BEST GROUP SAFARIS IN EAST AFRICA

Guide on how to choose a group safari on your next East African safari holiday to Uganda, Rwanda, kenya and Tanzania with Superfine Safaris Limited. Group safaris are undoubtedly full of fun and worth doing! You travel alongside other people who have the same travel interests as yours, giving you more opportunities to socialize and learn from each other. Whereas you can do private East African Safaris, there is a long list of pros for choosing an organized group safari.

These include the opportunity to make friends throughout the trip and enjoy shared experiences, creating a family mood by sharing feelings, emotions, and discoveries. There’s also increased security in uncertain places (compared to when traveling as a solo traveler), and cost effectiveness (as you save more when transport and accommodation costs are shared).

Planning a Group East African Safari is undoubtedly overwhelming as you try to decide which trip is right for you. Choosing the wrong group safari can affect your entire experience, leaving you feeling uncomfortable, rushed, or overlooked, and like your money was just washed down the drain. Superfine Safaris Limited has put together a list of tips and things to consider when choosing a group safari to East Africa. These include.

What to Consider When Choosing a Group Safari

Time away

Before deciding on a safari destination, it is important to first figure out how long you wish to be on a safari. Group safaris vary from 3-day trips to one National Park to multi-day group safaris targeting several National Parks. For this reason, it is advisable to choose the length of the group safari by your lifestyle as well as how much Vacation time you have. If you are looking at adding extra time to your Vacation time, think about traveling during the Holidays that involve a day off on Friday or Monday, providing you a 3-day weekend and an extra day to play with (or better still, rest).

Choose a Group safari based on value, not price

While price is usually the first thing travelers compare when looking at different Group safari options, it is important to consider the value each safari offers, not just the price. Does the group trip include meals? Are all accommodations included? Do they cater for extra activities such as boat cruises, or gorilla/chimpanzee treks? Some Group safari options only cater for bare basics for a trip- the cheapest accommodation options, no meals, optional activities which cost extra, and a lot. While you might save a little money by choosing the cheapest safari, you won’t be getting a bespoke and personal safari experience.

For a truly incredible Uganda adventure, look for a group safari that includes competitively priced, all-inclusive safaris with tailored accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. Take time to go through the itinerary and ask the Tour Operator/organizer questions about what is included. If the safari package includes additional activities, services of a professional safari guide, safe and comfortable transportation, meals and accommodation, as well as all Park and entrance fees in the total cost, then you are onto a winner.

The safari destination/s

Do you have a bucket list or a special interest? Do you want to get immersed in a safari destination exploring only a few places, or do you wish to get a feel of a place by making a multitude of quick stops in several Cities? Do you want a group safari with a variety of things to do and see, or do you want a trip that provides just one type of travel experience, such as a gorilla, chimpanzee, or game viewing safari? Are you yearning to experience mountain scenery, country or city stops, lots of Museums and shopping, or just a little bit of everything, and how much of each activity?

Take time to figure out exactly what type of safari you are yearning for and discuss your expectations with your Group safari operator/organizer. Remember that there is an itinerary out there for everyone, and the key is matching your safari expectations with it.

Size of the group

Another factor to consider when choosing a group safari is the size of the group. How many people are you comfortable traveling with? Do you prefer a small group safari led by a seasoned tour leader, or are you okay traveling with a large group made up of individuals from all over the World? In a nutshell, sometimes large group safaris are more impersonal, while smaller group safaris are more intimate. The former is more challenging to manage, while the latter takes much less time in regard to the overall travel, transit, hotel check-in, and dining experiences.

Demographics of the travelers

We have heard travelers who say they hesitate to book group safaris because they think most of the participants will be younger than they are. Interestingly, our group trips have been on included visitors from their mid-twenties to those in their eighties. However, if you prefer a group safari comprising midlife travelers, they will typically be the more costly option, attracting older travelers, but not always.  Detailed information about the clientele is normally available at the time of booking, and if you want to be very sure, feel free to ask. We can provide information on the age range of the people who have already booked the group safari you are considering, to have a clearer idea of what you are getting into.

The Geographic diversity of the Group

Whether you choose a group safari for women or everyone, part of the thrilling experiences of group safaris is the chance to get to know people from across the World. However, not all Tour Operators will attract a geographically diverse clientele, as there will be cases where every traveler is from a particular geographical location, say America.

As you plan your group safari, think about whether you would rather travel with an International crowd, and pick your Tour operator with that in mind.

Mode of transport

Will you be in a coaster bus or a Land Cruiser? Some group safaris include domestic flights, especially for long-distance travelers (for instance, the 8-9-hour drive from Bwindi to Entebbe). The Tour Operator will check flight schedules, purchase tickets, and confirm dinner reservations, as you relax in the garden, sipping wine and watching wildlife roaming around the Lodge, or listen to the sounds of chirping birds. Exactly as it should be.

One of the best parts of group safaris is the fact that there is a Tour Leader who ensures everything goes as planned, as well as a dedicated safari guide/s showing the beauty of the country, acting as the translator and managing all logistics. Our guides are from the country you are visiting, which offers the perfect opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and customs from a local.