How to Plan an Inexpensive Safari Vacation

If you're looking for a unique vacation this year, why not try a safari? They aren't as expensive as one might imagine and you are bound to see and do things you wouldn't find elsewhere. The goal is to find a safari that fits your budget and time constraints, but if you have a computer and an Internet connection, this won't be difficult at all. Safari companies are always competing for more customers, which puts you in an attractive position to bargain your way into an inexpensive safari vacation.

Assess Your Risk Tolerance
While most safaris aren't inherently dangerous, you do take on a certain amount of risk. For example, if you want to tour a remote section of the Middle East on camels, you'll not only be dealing with the unpredictability of animals, but also with a politically unstable region of the world. If you're taking your family on a safari, you might want to opt for a less dangerous excursion into the wilderness to avoid potential calamity. Regardless, you should know that travel insurance is often required by safari companies.

Determine Your Budget
While finding an inexpensive safari shouldn't be too difficult, you should have a budget in mind before you go searchin'. Take into account the airfare or travel accommodations to get to where you are going as well as meals, the safari price and any other expenses you might incur. Keep in mind that safari companies often offer family discounts, but that travel insurance will probably up the price somewhat. Remember also that certain times of year are more expensive to travel, such as the weekends during the summer.

In most cases, safaris cost between $50 and $100 per person per day, so keep that in mind. You can find them for as little as $15 per day, but you also want to have a positive experience.

Decide on a Destination
The next step in the process of planning a safari vacation is to determine your destination. The most popular destination for safaris is Africa, though you can find them in many other countries and areas. Some destinations will be safer than others and offer a lower risk to you and your family. You should also consider your physical endurance as many safaris require walking for miles with a heavy back on your shoulders. If you'll be taking children, you should probably choose a less demanding destination.

Research Safari Companies
If you aren't familiar with safaris, your best bet is to talk with your local travel agent about your options. Going through a travel agency will often give you access to discounts that you wouldn't have been able to find on your own, and you'll generally find safer companies with which to travel. You can also use the Internet for your research, though there aren't any guarantees as to quality when you just find a listing on the 'Net. Some good places to start are Go2Africa.com and OnSafari.com.

Consider Accommodations
Remember that the price of your safari will not usually include things like lodging and food. If you want to "rough it", you might be able to simply camp, which might cost less money. However, if you want the comfort of a soft bed and room service, you'll need to fit hotels into your budget, as well.