How to Choose the Right Safari Company (and avoid costly mistakes)

Safari. The very word conjures images of vast savannahs, close encounters with magnificent wildlife, and sunsets that paint the sky in impossible hues.

Choosing the right safari company, it turns out, is a minefield of potential pitfalls, and a costly one at that if not navigated with care.

Having experienced both sides, the well organised safari and the very poorly organised safari, I feel compelled to share my insights and help others avoid the fiascos I have, on far too many occasions, stumbled into.

My very first safari experience, admittedly involved very little planning. I was already in Tanzania (volunteering) in a small little village known as Tunga Malenga, a village that happened to be the gateway to a little known National Park called Ruaha. 

We were coming to the end of our volunteering stint and wanted to experience a safari for ourselves. Having no prior experience and not knowing what to expect we hire a guide and car upon a reccommendation from the family we were staying with and one day ater 6am we were at the park gates paying our entry fees. 

The safari was every bit as amazing as I had hoped it woudl be and from then on I was hooked and couldn’t wait for my next safari hit! Don’t get me wrong it did come with a few, not so amazing bits. Namely the car not starting up again while we were parked next to a pride of lions, genuienly I couldn’t make this up. But it all added to the wonderful story of my first ever safari experience and I was itching to do it all again. 

Since then I have had hundreads more safari experiences from single day trips to 3 month long expeditions in our kitted out land cruiser. Self driving from Malawi, through Namibia to South Africa and then back again from South Africa, through Mozambique to Tanzania. 

Each safari is, of course, a unique experience and each one is memorable for it’s own reasons, some good some bad. One particularly bad one stands out. It was the first time my mum had come to visit me in Tanzania and I wanted to take her on the ‘Northern Safari circuit’. You know the one, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, the one that is on everyones bucket list. 

I was a teacher at the time so not exactly rolling in money so it did it ‘budget style’. I’m talking full on pitching a tent and sleeping on the floor (poor mum). There were a number of thing that went wrong that trip. From waiting hours at  one of the park gates as the company had done the permits wrong, consequently having to rush through to the accomodation as it was getting dark. Our clothes getting wet as they were on top of the car and it rained a lot! Also our car getting stuck and having to wait for another car to pull us out of the mud on a few occassions. Anyway it’s a good story looking back now but I would never put my mum through that again. 

Now my mum gets to enjoy bespoke safaris with trusted providers or my husband and myself as her guide! And you get to learn from my mistakes and my many years of safai experience so you don’t have to make the same mistakes as me! 

Let’s take a look at some of the things you need to consider when planning your own safari experience. 

Defining Your Safari Style and Budget

This is, perhaps, the most crucial first step. You have to be brutally honest with yourself about what you truly wanted from a safari and, more importantly, what you could realistically afford. There’s a dazzling spectrum of safari experiences on offer, and each comes with a vastly different price tag.

• Luxury Lodge Safaris: These are the epitome of comfort and indulgence, often featuring opulent accommodation, gourmet dining, and private game drives. 
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• Mid-Range Tented Camps: Offering a good balance of comfort and an authentic “under canvas” experience, these camps often provide en-suite facilities and a decent level of service without the exorbitant cost of pure luxury.
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• Budget Overland Tours: These are typically more adventurous, involving camping in dome tents and often participating in camp chores. While excellent for the budget-conscious and those seeking rugged adventure, after my first one I quickly decided this wasn’t really for me anymore. 
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• Private vs. Group Safaris: A private safari offers unparalleled flexibility and intimacy, but again, the cost can be prohibitive for solo travellers or small groups. A small group safari, offered a good compromise, it allows for shared costs while maintaining a sense of exclusivity.

You also need to consider the type of activities you want to do. Is it purely about game drives, or  are you also interested in walking safaris, hot air balloon rides, or cultural village visits? 

Here are some other activites you can do while on your safari holiday: 

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• Walking safari
• Hot air balloon safari – particularly amazing if done in the Serengeti during the migration 
• Lion tracking 
• Meeting the anti poaching team including the sniffer dogs 
• beading, traditional cooking with the Maasai 
• coffee and tea plantation and tasting 
• swimming with whale sharks 
• E-biking safari 
• horse riding safaris 
• the list goes on…. 
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Destination, Season, and Wildlife Preferences

This is where the dream really started to take shape. East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania) and Southern Africa (Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe) are the two main safari hubs, each offering distinct experiences and wildlife.

• East Africa: Famous for the Great Migration, vast savannahs, and iconic animals. Think of witnessing millions of wildebeest and zebras thunder across the plains. To this day after hundreads of safaris, whitnessing these great herds in real life is still one of my favourite wildlife sightings. 
• Southern Africa: Known for its more diverse landscapes, including the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Kruger National Park in South Africa, and Victoria Falls. This region also offers excellent opportunities for walking safaris and water-based activities.

The next thing to think about is the time of year. The “best” time to visit a particular region often coincides with the dry season, when animals congregate around water sources and are easier to spot. However, this also means higher prices and more tourists.

 The “shoulder seasons” (just before or after the peak) can offer a good balance of wildlife viewing, fewer crowds, and slightly lower prices. The “green season” or rainy season, while sometimes offering incredible scenery and birdlife, can make wildlife spotting more challenging.

Knowing which animals you most wanted to see will also informed your choice. While the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) are always sought after, if you have a particular facination with cheetahs, wild dogs, or rhino for example, then different national parks and reserves offer better chances of spotting specific species.

Vetting Safari Companies: 

With a clearer picture of your ideal safari, the real work of sifting through countless safari operators began. This stage is critical, as a good company can make or break your trip, while a bad one can lead to immense disappointment and financial loss.

Reputation and Reviews: The Digital Word-of-Mouth

The first port of call for me is always word of mouth, nothing, for me, can be a reccommendation from a trusted friend. If someone I trust has had a safari experience which they enjoyed wholeheartedly and have reccommended it to me, what reason do I have to go looking through the thousand of other companies out there and risk getting a bad one.

After that it was a case of speaking directly to the company and seeing if we are a good fit, can they offer what I am looking for, do they know what I want more than even I do?

After that you can speak directly with others who has taken a trip organised by them and get a general consensis for the company and decide to go for it or not. 

Of course there are also online reviews, 

• Look for Authenticity: I paid close attention to the language used in reviews. Generic, overly positive reviews without specific details raised a red flag. I sought out reviews that offered genuine anecdotes and detailed accounts of their experiences.
• Check for Recent Reviews: A company might have a stellar reputation from years ago, but service can decline. I prioritised recent reviews to get an up-to-date picture.
• How do they Handle Complaints? Seeing how a company responds to negative feedback can be very telling. Do they dismiss it, or do they offer genuine apologies and solutions?

Beyond general review sites, I also looked for mentions of specific companies in reputable travel blogs and articles. Often, experienced travel writers will have an inside track on which operators consistently deliver outstanding experiences.

Communication and Transparency: What to Expect Before You Go

Once you have a list of potential companies, the real engagement began. This phase is all about asking direct questions and assessing how effectively and honestly the company communicate. A responsive and transparent company is a good indicator of their overall professionalism.

Itinerary Details and Flexibility

A good safari company should provide a detailed, day-by-day itinerary that clearly outlines accommodation, activities, distances travelled, and game drive durations. Pay close attention to the following:

• Specificity of Accommodation: Is it just “luxury tented camp” or a named camp? I wanted to research the specific camps they proposed to ensure they met my standards.
• Pacing and Travel Time: Some itineraries look exciting on paper but involve excessive travel time between locations, leaving little time for actual safari activities. I wanted a good balance.
• Included vs. Excluded: What’s covered in the price? This is where hidden costs can creep in. I needed to know about park fees, conservation levies, tipping guidelines, international and domestic flights, visas, travel insurance, and alcoholic beverages. Requesting a comprehensive breakdown was essential.
• Flexibility: You need a company that can tailor an itinerary to your specific interests. Is there room for customisation, or are they rigid with their standard packages?

The best companies were happy to iterate on itineraries and provide comprehensive answers to your questions, demonstrating expertise and willingness to accommodate.

Vehicle and Guide Quality: The Pillars of Your Safari Experience

These two elements are arguably the most critical for an enjoyable and safe safari. Your safari vehicle is your mobile home for much of the trip, and your guide is your window into the wild.

• Safari Vehicles: Enquired about the type of vehicles used (e.g., 4×4 Land Cruisers or Land Rovers), their age, and their maintenance schedule. Are they custom-built for safaris with pop-up roofs for optimal viewing? Is there a limit on the number of passengers per vehicle to ensure everyone has a window seat and ample space? Are they equipped with charging points, fridges for cold drinks, and first aid kits?
• Safari Guides/Driver-Guides: This is where expertise truly shines. You need to know about their experience, their qualifications (e.g., KPSGA Bronze, Silver, or Gold certification in Kenya), and their local knowledge. Do they speak fluent English (or my preferred language)? What is their approach to ethical wildlife viewing? Do they have dedicated guides or do they use third-party freelancers. A company that invests in its own well-trained and experienced guides is often a sign of quality.

Contracts, Payments, and Travel Insurance: Protecting Your Investment

Having found a company that ticked all the boxes, the final hurdle was securing my booking and ensuring my investment was protected. This is not the time to skim through the fine print.

Understanding the Terms and Conditions

Before signing anything, meticulously read the contract. It should clearly outline:

• Payment Schedule: Deposit requirements, final payment deadlines, and accepted payment methods.
• Cancellation Policy: What are the penalties if I need to cancel my trip at various stages? This is often a significant percentage of the total cost, so understanding it is crucial.
• Refund Policy: Under what circumstances are refunds issued?
• Liability: What are the company’s liabilities in case of unforeseen circumstances, accidents, or third-party issues?

If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. A reputable company will be happy to explain their terms in detail. It is also advisable to keep copies of all correspondence and payment receipts.

Essential Travel Insurance

This is non-negotiable. Travel insurance is your safety net against a multitude of potential problems.

• Comprehensive Coverage: Your policy needs to cover medical emergencies, emergency evacuation (especially important for safaris in remote areas), trip cancellation or interruption, lost luggage, and personal liability.
• Specific Safari Coverage: Some standard policies might have exclusions for certain adventure activities. Double-checked that your policy specifically covered safari activities.
• “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) Option: While often more expensive, a CFAR policy provides the ultimate flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly for a reason not covered by standard cancellation policies.
• Rescue Flying Ambulance: Bush camps are by definition, located in remote areas. Should you need medical addistance fast then you need to ensure you take out flying ambulance cover which will evacuate you and get you to hospoital as fast as possible. 

In conclusion, choosing the right safari company is a complex, multi-faceted decision that requires considerable time and effort.

It’s not a transaction to be rushed. That is why I have done all the hard work for you. From over 10 years of experience living, working and exploring various countries on the African continent I have partnered with trustworthy, reputable safari companies that go above and beyond to deliver the best safari expeirence to exceed your expectations. 

You can avoid the costly and timely mistales that I had to endure on many safaris and book with peace of mind knowing that your unforgettable adventure is in safe hands. 

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

Book a Safari Consultation Call

FAQs

1. What should I consider when choosing a safari company?

When choosing a safari company, consider factors such as their reputation, experience, customer reviews, safety record, and the quality of their guides and vehicles.

2. How can I avoid costly mistakes when selecting a safari company?

To avoid costly mistakes, research multiple safari companies, compare their offerings and prices, read customer reviews, and ask for recommendations from friends or travel forums. 

3. What are some red flags to watch out for when choosing a safari company?

Red flags to watch out for when choosing a safari company include poor customer reviews, lack of transparency about pricing and inclusions, safety concerns, and a company that pressures you to make a quick decision.

4. What are some important questions to ask a safari company before booking a trip?

Before booking a trip with a safari company, ask about their experience, safety measures, the qualifications of their guides, the types of vehicles they use, what is included in the price, and their cancellation and refund policies.

5. Why is it important to choose the right safari company?

Choosing the right safari company is important to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, to make the most of your time and money, and to support ethical and sustainable tourism practices in the destinations you visi