An Interview with African Safari Specialist from Africa & Beyond-Jamie Taylor
I recently had the opportunity to interview Jamie Taylor, the Director of Africa & Beyond. Africa & Beyond is a renowned tour operator specialising in tailor-made safaris and beach stays in Africa. I consider them one of my favourite Safari Specialists because of their in-depth knowledge of safari destinations, their exceptional range of accommodations, and their impressive resources for creating the ideal African Safari package. Whether it’s a honeymoon, family, or group safari, Africa & Beyond ensures that their clients receive unforgettable, personalised itineraries that will be cherished for years to come.
Africa is the Continent many choose for Safari’s but where should you visit and why ?
Africa is a captivating continent that attracts many travellers for its incredible safari experiences. But when it comes to choosing where to visit, there are several factors to consider.
South Africa, often referred to as “A world in one country,” offers a diverse range of attractions, including stunning scenery, majestic mountains, delectable food and wine, beautiful beaches, rich culture and history, and exceptional game viewing opportunities. Additionally, the South African Rand provides great value for travellers.
For those looking to combine their safari with a beach stay, South Africa seamlessly blends with the Eastern and Western Cape, offering the best of both worlds.
If you’re seeking a more wildlife-focused experience, venturing further afield to destinations such as Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Tanzania is highly recommended. These regions offer abundant game viewing opportunities, allowing you to spend most of your stay on safari before unwinding on a pristine beach.
For more unique and off-the-beaten-track experiences, consider exploring countries like Namibia for its untamed wilderness, Rwanda and Uganda for encounters with primates, and Madagascar for thrilling adventures, breath taking landscapes, and the chance to spot unique animals found nowhere else.
When is the best time to travel ?
In general, the best time to go on a safari in Africa is between the months of July and October. There are varying reasons for this, depending on whether you are in South or East Africa. In South Africa, the drier the time of year, the better the game sightings are due to less foliage and a greater need for water. On the other hand, in East Africa, it is more about following the rains and predators following the migration. However, it’s important to note that game viewing is possible all year round, and there are benefits to visiting during the rainy months, such as lower prices, fewer people, great birding opportunities, and excellent photography due to the vibrant colours and backgrounds.
When planning your travel times, consider specific attractions like whale watching in the Cape (May-October) and experiencing Victoria Falls in full flow (prime March-June). It is also worth noting that November and December are very dry months. It is advisable to avoid visiting East Africa in April and May due to long rains.
Why is it best to have an idea of a budget ?
It’s essential to have a budget in mind when planning your safari. Safari packages can range from £8k to £20k or more for two adults. Prices tend to be higher during peak travel dates due to increased demand. With over 11,000 properties throughout Africa and the Indian Ocean, it’s crucial to have a clear idea of your budget to ensure the best matching of accommodations and experiences that align with your preferences and style. Safari lodges alone can range from £300.00 to £2000.00 per person per night, and the cost can quickly add up, especially if traveling with a group.
Which type of safari do you recommend and how can I ensure that I get the most out of my trip?
The type of safari experience you choose will greatly impact your trip. South Africa and Namibia are well-suited for self-drive adventures, with accessible destinations and roads. However, private driver-guided tours or transfers and flying options are also available. In other Southern African and East African destinations, small group or private guided tours and flights are more common, offering a more personalized and immersive experience, albeit at a higher cost.
The different types of safaris include:
Self-drive: This option is cost-effective as it eliminates the need for a private guide and allows you to choose locations, duration, and standards according to your preferences. You have the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Small group tours: These tours are scheduled based on specific dates, routes, and durations, with accommodation and activities predetermined. While they may offer cost savings, it’s important to note that personal preferences may be limited, and game vehicles may have restricted viewing.
Private guides: This option provides the flexibility of self-drive while having the expertise and knowledge of a qualified guide. You can customize your dates, properties, and duration, and enjoy the added benefit of a personal guide. However, this luxury comes at a higher price.
Internal flights: In certain regions, traveling by air is a viable option as it reduces long distances that would otherwise take hours by road. This allows for more time at the destination and the convenience of being looked after by the property management rather than an outsourced guide. By considering these factors and selecting the type of safari experience that suits your preferences and budget, you can ensure that you make the most out of your African adventure.
What are the medical requirements and visa entry requirements needed for a African Safari?
For the destinations we handle, there are specific medical requirements and visa entries to consider.
Malaria Tablets: Many of the destinations we deal with require the use of malaria tablets. However, it’s worth noting that South Africa is a malaria-free destination, making it a great choice for your first Africa experience, as you can enjoy a wide range of attractions without the need for malaria prevention medication.
Yellow Fever Certificates: If you are traveling from a Yellow Fever destination, such as Kenya to Tanzania, it is important to have a valid Yellow Fever certificate. This requirement ensures the safety and protection of both travellers and local populations from the risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
It’s important to stay informed and prepared before your trip by checking the specific medical requirements and visa entries for the destinations you plan to visit. Consulting with a healthcare professional or contacting the relevant embassies or consulates can provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information.
How do you ensure you match clients with their perfect safari holiday?
The more detailed information we gather, the better we can paint a perfect picture of what our clients are looking for. It’s important to understand that not all 5-star hotels are the same, and not all clients have the same preferences. Some may be interested in art, mountains, wildlife, or beaches. By gathering as much information as possible about their interests and desires upfront, we can recommend interesting locations that match their specific requirements.
Are African countries safe?
The destinations we feature in Africa, along with the specific locations within those countries, are no different from any other tourist destination in the world. As a Specialist Operator with 35 years of experience promoting these regions, we organize trips to these areas on a daily basis and consistently receive positive feedback. While it’s true that every country has areas that may not be advisable to visit, we do not promote or recommend these areas. Tourism in Africa is thriving, and there is no overlap with the regions that are not recommended for visitation (similar to the rest of the world).
Is Africa family-friendly?
Absolutely! I have personally taken my children to Africa since they were young, so I can assure you that it is a family-friendly destination. Most of the destinations we work with are well-equipped to cater to families with room setups, children’s clubs, and child-friendly facilities. However, it’s important to note that there may be certain limitations on excursions and experiences based on the age of the children. For example, activities like Gorilla Treks and adrenaline sports may have minimum age limits. Additionally, open vehicle experiences may have more restrictions due to the proximity of wildlife and the safety of guests.
Do you book Solo Travellers?
We have had many solo travellers’ book with us over the years. However, there are times when single supplements may be charged. Nonetheless, we work with properties that understand the needs of solo travellers and offer special deals. We can arrange private driver/guides for a more personalized experience, or we can provide options for small group tours where the experience is shared.
Do you help with additional needs travellers?
We are dedicated to catering to the needs of all clients, including those with additional needs. Many of the destinations we feature have properties that are wheelchair accessible and have adapted rooms with accessible bathrooms. While the availability of adapted vehicles may be limited, it is possible to arrange them for certain locations we feature. The more information we have about the client’s disability and their specific requirements for the holiday experience, the better we can plan a suitable and enjoyable trip.
Are LGBTQ clients welcomed in Africa?
When it comes to planning holidays for LGBTQ clients, we want to assure you that at Africa and Beyond, we are strongly against anti-LGBTQ laws. We are more than happy to plan holidays to Africa for our LGBTQ clients. While we acknowledge that there are still some countries in Africa with discriminatory laws, we are confident in our ability to provide enjoyable and safe holidays for our clients. It’s worth mentioning that discretion and respect are always important when traveling to any country around the world. Additionally, countries like South Africa have made great progress in being inclusive and supportive of the LGBTQ community.
Do you offer package holidays that are protected?
We want to ensure our clients have peace of mind when booking with us. That’s why we are ABTA and ATOL protected, and the majority of the holidays we plan include all modes of transport and accommodation. While every holiday is tailor-made to suit individual preferences, we take care of the entire package. This means that we are always in control of the holiday and can handle any flight delays or hiccups along the way. However, we also understand that some people prefer to book their own international flights using air miles. In such cases, we can focus on arranging the ground arrangements only. Rest assured, regardless of the booking method, you will be looked after by our tour operator, and we will always do our best to ensure a seamless holiday experience, even if there are changes outside of our control.
Contact Carrie The Holiday Fixer to help you plan your perfect safari holiday.
