Safari - first flight in 12 years…what, where, how? Im clueless.

[Safariquery]

I think my marriage is ending. He has a ‘zero flights’ policy so DC aged 12 has never flown. I agree that we need to cut our carbon and we all have responsibility to do so from individuals up to governments. But, my policy would be to fly minimally but not never.

So freedom awaits. It’s one perk in this gut wrenching miserable situation.

A safari is on my top 5 bucket list things. But I don’t have a clue. I will need to start saving because my disposable income is going to nose dive and he’s going to take me to the cleaners.

So I’ll be travelling alone most likely, with my DC. I think it will need to be 2026 to give me time to save and I expect next year will need to be a cheap simple holiday as it will be a tumultuous year.

I want to start fantasising about it and planning it to help get me through the dark days ahead.

So please please please;

Has anyone travelled alone to do a safari? Where? How? How much is it likely to cost? Are there companies that do trips that might be a good fit? What time of year is good if you don’t want too much heat? Is there a cheaper time to go?

Any ideas to start me planning and dreaming would be much appreciated.

first flight in 12 years
first solo holiday with your son

go to europe 2/3 hour flight
nice hotel by the sea
1 week

and just relax and enjoy and ease in to new freedom

a cheap and simple holiday is never in a month of sundays involve a “safari” OP

Look at explore or exodus holidays. Get a brochure for family holidays and enjoy planning it.

We did it independently and asked the game park to arrange the airport transfer. Worked out cheaper than going via a tour operator.

think about whether you’d prefer a malaria free region or if the tablets are not an issue

Look at weather for the time of year you want to go: colder weather/dry season you’re more likely to see animals.

what kind of experience do you want- tents?

do you want an in and out safari trip or combine with beach/other things? We stayed near the Zulu battlefields so took a day out to visit Rorke’s Drift.

what facilities do you want? Game drives are normally at dawn and dusk so most of the day is free

I agree with the others that this needs to be a longer term plan. What budget are you thinking? It’ll be many thousands and you want it to be right.

That will be next year. The safari is 2026.

Cheap and simple next year. Safari 2026.

I’d get some different books about the different areas and start making lists/spreadsheets about what you want. I understand wanting to dream.

But also book a shorter trip for now! Rome?

Oooo. Thanks. I’ll take a look.

I think South Africa is nice and good for safari. Africa travel are a great company for planning your holiday for you. You just give them your dates and budget and they show you options. They'll book your hotels and arrange your transfers and flights and make it all very easy.

Oooo. Thanks. Lots to think about there. That’s a great start. Already can feel the excitement!

I’ve been told Kenya is good and might be ideal for a first trip as it’ll be so foreign for you both!

Tell us what animals you’d like to see most?

we did Kenya with Kuoni the jeep that took us around was the same the whole trip it was us as a couple and 2 single travellers, there was a second jeep with another 4 passengers. Kuoni guaranteed everyone window seats so max 6 per jeep.

i currently work part time as I’m emotionally drained and in an emotionally draining job. Once I’m through the worst of it I can focus on increasing hours. So really I could save and really splash out fairly quickly. I don’t even have a ball park figure in mind as no idea what it might cost but £5000 would be possible if I really work at it. Even if I postpone plans til 2027.

I’ll check them out. Thanks.

op it will be substantially more than £2.5k pp for one adult and one 14 year old in two years time

The big five. But love all nature. Would love to see gorillas too.

What should I set my budget at? I basically could really push myself and do some stressful private work in the short term. I’d rather not but could.

You could go to Trailfinders and get help with an itinerary.

A no fly policy for 12 years? Bye. (Appreciate the carbon element but there is so much beauty and amazing things to see that I could never ever abide by that)

Yes. Will do Europe somewhere next year but may take train.

Any books you recommend?

Kenya? won’t get change from £10k

why don’t you give the suggestions a buzz today to suss out prices and then come back if realistic for you

as i’ve been twice and lots of recs!

FYI the big five are: lion, leopard, African buffalo, rhino and elephant

Also if you go somewhere like Sri Lanka you can see elephants in the wild too.

Dont worry op - you have a whole future of fun things to plan :) I’m sure there will be multiple trips

He also sounds like a controlling arse.