What factors contribute to a poor African safari experience?
Going on an African safari in the wrong places at the wrong time of year can be utterly disastrous. Nothing compares to lazing about in the rain in a place where the animals have long since moved on. The most frequent instances of inadequate seasonality planning occur on trips provided by non-safari experts.
Traffic congestion problems
In many of Africa’s national parks and game reserves, traffic is the main issue on safari. Being one of twelve or more cars harassing a lone leopard is the worst thing ever.
In Kenya and Tanzania in particular, at a single sighting, we have frequently observed over thirty cars. We are really not sure how people can compare that to a “dream safari experience.”
Less than 10% of the major safari destinations have more than 90% of the total vehicle traffic. This is why as a company, we much speak to all our guests so that we are able to provide safari options that will avoid traffic congestion.
Even though traffic issues exist in every safari destination, we can help you avoid them by carefully organising where you go, your route and timing.
Substandard Accommodation
The next most evident problem is that too many overly commercialised lodges that are simply hotels in the bush and do not provide a truly authentic safari experience.
The most evident flaw of some lodges is that it is located outside of a national park or game reserve, either in a busy area or on the outskirts.
Many lodges have more than 70 rooms, which is just too big. When your guide meets you for your morning or afternoon game drive, it is like a taxi-rank of vehicles.
Our goal is to deliver you to the best lodges and camps possible, considering your preferences, financial situation, and season.
Time of year
An African safari must be timed by the seasons. Going on safari in the wrong places at the wrong time of year can be incredibly disappointing. Nothing compares to lazing about in the rain in a place where the animals have long since moved on.
During the wet season, the grass grows higher. When the grass is tall it becomes very challenging to see animals, except for giraffes and elephants.
In many safari destinations, some of the lodges and camps close during the height of their wet season, as it is difficult to get around, and some roads become impassable.
Overloading the safari vehicle
Overcrowding of safari vehicles is another sign of a subpar safari.
Most safari accommodations ask their guests to board the vehicles together in order to go on a safari. This is now commonly acknowledged as the standard.
Guests are seated two per row in practically all respectable lodges to ensure that everyone has a “window seat.”
However, at lower-quality lodges, there are cut costs and passengers are crammed into vehicles three to a row, sometimes as many as twelve, which can be dreadful.
Private safari vehicles are available in the majority of quality lodges and camps, however this privilege does come at a cost.
