Anyone in here been in a safari ? What did you think to it ?

[Stuckinthemiddlewithyouuhoh]

Thinking of booking one

Few years ago. I did the Garden route in SA. Utterly brilliant. Was shocked at the townships in Cape Town. The animal experience was amazing. Whales in Hermanus, then onto various expensive (to me) hotels and camps. Gorah elephant camp was amazing.

No, I get you - I enjoyed mine, it was a nice novel experience but I dont think I'd go again and it was plenty long enough, def wouldnt want to do 7/10 nights like some do.

We did a safari to Zambia last year with Aardvark. Agree very expensive but the most amazing experience. Will probably do another one next year.
We did a walking safari in the south luanga valley. No internet or phone signal for 4 days. We were a bit early in the season so not so many animals but the experience was great apart from the day 2 guests arrived wearing bright purple and wondered why we were all in natural colours then proceeded to talk in loud voices despite the guide asking for quiet. My husband eventually asked them to be quiet which fortunately worked!

Best holiday of my life!!
We did Kenya, Masai Mara, which was incredible!!!!
We then a second the following week at Shimba Hills, which was very different. Still amazing, but not as many animals - no lions example. I would have been disappointed if that was the only safari we did.
Both were Private jeep safaris with a guide, so we could say when we wanted to move on etc.
Don't skimp on price.

I used to live in Kenya and have travelled a lot around Southern and East Africa and my tuppenceworth is that it could be all things mentioned so far. It can also be very unethical. Google Ritz Carlton Masai Mara, for example and please do not stay there.

For the best experience, I would suggest a less visited part of the world than Mara or Serengeti. Samburu, in Northern Kenya would be my top choice, as well as Ol Pajeta which you could combine on the same trip.

f you can not afford a lodge, take a tent and rent a car. There are public campsites in every park. The ones in South Africa are particularly good. You can always go to a lodge for lunch and a swim during then hottest part of the day.

Last thing, I would really encourage you to use a local, ethical company to keep the money flowing into the places that need it.

😂