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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To consider spending a LOT of money on a safari holiday ...

132 replies

lilybetsy · 30/08/2017 21:35

My three kids will be 19, 16 and 13 next Summer, I am a single parent and really thinking this is likley to be the last oppportunity for us to go away as a family together,

It's a 3 weeks trip, very nice, and pretty expensive. But amazing. Will see stuff and do stuff together that we will always remember,

What are memories worth ? Is it worth the debt it will be for me ( but I can manage) .... I can't make my mind up ...

OP posts:

TheAntiBoop · 01/09/2017 21:28

I holidayed with my parents until I left uni. And then I still went on a few and we go together sometimes now I have kids. Next summer isn't the last chance!!

Allthebestnamesareused · 01/09/2017 21:39

Do it but book the actual safaris when you are actually in Africa as it is about 70% cheaper and it is the same jeeps that collect you from your hotel that collect those who pay the overinflated prices charged by agents over here!

TheAntiBoop · 01/09/2017 22:11

Can you get places at safari lodges on reserves like that though? Everywhere we have ever booked has always been full six months ahead

Pigface1 · 01/09/2017 22:16

I don't think it's a good idea to get into debt for a holiday.

But on the other hand we did a safari for our honeymoon (Zambia and Botswana). It cost stupid, stupid money. But honestly, it was life changing and worth every last penny.

itusedtobeverydifferent · 01/09/2017 22:19

Well you know...the way the world is does make one thing 'just go and make the memories, have the fun and live the life'

Pigface1 · 01/09/2017 22:19

Sorry just to add - in Victoria Falls consider going the other side of the border to Zambia and staying at Waterberry Lodge on the banks of the Zambezi. Hands down the most amazing place I have ever stayed. Did sunrise and sunset cruises on the Zambezi, tracked rhino on foot, took a helicopter over the falls... absolutely unbelievable.

SaltySeaBird · 01/09/2017 22:21

Yes do it! Amazing experience. Go with a good company though who know their stuff, it might work out a bit more but the experience will be considerably better.

Xmasbaby11 · 01/09/2017 22:25

I wouldn't get into debt for a holiday, as amazing as it sounds.

Xmasbaby11 · 01/09/2017 22:26

I wouldn't get into debt for a holiday, as amazing as it sounds.

peterpancollar · 02/09/2017 00:18

Seriously, why are people advocating getting into debt for a holiday, however exotic it sounds? A holiday in my eyes, is a definite luxury.

If I had a terminal illness with months to live, I might think sod it, let's blow lots of money that I don't have but otherwise, it's pretty reckless financially imo.

How much debt are we talking about and how long will it take you to pay it back? That would be relevant information here. I definitely wouldn't borrow £10K to go on any holiday but it's horses for courses. I've taken out a £4K interest free loan on an IKEA kitchen which I paid back over the 2yr interest free period. I suspect a safari holiday for a family of 4 would probably cost well in excess of that though.

There have been many years in my life when we didn't have a holiday because we just couldn't afford it. We just accepted it as part of life - I cannot understand the view that everyone is entitled to go away on a holiday even when they don't have the funds. And then they return and have problems paying essential household bills which is madness!

ethelfleda · 02/09/2017 00:40

I say do it. I have gotten in to debt before for the trip of a lifetime and never regretted it (And it's all paid off now and am financially sound!)
We camped for 2 months in east Africa (started in Kenya and did Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi and zimbabwe) have also don't South Africa a few times too and done the safari. Out of everywhere we have been in the world (also did India, South East Asia, Australia plus Japan and China) Africa was by far the best. Such a magical continent and every country offers something different. You won't regret it! Life is too short and as long as you don't stretch your finances too much I don't see the problem.

ethelfleda · 02/09/2017 00:40

*have done South Africa that should say...

HiJenny35 · 02/09/2017 00:54

Yes do it, best thing I've ever done and worth every penny and I will definitely go again in the future.

Enidblyton1 · 02/09/2017 01:13

This won't be the last chance to have a family holiday! Believe me, your kids will always jump at the chance of a free safari holiday no matter what age they are.

I wouldn't get into debt for a holiday - just save up and do it in a couple of years time.

Enidblyton1 · 02/09/2017 01:17

If you do decide to do it, please make sure you buy really really good travel insurance. Imagine someone was ill and you had to cancel, or some other disaster. You would have a ruined holiday and lots of debt...

oldlaundbooth · 02/09/2017 01:17

Do it do it do it!

SlimDogMillionaire · 02/09/2017 01:17

Do it! I went on similar prior to DC. Amazing experience, lots of memories. Do it!

NK493efc93X1277dd3d6d4 · 02/09/2017 01:33

Do it do it, however consider just buying the flights and organising the rest when you are there. Grab a lonely planet or rough guide for help & ideas. Will hopefully save you loads as well as being more satisfying.

ihatethecold · 02/09/2017 06:55

I have messaged a couple of you on here to ask about your holidays.
Those of you who have been how did you know where to start ?
Did you know which country in Africa to visit for the best experience?
Which month or season is the best to visit?

ZaraW · 02/09/2017 07:01

I've been on several safaris the best being in Namibia it was amazing. We did a non luxury one with Exodus. Waking up at 5 am to walk 500 meters to the watering hole to see a family of lions and nobody elsrearound was incredible. The desert scenery and walking up dune 45 for sunset was a highlight of the trip.

ZaraW · 02/09/2017 07:31

Botswana is also amazing wild camping in the Okavango Delta, watching elephant famililies cross the Chobe river and finishing the trip in Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls.

sweetbitter · 02/09/2017 07:36

I wouldn't go into debt for a holiday unless someone was dying. Possibly if I could definitely pay it off in under a year, but even so...

Cailleach666 · 02/09/2017 07:39

Sorry but I wouldn't consider it.
Your kids are approaching University age- financial support is really important at that time. You will be in a position of debt when they most need money.

I have been an African safari- It was a bit Meh. Highly packaged, overpriced.
I have have far more interesting trips doing DIY holidays off the beaten track, for much less money.
There are still many remote places in Thailand worth exploring where accommodation will cost only £10 a night, and plenty to see and do.

whiteroseredrose · 02/09/2017 07:46

Have you got saving for their future OP?

If not I'd suggest that memories of a great hol are not so great without the deposit for your first rental.

If that's covered then maybe. I still wouldn't go into debt personally. I'd delay it for a year till I'd saved up.

whiteroseredrose · 02/09/2017 07:47

*savings

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