How to choose the best safari tour operator

Traveling to East Africa on safari is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience and something that people have high expectations of. But with the internet awash with stories about safaris that have gone horribly wrong due to bad tour operators, how do you book with peace of mind that yours won’t end the same way?

The good news is that most safari tour operators are reputable and trustworthy, with extensive experience on the ground making travelers' safari dreams come true. The one that’s right for you will depend on the style of travel you prefer and how ethically you would like to travel.

In this guide, we’ll share with you a few tips about how to decide on the safari tour operator that’s right for you and get value for your money.

Deciding on the safari style that’s right for you

Do you want a backpacker-style experience where you’ll meet other travelers from around the world or would you prefer a luxury safari adventure in the privacy of your own lodge or camp? Finding the safari that’s right for you depends on the style you prefer and the exclusivity of the wildlife encounters you’d like to have.

Many luxury lodges and camps are positioned to take advantage of the best wildlife viewing experiences each reserve has to offer and you probably won’t have to share them with too many other people. Add to that a whole host of pampering experiences, such as private plunge pools, massages and gourmet dining under the never-ending African sky and it’s the making of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Getting value for money

It’s easy to think that choosing the cheapest African safari is going to be a wise decision on your wallet. But the truth is, many budget safaris can end up costing you more in the long-term, once you add on all of the unexpected extras. Rather than looking for the cheapest safari, carefully scrutinize exactly what’s included to make sure you’re getting great value for money. Are the park entry fees and all meals included? How many people will you be sharing the vehicle with and can they ensure their jeeps are in optimal condition?

Sometimes prices seem too good to be true and they probably are! Budget safari operators might be cutting costs by not maintaining their vehicles to expected standards or putting you up in lodges and camps that are less than desirable. Perhaps they’re not paying their guides and drivers a fair wage or employing guides with little to no experience. This will all impact your safari journey and it could change from being an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime journey to an adventure you wish you’d never come on.

Booking independently vs through a safari tour operator

While you might think that booking independently is going to save you money, many local safari tour operators have access to exclusive deals on lodges and safaris that aren’t available to the public or published online. Not only can they save you the trouble of having to plan the trip yourself and negotiate all the logistics of getting there, but they can save you money while doing it. Add to that all the local expertise they’re throwing in for free and booking through a safari tour operator may allow you to experience a lot more than what you had initially thought.

Selecting an ethical safari tour operator

It’s no secret that mass tourism can have a detrimental impact on the environment and traveling sustainably and ethically has become more important than ever. Nowhere is this more relevant than when on safari in Africa, with the long-term survival of wildlife species and local communities resting on the way tourism is conducted in their environment.

Some safari operators are just in it to make quick money while others understand the importance of working closely with local communities and supporting conservation programs and wildlife rehabilitation centers. Perhaps part of their profits go to supporting a particular wildlife project or they employ local workers from the surrounding communities who would otherwise resort to poaching to make a living. Choosing an ethical or eco-safari tour is one small step you can make to ensure Africa’s wildlife reserves and employment opportunities are left in a better state than when you arrived.

One of the best ways to do this is to travel with a local safari tour operator as they understand the issues being faced on the ground and are there on a daily basis to see the impacts that ethical tourism can bring. On the other hand, tour operators working from overseas may lack an understanding of local issues, with problems being faced not impacting them directly. When planning an ethical safari, a local tour operator can customize a trip that may include visiting conservation projects or following anti-poaching teams, giving you a first-hand insight into the vital work being done on the ground to ensure both Africa’s wildlife and communities thrive.

Finding a safari tour operator with excellent online reviews

One of the best ways to find a local safari tour operator you can trust is by searching online reviews from other travelers about their experience. Most will reveal what they loved about the company (and sometimes what they didn’t), as well as share their insights and recommendations for others trying to make a decision about the best safari tour operator for them. Reading online reviews is an effective way of deciding whether a safari tour operator is trustworthy before you decide to book.

Want to visit East Africa with a responsible tour operator? Come travel with [us]!