Planning a DIY trip to Africa is anything but simple: you need to think about the right time to go, your budget, the activities you want to do, flights, getting around…
In short, it can be quite a hassle—enough to drive even the most zen travel planner a little crazy.
But after the bad news, there’s always some good news! First: organizing a DIY safari is complicated, but not impossible. Second: you’re reading the right article.
Five tips to help you organize your next safari in South Africa
How to book a safari in South Africa: some general information
South Africa is considered a safari paradise. Of course, it may not be the best place if you want a truly solitary safari experience without ending up surrounded by hundreds of other people (South Africa is beautiful, but it can be a bit crowded!).
From the world-famous Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands to the lesser-known Karoo, and all the way to family-friendly experiences in the Western Cape, there is an incredible range of wildlife experiences.
For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, self-drive safari itineraries are an excellent choice.
That’s exactly the format our safaris follow, which means you can drive yourselves (but don’t worry, it’s not mandatory! If you prefer, you can just focus on choosing the right playlist for the mood of the trip).
In short, when planning where to go on safari in South Africa, you need to consider what you want to get out of the experience. Some people prefer luxury lodges and should therefore head to high-end reserves like Sabi Sands. Others want to venture deep into the savannah and spot the Big Five, and may want to consider the birdlife of KwaZulu-Natal or the cheetahs of the Karoo.
Part of the thrill of going on safari in South Africa is precisely the chance to get close to some of the most impressive animals in the world.
1. Know when you want to go
In Africa, timing is everything. Most of the continent’s best safari experiences depend entirely on natural factors, such as seasonal rainfall. This means that your preferred travel dates will make a huge difference to your itinerary: you don’t want to find yourself in the Serengeti when the millions of wildebeest are already grazing on fresh grass in the Masai Mara!
Knowing how many days you want to spend in Africa and what time of year you want to go is very important when you begin planning your itinerary.
This not only affects what you’ll see and experience, but it also has a major impact on your budget. If the goal of your safari is a seasonal event, the best places to experience it will likely be booked well in advance, which means you need to know your ideal travel dates as soon as you start planning.
If you decide to travel with Sto Gran Tour, all you need to do is choose the trip you’re interested in and match your vacation time with the dates published on the website. Once you have access to your personal area, you’ll find all the information you need.
In other words, no stress at all—we’ve taken care of everything!
2. Know where you want to go
Start by having a specific goal for your safari. Maybe, ever since you were a child, you’ve dreamed of seeing gorillas or all of the Big 5 in the wild.
Which animals or experiences are at the heart of your dream safari? The answer will most likely help determine your ideal destination.
Ask yourselves:
- Where is the best place to see the animal you most want to see?
- Where is the best place to experience what interests you the most?
Once you have a main destination and approximate travel dates, you can explore which attractions and experiences pair well with your goal.
This is the first reason why we curate and publish trips during pre-established periods. Take a look at our South Africa trip to discover which places and attractions work well together logistically, and to get a general idea of the per-person costs.
You will most likely enrich your safari goal with additional places and experiences, creating your wish list that will turn an itinerary into an amazing and unforgettable journey.
If, on the other hand, you still don’t have a specific safari goal, we recommend that you do a little research to find out what truly interests you.
3. Have a budget estimate
Going on safari in Africa is not cheap.
Even though there is a wide range of itineraries and travel styles available, the logistics of a safari in South Africa are very complex. It’s also worth remembering that safari lodges must provide excellent service, food, and accommodation in very remote destinations, and this costs much more than offering the same standard of comfort in a large city.
By traveling with us at Sto Gran Tour, for example, you’ll already have an idea of the cost per person, including extra expenses. Take a look at all the prices at this link!
4. Know your travel style
Travel style is a matter of personal preference and depends on the people you intend to travel with, your budget, and the amount of time you have available for the trip.
If your budget is limited, you’ll want the most affordable options. If you have little time available, you’ll want the most efficient travel logistics.
5. Temperatures will change quickly and quite dramatically
To begin with, it will be fairly cold in the morning. Halfway through, the sun will come out and it will suddenly get very hot, with temperatures reaching 30°C! The opposite happens during the evening drive, so the advice is always to dress in layers: layer your clothing.
Put your layers on in the morning and remove them gradually as the day gets brighter and warmer; in the evening, instead, keep them with you so you can wrap up little by little when the evening chill starts to set in.
Conclusions
In this article, we decided to share a few tips to help you book your next safari in South Africa.
However, if you don’t feel like stressing over planning the trip and everything that comes with it, take a look at our organized tour in South Africa.
Ready to pack your backpack?
