Page 15 - The Best African Safari

 Do they sound passionate about Africa and where they are
suggesting? Have they been there themselves? Have they stayed at
the places they are suggesting for you? Have they actually done the
activities they are recommending for you? This is different than just
trying to find the right hotel in Paris and maybe a guided tour of the
Louvre. You want a company who is not just selling you a trip that
some third party will handle but someone who has seen and done
what they are suggesting you do and knows first hand the people
you will be interacting with.

 Do they give back? I think this is one of the most important tests in
choosing the right safari company. It goes along with the passion
mentioned above. There are many people that can sell you a trip but
do they love Africa and their people? Are they involved in
conservation to maintain that wildlife and natural beauty that is
there so that it lasts for generations to come? Tourism is an
important contributor to the economy of African nations and in fact
for some it is in the top 3 contributors, But it does not always filter
down to the local communities. Is your safari operator involved with
local villages? Do they help the people that contribute so much to
the experience you have?

 Is the itinerary efficient and is what is best for you and not what is
easiest for them? Is the itinerary designed to maximize your time
doing things as opposed to traveling? Important questions to ask
are what are the distances between each stop? What are the roads
like? Are you spending at least 2 nights in most places so you are
not rushed from place to place? Is there plenty of time for game
viewing?

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