Safari group-tour mistakes

and how to avoid them

Group tour
drawbacks

Not fully understanding
the drawbacks of a
group safari tour

Crowding

Your vehicle may be crammed. Not only will this be uncomfortable, it will obstruct your panoramic view while seated.

Pop-up-roof time

If your vehicle has a pop-up roof, use may be on a rotating - therefore limited - basis. And, if not, other passengers may elbow you to get the best photographing position.

Lower-quality guides

Group tour driver-guides are generally less friendly, accommodating, articulate and knowledgeable than private tour safari guides. They are more likely to recite dull memorized spiels instead of spontaneously tailored commentary. 

Undesirable vehicle mates

You risk suffering travelers who, for example, incessantly talk, argue, tell bad jokes, or irritatingly laugh.

Unshared interests

Your safari mates may insist on spending a lot of time viewing what you are not interested in. For instance, they may be birding fanatics and you're not (or vice versa). 

Delays
Your game drives may depart late because one member of your tour group oversleeps, eats a slow meal, or makes a lengthy last-minute trip to the rest room.

No way out
Once you are assigned to a particular group for a tour, there is slight chance that you will be able to switch to a different group of people. You will be stuck with them for the full duration of your safari.

I hope your safari dreams come true - and that my travel guide
on "where to be when" helps you enjoy your safari vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications