Africa Safari - Deciding on the best One

Google "Africa Safari" and something becomes completely at a loss for the thousands of choices presented, page after page of safaris offered by countless tour operators. It's no easy task though somewhat preparation, looking for the ideal Africa safari could be a success. Here are several essential points to consider ensuring you decide on the correct Africa safari tour;

Where to Go If it is animals you are after the obvious choices are Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia or Africa. When it is Gorilla trekking and African wildlife choose Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Whether it is culture try Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana; if you're really thinking of getting off of the beaten track try Cameroon and Gabon in Central Africa. East Africa: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania offer a more "romantic" African safari; the roads, services and cultures are more authentic than the Southern African options. The best parks from the Serengeti, Ngorogoro Crater, Masai Mara and Queen Elizabeth are in this section of Africa. Tropical African coastline of Kenya and the celebrated Spice Island of Zanzibar. Anyone after animals, culture and some days of relaxation on tropical beaches; East Africa is the obvious choice. Southern Africa: Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa are much more western and comfortable than East African countries however they usually not have the "real Africa" flair that we are accustomed. The most common parks of this type are Chobe, Etosha, South Luangwa, Okavango Delta and Kruger; the famous Namib desert and Fish River Canyon to the wine region of Stellenbosch. Southern Africa comes with a very different experience to East Africa. West Africa: Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana if you are looking culture instead of bothered about wildlife. Mali is known for Djenne, Timbuktu and Dogan Country; Burkina Faso is well known for its music scene and Ghana offers historical sites through the old slave trade years, tropical beaches and some game parks with not many animals. Central Africa: Cameroon and Gabon is made for the real adventure traveller. A safari throughout these countries will give you in to a different whole world of tropical beaches, pygmies, bush meat markets, surfing hippos and a huge number of low land gorillas. This part is far less travelled from the average tourist and is nearly impossible to find an English speaking tour. A higher level Luxury Upscale luxury accommodation to camping are common on offer in East Africa, Southern Africa and West Africa. Central Africa expect at the least 3-5 star accommodation. Upmarket lodging are endless however anticipate a payment hefty prices for 3-5 star accommodation. Facilities are perfect offering well stocked bar/restaurant, often swimming pools, hot showers, flushing toilets along with the romantic African colonial style most tourist lodges and hotels now utilize. Campsites have changed immensely through the years. The days are gone when there was no grass to pitch tents, cold showers (if water at all) and warm drinks in the fridge. Most campsites in East and Southern Africa are serviced and equipped boasting hot showers, flushing toilets, extensive bars and restaurants and good clean room accommodation to upgrade if camping does not take your fancy every evening. Obviously there's always the possibility the electricity may go off and trouble may well not last but overall campsites offer excellent good value and all the amenities the common traveller desires. Transport Transport through Africa varies from Fly-in safaris, 4x4 Land Cruiser/Mini Van to custom made Overland Safari Trucks. The priciest but possibly practical opportinity for those with a sizable budget and not long would be to fly from spot for a destination. Most parks and major sightseeing attractions have air strips to look after the fly-in safari traveller. Don't expect to camp on these safaris; companies offering fly-in offer 5 star lodge accommodation. The downsides to fly-in safaris are which you miss out on the neighborhood sites, sounds, smells and culture of the country. Certainly not exposing for the real Africa. These tours offer full luxury. Opting for 4x4 Land Cruiser or mini van is way less expensive Fly-ins and give many methods from Elegant accommodation to camping safaris. Often group dimensions are limited by 8-12 people per tour making it possible for a tiny group feel before it is too overwhelming. They are popular safaris because they suit most budgets. These tours mostly live in hotel/lodge accommodation with little or no camping. Overland custom made safari trucks include the cheapest option. Most tours offered in safari trucks are camping aside from a couple who offer hotel/lodge accommodation. Travelling within a large safari truck offers you the most effective viewpoint gaining better Africa experience. The vehicles are totally self-sufficient detailed with camping equipment and extensive kitchen. Travelling as being a group, anything from 13-25 people offers communal style living and it is favored by single travellers or older couples wanting the extra security and safety. These safaris often blend animal viewing, community projects with adventure activities, attractive to, however, not limited, the 20-40 yr old traveller. These tours have grown to be ever more popular with the over 50s searching for the more adventurous design of travel. You'll find nothing like cooking on open fire, shopping at local markets and socialising with locals.