Africa Safari Specialists

Travel to Africa, especially trips that include safaris, can be daunting to organize on your own. It is not just about booking a hotel but coordinating it to maximize game viewing in all locations. Pacing is a key component. It is essential that your Africa Safari Specialist has personal knowledge of how to actually plan a safari and what makes up for a successful trip.

Alana Hayden, President of Born Free Safaris & Worldwide Tours, founded the Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa in 1980. This B2B organization was formed to educate travel professionals on how to create successful trips for the traveling public. The foundational project was an Educational Manual detailing country-by-country tourism highlights and why to travel to those destinations. The initiative pioneered a "safari planner" that created a tool for customized itineraries. Currently, APTA has members throughout the world and is active in promoting tourism.

Tina Moreno Groman (pictured) is Born Free lead operational manager. She has been creating trips to Africa and throughout the world for 50 years.

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN AN AFRICA SAFARI PLANNER?

1. They should be able to experience a trip from the ground up. If they can do the backbone planning, they will also know how to judge a set departure or a trip they have customized.

2. A safari travel specialist must understand the nuances of wildlife movement, pacing a trip and why one accommodation over the other. These insights are what no guidebook or online research can replicate.

3. Safari travel specialists excel at crafting bespoke journeys, tailoring every detail of your trip from coordinating the air for a multi-country trip to visas and health requirements. This is also planning for special celebrations in the bush, to make sure there are connections for CPAP machines.

4. Discuss what your special interests are and how to plan a trip to include some of those experiences. Whether you dream of witnessing the Great Migration or prefer a more intimate encounter with Africa’s diverse cultures, they design safari packages that reflect your priorities.

Navigating Travel Logistics and Coordinating Air

Navigating the complexities of international travel is a daunting task, but safari travel agents take the stress out of managing logistics. From handling visa requirements to booking seamless transfers between multiple destinations, these agents have the expertise to streamline your safari. Africa is vast, and distances between popular safari destinations can be immense.

Safari specialists understand the intricacies of traveling within the African continent, ensuring you spend less time in transit and more time immersed in your adventure. They arrange international flights, domestic charters, and ground transportation, all while considering factors like travel time and the best routes.

When booking through a safari travel specialist, you can expect a meticulously detailed itinerary that covers every aspect of your journey, from airport transfers to internal flights. Share your travel preferences upfront to ensure smooth planning and coordination.

Reliability & Safety Considerations

An African journey relies on a dedicated local network—including airport greeting teams, morning hospitality staff, transport drivers, and expert guides. To ensure a seamless experience from your first day of planning until you arrive back home, you need trusted hospitality professionals. Working with companies that hold deep, long-standing global and local relationships is the best way to have a successful trip.

The specialists that are planning your trip should also be up to date about the current safety conditions in specific destinations, allowing them to steer you away from potential risks while still providing a rewarding experience. Your comfort zone is equally important, and the best African safari specialist will know how to blend adventure with luxury, ensuring your accommodations and travel arrangements provide a level of comfort that suits your preferences. To have a 24/7 contact in the U.S. and abroad is essential.

Special assistance and need: If you have specific health concerns, mobility issues, or dietary requirements, your safari specialist should handle those details with care, making sure every aspect of your trip is tailored to your needs.

WORK WITH BORN FREE SAFARIS FOR YOUR AFRICAN SAFARI TOUR

Working with a specialized safari travel agent and company like Born Free Safaris is the key to unlocking a truly exceptional African safari. Their years of experience and intimate knowledge of Africa’s wilderness elevate your safari from an ordinary vacation, especially during your first safari trip. By trusting a professional, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing every detail has been expertly arranged. Start by creating your Safari Wishlist and focus on building memories that will last a lifetime.