First Time Safari
Honeymoon Safari
July 2, 2019
It is hard to get across to people what to expect let alone the deep life changing experience that is about to befall the first time Africa safari client.
As a first time safari goer, where do you even start with the planning process, the research and options available can be overwhelming. At least you can rest assured South Africa is one of the top destinations in Africa for first time safari goers. For us here at Tailormade Africa arranging someone's very first safari is the most exciting and rewarding part of our job. It is hard to get across to people what to expect let alone the deep life changing experience that is about to befall the first time Africa safari client.
Indeed our directors frequently talk about how envious they are of that "first time" feeling. The awe of seeing your first Zebra, Giraffe, Elephant and Lion or Leopard is something that you just can't quite be prepared for. It is simply exhilarating and if you are reading this as a newbie to the safari world you should be delirious with excitement at what awaits you. The best thing to do is get in touch with us to help guide you through this process. It will save you so much time and frustration.
The great thing about South Africa is that the safari options are ALL fantastic for a first-timer. The majority of the parks and reserves are all home to the mighty ‘Big Five’, so named as they were the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot ‘back in the day’ and have since become one of the most exclusive ‘must-sees’ for everyone embarking on a photographic safari.
Just in case you don’t know what they are, the Big Five are lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos and elephants and seeing them up close is one of the most magical experiences in the world! If you want a safari without malaria, we have some gorgeous lodges up in the Madikwe and also in the Eastern Cape which we’d love you to visit.
Here at Tailormade Africa, we design each and every trip bespoke. It’s important to us that all of your wants and needs are taken care of, and once we know you a little better we can help advise you on the best spots to go – including how much you may need to part with.
Ultimately, we organise everything for you from start to finish, with private transfers, tours and domestic flights all included. This may make the cost a little higher but it does mean you have everything taken care of so you can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy your trip!
We certainly aren’t in the business of spending money for the sake of it, so let us know what your budget is and we can help.
As countries go, South Africa is pretty much one of the best to start off with if you’re nervous about travelling to ‘deepest darkest Africa’. The infrastructure is top-notch throughout the country, and you certainly won’t feel like you’re unsafe at any point particularly as part of a Tailormade Africa itinerary as we are always on hand to support you!
We know all of the hotels and lodges and have a personal relationship with every company we use on the ground so you’ll be in the best of hands.
Easy! That’s what we’re here for. First and foremost we get to know you, either on the phone or over a cup of coffee (or something stronger!). That way we get to know all the things that make you tick and what is most important to you.
Once we have an idea of your perfect holiday, we will take a step back and hand-pick all of the hotels and lodges for you, add in a private tour or three and cost it all up for you to check out. If we need to tweak anything at any point, we will do so with pleasure – and that’s it! You’ll have a visual itinerary to look through and share with your loved ones to get a real feeling for what you’re getting yourself into – and we do the rest.
Our main advice for a first-timer is not to worry. South Africa is a perfect way to start your love affair with Africa and you will have us on hand to guide you through any queries you might have. We could maybe suggest not to bring your high-heels, but even then you may wish to have them for those lovely restaurants you’ll be enjoying; also – don’t forget your camera!
A very common mistake for first-time safari-goers is to assume that Africa is always hot. Having lived and breathed Africa, we cannot count the times that we have welcomed guests to a lodge and all they’ve packed are shorts!
June, July and August can get very nippy in the evenings so we do really recommend checking with us about what to expect weather-wise and we can help you pack. Other advice? Get a good camera and bring enough ‘film’, as you’re very likely to take more photos than you would ever expect!
