PLANNING A SAFARI

When planning a safari there are some very important key elements you need to decide upon and we need to know in order to assist you in preparing a great safari or honeymoon.

The first is “When do you want to travel?” You can travel in Zambia any month of the year but the weather may not be the best at certain times plus some properties close over the rainy season In summary: November thru to the end of March some of the safari camps are closed due to the rains, April and May some of the more remote camps start to re-open for the season and by June all are open until the end of October. Having said this there are advantageous in visiting during the “Green Season” November through to May, prices are much reduced and the numbers of people are also reduced but the wildlife does remain.

The next most important point to identify is - Your Budget. The range in price for the various properties on safari is quite considerable from about US$350 or £206 per person per night up to US$790 or £465 per person per night while the cost of staying in a hotel by the beach varies even more from US$880 or about £518 per person per night to US$65 or £39 per person per night. The safari costs do include most things except personal expenditure like your drinks bill and laundry, the local costs are not high when in Zambia. We find the average local expenditure tends to be no more than £200 per couple unless of course you buy lots of presents to bring back with you.

You will find the cost of somewhere is not a reflection of whether it is tented accommodation or brick built, it is a reflection of the experience you will have while staying there. Those smaller properties which offer a more personalised service, and those with higher standards of guides, tend to be more expensive, like anywhere in the world those who are excellent at their job of work tend to be paid more than those who are not so excellent. We do though ensure you have good value for money wherever you stay.

When considering your budget bear in mind international airfares from Europe to Africa tend to be more expensive during Christmas and the main summer season. The fares in August as a starting point can be up to £200 per person more expensive than in say June.

We design itineraries according to when you wish to travel and what your budget is, we do like to recommend places which reflect your requirements and can only do that properly if you tell us what they are.

Finally, you should note there is malaria in Zambia and you may well be advised to take anti-malarial prophylactics, please do seek the advice of your own doctor or a specialist clinic as to what prophylactics you should take. In addition it is recommended you are vaccinated against some diseases and again your doctor or a specialist clinic will be able to advise you. But do seek advice early rather than later.

We do cover the other administrative details including clothing and photography in our planning information which we send out to those booking their safari with us.