Finding affordable African safaris

Searching for an African safari is easy these days, what with the proliferation of online tour operators and agents. However, finding a cheap safari takes some serious hard surfing.It goes without saying that Kenya is by far the cheapest destination in East Africa and the entire continent at large.This is because of the ease in transport logistics and availability of accommodation.nevertheless this does not mean that while you are searching for a cheap African safari, the quality of the same should be compromised! By using the following tips, you are assured of a quick saver deal and some fulfillment during your safari adventure. The meaning of an African safari is to see animals and that is what I want to help you accomplish.

(1). Avoid agents,book with local operators.
Most of those tour and travel agents based in countries other than Kenya or countries where the safari is to be done do act on behalf of operators of the various safari packages offered. Most outfitters in Nairobi and Mombasa are operators, who craft packages and furnish them. I recommend that you book your safari with the local operator, get guarantees that they will operate the safari using their staff and motor vehicles. This way you save on the added commission that the agent would earn from selling you the package. How do you verify this? While booking, establish human contact including voice, let them customize an itinerary for you or get to see their client reviews. How? Send queries in the various travel social networks like trip advisor, virtual tourist, Africa guide, travelers point and many more.
Advantages:
Local safari outfitters will give you a quote that is net, free from commissions ( anyway it is just you and them)
You have the best opportunity of negotiating the best available price for your safari package, I always get the best deal when I bargain! Yes it works for me why not you? .
Sometimes safari operators have Å“ seat in car safaris take advantage of that. It is cheaper when you share the cost of transport.
Disadvantages:
Sometimes sharing your safari with people you do not know takes away the flavor of it all.

(2). Book early.
Normally, tour operators provide Å“early bird discounts which usually range up to 25%. So book early and get your rightful savings.
Advantages:
You will save, by virtue of the discounts- who does not want a discount?
You will be assured of availability. With the growth of tourism in the most popular safari circuits in East Africa, the early bird catches the worm!

(3). Go With a Large Organized group
Organized scheduled safaris are cheaper because you get group rates and this cuts down on your transportation and accommodation costs. This are more or less Å“seat in car safaris.
Advantages:
Good option if you don't want to camp but still want a budget safari.
These packages include a guide which will make your safari a lot more interesting. Knowing what fauna and flora you are looking at really adds value plus share the knowledge in your group..
Disadvantages:
With the varied back grounds of the people you are booked with, your personalities may clash and you obviously wont enjoy.

(4). Find Accommodations Outside the Park
Accommodations within the game park are often more expensive than outside. You can also stay in the nearest town to the wildlife park and just go in for the day.
Advantages:
Accommodation outside parks is equally good but cheap. Take advantage of this and see the animals.
Disadvantages:
Game park authorities may not allow you to get out and return to the park on the same day ( Lake Nakuru NP).This may force you to do a full day game drive with picnic lunch.
Takes more time to get to the game park so you may miss an early morning drive which often yields the most successful viewing of wildlife, especially the cats as this is their hunting time.

(5). Drive yourselves;
Pick a local map, grab a wildlife book, hire a car _advisably a four by four and enjoy your safari.
Advantages:
You create your own itinerary
You avoid the cost of hiring a guide ( which includes their accommodation, park fees etc)
You plan and have control of how long you stay at a particular location.
Disadvantages:
You may not know the best wildlife viewing trails
Where communication with the locals is needed, you may be constrained.
In may African nations, the road network is bad to the bone, it may be dicey for a stranger to drive.

(6). Camping:
Public campsites are available in most game parks, make use of this if you really are on budget.
Advantages;
Camping is ideal when you want to get so close to nature. Experience your enhanced heartbeat when you hear some animal rubbing on your tent.
Disadvantages:
Roughing it is usually a hassle, what with carrying all your supplies and being in charge of your feeding.

(7). Travel during low season
The low-season coincides with the rainy season and in most popular safari destinations there are two rainy seasons a year. Low-seasons usually run from April - June and October - November. The accommodation rates during this period are at their lowest. Make use of them.
Advantages:
Low season rates are just that LOW!
You enjoy the wildlife viewing experience as there is less humanity. You came to see the animals , not the buses and people.
Disadvantages:
The rains mean that wildlife doesn't have to limit their wanderings to a few available water sources. So you may have trouble spotting the animals from your safari vehicle.
The roads to and in some of the game parks could be washed out. Most game park roads are dirt and getting stuck may just be part of the game.
You may not enjoy the Å“pop up roof or Å“ open sided for photography experience due to the rain.
As a matter of fact, plan ahead and network with potential travelers,their advice is as important.