10 Best steps to plan a Safari Trip : Decide on your destination : Africa is a massive continent! There are over 50 countries in Africa, and they vary widely in culture, landscape, and attractions. You can go on a beach vacation, a safari, or historical excursions. The first step is to figure out what kind of vacation you want, and which country would best fit the needs of your family or travel group
Decide when to visit
Most African countries have an optimal time for visiting, so once you have figured out your destination, decide what time of the year to travel. If you are going on a Uganda safari, the dry season is usually the best time to visit best known as high and peak seasons. However, if you are going to the desert, you will want to go during the winter.
Contact a tour operator
Before booking, decide whether you want to use a travel agent or plan your vacation independently. There are pros and cons to both, but if you are using an agent, you should get in contact with them at least a year before going. They can help arrange hotels, excursions, and other details. If you are booking the trip on your own, make sure to research hotels, tours, and attractions.
Although some travelers prefer to organize own trips, its best recommended to find a local tour operator in the country you will be visiting to help in arranging your safari experience without stress. Tour operator are familiar with all attractions and best destinations for you depending on your interest and budget. They arrange your ground transfer, book your accommodations and take responsibility for your activities. Countries like Uganda and Rwanda that offer mountain gorilla trekking require advance purchase of permits through a tour operator.
Book your flight
For the best rates on plane tickets, book as far in advance as possible. Flights to Africa can be expensive and sell out quickly, so make sure to plan in advance. If you have travel points or frequent flyer miles, now is the time to use them!
Get travel insurance
Make sure your bases are covered by buying travel insurance. While many people say that travel insurance is a waste of money, this is not the case when traveling to Africa. Often, flights in Africa get canceled without any warning, and if you have a medical emergency, public hospitals are not the best place to get the care you need.
Check your visa requirements
Several months before departure, check to see if you need a Visa when entering your destination country. This is determined by your nationality, not your country of residence. Do not verify this information on travel blogs; look at actual government agencies because these requirements change all the time.
Arrange travel medication
Visit a doctor or travel clinic two months before your trip to find out what vaccinations you need for your destination. This varies depending on the country, but usually, you will have to get Hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies vaccines. Malaria is also prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, so be sure to check with your doctor to arrange any prophylactics.
Buy your travel equipment
It depends on your destination, but you will likely need a mosquito net, first aid kit, and a pair of durable hiking shoes. If you are going on a safari, you will want a good pair of binoculars and a great camera. Many places in Africa are hot during the day and chilly in the evening, so bring a variety of layers and clothing.
Make a money plan
Carrying tons of cash in many countries is not safe. You are recommended to carry credit or debit cards. ATMs is are widely available especially in urban centers. Your best recommendation is to get enough currency upon arrival to get you to the next major city, and then draw more cash with your debit or ATM card. Make sure to alert your bank and credit card company that you will be traveling. If they do not know, they may cancel or freeze your card because of suspected fraud.
Research your destination
Reading and researching your destination can increase your local knowledge, tell you about amazing sights to see, and get you excited for your trip! Getting a phrasebook is also a good idea because knowing a few phrases in the native language can go a long way.