100 Nights in Africa: Budget Travel Tip 3

100 Nights in Africa
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Budget Tip 3:

Saving Money on Safari Drives in National Parks

Going into the National Parks as you travel through Africa can get quite expensive. One of the ways we have learned to get the best deal for the money is to go on two game drives in one twenty four hour period; one in the morning and an afternoon or night safari. These may be spread over two days as long as they are within twenty four hours.

Two of the parks we have visited (Chobe NP in Botswana, South Luangwa NP in Zambia) have the policy one entry fee for a 24 hour period which allows multiple entries. What that means is you can go all in one day or go on a night/afternoon safari one day and a day safari the next.

The reason for going on two consecutive drives in a 24 hour period ist that in some parks there is only one park entry fee charged per 24 hour periods. For each of the safari lodge organized game drives there is a separate game drive charge each time you go on a ride with a camp guide, but only one park fee.

These fees differ for those with their own vehicle, known as self-drive. At South Luangwa NP the fee is higher for self drives and there is a charge for the personal vehicle as well.


Another difference is that licensed guides in some parks are allowed to conduct night drives but self drive visitors must be out before dusk.

We had a discussion with another couple and we both agreed if was better to break up your time at a camp with some safaris and some days to just enjoy the nature and wildlife within the camp rather than constantly going on three or four hour long game drives.




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Internet, Coffee and Chobe : Gallery Africana and Kasane Computers

Gallery Africana

This was our third trip to Kasane, and fourth visit to Chobe National Park. After camping and traveling rough its sometimes nice to visit a cafe. Africa Gallery is one of our favorites: Clive makes the best cappucinos and lattes in Africa (see sign)
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while Vicky and Finn provide witty and helpful information on a variety of topics.

And guess what, we loved their hamburgers!


Not only is this a great place for breakfast, lunch, or "tea", the gallery part of the shop is very interesting and quality as well.



Kasane Computers
Just inside the mall itself is Kasane Computers, one of the best user friendly business centers we have found in our travels. Teenie, Karen and their staff provide competent friendly assistance for intenet, computer parts, service, fax and other services. Stop in, you'll be glad you did!

Africa Self Guided Safari Series: Part 1 Prep

"Africa. Why are you going to Africa? How can you afford to stay that long? Is it safe? " These are all questions we are asked repeatedly.

Because of our trips to Africa, we have had over 1 million hits on another site where we post. Our work here will be more concise, and offer suggestions for having an adventure to remember!

Follow with us to Africa with us over the next weeks. We will post when we can. We will look forward to your interaction. It gets lonely on the road sometimes......

We will offer tips and strategies for getting the most for your travel dollar. Some of the countries we may visit are South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia. Zimbabwe and Malawi are also possibilities.

Pack Early
Cut down on stress and insure a more successful trip by packing early. Self guided safaris and backpacker style touring requires more planning than the all inclusive safari.

Write It Down
Laura uses lists in order to insure that all the essentials make it. She keeps a small tablet in a pocket and writes down things to purchase and pack as we think of them. Sometimes this occurs at odd times, i.e. late at night and she flips on the bedside light and writes it down.

Budget Planning
How many days is your trip? This summer we will stay 3 months ! We have researched places to stay where we can camp and cook 90% of our own meals. Because this is our 5th trip to Africa, and our 3rd self guided and self catering camping trip, we have an idea of what we want to spend. Staying in our own tent, and cooking 90% of our meals leaves money for guided safari drives. We have picked a number, $100 per day, and we aim to stick with this.

Money
Some folks take their ATM card and don't carry much cash. There are ATM scams and muggings in some countries these days, and ATMs are not always available out in the bush. Credit cards provide the latest exchange rate, but often include charges for use, and there are identity theft scams that raise concern. Traveler's checks are safe, but sometimes harder to use than cash, or cost a 5 % or more 'commission' at some lodges, etc. We use a combination of all of the above.

Checklists

Here are couple of links to packing checklists that include most everything we pack, and then some:

http://www.african-safari-journals.com/camping-list.html

http://www.african-safari-journals.com/safari-packing-list.html

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