by Dominic Chadbon, 12 August 2010

One of the biggest decisions you'll need to make about safaris is not whether to climb that tree to escape the rampaging, frothy-mouthed buffalo but is about a question that needs an answer long before you've left home: do you join other people on a scheduled safari package or do you create your own itinerary and go on safari on your terms?

"It's all about the money, surely!" I hear you cry, but unfortunately it's not as simple as that: there are advantages and disadvantages to each safari style and your needs and expectations will be better met on one rather than the other.

But first of all, what exactly is a scheduled safari package? And, since we're on the subject, let's define a tailor-made safari too.

Scheduled safari packages have set departure dates, a fixed itinerary (usually a classic route like our Tanzanian Kifaru Safari) and anything between 2 and a mini-bus worth of people on the safari as well. Tailor-made safaris are what they say they are: you - and your safari planning expert - start with a blank piece of paper and create your own itinerary; you choose your dates and destinations and method of transport and generally have the whole experience to yourself and your party.

Any questions?

"Sharing, fixed dates ... what's so good about scheduled safari packages?"

Well, firstly they are some of the most affordable and value-for-money safaris out there. Operators pre-negotiate rates with lodges (often cheaper than booking-direct rates) and can keep costs down. Secondly, scheduled safari operators reserve big blocks of accommodation in advance thus guaranteeing a bed for you even in peak season, provided you book far enough ahead (at least 60 days prior to departure is recommended). Also, remember that you don't have to share the entire safari with strangers: you get your own room and can choose to eat separately.

"OK, but what about the transport on scheduled safaris? Donkey carts?"

Not quite. In East Africa, scheduled safaris are simple: Kenyan operators use mini-buses with pop-up roofs, Tanzanian companies use 4X4 vehicles. Travelling in a mini-bus may not sound ideal but we only use operators who take a maximum of 7, thus guaranteeing a window seat.

Southern Africa is a bit trickier: South African scheduled tour operators use mini-buses whereas in Namibia, Botswana and Zambia scheduled safaris feature 4X4s and often have fly-in components but they tend to be expensive. Good, but expensive. Have a look at our Victoria Falls and Botswana Migration Route Safari to see what I mean.

"So far so good; what's the downside?"

As the word 'scheduled' implies there is no flexibility with dates - you go when they go, and if that doesn't fit in with your plans, well, sorry. You'll need to conform, to a degree, to the group dynamic when on the road as these safaris are run to a tight schedule. Furthermore, I won't be giving any secrets away when I say that scheduled safaris are usually generalist safaris: if you are a die-hard birder and want to stop every 40 seconds to identify another small brown bird, then you're quickly going to become The Most Unpopular Person on the Bus.

Scheduled safaris are not, given the number of long, cost-cutting road transfers - the ideal choice for families with children or the elderly. They're also not the perfect choice if you don't like sharing your holiday with strangers - you might get a great group and make lifelong friends; you might not - it could make or break the experience.

"So tell me about tailor-made safaris - expensive, right?"

I can't deny that they are pricier than scheduled safari packages but you do have the priceless advantage of going where you want, when you want and how you want. Working within your dates and to your budget, a safari planner will ensure your safari is built to spec, making it ideal for people with special interests, honeymooners and those who want privacy.

A reason why they are more expensive is that tailor-made safaris tend to include fly-in transfers and so are preferred by families with children as well as elderly safari-goers. Fancy a 6-hour drive on a Kenyan dirt road? It's not much fun with a 4-year old and grandpa - book our tailored Kenya Flying Safari instead.

"So they are expensive."

They don't have to be. You can do what we like to call 'save and splurge': choose reasonably-priced accommodation for some of the tailor-made safari, and then go mad with top-end stuff - it'll balance out to a price that won't make you wince. Our Victoria Falls Chobe Chilwero & the Okavango Delta Safari is a good example: good Vic Falls accommodation; great Chobe accommodation; Oh-My- Goodness Okavango Delta accommodation.

"OK, I get the difference but aren't the destinations the same anyway?"

No. Few scheduled safari packages go to the really remote and unvisited places; they tend to stick to tried-and-tested classic routes, use same-chain-accommodation and are ideal for Africa first-timers. Our Scheduled Cape Town & Kruger Experience for example is a good an introduction to South Africa as you'll get while our East African Explorer does the same for Kenya and Tanzania.

Tailor-made safaris however can be created to include anywhere you fancy as long as there is an operator there and you can put yourself in the right place at the right time. Take our Kruger Safari & Quirimbas Private Island Escape for instance, blending a Big 5 safari with a superlative luxury beach holiday, or the Exclusive Cape Town, Winelands & Kruger Luxury Safari , our tailored take on Cape Town and Kruger: familiar destinations but very exclusive accommodation.

"I still can't decide: help me."

The bottom line is that it's comfort, flexibility and quality versus value for money: like most things in life, you get what you pay for. If you can afford it, go tailor-made; if you've done Africa a few times and want something new, go tailor-made. If however price is a big determining factor and you've never been to Africa before, then scheduled safaris are for you.

Article © Copyright 2010 Go2Africa.

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