Safari packages and tours are ready-made trips that combine transportation, lodging, dinning, and other travel services into a package. You can buy this travel package at a single, set price. Package Africa trips can make your safari planning much easier because they usually include all the major trip components. And even better, they are available for nearly every safari destination, interest and activity you can think of.

What is so good about Ready Made Safari packages?

Price, convenience and peace of mind are what most people like about ready-made safari packages. The price of packaged safari vacation is usually lower than if you purchase each travel service individually. This is because most packages are developed by tour operators who buy individual travel services like lodging and air tickets in bulk, at lower contract price, and then put them together into a package. All you have to buy is the package. All the homework is done for you. The itinerary, the hotels, the connections – everything – is worked out for you. And you can still go up-scale, standard or any class in between.

You pay one price for a package upfront. You don’t have to pay for rooms and sometimes not even meals as you go. Even tips can be included, in some cases. That lets you budget more precisely for your trip and means you will not have to carry much cash while you are on the road (except for your own expenditure like shopping). Combine better prices with the convenience of knowing where to go, when to go, and how you will get there and back, and it is hard to think of what is not good about ready-made safari packages.

Even expert trip planners love them.
‘I always recommend a package’ says Ms Lencer Nasimiyu, product manager at Hallmark Travel Planners, a 20-year-old tour operator that specializes in, group and individual leisure travel. ‘They can usually be customized any way a customer wants’ she says.’ You can purchase everything or you can book just part of a package. And even if there aren’t great savings, there a lot more security and less trouble for my client’

What is included Package Safari Trips?

Typically, a ready-made safari package includes of any or all of the following:

Air Transportation; In some cases, but nor always, you usually get a round-ticket tickets from your point of origin to your destination in Africa. This will usually include any necessary connections. If you trip is the fly-in type, it will certainly include the local or regional flights as part of the package.

Land Transport; While on safari, getting you from point A to Point B is crucial in a package. Count on at least some land transport being included if you book the package.

Airport Transfers; You will never be stranded on a tour, but don’t expect to always be swept away in style. Transfers guarantee a ride to and from the airport.

Lodging/Accommodation; Most safari packages are sold for a specified number of days with lodging included for each night.

Meals; Your package may include meals, whether at your hotel or during a planned activities. If you are en route between 2 destinations, you might enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. The quality and type of meals included usually depend on the price and type of safari you have booked.

Some tour operators include taxes, port fees and tips. The details of what is included in your package are spelled out in the promotional brochures. Prices are usually quoted per person, be sure to review everything with your travel agent to ensure you fully understand what you are buying.

Who Offers Package Trips to Africa?

Airlines, lodges, hotels, adventure outfitters, museums… …. generally all kinds of destinations and travel companies can be the centerpiece of a safari package. But the package is actually assembled and offered by a tour operator or packager. There are many companies like this – some good, some bad. Your travel agent is a broker for most reputable tour companies and will be able to help sort through packages options and find the best one for you. The travel agent is paid a commission by the tour company for his or her services, so you would be paying the same price as you would if you booked with the tour operator.

It is very important to work with a reputable safari company. Remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And you do not just want to protect yourself from scam. You want to make sure the operator who packaged your safari trip does not go out of business while you are traveling. If that happens, no one will honor your voucher, and you could be stranded. By the way, this is also a good reason to use a credit card, not cash, a debit card, or bank transfer – for travel purchases. If the business closes or cancels your trip, you can dispute the charge and not have to pay if you did not get what you paid for.

If you already have a safari destination in mind, call your travel agent and ask for the names of local tour operators they work with. Your agent will usually only represent operators he or she trusts and can help you sort through the many options available for your preferred destination.

Who Books the Packaged Safari Trips?

People from all walks of life take advantage of package safari option; the young and the old, the wealthy, families, singles, students, mountain climbers, and all. You will find tour packages designed for all tastes and budgets.

Finding and Buying Safari Packages and Tours

I highly recommend that if you are looking for a ready-made tour, you start with your travel agent. If you have never used one before, talk to friends or family members for a recommendation. And don’t just talk to one agent. Make sure the agent you use has experience with ready-made packages and tours. Agents have tons of connections to tour operators and safari packages that try trust. Travel agents also get advance notice of new packages that will be on the market soon.

Make sure the safari operator or your travel agent has checked out the accommodations and other details of your trip. When you book a ready-made package, you are trusting your judgment, and you should always make sure you get the service you expect.

Going online is another way to find out what kind of safari packages are out there and to do your homework on what kind of trips interest you. Even if you find a great deal online, check it out with your travel agent before you book.

Proceed With Caution

Because ready-made safari packages require up-front payment, they are a magnet for scam artists. So use your head. Don’t send money unless you’re sure about the operator. Ask around. Even the biggest tour operator can go belly up – bankrupt, that is. And when that happens it is unlikely that you will ever see your money again.

Never give out your credit card details unless you initiate the transaction and are confident about the company you are talking to. If someone calls or emails you with an offer, never, ever give out your credit card information or anything else unless you have carefully reviewed written materials about the offer. And even then, exercise cautions. Insist on complete details – in writing – about any trips before making any payment! Details should include the total price and any applicable cancellation and change penalties. They should also include specific information on all components of the package. Walk away from high-pressure sales presentations that try to rush your decision or that require you to disclose our income.

Are you planning for an African holiday safari tour now or in future?, You are guaranteed to find the best in terms of wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes and close up cultural encounters.
Hallmark Travel Planners offers an array of exciting, value-for-money safari tour packages ranging in duration, and variety of destinations in Africa .

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