Whether you’ve always dreamed of gorilla trekking in Rwanda, seeing the ‘Big Five’ in South Africa, or soaking up the majestic beauty of Vic Falls, proper planning is key for bringing your dream to life!
While some aspects of your trip may remain outside of your control, most details can be carefully curated to suit your specific preferences and needs.
It may be tempting to simply pick out a standard package from a travel brochure (especially if you’re a first-time safari-goer), but customisation allows you to sculpt your luxury African safari to your exact desires.
Let’s discuss some of the key features offered by tailored itineraries. From enjoying bespoke services to aligning your journey with your values, the benefits are hard to resist.
Focus on Niche Interests
Most safari holidays are filled with morning and afternoon game drives, which are a great way to see indigenous animals in their natural habitat. Depending on the destination, you could see everything from small dung beetles to the mighty elephant.
However, most safaris are designed to appeal to the ‘masses’ and don’t cater to specific preferences or niche interests. This is where custom planning can really offer unmatched rewards.
For example, avid birders may want to go on a personalised bird-watching safari with an expert guide who will help them spot their favourite birds. The same goes for anyone who has a special interest in specific endangered species. These animals can be very difficult to find, so you may need to plan ahead and book private safari experiences if you want to see animals like gorillas, African Wild Dogs, or Black Rhinos.
Activities That Go Beyond the Game Drive
While game drives are an essential part of any safari holiday, don’t forget to look beyond this classic activity to see what other adventures are on offer. A few ideas include:
- Intimate walking safaris: Immerse yourself in the African bush as you attune yourself to the sights, smells, and sounds. Walking safaris offer an intimate experience and the chance to see animals who may be chased away by the sound of safari vehicles.
- Authentic cultural experiences: Engage with the local community in a meaningful way by volunteering, attending festivals, and going on cultural tours. This way, you’ll go home with a better understanding of African heritage, traditions, and artistry.
- Dedicated photographic safaris: If you have to get incredible snapshots of your time in Africa, going on a dedicated photographic safari is a great choice. With expert guidance, you’re sure to capture your favourite creatures in their natural habitat.
By integrating these activities into your luxury African safari holiday, you’ll enjoy a well-rounded trip and diverse experiences.
Creating a Trip That Aligns with Your Values
If you’re someone who cares about their impact on the environment and local communities, you may want to ensure that your luxury African safari aligns with your values. From staying in eco-friendly lodges and offsetting your carbon footprint to supporting initiatives within local communities, there are many ways to make sustainable choices.
Fortunately, most safari packages can be customised to meet your preferences. Or, you could create an entirely new itinerary from scratch. Either way, there is no reason to compromise on your values. You can still enjoy an amazing holiday in a beautiful destination while staying true to yourself throughout the journey.
Aligning with Dietary Requirements and Other Specialised Needs
Whether you are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet, travelling abroad can be daunting, as you may worry if you’ll be properly catered for. What many people don’t realise is that most safari lodges offer Western-style meals and plenty of different options for various dietary requirements.
It’s always a good idea to touch base with your accommodation ahead of time to make sure they are aware of your preferences. This way, you can rest assured that you’ll be enjoying delicious meals that agree with your stomach for the entirety of your trip.
Besides diet, other specialised needs also require a level of customisation. Some examples include wheelchair users as well as visually impaired safari-goers. By informing operators ahead of time regarding your needs, you are more likely to have a positive safari experience.
Catering to Different Travellers within Your Group
It can be very difficult to find a suitable safari package if you’re travelling in a group that has differing needs, likes, and dislikes. It can all become a bit stressful and confusing. The bigger the group, the bigger the challenge. But if you determine each person’s priorities, it can be very rewarding to invest in a custom itinerary.
This way, no one needs to compromise more than they need to, and each member of your group can walk away from the trip with happy memories.
Blending Diverse Themes
Sometimes, the vision for your luxury African safari isn’t as straightforward as the itineraries you see in classic safari packages. Each trip is unique, and customisation ensures that your unique needs are met.
The sky is the limit. Honeymoon safaris could combine both bush and beach by visiting the Serengeti before heading to the sandy shores of Zanzibar. Safaris for larger families can be customised to meet the needs of a variety of different ages. Adventure safaris can integrate thrilling pursuits like gorilla trekking.
Ultimately, custom planning aims at creating a journey that truly reflects the traveller’s vision.
Creating Special Memories
Do you plan to propose to your partner on your upcoming luxury safari? If so, you may need some help to make sure the moment goes exactly according to plan. Whether you need rose petals leading to a breathtaking viewpoint or something more extravagant (like a helicopter ride), custom planning can turn these dream moments into a reality. The additional effort is sure to pay off.
Creating special moments doesn’t just apply to proposals. The same concept can be applied to birthdays, honeymoons, and other special events. You don’t even need an explanation. Wanting to create an unforgettable moment for your travel companions is more than enough reason to put in a little extra planning.
Expert Advice
When you’re customising your trip with the help of a travel expert, you’ll receive insider advice and guidance to help ensure that everything aligns with your vision. Some of the things Tailormade Africa is able to advise on include:
- The best time of year to visit different destinations
- What types of weather conditions you can expect
- Which lodges to stay at
- The types of activities on offer in different regions
- Choosing the right destination for you
- Help connect you with expert local guides
- How best to spend your budget based on your preferences
Having an expert at the helm is an excellent way to steer your trip in the right direction, so don’t hesitate to book that consultation!
Are you ready to begin planning the luxury African safari you’ve always dreamed of? Whether you want to explore the lush jungles of Rwanda or soak up the arid landscapes of Northern Kenya, Tailormade Africa can help you come up with the perfect itinerary for you and your travel companions. Contact them today to chat with one of our travel experts about your dream trip.