Planning a Safari

For people who love traveling, Africa is one of the continents that many tourists desire to tour at least once in their lifetime. However many are not able to do so due to the high costs involved. But with the right planning one can be able to greatly cut the unnecessary costs.There are several ways one can arrange a safari. One can buy a package available from tour and travel companies or you can have them customize a safari for you. Alternatively you can arrange everything for yourself. Many people prefer the former two alternatives as they are less consuming and all you have to do is choose a destination and a company to arrange the safari for you.

Those who choose to plan everything for themselves mostly do it as they believe that it is a much cheaper alternative, however this is not necessarily the case as a lot of research s required and can be costly. An idea would be to travel as a group and share out the cost of vehicle rental, and some tourist establishments do offer discounts for group travel.

Whichever method one chooses to plan their Safari there are several things that one needs to consider before embarking on the trip.

Destination
The first thing is to choose where you want to go for your Safari. You may consider factors such as your hobbies, likes and preferences to help you decide where you want to go. Do you want to go on an adventure tour, sightseeing, wildlife safari, mountain climbing or visit the beach? Once you have decided on what you are interested in then search different destinations that offer your type of tour and pick one. Consult with reputable organizations in your chosen destination.
Gather information from companies in the tours and travel industry in the destination you have settled on to enable you know more on what to expect. This will make you familiar with where you are going even if it will be your first time. You will also learn more on the activities available at the destination.

Peak and Off Peak Seasons
In some areas especially in Africa there are certain months that the tourist destinations experience high season meaning that tour services will be more expensive them as more people will be visiting. It is good to consider whether you want to travel during the high or low seasons.

Transportation
Research on the available modes of transport to and from your chosen destination. Inquire on the legal issues involved while travelling to that destination such as the travel documents that will be required. Compare the cost of the available modes of transportation and pick one that suites you. If you need to book vehicles, do so in good time.

Accommodation
Just like transport, consider what kind of accommodation you want. Will you be staying in a hotel, will you go camping or will you rent a cottage? Again make your bookings early.
Apart from accommodation and transport you will have to budget for food, buy or rent camping equipment and maybe even have to hire a local guide to show you around.

What to Pack
The following will give you an idea of some of the things you will need to bring. But remember not to carry a lot, consider buying some things at your destination.
1. Essentials
Passport, Air tickets, Vaccination cards, money, credit cards (mastercard/visa) and traveler’s cheques.

2. Clothing
Light clothing (long pants for walking in bush), walking or hiking shoes, hats and sunglasses. Remember you pack a sweater for the nights or for those going to cold areas. You may also need a swim suit.

3. Equipment
Camera, film (if you use it), binoculars, battery chargers and a flashlight.

4. Sundries
Sun block, sunglasses, sun hat, insect repellent, anti-malaria tablets and a day pack (small backpack).

General security issues
Make sure you are aware of any security issues concerning your preferred destination and remember to exercise caution when traveling around.

Languages
Know the native language used by the natives in your preferred destination, if it is different from yours you can possibly learn a few of the common terms that will help you find your way during the Safari. You can also pack a language dictionary for easy translation.

Finding Cheap Accommodation in Kenya

Finding a deal on good accommodation facilities in Kenya especially for non-locals can be quite a daunting task and many people end up using more money that they should. To be able to get discount deals, be thorough, flexible and know where to look and what to ask. Keep in mind that you are bargaining for a below the normal inflated figure and off-season rates. Do not accept the first offer negotiate your way to a better deal. Remember, looking for budget hotels in Kenya doesn’t mean looking for cheap hotels in Kenya. You can get great options on a budget that are still very luxurious.

The easiest way to save money on accommodation is to plan your vacation earlier in advance and during the off-season, or midweek when hotel rates are far cheaper due to less demand. Browse through listings and know when different destinations have their off peak dates and start from there. How much time you’ll be spending in your actual hotel might affect whether you want to find something very luxurious like a spa resort such as Baobab Beach Resort and Spa or whether you want to pick one of the discount hotels Kenya has to offer. That is one of the great things about Kenya – there are so many lodging and accommodation options that you can choose from, so you are sure to get one you like. Then you can enjoy the beautiful sites that you have traveled all that way to see.

There are many available kinds of accommodation in Kenya that you can choose from depending on your budget. If you are on middle to low budget you can consider family bungalows/ guest houses, estate hotels, country lodges, country hotels or bed and breakfast establishments which are reasonably priced, comfortable and with basic amenities as compared to resorts and city/modern hotels that are more costly. Students can consider backpackers a budget accommodation. Other types of accommodation include bush & game Lodges, colonial/heritage hotels and rest camps. Another way recommended for cutting accommodation cost is group camping. Kenya has very many camping sites to suite your needs especially in hotels in Naivasha.

You can easily find discount hotel deals by booking your room via the internet. Many hotels offer discounts for commission-free online transactions and have special arrangements with thousands of hotels, offering room rates you can't get on your own. Beware of hidden costs.

Nivasha Country Club