12 Reasons Why Booking With An Africa Travel Specialist Is Essential For Your Safari Vacation

Ready to head on your dream safari vacation? Here are 12 reasons why I highly recommend using an Africa travel specialist.

Booking a safari adventure in Africa is a dream for so many people and we were absolutely no different. Dane grew up in Africa and he has the best memories of traveling across the continent seeing historic landmarks and enjoying safari. When we had saved enough to go on safari ourselves, we didn’t know where to start. 

While planning a safari vacation might seem exciting, it can also be overwhelming due to the multitude of options and logistics involved. This is where the expertise of an Africa travel agent comes into play. Serendipitously, I found Amy from Flyga Twiga in a military magazine and knew right away I needed to contact her. The rest is history! She has helped us plan multiple trips across different African countries and I trust her judgement implicitly. Today I’m sharing 12 reasons why I highly recommend using an Africa travel specialist for your vacation….

12 Reasons Booking With An Africa Travel Specialist Is Essential For Your Safari 

One thing I want to clarify before diving in is that I would never advise you book such a special (and expensive) trip with any travel agent you can find. Safari is entirely different from any other travel we’ve done and often requires extensive knowledge of transportation and accommodations on the ground that would be impossible for someone who has never been there to know.

If you’ve been around here for awhile, you know that Dane and I book all our own travel, but the first thing I say when someone tells me they are considering a safari is “Contact Amy”. Still not convinced? Let’s dive in…

1. Save Money and Get Value for Your Investment: A skilled travel agent that specializes in Africa possesses the knowledge to secure the best deals, accommodations and transportation options within your budget. They can help you get the most value for your money by combining various services and offerings, ultimately saving you from overspending.

2. Expert Destination Knowledge: Africa is a vast and diverse continent with a plethora of safari destinations to choose from. An experienced travel agent can guide you in selecting the perfect location based on your interests, ensuring you don’t miss out on the best experiences. For example, if you’re set on seeing gorillas, you will want to book Rwanda or Uganda, not Kenya or South Africa.

3. Tailored Itinerary: Travel agents specialize in creating customized itineraries that cater to your preferences, interests and timeline. This ensures that your safari vacation is uniquely customized to your desires. For example, if your heart is set on taking a hot air balloon ride, you won’t want to book a camp that doesn’t offer that type of experience.

4. Hassle-Free Planning: Coordinating flights, accommodations, transportation and safari activities can be complex and time-consuming. By entrusting these tasks to a travel agent, you’ll be free to focus on enjoying your vacation without the stress of logistical arrangements.

5. Insider Access: Travel agents often have exclusive partnerships and access to top-rated lodges, guides and safari experiences. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy insider privileges that may not be available to independent travelers. This is especially true of Amy (I swear this isn’t an ad, we just genuinely love her! ;)), because her on-the-ground partners are some of the best in the industry. Shoutout to Adventure Expeditions in Kenya who are truly remarkable people and know the ins-and-outs of many east African destinations (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, etc). 

6. Local Cultural Insights: Africa is rich in cultural diversity, and a knowledgeable travel agent can provide you with insights into local customs, traditions, and etiquette, helping you interact respectfully with local communities.

7. Safety and Security: Navigating unfamiliar terrain and wildlife can pose potential risks. Travel agents ensure that your safari adventure is safe and secure by arranging reliable transportation, experienced guides, and adhering to all necessary safety protocols. Before our first trip to Kenya, Amy guided us in necessary vaccines, visas, etc.

8. Time-Saving Convenience: Researching and planning a safari vacation can consume a significant amount of time. Travel agents possess the expertise to efficiently plan your trip, allowing you to make the most of your precious vacation time. This is why it is crucial to book someone who is familiar with the destination you are visiting and not just trying to make money!

9. Smooth Transitions: Safari vacations often involve multiple destinations and transfers. An experienced travel agent can seamlessly coordinate these transitions, ensuring that you enjoy a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Let me be very transparent: The transfers on safari are like nothing I’ve experienced before and I could have not prepared for some of the hiccups we’ve experienced (airline strikes, cancelled flights, etc). In one experience

10. Emergency Support: In the rare event of unexpected challenges or emergencies during your trip, a travel agent is your reliable point of contact. They can assist in rearranging plans, accommodations and other arrangements as needed. 

11. Conservation and Responsible Tourism: This was very important to me while booking our first trip. Amy included the conservation efforts of all her suggested camps with every proposed itinerary until I was happy with supporting camps that are giving back to their local communities, employ local workers and offer guests opportunities to donate. Many reputable travel agents are committed to promoting responsible tourism practices and wildlife conservation. By booking through such agents, you contribute to sustainable tourism efforts and the protection of Africa’s natural heritage.

12. Expert Advice and Insights: Travel agents with a focus on safari possess extensive knowledge about the best times to visit, optimal wildlife viewing opportunities and seasonal variations. Their expert advice ensures you make informed decisions and maximize your safari experience.

Planning a safari vacation in Africa is a journey of a lifetime, and partnering with an experienced travel specialist can truly make all the difference!

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