Planning a Drive on the Garden Route

More and more safari-goers are choosing the self-drive option, as it gives them the freedom to explore the gorgeous scenery that you can only find in Africa. If your safari is going to include a stop in South Africa, and you’re interested in driving yourself around the country, you might consider taking a ride on the Garden Route.

 

One of the most popular roads for tourists in South Africa, driving the Garden Route is a great way to view the country’s natural beauty while having an unforgettable adventure. Here are some tips for planning a drive on the Garden Route that you should keep in mind when you’re booking your next African safari.

 

Why Drive the Garden Route?

Before we go into planning your journey on the Garden Route, it’s important to explain why you should consider including this drive on your African safari. The benefit of driving this beautiful stretch is being able to see the wide range of scenery that has made South Africa one of the most popular travel destinations in the entire world.

 

On this drive, you’ll see towering mountains, lush forests and pristine beaches, everything you could want out of a scenic drive. The Garden Route also features several world-class wineries where you can stop in for a delicious glass of wine.

 

Planning Your Drive

The Garden Route is a nearly 200-mile drive from start to finish, taking you through both the Eastern and Western capes of South Africa. Because the drive is so long, it can be hard to see everything that you want, particularly if you’re working with limited time. Before you hit the road, it’s important that you plan out your trip so that you don’t miss any of the sights.

 

What you can see on drive depends on where you start your journey. For example, if you start your drive on the Western Cape, and are looking for invigorating physical activities, your first stop should be Swellendam, where you can find several excellent hiking trails. The best adventure spot on the eastern end of the route is Storms River, which offers mountain biking, kayaking and even bungee jumping.

 

If you’re not sure about where you should go on the Garden Route, it’s a good idea to ask a local or an experienced traveler about the best spots to visit. With a little advice, you should be able to plan an exciting drive you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

 

Is It Safe?

The most common question about the Garden Route is if driving on this road is safe for first-time visitors. Fortunately, this drive is very safe, even if you’ve never been to South Africa before. The roads are well-paved and generally easy to navigate, so you shouldn’t have any trouble driving on this road. To make sure you have a smooth trip, you may want to make sure your vehicle comes equipped with a navigation system.

 

Driving the Garden Route is a great African safari activity for travelers with an adventurous spirit. Plan your safari to include a trip on this road, and you’re sure to have one of the best vacations of your life.

 

Booking Your Perfect Summer Safari

Although summer is winding down, there’s still time for you to book one last vacation, and if you’re interested in a trip that will help you close out the season with a bang, you should consider going on an African safari. Although you may not realize it, a safari is the perfect summer vacation for both excitement and relaxation. Here is some advice to help you book a summer safari that includes world-class activities and plenty of chances to unwind before the vacation season ends.

 

Visit Kruger National Park

The biggest part of a safari is seeing exotic animals, which is why the best tip for booking your summer safari is visiting Kruger National Park. At this park, you will be able to see some of the exotic creatures for which Africa is well-known, including members of the Big Five such as lions and elephants. Because there are so many animals in Kruger, this is the perfect destination for your first-ever safari.
After you’ve spent plenty of time exploring Kruger, you can add a few extra experiences that will add to the quality of your trip.

 

Hit the Beach

If you’re like many people, then you want to be certain that your summer includes some time on the beach. Luckily, Africa is one of the best places in the world for a beach holiday. The continent is home to countless beaches with white sands and blue waters, so almost anywhere you visit, you’ll be able to spend some time in the surf and sun.

 

Kenya, for example, has a variety of excellent beaches that you’re sure to enjoy, including Watamu and Diani beaches. If you book your summer safari with a stay in South Africa, you can swim the lagoon at Uvongo Beach or hike the beautiful cliffs of Coffee Bay. No matter how you like to have fun on the beach, there’s a spot in Africa that’s perfect for you.

 

South Africa is for Thrill Seekers

While most people want to relax on their summer vacation, others want their holiday to include pulse-pounding excitement. If you’re an adventurous traveler, then an African safari is the perfect trip for you, especially if you visit South Africa.

 

In addition to being one of the world’s most beautiful destinations, South Africa also provides a wide range of activities ideal for travelers seeking excitement. For example, if you can’t resist the thrill of soaring through the sky, you can go hang gliding or on a hot air balloon ride.

 

If you’ve always wanted to see a shark up close and in person, then South Africa is the perfect spot for you. Mossel Bay and Gansbaai, which are just outside of Cape Town, are the best locations in the world to see great white sharks. You can go shark-cage diving and see these fearsome creatures gliding through the water just a few feet away, an experience that is impossible to forget.

 

Booking a summer safari is a great choice if you want one last vacation before the warm season ends. On your trip, you’ll enjoy a great deal of fun and excitement in one of the most beautiful locations on the planet.

Book a Luxury Safari on a Budget

If you’re like many travelers, you prefer luxury vacations where you can enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences, which is exactly what you’ll get on an African safari. One of the great things about choosing a safari for your next vacation is that, with the right tips, you can easily book a luxury trips — even if you’re dealing with a tight travel budget. Find out how you can book a luxury safari on a budget so that you can enjoy a high-quality vacation at an affordable price.

Plan for the Off-Season

As with any popular travel destination, the best way to save money on your trip is traveling during the off-season. If you’re interested in a luxury trip to Africa but don’t want to break the bank, booking your holiday for the low season is the best idea.

When we talk about low and high seasons in Africa, what we’re discussing is the amount of rain. The high season is the highest time of year, which means there will be less vegetation and easier game viewing.

The low season is the greener, wetter season, and because of the increased rain, this time of year doesn’t draw as many travelers. Because there will be fewer tourists, prices will be a lot more affordable, making it easier to book luxury experiences for an excellent price. Also, while there will be thicker vegetation, you should still be able to see exotic animals on your vacation.

Choose a Self-Drive Safari

If you’re interested in going on a luxury safari on a budget, one of the most effective ways to save money is by booking a self-drive safari. Instead of booking a guided safari tour, which can get expensive, you can find an affordable rental car and drive yourself around Africa.

Before you book your self-drive safari, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. For example, the ease with which you’re able to drive yourself around depends on the country that you visit. In some countries, such as South Africa, driving yourself around should be very easy, as there are major roads that are well-maintained. In other countries, you’ll need to navigate remote, bumpy trails, which can be difficult, especially if you’ve never visited Africa before.

Work With the Right Company

Although there are several ways you can save money while booking a luxury experience for your safari, your best option is working with the right safari travel company. If you’ve never been on a safari before, booking a trip on your own can be tricky, and you may end up paying a lot more than you should.

Working with an experienced safari company means you’ll have access to the best safari activities, and you should also be able to find great deals on your trip. You can even get advice about what activities you should book and which aren’t worth the time or money.

If you’re looking for a high-end holiday, booking a luxury safari is an excellent idea. With a little preparation and the right advice, you should be able to book a trip filled with exciting experiences while staying within your budget.

 

Animal Watching Mistakes to Avoid on Safari

Although there are countless reasons to make your next trip an African safari, the main benefit of choosing this unique holiday is being able to see some of the most interesting animals in the world in their natural habitat. However, if you’ve never been on safari before, it can be easy to make some animal watching mistakes that can reduce both yours and the animal’s, safety.

To make sure you can view animals on safari enjoyably, you should learn about a few common animal watching mistakes and how they can be avoided. Here are some tips for safe animal watching on safari that you can use to make sure your next vacation is as enjoyable as possible.

 

Traveling at the Wrong Time

Although this isn’t a safety issue, the biggest mistake most people make in terms of animal watching on safari is planning their holiday for the wrong time of year. The season in which you travel will directly impact the animals that you’re able to see, and if you book at the wrong time, you may be unable to see certain creatures.

For example, while there are generally more animals out and about during the wet season, they can be easier to see during the dry season because they are all congregating at the watering hole. Research the animals you want to see and the season where they will be most visible so that you get the experience that’s right for you.

 

Noise and Proximity

When it comes to tips for safe animal watching on safari, the two most important things to remember are that you should control your noise level and make sure you are a good distance from the animals. Let’s start by talking about noise.

Most animals that you see on safari have an outstanding sense of hearing to help them avoid predators. If you’re making a great deal of noise, you’ll likely scare the animals away, making it difficult to enjoy the animal watching experience for which you are looking.

It’s also crucial that you are maintaining a safe distance from the animals that you see on safari. When humans get too close, most animals will run away. Others, however, will go into defense mode and may end up attacking if they feel the threat is too great. Invest in a quality pair of binoculars before your trip so that you can clearly see the safari animals without having to encroach on their space.

 

Be Patient

It’s often said that patience is a virtue, and at no time is this statement truer than when you’re animal watching on safari. On your trip, there are going to be times where you won’t see any

animals at all, which can cause some people to be frustrated. Instead of feeling disappointed or annoyed that there the animals are out of sight, enjoy the beautiful African scenery. Eventually, the animals will come out of hiding and your patience will be rewarded.

Plan your trip correctly and follow a few safe habits, and you can easily enjoy world­class animal watching on safari. Book your trip today so that you can experience some of the world’s most exotic animals in person.

Plan a Safari with Your Older Parents

One of the best things about being an adult is becoming friends with your parents and being able to go on vacation with them as equals. If you’ve been wanting to thank your parents for a lifetime of love and support by treating them to a vacation, then you should consider booking a once in a lifetime trip such as an African safari.
Going on a safari with your parents is an experience than none of you will ever forget, especially if you’re careful about booking your vacation. If your parents are a little older, for example, you want to make sure that you’re reserving a safari that they can enjoy safely. Here is some advice for booking a senior’s African safari where you and your older parents can create memories that will last for a lifetime.

Think About Health

Everyone needs to consider their health before booking an African safari, but this issue is especially important for older individuals. Before you book your next safari, you need to think about your parent’s health and how comfortable they are with physical activity.

For example, many older people have trouble walking for long distances, and if your parents have mobility issues, then you may want to avoid a walking safari. Avoiding safari areas with a high risk for malaria may also be a good idea, as older people can have trouble dealing with this disease.

Talk About Everyone’s Interests

Your goal when booking a senior’s African safari is to plan a vacation that both you and your parents will enjoy. Before you start making reservations, you should sit down with your parents to talk about what they’re looking for out of their vacation.

What type of vacations do your parents normally prefer? Are they the type of people who are always up for adventure, or is relaxation more their goal? Not every safari is perfect for every traveler, so you want to make sure that your trip includes a mixture of activities that will be enjoyed by both your parents and yourself.

Be Prepared for an Emergency

While everyone hopes that their vacation will go off smoothly, unexpected emergencies are a fact of life. Before you leave for your safari with your parents, you need to make sure that you have a plan in place for dealing with an emergency if one occurs.

Buying traveler’s insurance, for example, is a good idea. With the right insurance plan, you can avoid losing money if you miss your flight and will be covered if you or your parents need medical attention on your vacation.

While we’re on the subject of medical attention, you should think about going on safari near a major city if your parents have any ongoing medical issues. Traveling near a large city means you’ll have quick access to a medical facility if there is a situation that needs immediate attention. Taking the time to plan for emergencies means you’ll have a much safer, more enjoyable safari with your parents.

If you’re thinking about going on a senior’s African safari with your parents, keep this information in mind so that everyone has a great trip.

Factors That Can Impact the Cost of an African Safari

For most travelers, cost is the most important issue when they’re planning their next vacation. Although you want to be sure you’re going to have a great time on your next trip, you also don’t want to have to completely drain your bank account to do so.

If you’ve been thinking about taking a vacation, and are considering an African safari, you need to research a few of the issues that can impact your travel budget.

Take a look at these factors that can influence the cost of an African safari and learn how to plan the affordable, fun vacation that you deserve.

Cost of a Visa

In most cases, your African safari will include stops in multiple countries, which can impact the total cost of your trip due to the need to acquire a visa for every country that you plan to enter. Some of the most popular destinations in Africa require you to have a visa before you will be allowed to enter the country, and these visas can cost as much as $200.

When you’re planning your trip and calculating your budget, research the countries you will visit and your visa requirements so that you can know how much you will spend on this issue.

What Do You Want to Do?

As with most vacations, the biggest factor that will determine the cost of an African safari is what types of activities you wish to enjoy on your trip. While a safari is a surprisingly affordable holiday, some of the most worthwhile activities can add a good deal to your travel budget, meaning you need to give this issue some careful deliberation.

For example, if you want to visit some of the most popular game reserves in Africa, this will add to your travel budget, particularly if you decide to visit more than one reserve. Fortunately, there are a wide range of safaris that you can choose from, which should allow you to find an option that will match your finances.

Think About Travel Arrangements

Another big factor that can influence your final costs for your safari is your travel arrangements once you reach Africa. Once you arrive in a given country, you will have several options for getting around, all of which will have an impact on your budget.

You could, for example, rent a car so that you have the freedom to drive wherever you want. However, this option can get a little pricey based on the length of your trip. If you’re looking to control your costs, you might consider taking advantage of the public transportation options in Africa. Although this might not be a good option for every traveler, it can certainly be a good way to save money on transportation so that you can spend a little more on safari activities.

Research your different transportations options so that you can choose the one you feel most comfortable with, both in terms of cost and safety.

Now that you know some of the factors that can impact the cost of an African safari, you can book an outstanding trip that fits your specific budget.

Some Simple Tips for Booking a Safari

If it’s finally time for you to go on your next vacation, you want to make sure your trip is as filled with fun as possible, which is why you should consider booking an African safari. Choosing a safari means having a truly unique vacation experience where you’re able to enjoy word-class activities and unforgettable sights.

However, if you’ve never booked a safari before, there are several factors that you need to keep in mind so that you can have the exciting holiday that you deserve. Take a look at these tips for booking a safari that will help you choose a trip that’s filled with thrilling activities you won’t find anywhere else.

Think About Your Expectations

Almost everyone has their idea of a perfect vacation, and keeping these expectations in mind is the best way to book a safari that meets your precise needs.

For example, if your primary goal on safari is seeing interesting animals, then you need to make sure that your trip includes a destination here you can see the Big Five up close and in person. On the other hand, if you prefer vacations that include physicals activities such as hiking or bungee jumping, then you need a safari that will take you to some of the best hiking spots in Africa.

Before booking a safari, you should sit down and make a list of your expectations for your trip. Once your list as finish, you can use it as a map for booking the vacation of a lifetime.

Budgeting is Key

While there are many issues that you need to factor in when you’re booking your safari, your budget is the most important. Although you want to be sure that your safari includes your most desired activities and destinations, you also want to control your costs as much as possible.

Spend a little bit of time thinking about how much money you’re willing to spend on your safari. Once you have a rock-solid budget in place, you should talk with a safari expert to decide which activities are within your spending limit. Even if you’re working on a tight budget, you should be able to go on a safari that’s filled with outstanding activities and locations.

Choosing Travel Time and Partners

Another important factor to consider before you book your trip is what time of year you’ll travel. The time of year you go on safari will impact your prices, your activities, and the crowds you’ll encounter. The weather is great throughout the year in Africa, but if you want lower prices and thinner crowds, you should pick your trip for the low season.

You also need to decide if you’re going to travel by yourself or with a companion. Traveling with someone else can guarantee you have someone to share your safari experience and that you’ll be able to reminisce after the trip is over. On the other hand, traveling by yourself means you’ll never have to debate what activities to choose.

If you make sure to consider these important factors, booking a safari should be quick and easy, and will guarantee you a fantastic vacation.

Exploring Nature in Cape Town

If you’re going on an African safari in the near future, there’s no better country to visit than South Africa, and in South Africa, the most exciting location is Cape Town.

Visiting Cape Town is a fantastic choice for every traveler looking for an exciting vacation, and it is also one of the best spots in Africa to immerse yourself in nature. Whether you want to see exotic plant life or soak up the sun on the beach, spending time in nature is easy when you’re in Cape Town. Here are a few tips for exploring nature in Cape Town that will guarantee your next vacation is one that you’ll prize for your entire life.

Take a Garden Stroll

When you’re on an African safari, you might not expect to find one of the world’s most gorgeous botanical gardens, but this is precisely what you’ll get when you plan a stay in Cape Town. In this city, you’ll find Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. It’s a fantastic location to explore plant life that you probably won’t see at home.

Go for a walk around the Kirstenbosch Gardens, and you’ll see more than 20,000 native African plant species, including a variety of breathtaking flowers. In addition to enjoying beautiful plants, these gardens are a great place for an outdoor meal or a concert.

Hike Up a Mountain

If you’re looking for a method of exploring nature in Cape Town that’s a little more strenuous than a walk in the park, then your best bet is taking a hike up the nearby Table Mountain. Towering over the city, Table Mountain can only be reached by taking a cable car ride, but once you get to the top, you’ll have access to world famous sites such as Table Bay.

For travelers that want to experience Table Mountain to the fullest, it’s possible to book a multiple day hike that will take visitors on some of the most beautiful trails on the mountain.

A Day at the Beach

When you come down to it, a vacation is really about relaxation, and if you want your time in Cape Town to be as relaxing as possible, you can visit one of the area’s many pristine beaches.

Cape Town is surrounded by both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, meaning you can say you’ve visited two oceans in one vacation when you visit this part of South Africa. Whatever type of beach fun you’re looking for, there is a Cape Town Spot for you. For example, if you want to enjoy some world-class surfing, you should head on over to Big Bay or Sunset Reef. On the other hand, if you’re visiting Cape Town so that you can interact with penguins, then your best option is planning an outing at Boulders Beach.

Make sure to hit all of the gorgeous Cape Town beaches so that you don’t miss out on any of the Oceanside fun.

As you can see, exploring nature in Cape Town is one of the best ways to have fun on your next African safari. Start the process of booking your safari right away so that you can experience Cape Town to the fullest.

The Best Reasons to Take a Safari

Planning your next vacation is a truly exciting time, particularly if it’s been awhile since you’ve had the chance to get away. While there are several different types of vacations that you could choose, one of the most interesting ideas is booking an African safari.

No vacation you could take lives up to the excitement you’ll find on an African safari, especially if you’re interested in traveling to a gorgeous location filled with sights and sounds that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Here are some of the top reasons to go on an African safari and advice to help you pick the best activities and locations for your vacation.

Travel to Another World

Ask someone who’s had to pleasure of going on safari before about what they remember most from their trip, and they’ll likely tell you that it was traveling to a location unlike anywhere else they’ve ever seen.

Nowhere in the world possesses the natural beauty that you’ll find in Africa, and if you’re tired of seeing the same places every day, visiting Africa can be a world changing experience. Experiencing the beauty of Africa can make your hometown seem somewhat plain, meaning you’ll want to go on safaris again and again.

Surprisingly Affordable

A concern of many people considering going on a safari is that this sort of trip will be very expensive. Luckily, even if you don’t have a great deal of money to spend, taking a safari is actually very affordable.

The great thing about booking a safari is that everything you need for your trip will be provided, including your food, activities, and even lodging. This means that for one price, you’ll be able to have the world-class vacation that you deserve. You can even save money on your trip if you book during one of the low travel seasons, which can be a great choice if you don’t want to deal with a large number of other travelers.

Enjoy Safe Adventures

Out of all the different reasons to go on an African safari, the most attractive is being able to go on an adventure while staying safe. Contrary to what many people believe, an African safari is one of the safest vacations that you can take. They are so safe, in fact, that many people are choosing to take their children on safari with them.

During your trip, you’ll be able to see Africa with the help of a safari guide who will be able to keep you safe while showing you the best spots for adventure. This means you can enjoy the breathtaking African scenery without concern.

Booking an African safari is a great way to add a little excitement to your life while being completely secure.

As you can now see, there are a variety of great reasons to go on an African safari. Whether you’re looking for a change of scenery, want a trip that’s affordable, or have the desire to go on a once in a lifetime adventure, booking an African safari is one of the best choices that you could make. Start planning your safari today so that you can experience a vacation that you will never forget.

Advice for Tipping on Your African Safari

If you’re planning on going on an African safari for the very first time, it’s likely that you have a lot of questions that you want answered. In addition to wanting to know about what to pack and how to have the best time on your trip, you may also wonder what’s the best way to handle tipping.

While you’ll spend most of your safari exploring nature, there will be occasions where you might need to tip someone, which can be intimidating if you don’t know the process. Here’s a little advice for tipping on an African safari that will make sure you’re able to show gratitude to those who’ve made your trip special.

Make Sure to Have Physical Money

One of the biggest obstacles that people encounter when it comes time to leave a tip on safari is not having any physical currency. Because everything on your safari is booked well in advance, including meals, it’s very easy to pack only your debit or credit card and forget to bring any cash along.

If you want to be certain that you can tip on your safari, you should be sure to make sure you have at least a little bit of cash. Make sure you have enough US currency with you that you can exchange some for the local equivalent in every country that you visit. When you exchange your currency, make sure to visit a reputable location instead of using exchanging currency on the street.

How You Should Tip

Although it won’t be common, there are a few circumstances where you’ll want to tip while on safari, which is why you need to make sure that your tipping the right way.

In some places that you visit on your trip, there will be a communal tip jar where you can leave your tip. However, if you want to tip someone directly, place it in an envelope and then give it to them personally. This will ensure that the person you wish to tip will be the one that receives the money.

If you choose an overlanding tour, there will usually be a group fund to which you can contribute. This fund will be used to tip all the guides that you encounter on your overland tour. Remember, however, that if you eat at a restaurant, you will need to leave an individual tip.

Gifts Instead of Tips

Some travelers want to express gratitude to their guide by giving them a gift instead of a tip. If you want to give a gift instead of tipping on an African safari, there are a few suggestions you could choose. While you could choose an item that will be personalized to your tour guide, which will be a great way to show them that you’ve enjoyed your trip and that you appreciate their service.

Unlike some other places you could visit, tipping is as important in Africa as it is in the United States. Fortunately, by following this advice, tipping on an African safari should be easy and stress-free.  Make sure to include tipping in your budget when you plan your African safari so that you can express your gratitude on your trip.