosing the best African safari, it is important to put into consideration your personal type and destination preferences.

    Decide what you need to see on African safari

    In order for you to choose the best African safari, first you need know what you would like to see. This will help you know when you should travel and the destination you plan to visit. If your interest is to see mountain gorillas then gorilla trekking safari should be your bucket-list adventure. It should be noted that some wildlife prefer specific habitat and it is where they can be sighted depending on the destination you choose to visit. Mountain gorillas for instance thrive only in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. In Uganda, they live in only Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; in Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga National Park in the DR Congo.

    For starters, Africa is known for its big five game (Elephants, Buffaloes, Rhinos, Lions and Leopards). They are the iconic mammals and they can be spotted in Southern and East Africa. The popular places to catch a glimpse at these magnificent mammal species include the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Kruger National Park in South Africa. In case you need to see the black rhinos then Etosha National Park of Namibia should be a must-visit destination. Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and Chobe National Park in Botswana are exceptionally popular for their huge concentration of elephants. To witness the great wildebeest migration, Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park are the two magical destinations to consider a must-visit on African safari.

    Means of transport

    Most safaris in Africa are best conducted in a comfortable 4×4 drive safari vehicles. But for those of you who wish to get out of the usual experiences then camping, nature walks/walking safaris are exceptional options to explore and experience what Africa has to offer the world.

    You can also enjoy a self drive safari in East Africa and drive your own adventure through the famous national parks of Masai Mara, Serengeti, Tarangire, Amboseli etc. All you need is a good 4×4 car rental for your safari.

    South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is famous for its walking safari experience in the Southern Africa. For adrenaline adventures, the source of the Nile at Jinja should be a must-visit. A visit to Africa has now become easier than ever before-we have wide range of rental cars which accommodate traveler’s interest whether you are interested in a car hire with roof top tents or for large groups.

    Decide on your preferred level of independence

    As well, you need to know if you prefer traveling in a group, part of a private guided tour or as an individual. Each of these has their benefits and setbacks that is why it is essential that you choose the best that suits your personality. Group safaris covers a planned itinerary with set activities designed for each day of your trip. Given the nature of this trip, higher chances are that you will come across strangers and you may make new friends or find yourself out of place. The advantage with it is that you have opportunity to share the cost with possibility to enjoy discounts. Private guided tours are a better alternative for those of you who would like to leave the task of arranging bookings to an agency while also benefiting from the expertise of a knowledgeable guide in the bush. It offers travelers freedom to tailor their travel plans to suit within their travel interests and no need to worry about group dynamics. The disadvantage with private guided tours is that they are costly. Alternatively, you can opt for self-drive safaris that provide you absolute independence on your road trip.

    Choose the right season

    Choosing the right time to visit Africa for a holiday can save some money on your trip. In case you are interested in bird watching then December-March is preferably the best time to visit Africa. Birding is one astonishing experience offered to visitors on African safari. Africa hosts diversity of bird species including flamingos, shoe bill storks, great blue turacos, bee-eaters, king fishers, fish eagles to mention but a few.

  • Prices for Safaris in East Africa

    There are three kinds of safaris from which any intending traveler ought to make a selection the kind he/she would like to take up depending on various circumstances.The choice is always for the traveler depending on his/her desires and or budget.Below are some of the points that determines one’s safari;

    Many times a safari will be overpriced when there are too many hands involved, especially if you buy a safari package in your country of origin. There can be a marked difference between the prices of safaris and just because you are paying more, does not mean you are getting more for your money.

    Transportation costs such as fuel, vehicle and English Speaking Driver. We use Safari type vehicles that have a pop-up roof for maximum viewing of wildlife and birding on game drives. Transportation Costs make up a large part of he safari, fuel being presently at around 1.40 USD a liter. There is a difference in price between a 4Wheel Drive Safari Van or a modified Toyota Land-Cruiser.

    National Park, Wildlife Reserves, Ugandan Places of interest entrance fees, game drives, boat rides, ferry crossings, etc. They are the same no matter what price range you choose.

    Your choice of what to do while in Uganda also affect the price of your safari. If you include Gorilla Tracking the price per person on Safari has just increased by 600 USD and USD 750 for gorilla safaris in Rwanda. Chimpanzee Tracking is the next largest expense in parks ranging from 50 to 150 USD depending on where you will be tracking them plus park entrance of 35 USD per day for foreigners and then there is the vehicle and driver.

    Lodging and accommodations in Kampala and the National Parks come in three basic categories and in each one there is a certain cost range.

    Luxury accommodation can range from 200 USD per person per night to as high as 500 USD per person per night full board depending on the location, the type of accommodations available and so on. Luxury accommodations are available at most locations in or near National Parks and Wildlife Reserves.

    Mid range or Moderate rates from about 75 USD to 200 USD per night per person and are available in most locations. The difference is the decor and furnishings in the rooms, the quality of food served. A bit more basic than luxury where dinner might be 4 or 5 courses served. Some moderate accommodations are just a few dollars below up-market in certain areas and the difference in quality is miles apart but we will certainly advise you.

    Budget ranges from US$15 to US$75 per day per person. It is usually very basic and not self contained in most cases. There are some areas where budget accommodations are not advised and we will make you aware of those places.

    Full Board safaris are our standard, but in cases of budget safaris where meals have to be figured in, we simply do not do stripped down safaris that leave out important things such as food, bottled water.

    Africa may be the poorest continent on earth – however that does not make it the lowest priced continent to visit unless you are bouncing on the back of some overland truck safari where what you get a good portion of our ever-red dust, feel like you have been on a roller coaster and it turns out not at all as you have envisioned it.

    There are certain things that one is sure of by virtual of dealing with a competent and reliable tour operating company like us and below are the most striking ones;

    • Quality Vehicle with pop-up roof for best wildlife viewing.
    • Tour Guide Driver with over 5 years of experience and a safe driving record.
    • You share the vehicle with only and only your entourage.
    • On Game Drives we add a Uganda Wildlife Authority guide who knows where the wildlife is on that day and enhances your opportunities to see the most and well as furnishing you with first hand information about the park and all its habitats.
    • Only better budget facilities – often that border on being compared to a moderate facility with room that have their own bath – are clean and comfortable – no bed bugs allowed.
    • Normally budget facilities that have a good restaurant with nice meals and a variety of choices are picked.
    • There is always bottled water on board of vehicle for your consumption.
    • The cost normally includes all permits and entrance fees – no fine print here or the words exclusive of.
    • An itinerary is always provided to you detailing all the areas to be visited such that you are well acquainted with the flow of the journey.
    • If you are going on 5 or longer day safari,you are given a mobile phone to use in order to stay in touch with your tour guide at all times, and the companies’ office and with your family as well.

  • 6 Common Questions Safari Planners Ask About Uganda

    Many travelers planning to take an African safari ask questions about the destinations they are intending to visit. Are you planning to take a safari in Uganda? Here are 6 practical questions to help you plan a perfect holiday in Uganda.

    Where do guests stay while on a safari to Uganda?

    Many of the tourists who travel to Uganda ask about which type of accommodation they will sleep in , this happens because they don’t know that Uganda offers variety of accommodation facilities that include; Hotels, guest houses, inns, resorts, camps and hostels. All these are rated based on luxury, mid-range and budget. This also depends on the choice of the quest since they differ in prices. Most of the national parks offer lodges as well as tented camps which are both inside and outside the park. For Bwindi impenetrable National park, each of the sector in this park has got variety of different lodges as well as camps that facilitate the tourists interested in gorilla tracking. The accommodation facilities can be booked through a tour operator or can be reserved directly at the facility websites.

    When to go for a trip in Uganda?

    This is one of the many questions asked regarding any tour in Uganda. The answer to this question is that you can visit Uganda at any time of the year! Even though the difference may vary in price since there are two different seasons; this includes; the peak season of June to September and December to February, in this season, the price of both the lodges and the permits is so high and it’s called a high season. In the low season of March to May and September to November, the prices of the gorilla permits are low as well as the lodges.

    Even though the guests are encouraged to visit at any time of the year and the rains shouldn’t stop you from coming to Uganda for a safari. You will also need the right tour wear for gorilla trekking like the rain jacket, long sleeved trousers, boots and the long sleeved shirts. During the low season of April, May and November, Uganda Wildlife Authority reduces the cost of the gorilla permits so as to attract more tourists to go gorilla tours in the low season.

    It’s also recommended that the tourists should visit the country during the dry season which is from January to February and then from June to September, it is because game viewing is best done during this season when the animals gather to drink water. Bird watching is done throughout the year, and from November to April, when there are migrant species in the country.

    How much does an African safari cost?

    The safari costing mainly depends on the type of accommodation that is chosen, the gorilla permits costs $ 600 and the accommodation costs are from $150 to $900 and this mainly depends in which facility you will decide to stay in.one of the most cheapest gorilla trekking safari is $1200 per person and a wildlife safari to Murchison or to Queen Elizabeth National park is roughly $1000 per person for the budget travellers. Those tourists who are willing to travel in groups, the price becomes low and you will end up saving money in case you are traveling two people.

    Are the people of Uganda Hospitable?

    Uganda is known for being the friendliest country for the tourists. The people will welcome all the visitors from any park of the world to come to this lovely so as to explore the beauty of Uganda. Even though any country has its own negatives, Uganda has remained friendly to all who have got a chance of visiting this country. This country is gifted with nature and friendly kind people with unique and rich cultural Heritage. Many of the visitors have tipped many Ugandans due to their simplicity, Kindness and open handedness. The country welcomes everyone including the guy people.

    What’s the weather like on any Ugandan safari?

    Weather is one if the main reasons why the people have come to Uganda. This perfect weather has made Uganda one of the leading tourist destination in Africa. Uganda experiences a temperature type of climate which makes it easy for the tourists to enjoy the different tourist activities all throughout the year. The activities include; gorilla trekking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, chimpanzee trekking and many more. Uganda’s perfect weather mainly depends on many factors including; the strategic location of the country on the Equator as well as the geographical altitude which provides the country with an ever green attribute features. This country is also famous to be endowed with Mother Nature and also having very friendly happy people with rich culture hence being named the pearl of Africa.

    What safari company to choose?

    Uganda as a country has many safari companies and most of these offer tours in both Uganda and Rwanda, these offer wildlife tours as well as gorilla trekking. Some of these companies offer tours in Kenya and Tanzania. When choosing a good and an effective tour company in Uganda, it’s so important to note that these companies belong to any of the reputable associations like Tourism Uganda, Association of Uganda’s tour operators, Africa Operators and many more.