| The African Safari is on many a dream list. But it | | | | knows the animals and the roads. You are still |
| can be an expensive dream and with all the talk | | | | likely to travel very long distances but you'll see |
| about the economic down turn is it time to eBay | | | | more of the African countryside (as above) and |
| your suitcases and keep a beady eye on your | | | | you'll make major savings on air transfers and |
| pennies? I think not! It's possible to go on an | | | | accommodation - this option often provides middle |
| African safari without your bank managers | | | | range and owner-run lodges. |
| blessing! Ten tips on how to find that dream | | | | 6. Travel off season: |
| adventure holiday without breaking the bank | | | | Rates drop by as much as 40% percent in many |
| follow. It may take some research, bargain | | | | parts of Africa. The great thing about the African |
| hunting and you stepping out of your comfort | | | | bush is that there is something to experience all |
| zone but it will be worth it! | | | | you round. |
| 1. Choose less obvious game reserves: | | | | Research exactly what you will get to see and |
| Kruger in South Africa and the Mara in Kenya are | | | | ensure you are happy with that. (Note, not all |
| well known as the places to go for an African | | | | camps are open all year round mainly because of |
| Safari experience. I'm not discounting these but a | | | | the rainy season and how unforgiving it is to dirt |
| major advantage of visiting Zambia for your | | | | track roads). In Zambia off season provides a |
| safari is it's only just getting on the map. Game | | | | wonderful 'emerald season' safari, when the rivers |
| parks like North and South Luangwa have rich | | | | are at their fullest (you'll probably access the |
| animal populations and have that magical | | | | camp by boat), the landscape is bright green and |
| untouched feel. This is another way to save - | | | | in full growth and the animals are feasting - it's |
| game parks with less demand are obviously | | | | the time of abundance. |
| cheaper to visit. | | | | 7. Stay in national park lodges and government |
| 2. Search out places with weak currencies! | | | | run accommodation |
| This is especially advantageous if lodges take | | | | Okay I'm not suggesting you'll be in the lap of |
| payment in the local currency. However, more | | | | luxury - that is highly unlikely. But self-catering |
| often than not, rates are in US dollars. Of course | | | | accommodation and private bungalows can cost |
| this is still beneficial for British travellers! | | | | very little and you will still get to experience Africa |
| 3. Opt for small, owner-operated lodges: | | | | - be it in raw form. |
| Without the high overhead costs of chains, small | | | | 8. Visit the 'newbies' |
| camps are more competitive on price and | | | | We all know that well-established lodges can |
| flexibility. Zambia is a good choice for this because | | | | charge a premium but new camps need to start |
| the majority of lodges are owner operated. You'll | | | | somewhere! In order to establish their reputations |
| also get a more personalised experience with | | | | they are likely to charge less - at least initially. |
| knowledgeable people who really love what they | | | | (Zambia is a hotspot for new camps that are |
| are doing. | | | | sprouting up everywhere). |
| 4. Go for a self-drive experience: | | | | 9. Visit smaller sister camps |
| If you have sense of adventure then rent a 4X4, | | | | Many leading safari companies offer smaller sibling |
| grab a few friends, stock up on supplies and hit | | | | camps close to some of their more flagship |
| the road. It's a great experience (having done it | | | | properties. So if you can't afford magnificent |
| myself) but you'll need to be aware that African | | | | luxury then why not opt for a more rustic and |
| countries are very large and long drives on | | | | natural setting for a more honest experience of |
| bumpy roads might be tiresome. You'll also need | | | | Africa and its wildlife. |
| to respect the animals as they are wild after all. | | | | 10. Book from the other end |
| Before you set out make sure you research the | | | | If it's possible for you to book your African safari |
| roads, travel times, park fees and campsite | | | | from the country you want to visit you'll cut the |
| facilities. This method will save on air transfers and | | | | cost of international commissions often tied to the |
| will give you the real African fix. | | | | high cost of running businesses in the West. You |
| 5. Take a guided driving safari | | | | might be less comfortable using a less known |
| If the thought of driving through unknown terrain | | | | company but we did say reducing the cost of |
| in wild Africa is little too scary then you can opt | | | | your dream African Safari might involve stepping |
| for this option. You'll be driven in comfortable 4x4 | | | | outside your comfort zone right? |
| vehicles by an experienced driver-guide who | | | | |