Top Tips & Common Mistakes

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Introduction

Booking a safari is one of the most exciting trips you’ll ever plan but with so many destinations, seasons, and options to choose from, it’s easy to make costly mistakes.

With 10 years of experience managing safari lodges and 10 years planning African safaris, i’ve seen the same mistakes made time and time again by travellers booking their own.

This guide highlights some of the most common pitfalls along with some top tips to help you avoid those pitfalls and book a safari of a lifetime.

The Safari Booking Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Don't forget about the park fees

    Safari costs don’t always include park and conservation fees, and these can add up quickly. In places like the Maasai Mara, fees can be as much as $200 per person, per day.

    If you haven’t factored these into your budget, you could be in for a very expensive surprise.

  • Booking a Room Without a Game Package

    Many safari lodges advertise a lower “stay only” rate alongside a “game package” rate that includes your daily gamedrives and airport pick ups.

    Always check whats included in your rate, you don’t want to arrive on safari only to discover your wildlife experience is at an extra cost.

  • Flying to the Wrong Airstrip

    Many safari destinations have several nearby airstrips, and some camps are hours apart by road.

    Double-check your itinerary and confirm exactly which airstrip your lodge uses before booking any flights or transfer.

5 Top Tips

  1. Choose a private reserve

    Escape the crowds and enjoy a more exclusive experience, with activities often unavailable in national parks, such as night game drives, guided walks, and off-road game viewing.

  2. Travel in the shoulder season

    Visiting just before or after peak season often means lower price, fewer vehicles, and fantastic wildlife viewing without sacrificing the experience.

  3. Small lodges create bigger memories

    Intimate camps and lodges offer a more personal atmosphere. You’ll get to know the guides, staff, and fellow guests, and evenings around the campfire often become the highlight of the trip.

  4. Don’t try to see everything

    It’s better to spend longer in two or three caredully chosen locations than rush between multiple parks. Less travel time means more time enjoying the wildlife.

  5. Book early

    Africa’s top safari lodges are often small, with only a handful of rooms. If you’re travelling during peak season or for a bucket-list experience like the Great Migration or gorilla trekking, booking 9-12 months ahead gives you the best choice.

Need help?
Get in touch.

Planning a sfari can feel overwhelming but you don’t have to do it alone.

I’m here to guide you every step of the way, from choosing the right destination to creating an itinerary that’s perfectly tailored to you.

kim@walkingwild.je