Best value ways to do a safari

If there’s one piece of advice you take regarding holidays of this nature, let it be this: book as soon as you can. Safari lodges are small by nature, and capacity is strictly limited. Many resorts offer generous rates for advanced reservations, and the best-value properties are filled early. In addition, long-haul flights almost always go on sale at their best price and rise as they get closer to departure. Though flash sales and special offers do happen, they are rare. Our recommendation is always to plan and book early.

Every safari destination offers a variety of accommodations at a range of costs, and the lowest price doesn’t always mean the best value. Rates for most South African lodges include all meals, selected drinks, and two game drives per day. Menus usually blend international choices with South African classics. At some, you will pay extra for alcoholic beverages, while others have a surcharge for premium drinks or outside meals. You won’t be able to pop to a supermarket, so consider what you’ll need when comparing prices relative to inclusions.

You’ll also find most destinations have particular properties at stand-out prices. On a South Africa safari, for example, Kariega and Pumba usually offer leading rates in the Eastern Cape, while Jock Safari and Shiduli are often the best value near Kruger. Our Travel Specialists are always available to advise the best choices for your dates and requirements.

Speaking of the Eastern Cape, this malaria-free Big Five destination is an excellent example of why choosing the right location pays off for an African safari holiday. Popular with families, the reserves of South Africa’s Eastern Cape are a great choice, easy to reach and a perfect bookend on the Garden Route, opposite the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. A short flight will take you to Kruger National Park and the best wildlife viewing in South Africa. Here, a huge range of accommodations is available, from tented camps in the wilderness to luxury lodges in the best safari areas.

The Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania offer amazing experiences, especially during migration, but there are many more incredible options in Southern Africa. The Pilanesberg - a malaria-free reserve - is just a few hours from Johannesburg. At the same time, Akagera in Rwanda is ideal for combining your safari with an extraordinary gorilla trekking experience.

For something truly different, the national parks of Yala and Udawalawe in Sri Lanka may not offer the complete Big Five; still, they do have unforgettable safari opportunities of their own.

The classic safari experience comes in two primary forms. One is to stay in a fully inclusive lodge, as is usually found in the holiday packages South Africa has to offer. The other is to book a touring safari where you are taken from camp to camp across the expanse of the reserve, something common in Kenya and Tanzania. While these are both incredible options, some travellers prefer doing things differently.

Self-drive safaris can be enjoyed in both Namibia and South Africa, eliminating the cost of a guide and driver while opening more possibilities for accommodation as you stay at the fringes of the reserves.

Of course, while DIY road trips have their appeal, it’s important not to forget the many benefits of staying at a lodge within the parks. Aside from having all your costs confirmed and covered upfront and all your activities arranged for you, there are also hidden bonuses. Park gates are not open 24 hours a day, so early and late access is restricted to those already inside the reserve. This creates possibilities for more exclusive viewing. In addition, guides and rangers are used by lodges for safety and because they have the knowledge needed to reliably track the animals you wish to see. You might get lucky when navigating a park under your own steam, and no sightings are ever guaranteed, but when you’ve travelled so far to see wildlife, anything that improves your odds of a spectacular encounter adds value to your trip in a way cost saving can’t.

Just like everywhere, African safari reserves experience varied weather and changing seasons. You’ll find many tourists are only concerned with visiting when it’s warm and dry, but there’s a lot to be said for the green season, too. These times of year see rainfall and can be a little more humid. You’ll need to be more eagle-eyed to spot the animals among the increased foliage. But you’ll also enjoy the freedom of the parks with fewer vehicles sharing your space, discover a lush and beautiful countryside, and - in many instances - arrive at the perfect time to see newborns.

Most importantly, the rates will be lower during these times. So consider arriving in East Africa during November or April, or celebrate the new year in the best way when you visit South Africa between December and March. Another top tip from our experts is that the ‘Great Migration’ is ongoing throughout the year as various animals move continuously around the parks. While the spectacular crossings of the Mara River might be focused on in July, there are breathtaking events to be found every month.