Practical Tips for a Safari

Want to go on a safari but don't know how to go about it? The Quotatrip team has found the best practical tips for organizing your Safari in the best way: the budget, the duration, the best times to go... Here's the essentials of what you need to know to enjoy your Safari peacefully.

The Duration:

If you want to enjoy your stay and have time to discover the wildlife, we recommend staying at least 2 to 3 days. For an even more enriching experience and adventure, however, we recommend opting for a stay of 5 to 7 days. This way, you can truly appreciate nature in all its splendor and see as many animals as possible. The duration of your stay will therefore depend on your desires and your budget.

The Budget:

Contrary to popular belief, a safari is an expensive trip, starting at €200 per person. This price is explained by several factors. First of all, the park entrance is costly as they are mostly national parks where animals are protected and cared for. Then, the park visits are done in 4x4s, accompanied by a guide/driver; if you choose a French-speaking guide, the price may increase. The budget will also depend on your accommodation on-site, whether camping or in a lodge.

The Rhythm:

A safari is not a relaxing trip; on the contrary, it's a tiring journey you're about to undertake. You will have to get up early, the days are long, and it can quickly become exhausting. That's why we recommend ending your stay on a relaxing note. Spend a few days on the beautiful paradisiacal beaches that these countries also offer.

The ideal: for a week on-site: 5 days of safaris and 2 days of relaxation by the water.

Local Agency:

Safaris are highly demanded activities. We recommend going through local agencies to ensure you don't have any unpleasant surprises upon arrival. Activities on-site, such as balloon rides over the parks, are booked months in advance. Note that you cannot book this type of activity directly on-site. Going through a local agency will allow you to be advised and make the most of your stay.

Passport, Visa, and Insurance:

When traveling outside the European Union, a passport becomes essential. If you already have a passport, remember to check its expiration date; if you don't have one, be sure to make an appointment early enough. Reminder: a passport is valid for 10 years for an adult and 5 years for a minor. Beware, some destinations require that travelers' passports be valid for another 6 months after the return date.

A visa is a mandatory document for traveling to certain destinations; it allows you to visit a foreign country for a specified period. For certain Safari destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, a visa is required. To advise you and enable you to obtain your visas in the best time and conditions, we recommend our partner Rapide Visa who will be able to advise you.

To easily and cost-effectively obtain your Visa with Rapide Visa Click here

To travel with peace of mind, don’t forget to take out travel insurance so that you are covered in case of problems on-site. Axa Insurance offers comprehensive travel insurance (luggage, medical expenses abroad, 24/7 traveler assistance, medical repatriation...) that we recommend.

To get insured with Axa Travel Insurance Click here

Vaccines and Medications:

It is important to inquire beforehand with your doctor about vaccines and/or medications to take before or during the stay. Recommendations can change from one country or region to another. Malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, hepatitis... make sure your vaccines are up-to-date and consider getting boosters. Check before leaving. For all necessary health information based on your destination visit the website of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Currency:

You will be leaving the Euro zone, so check with your bank about the procedures to follow and any fees that may apply. It is strongly advised to have cash on hand. We suggest exchanging your currency in your country of departure as fees will be lower than in your country of arrival. You can exchange currency at exchange offices, through your bank or on an online currency sales site.

Important Numbers On-Site:

Here are the numbers for French embassies to have with you in case of any problems on-site.

French Embassy in Kenya: Tel: **+**254 20 760 55 55 , French Embassy in Tanzania: Tel: +255 22 219 88 00 , French Embassy in Uganda: Tel: +256 414 304 500 , French Embassy in South Africa: Tel **: +**27 12 425 1600, French Embassy in Namibia: Tel **: +**264 61 27 67 00

The Best Times to Go:

Certain periods are more favorable than others for going on safari. Depending on regions or countries these periods may vary. We have listed for you the best seasons and times to go on safaris in the five countries where our local agencies are most present to organize the best safaris for you.

Tanzania:

The best season for going on safari in Tanzania is between June and August. May being very rainy, you won’t enjoy your safari as you'd like. Moreover, if you want to combine a safari trip with relaxation, the best time to enjoy idyllic beaches starts in June.

Kenya:

In Kenya, there are only three months to avoid for animal safaris: April, May, June. All other months of the year you can see wildlife without any problem. However, some periods are more pleasant and recommended. The best period to fully enjoy your safari in Kenya is from December to March. The other months being very rainy might affect your stay.

South Africa:

The months of October and November are preferred for your safaris in South Africa.

Namibia:

In Namibia, from April to October, these are the best months for carrying out your safari under optimal conditions. Unlike other destinations, in Namibia you can enjoy good weather throughout these seven months.

Uganda:

We recommend traveling between January and February to fully enjoy safaris in Uganda. Other months may be very rainy and affect your stay.

Request a free quote from our local agencies!

Return to homepage