The Friendly Planet Newsletter

Published Jul 30, 2022
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Photo by Bibhash (knapsnack.life) Banerjee on Unsplash
There’s nothing like a safari
Whether you’ve been on a safari drive before or are dreaming about setting off soon, there’s nothing in the world quite like the thrill of observing some of the world’s most incredible wildlife in their native habitat. It’s nothing like the zoo experiences you may have had; it’s witnessing every creature going about its day-to-day—grazing, hunting, resting, watching over its young, and curiously exploring the beautiful untouched world around them.
We’ve been helping adventurous travelers on safari for more than 40 years, and we'd like to share a few tips to help you make the most of your own safari experience!
1    Be prepared for anything. From the South African bush to the Masai Mara’s expansive plains, each safari drive is like a snowflake—unique! From bringing layered clothing for comfort as the pre-dawn chill gives way to midday sunshine to the bumps on the road along the way, it’s essential to go into the experience prepared and with an open mind. There are no timetables for when lions have lunch and where to find elephants at sunset. Instead, a vast array of animals and birds are there for the finding, just for you!        2    Trust your guide. Our talented driver/guides cannot wait to show you around, and they’ve had decades of experience helping travelers from all over the world have the best experience possible. Of course, listening to their instructions for your safety is critical, but they’re there for more than that! Ask questions—they love to share their knowledge. If you have special interests (looking at you, birders and plant people!), let your guides know—while they’ll need to balance the needs of all the participants in the group, they’ll be sure to point out things you want to see!        3    Take lots of pictures. Indeed, the tenth time you see the zebra may not be as exciting as the first, but here’s our pro tip: take the picture anyway! You never know if you’ll be presented with a better-framed shot, so snap away. You can always delete the duplicates later. Be sure to bring extra batteries, memory cards, and cords so you can recharge and prepare between drives.
Ready to go?
Kenya Safari Express   The perfect taste of Kenya: Nairobi, plus a boat safari on Lake Naivasha, a game drive in Hell's Gate & 3 game drives in Masai Mara   FROM   FROM   $2649     $2049     7 W/ FLIGHTS TOUR ONLY DAYS per person, double occupancy*   SEE THIS PACKAGE		Highlights of Southern Africa   3 countries, 3 icons: Cape Town, jewel of South Africa; Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe with Zambezi River cruise; 4 world-class safaris in Chobe, Botswana; 1 day in Nairobi   FROM   $3999     11 W/ FLIGHTS DAYS per person, double occupancy*   SEE THIS PACKAGE
Kenya Wildlife Safari   Nairobi, then 9 game drives in Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara; Stay in superior Nairobi hotels & safari lodges. Also available with Victoria Falls.   FROM   FROM   $3999     $3399     10 W/ FLIGHTS TOUR ONLY DAYS per person, double occupancy*   SEE THIS PACKAGE		Kenya Wildlife Safari with Victoria Falls   Nairobi, then 9 game drives in Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara; Stay in superior Nairobi hotels & safari lodges, All this plus the majestic Victoria Falls.   FROM   $5499     14 W/ FLIGHTS DAYS per person, double occupancy*   SEE THIS PACKAGE
Best of Kenya & Tanzania Safari   Nairobi & the ultimate safari: 14 game drives in Ol Pejeta, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro   FROM   $5999     14 W/ FLIGHTS DAYS per person, double occupancy*   SEE THIS PACKAGE		Dazzling Dubai & Kenya Safari   The glamorous desert oasis of Dubai, then Nairobi, a boat safari on Lake Naivasha, a game drive in Hell's Gate and three game drives in Masai Mara   $4349     10 W/ FLIGHTS DAYS per person, double occupancy*   SEE THIS PACKAGE
Best of South Africa   Johannesburg & Cape Town, 3 game drives in Kruger and a private conservancy, plus a bush walk; stay in upscale hotels throughout.   FROM   $4399     12 W/ FLIGHTS DAYS per person, double occupancy*   SEE THIS PACKAGE		Best of South Africa with Victoria Falls   Victoria Falls, Johannesburg & Cape Town, 3 game drives in Kruger and a private conservancy, plus a bush walk; stay in upscale hotels throughout.   FROM   $6099     15 W/ FLIGHTS DAYS per person, double occupancy*   SEE THIS PACKAGE
Treasures of Tanzania & Kenya   A true gem of a safari: 10 game drives in Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Taita Hills Sanctuary & Amboseli, then Nairobi   FROM   FROM   $7699     $7099     14 W/ FLIGHTS TOUR ONLY DAYS per person, double occupancy*   SEE THIS PACKAGE		Incredible South Africa with Rovos Luxury Train   Johannesburg, 3 safaris in a Private Game Reserve, Petoria, 3 nights aboard Rovos Luxury Train & Cape Town.   FROM   $8449     13 W/ FLIGHTS DAYS per person, double occupancy*   SEE THIS PACKAGE