I’ve Been Touring to Africa for 35 Years — Right here’s What You Ought to Know Earlier than Planning Your First Journey

I first traveled to Africa once I was 5 years outdated, and I’ve returned yearly since. Irrespective of what number of occasions I’m going, I’m at all times stuffed with that very same pleasure and awe I had as somewhat boy. 

Now armed with 35 years of expertise touring the continent, I’ve some sturdy opinions on methods to plan the proper trip to this a part of the world. Listed below are 5 suggestions for anybody trying to take their first journey to Africa. 

Don’t Consider Africa as a “As soon as-in-a-Lifetime” Vacation spot

“This shall be our one and solely, once-in-a-lifetime journey to Africa” is a remark I hear so much when talking with potential vacationers. Not solely does this put huge strain on the visitor and the guide to get the journey proper, it additionally actually limits you as to what you’re going to see or do. Africa is a large continent with beautiful landscapes, fascinating cultures, superb wildlife, and distinctive experiences that deserves multiple go to. 

The mindset that Africa is a single-trip vacation spot wants to vary. Folks don’t consider Europe as a one-time vacation spot, for instance; they understand that Spain, France, and Greece are fully completely different international locations with vastly completely different appeals and cultures. The identical goes for Morocco, Kenya, and South Africa. Every has their very own distinctive providing, and the deeper you dive into every nation, the extra you’ll get out of the expertise. 

Journey to Africa in Mid- or Low season

I’m an enormous fan of touring throughout off-peak season, because it usually lets you see the parks, animals, and sights of Africa with far fewer vacationers round. That is usually the wet season, falling between November and April.

Not solely is it cheaper to journey this time of yr, however I usually discover that the workers on the lodges and camps are extra relaxed and energetic, as they’re merely not as busy. Until you’re set on experiencing a selected occasion — such because the Wildebeest river crossings in East Africa — you’ll be able to have simply nearly as good of a safari within the mid-season months, with out paying a premium for it. 

Plan Forward

Planning an ideal trip to Africa requires loads of element, and loads of time. As journey to this a part of the world turns into extra well-liked, you’re mainly reserving “final minute” if you happen to’re inside a six-month window. If you wish to keep at particular properties and have one of the best experiences potential — notably when touring with an enormous household — it’s best to ebook your journey 12 to 18 months upfront. Belief me, all of these months of anticipation will repay. 

Carry the Complete Household

Having simply taken my very own kids on their first safari, I can attest {that a} journey here’s a core reminiscence for everybody within the household. For the children, the wildlife, completely different cultures, and individuals are fascinating. And for fogeys, attending to see your children have interaction in nature and be taught one thing new whereas on trip is implausible. Africa is nice for children of all ages, making it a really stress-free journey for the mother and father, too. 

Get Out of Your Consolation Zone 

Whereas I’m a sucker for a luxurious lodge with superb meals, a personal pool, and nice service, I do urge folks to spend just a few nights in lodging that they’re not used to. This can be a tented camp within the Masai Mara or a tree home sleep out in South Africa, or you could possibly even sleep below the celebs in Botswana. For me, exploring a brand new vacation spot entails getting out of your consolation zone and doing one thing you haven’t accomplished earlier than.

Bjorn Behlert is a member of Journey + Leisure’s A-Record and makes a speciality of journeys to Africa. You may create a tailored itinerary with Behlert by contacting him at Bjorn.Behlert@scottdunn.com.