How to Choose an African Safari Operator

An African Safari is a trip of a lifetime. Few things compare to the majesty of the Serengeti or the thrill at seeing a lion, giraffe or elephant. Choosing a tour operator that best suits your budget, taste and interests is essential to getting the most out of your trip to Africa. Some operators cater to those that prefer luxury travel; others offer a more rustic experience. Still others focus on adventure travel.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Choose Abercrombie and Kent for luxury. Abercrombie and Kent, established in 1962, was one of the first tour operators to offer African Safaris. The company specializes in luxury tours, and guests stay in the legendary African lodges and their own luxury tented camps. Among their most popular tours is the Ernest Hemingway Tour, which traces the famous author's travels in Africa.

2. Pick Green Footprint for an eco-friendly tour. This small, Tanzania-based company offers a variety of sightseeing and active tours, with an emphasis on touching the land, but leaving little or no impact on the environment. Specialty tours include a bush camp, mountain climbing adventures and canoeing trips.

3. Go with Outback Africa for an active tour. This South African-based tour operator offers a variety of adventure tours for those travelers that would like to see more than the view from the jeep. Among their popular tours is the Kalahari Safari, with elephant tracking and hiking in the Cedarberg Mountains.

4. Travel with Nomad Tanzania for a wilderness experience. Nomad Tanzania is ideal for the traveler who wants to see Africa with as few of the frills as possible. They own a collection of primitive game camps and lodges. Among their most popular tours is their chimp tracking adventure.