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2-Day African Safari Tours

Africa is the kind of place that gets under your skin and it doesn’t matter if you only have 2 days for your safari. All it takes to begin a lifelong love affair with the continent is a single moment: a cheetah in a high-speed chase across the savannah, an up-close encounter with an elephant, a lion roaring in the night. Going on safari in Africa is one of the best possible travel experiences you can have, not least because there are so many charismatic animals and spectacular landscapes to see and enjoy. You can’t travel very widely in 2 days. But you can definitely get a taste of this remarkable place.

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8 Questions About 2-Day African Safaris

 
 

8 Questions About 2-Day African Safaris

Answered by Anthony Ham

Are there 2-day trips available to African parks and reserves?

“While most tour operators would prefer that you spend longer on safari, and some will try and pressure you into booking a longer safari, 2-day safaris are certainly possible. With just 2 days at your disposal, you won’t be able to cover much territory. But if you choose your park or reserve well, you could still get to know one place, as well as Africa’s incredible wildlife, and return home with so many thrilling memories of your African adventure. Not all operators will offer such a short safari, and whether a 2-day safari is available may depend on what is practical in each destination. That’s why it’s important that you discuss what is possible and what you’d like to see with any prospective operators.”

1

What can I expect from a 2-day African safari?

“You can expect one of the most intense and wonderful holiday experiences imaginable on your 2-day African safari. Even though 2 days is a very short amount of time, you can still look forward to a couple of activities: perhaps an early morning and a late-afternoon game drive to look for animals. To make the most of your limited time, your traveling time to and from the destination should be minimized. Either choose a safari destination close to your starting point or fly in and out directly to your lodge or tented camp. Air transfers also mean you’ll get some magnificent views along the way, in addition to the time you’ll spend on the ground looking for animals. Accommodation will likely vary significantly, depending on your budget. You could be camping in a simple tent, or sleeping in a luxury tented camp or lodge, with so many other degrees of comfort and luxury in between.”

2

Is it safe to book a 2-day tour in Africa?

“In our opinion, a 2-day African safari is very safe. Most tour operators are professional and your safety will be a top priority for them. You should not be in any danger from the animals, unless, of course, you fail to follow local advice and the advice of your guide: remain in your vehicle at all times and never walk around unescorted at night. The only time you should leave your vehicle is if you’re on a walking safari, which is possible in conservancies and private reserves, as well as in a few national parks, including Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe and Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. Petty crime can be a concern in some larger African cities, although most travelers experience no problems at all. Road safety can be another peril, so make sure that your vehicle has seat belts that work (for when you’re traveling on public roads beyond the parks) and ensure that you won’t be driving on public roads after dark.”

3

Is it possible to see the Big Five in Africa in 2 days?

“The simple answer is yes, although you’ll need a certain amount of careful planning as well as luck. In one of the reserves alongside South Africa’s Kruger National Park, I once saw all members of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino; the five animals that hunters in the early 20th century nominated as the most dangerous) in a couple of hours on a single afternoon’s game drive, although this is a rare occurrence. If seeing the Big Five is a priority for you, make sure you do your research before booking any tour. For a start, you’ll need to make sure that each member of the Big Five is present in the park you wish to visit. And because you only have 2 days to look for animals, check the likelihood of seeing them. In some places – Botswana’s Okavango Delta or the Serengeti in Tanzania, for example – the Big Five are present, but rhinos are very rarely seen.”

4

Is a 2-day African trip worth it?

“Of course, the more time you have to go on safari, the better, but if 2 days is all you have, it’s absolutely worth it. Elsewhere in the world, travelers go for 2-day getaways or weekend breaks to cities, so why not go for 2 days on safari? In fact, I can think of no place I’d rather spend 2 days than sharing the savannahs and green hills of Africa with the continent’s extraordinary wildlife. Yes, it would be ideal to have more time. But 2 days on safari is infinitely better than no days at all. And, as long as you plan your time carefully, you can still see more animals in 2 days in Africa than you could ever hope to see over a much longer period almost anywhere else in the world.”

5

How much does a 2-day African safari cost?

“The answer to this question can change according to a number of variables, but as a general estimate, a budget camping safari will usually start at around US$150 per person per day, compared to US$500 or much more per person per day for a luxury safari. The most important considerations that can affect the cost of your safari include your accommodation, the season in which you plan to travel (high-season prices can be almost double those of low season), and the sort of tour you’re planning. Private safaris are always more expensive than group safaris, while self-drive safaris usually sit somewhere in between. Remember also that because you’re on a 2-day African safari, your per-day costs will generally be higher than they would be for a longer safari. That’s because getting to and from your destination will need to be factored in to each of the 2 days, rather than the cost being spread out over a longer period.”

6

What questions should I ask before booking a 2-day trip?

“If you’re only going to be on safari for 2 days, then you need to ask any prospective tour operators how they’re going to help you make the most of your limited time. How much time will you spend traveling to and from the destination compared to the time you’ll actually be out looking for animals and enjoying the landscape? If you’re going on a group safari, how many other people will be with you on your safari? What sort of vehicles will you be using to move around? Which animals can you see? Which parks or reserves would be best to maximize your time? Can they give you a detailed itinerary for how you will be spending your 2 days? These questions should be at the top of your list. If they can’t answer, travel with someone else.”

7

What is usually included and excluded on a 2-day trip in Africa?

“You will need to check with your safari operator to see what’s included in, and excluded from, your 2-day African safari. Usually, your tour will include all vehicle transport (including transfers), a guide (unless you’re going on a self-drive safari), park entry fees, accommodation and meals. Some activities should be included, such as guided game drives, while others (hot-air ballooning, for example) won’t be part of the package. This may not be such an issue on a 2-day tour because you won’t have much time for extra activities. Depending on whether you’re on a budget or luxury safari, drinks may be included, although top-shelf spirits may not be. If your tour has any flights, check whether they are included in the price you’re given for the overall safari, because air transfers or charters are sometimes quoted separately.”

8