Safari trips to Africa never lose their appeal. Competitive air fares and an increasing variety of itineraries spanning all budgets have fuelled their popularity.
In the case of South Africa, safari holidays account for 20% of all visitors to the country.
But as Beverley Pridmore, African specialist at Thomson Tailormade, points out, with such a wide variety of products and destinations to choose from, a good understanding of the customer’s needs and strong product knowledge are key to driving sales.
“Each country is so different that you must ask your clients questions so that you match them to the right experience,” she says.
Family, walking and self-drive itineraries are all on the rise as travellers opt to reach out to touch and feel a destination. A safari is also becoming an increasingly popular choice for honeymooners and even weddings, with competitive prices, typically around £1,000 for the entire wedding package.
Somak Holidays marketing manager Louise Newton says: “We even offer weddings overlooking a hippo pool, and a game drive immediately after the wedding.”
Here are a number of options for the upcoming season:
Classic safari with the Masai Mara of Kenya
Why is it special? It offers a chance to stay at Governor’s Camp, which is a classic lodge, as well as see the wildebeest migration, and experience the famous Masai tribes.
What to tell clients: Kenya and the Masai Mara in particular are very popular from July to October as a result of the wildebeest migration.
Who to sell it to: First-timers who have never been on a safari. Kenya is a safe bet and this option also suits time-poor travellers looking for a long weekend adventure.
Sample product:Kuoni is offering a four-night Kenyan safari from £1,927 per person for February 2010. The trip includes one night on a bed-and-breakfast basis in Nairobi and three nights’ full-board at the Governor’s Main Camp. Flights are with Kenya Airways from Heathrow. kuoni.co.uk, 01306 747008
An exclusive safari house retreat in Zambia
Why is it special? The idea of a family or small group having a totally private safari with exclusive accommodation and guiding is working very well in Zambia.
What to tell clients: Safari houses have become very popular in the past five years. The country also has some high level guiding, and game viewing is good throughout the year.
Who to sell it to: This works well for groups of friends and families. They have a private deck and pool, and each tent has its own personal butler to attend to the group.
Sample product:Exsus offers a six-night Zambian adventure with three nights at the recently opened Kigelia House at Sausage Tree Camp, and three nights at Sindabezi Island from £3,995 per person twin-share. This includes return flights with British Airways and all transfers. exsus.com, 020 7337 9000
A family camping safari in Botswana
Why is it special? Traditionally, Botswana has not been very accommodating to families with children under the age of 12, but this is changing. With this option customers get to camp at the centre of the Okavango Delta, one of the few places where a huge land mass borders permanent water. At night it is common to hear lions roaring from camp.
What to tell clients: The safari is excellent value for money and the highlights include the Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, and the delta, as well as the nearby Victoria Falls, on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. The falls are in full flow between February and May.
Who to sell it to: This safari is ideally suited to families looking for adventure. Camping is fairly basic, although it is comfortable. The safari also requires a moderate level of fitness.
Sample product:About U Travel offers the above safari starting at £2,080, based on a minimum of four people booking from December to April. Children under the age of 12 share a family room. about-u-travel.com, 020 7924 2998
Luxury elephant safari in South Africa’s Kruger Park
Why is it special? Clients get to interact with orphaned baby elephants and contribute to their survival, as well as experience the five-star facilities at Camp Jabulani lodge (pictured above); money is also donated to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.
What to tell clients: The Kruger National Park can be very hot in the summer, and as a contrast, the winter provides better game viewing because there is less grass and foliage.
Who to sell it to: This suits couples, especially honeymooners, as it has luxury suites. The elephant safari gives an alternative to the regular game drives and lodges in this area.
Sample product:Sunset Faraway Holidays offers a four-night safari starting at £3,028, travelling from January until the end of March 2010, with economy flights on Emirates. The price includes airport taxes, private transfers and daily game drives. sunset.co.uk, 020 8774 7100
Adventure in Tanzania and the wild dogs of Selous
Why is it special? It is new for Thomson Tailormade this season. The Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest in the world with nearly 44,000 sq miles of land. This safari allows customers to see wild dogs. A third of the world’s population of this endangered species lives in the park, which is one of Africa’s few uninhabited areas.
What to tell clients: Selous includes 750,000 wild animals including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, waterbucks, baboons, leopards, lions and wild dogs – that’s 5% of all Africa’s wildlife. It is also a short flight from Dar es Salaam.
Who to sell it to: Those who want to do walking safaris with the big five. Tanzanian safaris are not recommended for children under 10 due to long transfers and a lack of children’s facilities. Works well for returning couples looking for something different.
Sample product:Thomson Tailormade offers a four-day safari with prices starting at £1,209, including accommodation but no international flights, departing April next year. thomsontailormade.com, 0871 664 0273
