A safari is a massive financial investment and it is therefore of utmost importance that you know exactly what to look for when searching for the perfect Safari lodge. In this article we’ll take a look at the 10 most important questions that you need to answer before purchasing your dream holiday:
1. How big is the park and what animals can you expect to see?
The size of a luxury safari lodge is extremely important. Usually the bigger the lodge is the greater the variety of animals that are viewable. Make sure you know which animals you’d like to see and ask the lodge which of these animals they have on their farm. Another good way of finding out which animals are on different farms is to check out the “Ranger’s blog” which many parks now have. These blogs include the updating whereabouts of the different animals and sighting that have occurred on a day to day basis.
2. Find out the daily schedule for game drives
In order for you to successfully arrange your schedule around the schedule of the game park, it is important that you find out exactly when game drives take place. Most lodge safaris do their game drives early in the morning (around 6am) and in the early evening around sunset (5pm). Some of the larger, more popular lodges such as Kruger Park Lodge will offer midday game drives as well. It’s important that you make the most of every minute of every day.
3. What services/inclusions are included in your upfront payment?
Make sure you know exactly what is covered by your initial package payment so that you don’t find yourself falling short on your trip. Usually your accommodation, food and game drives are included in your initial safari game lodge rates. Find out if refreshments are included, in particular water and drinks on game drives, and also enquire as to whether wine and mini bar costs are covered by your upfront payment. If wine isn’t included, find out how much the corkage charges are and find out what an acceptable gratuity percentage would be for room service or hotel meals etc.
4. What other activities are on offer?
There will be time between game drives during which you will need to keep yourself busy. Find out what other indoor and outdoor activities safari lodges have available for their guests, either on the farm or nearby.
5. When is the best time to visit?
Seasons change and so do the types of game that are viewable during these seasons. Figure out when optimal sightings occur and when mating season is etc. Do you want to see lots of animals gathered around watering holes? Do you want to see young offspring being born? Different times of the year offer different attractions.
6. How far will you be from the airport etc?
Transport is obviously of utmost important. You will need to get from the nearest airport to the safari lodge at a minimal cost. Figure out if you need to hire a car or whether there’s a shuttle service too and from the Africa safari lodge.
7. Enquire about the accommodation
Find out exactly what gets provided with the accommodation that you choose. Accommodation can vary from rooms in luxury safari lodges with all amenities included; to a rustic bungalow which gives you a more adventurous feeling when visiting the farm of your choice. Find out about air conditioning (important in Africa safari lodges as it gets extremely hot in summer), fridges, satellite television and internet access – whatever is important to you.
8. Ask what kind of meals they serve.
We all have extremely varied diets so it is important to ensure that the lodge caters for your preferences/restrictions. Find out if you’ll have a full menu at each meal (such as offered at Sabi Sands Lodges) or if you will have to settle with a daily menu option. If you require vegetarian or Halaal meals, ensure that the safari game lodge caters for your needs.
9. How many guests are accommodated at the lodge
Some people will prefer a larger crowd of people so that they can meet new people and socialize on a daily basis, however many would prefer a quieter and more intimate environment. Make sure you find out how big the luxury safari lodge is and how many people you can expect to accompany you on your daily game drives.
10. Find out about the game park’s conservation values
Ensure that you find out exactly what each game park is doing to preserve the animal life that they have in their park. The last thing you want to do is support an Africa safari lodge that is not effectively conserving the land and animals within their fences. If you ask this question and receive a rather “wishy washy” response, do your research and find out whether this is a game lodge worthy of your hard earned cash.
If you follow the basic guidelines above and insist that all your queries are accurately and efficiently answered, you are that much closer to ensuring that you and the rest of your party have an amazing and unforgettable safari experience. Do you research and make sure you find the perfect safari lodge!
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