Tips on Cutting Costs for a Safari Adventure

See the wild with tamed spending and with a budget on a leash.
Exploring the wild, pitting against primitive dangers, and donning matching khaki gears completes an adventure of a lifetime. Safaris evoke that sense of wonder and thrill that only close encounters can bring. Such adventures do not need to come at an extremely high cost. There are opportunities to save and cut on expenditures if you know which country, or continent to go. Safaris are perhaps the best highlights of the African continent. The type of adventure is almost always synonymous with the wildlife of Kenya, Mozambique, and South Africa. For those whose budgets are on a tight leash, adventures like these can also be found in places that mimic the wild. Singapore and Thailand have excellent Asian safaris, while those from the western hemisphere will find adventures in places such as Canada.
Going on a safari ride is part of everyone’s to-do list at least once in their lifetime. But with the increasing number of incredible offers, safaris can easily be regarded as regular trips. South Africa isn’t the only place that offers memorable safari trips. There are some places, although manmade, that offer simulated experiences for much less. Here are some places to consider that offer once-in-a-lifetime adventures:
• Safari World, Thailand. With great beaches, rugged animal shows, elephant trips, exotic food, and wild nightlife, it’s no surprise that Thailand also offers some of the best Safari trips in Asia. The open zoo and leisure park offers some of the lowest rates you can find for Safari trips. Plus, lodging, food, and transportation in Thailand come real cheap.
• Singapore. The small city state has some of the best simulated safaris in Asia. The famous night safari features paths that allow tourists to navigate through eight geographical regions through tram routes and walking trails. What’s unique about the Night Safari is that it features a collection of nocturnal animals gathered from various points in the world. Themes include Burmese Hillside, Indo-Malayan Region, Indian Subcontinent, Nepalese River Valley, and Himalayan Foothills among others. If ou don’t have the time or money to see all the possible safari trips in the world, invest in Singapore’s night safari. Interestingly, Singapore also has a River Safari for day trippers. Inspired by the heyday of The Mississippi’s 1800s, tourists can traverse through rustig log cabins and awesome waterways.
• Botswana. Safari camping is recommended in the Okavango Delta. There are lots of knowledgeable local guides who are willing to take you on game walks and share information about both flora and fauna. Walk amongst a wilderness of zebras, gemsbok, springboks, and wildebeasts.
• Kenya. There are customized safari vehicles that can take 6 passengers at most. The drivers serve as the local guides as well. Camps are set in the middle of the Amboseli eco-system. Staff members are there to offer simple services such as cooking food, heating water for showers, washing up clothes, and taking care of camps.
• Toronto Zoo, Canada. Families sleep on cots in safari-style tents in the Serengeti Bush Camp, the zoo’s African-themed area located in Toronoo’s suburbs.
Savings Tips for Safari Rides
The first thing you need to do is to know what terrain, which animals, and what kind of atmosphere would you go for. Would it be the dry Sahara, or the Amazon rainforest? There are definitely lots of other alternatives for safari trips, but if it has always been your dream to go on an African tour, then proceed with it. Nothing gets more authentic than the original terrain of Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Uganda, or South Africa. Instead of spending for an affordable trip elsewhere, head straight for Africa since you know you’ll eventually end up seeing zebras, giraffes, and pack of felines in their original habitat anyway.
Next thing you should work on is to book for a lodge, not for a trip. Staying at a lodge will give you a chance to see game at close ranges 24/7. It’s recommended that you stay for at least 2 nights in one affordable safari lodge.
Steer clear of self-drives as it might not be safe and you will definitely need a guide to make the most out of the experience. An experienced guide and tracker in Africa does not usually ask for stupendous amounts. Locals are able to explain the animals, identify habits, and drive you off to better view points. The guides are also in contact with other people who have tracks on more elusive species like leopards.
Make sure to plan during the low season. Prices are usually 40% cheaper when it’s not peak season and crowds won’t let you experience the best time of the year for viewing animals near waterholes and rivers. Research about the seasons in the area you’ve chosen, as you’ll want to see animals without lush vegetations blocking your chances. In Africa, low season is from May to September.
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