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I first traveled to Africa after I was 5 years outdated, and I’ve returned yearly since. Regardless of what number of instances I’m going, I’m at all times crammed with that very same pleasure and awe I had as just a little boy. 

Now armed with 35 years of expertise touring the continent, I’ve some robust opinions on the best way to plan the proper trip to this a part of the world. Listed here 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 might be our one and solely, once-in-a-lifetime journey to Africa” is a remark I hear quite a bit when talking with potential vacationers. Not solely does this put monumental stress 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, wonderful wildlife, and distinctive experiences that deserves multiple go to. 

The mindset that Africa is a single-trip vacation spot wants to alter. Individuals don’t consider Europe as a one-time vacation spot, for instance; they notice that Spain, France, and Greece are fully totally different international locations with vastly totally 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 a giant fan of touring throughout off-peak season, because it typically permits you to 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 12 months, however I typically discover that the employees on the lodges and camps are extra relaxed and energetic, as they’re merely not as busy. Until 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 a number of element, and a number of time. As journey to this a part of the world turns into extra fashionable, you’re principally reserving “final minute” when you’re inside a six-month window. If you wish to keep at particular properties and have one of the best experiences attainable — notably when touring with a giant household — you need to e-book your journey 12 to 18 months prematurely. Belief me, all of these months of anticipation will repay. 

Convey the Entire 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, totally different cultures, and individuals are fascinating. And for folks, attending to see your youngsters interact in nature and study one thing new whereas on trip is incredible. 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 non-public pool, and nice service, I do urge folks to spend a number of 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 might even sleep beneath the celebrities in Botswana. For me, exploring a brand new vacation spot entails getting out of your consolation zone and doing one thing you haven’t carried out earlier than.

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