How Do I Avoid a Poor Safari?

As the old equation goes, Happiness = Reality - Expectations.

If a safari fails, it is most likely because guest expectations have not been adequately managed somewhere between the beginning of the planning phase and the final flight. They seldom fail because nature doesn't behave as we expect it to.

I have travelled with a couple who go on 20-day, overlanding safaris with 10 other people. One night in each location, camping, helping cook and generally living at a standard marginally above that of a bush vagabond. They absolutely love it. But this is because they know exactly what they are getting into.

I have other guests who'd be left crying in the foetal position if they found themselves in anything other than sumptuous, five star luxury with at least six nights at each location. I also know there are some operators who'd flog these luxury travellers the overlanding trip.

If you don't know what you are looking for, the bumph can look remarkably similar: 'See the Big Five, all meals and drinks catered for, all accommodation, all transport, the guide, the activities.' This applies to the overlanding trip as much as it does to a six-night stay at Londolozi… but the nuance and experience are chalk and cheese.

Planning mistakes are made months before departure - too much ground covered in too little time, the wrong season for the destination, an inexperienced guide, or a safari planner who over-promised for the budget and then under-delivered.

How Many Places Should I Stay At?

Don't cram too many destinations into too few days. A common and costly mistake is trying to see four countries or five reserves in ten days. Most changes in location cost at least half a day's travel and the constant moving means less time actually on safari and less time to soak up the atmosphere and make yourself at home. The good camps endeavour to create a home away from home - impossible to achieve in 12 to 24 hours.

It's also very difficult to create a rapport with your guide or really learn the ecology of an area in just two game drives. To understand a place and allow the richness of its stories to unfold, you need at least three nights.

In general, fewer places and longer stays create a much more satisfying experience.

Does the Season Match What You Actually Want to See?

The herds of the Great Migration are in the Maasai Mara for a limited period; the Okavango Delta floods outside of the rainy season; the southern dry season concentrates wildlife around water while rains disperse wildlife but bring newborns and migrant birdlife. An operator who doesn't interrogate your needs and expectations before recommending dates isn't doing their job properly.

Are You Being Honest With Yourself About What Your Budget Can Achieve?

Let's be clear - you can visit African wildlife areas on just about any budget - but there are vast differences in what you will experience, and if you don't plan carefully, you can end up not getting the best bang for your buck. You should be honest with yourself about what you can spend, and then find an operator you trust to find the best options that fit both budget and dream.

If you google 'luxury safari camps', you will find an intimidating array of choices. All offerings will have amazing websites, offer nigh-on identical activities, great food, the best guides in Africa etc (it would seem everyone has the best guides in Africa - someone must be wrong!) These camps can cost anything from 250USD to 4500USD per person per night.

The price difference often comes from those things that aren't said - a large reserve where you can spend as much time as you like with the animals versus a tiny piece of land shared with multiple lodges such that you'll never spend more than ten minutes with a high-demand sighting.

Who's Actually Guiding You, Not Just Where You're Staying?

As I have said ad nauseum, the guide matters enormously. A safari with a beautiful camp, delicious food and a superb spa and treatment centre is lovely - but the experience will be destroyed by a disengaged guide.

What Happens When Things Don't Go to Plan?

Acts of God can seriously affect your safari - flights get delayed, weather shifts, roads flood. A good operator will have contingencies to cover just about every eventuality. More importantly, they will pick camps known to handle poor weather, flight delays etc with aplomb so that your experience may be different, but just as rich. Ask your operator directly how they handle disruptions - and find out who the point person will be on your safari - you want to make sure that if you have an emergency or any problem, there is someone at the end of the phone.

Have You Got Everything in Writing Before You Travel?

Make sure that you have a comprehensive itinerary of your trip - one that covers your time from the moment you land to the moment you wave goodbye. The itinerary should be easy to read, and contain every piece of information that you could possibly need: inclusions, exclusions, cancellation terms, tipping expectations, insurance information, contact names and numbers.

At WildEarth, every trip — whether fully bespoke or one of our scheduled departures — is built by people who know the landscapes themselves, with direct, current knowledge of the camps, the seasons, and the guides involved.

FAQ

What's the most common reason safaris disappoint travellers?
Poor planning caused by safari operators who have not taken the time to understand your dreams and don’t know the places they are sending you. 

How far in advance should I book a safari?
For peak season (particularly migration-linked travel), six to twelve months ahead is advisable, since the best camps and guides book up first.

What should I get in writing before I pay a deposit?
A full breakdown of inclusions and exclusions, cancellation and refund terms, and confirmation of the specific camps and, where possible, guides involved. You also need the sense that you have picked the right operator.