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Writer's pictureJosh Flatman

What to consider when planning a safari holiday

Updated: Mar 4

Are you dreaming of embarking on the ultimate luxury safari holiday? Look no further than Faran Travel, a tailor-made tour operator that specialises in creating bespoke travel experiences particular expertise in safari adventures in southern and eastern Africa.


A table, chars and bar are set up to face the sunset on safari

Luxury sundowners in the Okavango Delta

With a focus on wildlife and conservation, Faran Travel offers luxury trips that are designed to provide unique and intimate experiences. In this article we discuss seven things to consider when planning a safari holiday.

Imagine waking up to an almost deafening chorus of birds, the grunt of hippos and the sun's first rays pushing through the mosquito net of your luxury safari tent, miles from anywhere. Strong, hot coffee is delivered by your guide, cheery despite the time, so you are ready for your first game drive through the African wilderness. The image captures the essence of a high-end safari experience, with the focus on adventure, wildlife, and luxury.


Here are some examples, thoughts, and tips to help you plan this dream of a luxury African safari: 1.Choose the right destination: Africa is home to some of the most iconic safari destinations in the world, such as Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Botswana, and some that are lesser known such as Rwanda, Zambia and Malawi. Each destination offers its own unique wildlife and landscapes. Some offer a more refined, comfortable experience, while others will be pared back and wild. The right destination for you will also depend on the experiences you want to have – be that ending with some time on the beach, primate trekking or visiting bucket-list destinations such as Victoria Falls or Cape Town. 2. Stay in small, luxury camps or lodges: When it comes to luxury safaris, where you stay will have a big impact on your overall enjoyment. More often than not, staying in a lodge or camp with fewer rooms ensures a more personal and tailored experience. Given their smaller physical footprint, these properties often blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, providing a truly immersive experience.


Luxury tented rooms at Duba Explorers sit beneath riverine tree in Botswana

Duba Explorers Camp, Botswana


3. Favour remote areas and/or private concessions: At Faran, we will always suggest visiting the more off-the-beaten-track and remote parks/concessions for your safari. The reasons for this are many. For one thing, these areas receive fewer tourists and by extension can feel much more wild and untouched. In addition, by visiting national parks that receive a fraction of the visitors of some of the more headline-grabbing parks, you can be confident that your stay has more relative impact on the protection and maintenance of those areas. 


4. Private game drives: One of the highlights of a luxury safari is the opportunity to go on private game drives and this is certainly worth including for some or all of your time on safari. It means having a dedicated vehicle and guide, allowing you to have a more personalised and intimate wildlife experience. You can set your own pace, spend more time observing animals, and concentrate on your own interests, whether that’s birdwatching, identifying the local flora or getting the perfect photo of an elephant's toenail.


5. Conservation-focused experiences: Faran values responsible travel and conservation. We will help you find safari experiences that prioritise wildlife conservation and the support of local communities. This might be in being mindful of your choice of accommodation, by including a visit to conservation projects, participating in research activities, or engaging with local communities to learn about their efforts in preserving the environment. See our seven responsible principles that guide how we plan all our trips here


6. Unique and intimate experiences: Luxury safaris are all about creating unique and intimate experiences. Consider activities such as hot air balloon safaris, walking safaris, or even spending a night under the stars in a sleep-out or mobile camp. These experiences will allow you to connect with nature on a deeper level and create memories that will last a lifetime.


Two box mosquito nets face chairs and camp fire in Tanzania

A sleep out from Chada Katavi, western Tanzania


7. Expert guides: A knowledgeable and experienced guide can make a world of difference in your luxury safari experience. Look for tour operators that work with expert guides who have a deep understanding of the local wildlife and ecosystems. They will not only enhance your wildlife sightings but also provide valuable insights into the conservation efforts in the area.


Embarking on a luxury safari is a dream come true for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. With Faran, you can trust that every aspect of your safari experience will be meticulously planned and tailored to your preferences.


From luxurious accommodation to unique and intimate experiences, Faran Travel will ensure that your luxury safari is truly exceptional and conservation-focused. So, start planning your ultimate luxury safari experience today and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime.





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