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I first traveled to Africa once I was 5 years outdated, and I’ve returned yearly since.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 instances I am going, I’m all the time crammed with that very same pleasure and awe I had as a bit boy. 

Now armed with 35 years of expertise touring the continent, I’ve some robust opinions on how one can plan the proper trip to this a part of the world. Listed here are 5 suggestions for anybody seeking 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 rather a lot when talking with potential vacationers. Not solely does this put monumental stress on the visitor and the marketing consultant 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, wonderful wildlife, and distinctive experiences that deserves a couple of go to. 

The mindset that Africa is a single-trip vacation spot wants to vary. Individuals don’t consider Europe as a one-time vacation spot, for instance; they notice 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 means that you can see the parks, animals, and sights of Africa with far fewer vacationers round. That is sometimes 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. Except you’re set on experiencing a particular 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 plenty of element, and plenty of time. As journey to this a part of the world turns into extra well-liked, you’re principally reserving “final minute” if you happen to’re inside a six-month window. If you wish to keep at particular properties and have the most effective experiences doable — significantly when touring with an enormous household — it is best to e-book your journey 12 to 18 months prematurely. Belief me, all of these months of anticipation will repay. 

Convey the Complete Household

Having simply taken my very own youngsters 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 persons are fascinating. And for folks, attending to see your youngsters have interaction in nature and be taught one thing new whereas on trip is implausible. Africa is nice for youngsters of all ages, making it a really enjoyable journey for the dad and mom, too. 

Get Out of Your Consolation Zone 

Whereas I’m a sucker for a luxurious lodge with wonderful meals, a personal pool, and nice service, I do urge individuals 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 would even sleep below the celebrities in Botswana. For me, exploring a brand new vacation spot includes getting out of your consolation zone and doing one thing you haven’t executed earlier than.

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