Do you crave adventure? Does the idea of yet another beach break bore you to tears? Yes - then you are in the right place. If you have a thirst for adventure that needs quenching, then planning an African safari trip is the perfect getaway for you. Going on a safari instead of hitting the beach and bars is a fun, unique and incredibly exciting vacation option.

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While most travelers look for the big five - lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants and rhinos, that’s not all you will see on safari. The chance to spend some time close to these animals is, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, while going on a safari trip can be a lot of fun, they can also be incredibly draining. It is also important to understand that unlike when at a zoo, the animals you will see are not guaranteed. Just like with any trip, if you are planning on going on safari, it pays to be as prepared as possible. Get your hands on some safari guidebooks, chat to friends who have been on safari, and do lots of research. To help you plan the best safari vacation, we have outlined a few important things that you need to know, below:

The cost of going on safari

As you are probably already aware, most safaris tend to be expensive. However, as with any other vacation, there are some simple ways you can cut the cost of your trip. For example, the length of your trip will affect the price, the shorter the trip, the less your safari will cost you. Of course, for those looking to enjoy safaris in luxury, or even just running water and a comfortable bed, expect to pay more. If you have a small budget to work with, your best bet is to opt for self-drive safaris and camping as your accommodation.

What does a luxury experience include?

As well as offering more basic options, today, most tour operators also offer luxury experiences. While a little more expensive, luxury safari costs include accommodation, food, and excursions. With luxury packages, the accommodation can range from air-conditioned hotel suites to gorgeous tents. So although they cost a little more, they tend to be worth the money.

What should you expect from a self-drive trip?

Self-drive safaris are best suited to those with little fear, as you will be all alone in the bush, looking for wild animals. How it works is you hire a safari vehicle for the duration of your stay, pick a public park and tour the bush solo. As self-drive safari tours are only allowed in public parks, there is no need to worry about getting lost, as the parks are signposted. Each public park also has tarmacked roads, restaurants and lots of campsites to choose from.

Which is the best country to visit?

Each of Africa’s countries is different, and so, offers a different safari experience. The most popular areas of Africa for safaris are Southern and East Africa, as they have lots of different species of animals. In East Africa, Kenya is the best country to visit for a safari trip. While, in Southern Africa, Botswana and South Africa are the most popular. Taking a safari trip is the ultimate adventure and an experience you will remember for life, as long as you plan in advance, that is.