Finding a reliable operator

There is no more important decision to make when going on safari than choosing a tour operator. That company will have its hand on every experience you have, from the initial communications to the quality of your guides, and accommodation in Africa. A good operator will ensure your safari is the trip of a lifetime. A bad one — of which, thankfully, there are few — will leave you wanting more, or worse. The problem is that when you set about planning your safari, it can be difficult to tell the difference. There are, however, a number of things you can do to increase your chances of finding the right operator for you.

Plan well in advance
Never leave your planning until the last minute. Safaris often involve relatively short and concentrated high seasons and, in some regions, the best accommodation can be booked out up to a year in advance. But planning early is also about making sure you have time to conduct the research that is necessary when choosing an operator.

Check their reviews
Google the tour operator to see if there are websites, such as SafariBookings or TripAdvisor, that have reviews about them. A reliable operator will have a good number of positive reviews that cover a significant duration. Invest time reading them: it is the best way to get an idea about how the company is run and deals with clients. A bad review shouldn’t disqualify an operator — as long as the majority are positive, cover a period of time, and are written by travellers from different countries.

Trade associations
Does the tour operator claim to be a member of a trade association in the country in which they are based? If so, check the member directory on the association website to confirm if it is indeed listed.

How well do they present themselves?
The face that any prospective tour operator presents to you is another crucial test. Does its website make a professional impression? Smaller tour operators may not always have the resources necessary to compete with larger companies when it comes to tech capabilities, but it’s less about slick presentation than the overall feel that the website gives you. If you’re looking at an inspiring, clearly presented and comprehensive safari website, chances are it’s probably the work of a professional tour operator.

How well do they communicate?
If you’re interested enough to make an enquiry, see how well they communicate with you. This begins when you request a quote, and runs right through until the time when you make the booking. How well they correspond and deal with you is usually a good indication of the company’s professionalism.

Is their offer clear and transparent?
When you make contact, have ready a list of questions. These can be anything, from what’s included as part of their standard safari, to group sizes, to questions about accommodation or payment. The questions themselves are often less important than the company’s willingness to answer them. If an operator is at all evasive, or if they suggest the details can be worked out later, this can be a worrying sign. A patient, detailed response from the operator, and an openness to further questions, are, on the other hand, very promising.

Give them a call
Aside from email, give them a call at some point during the sales process (use Skype, WhatsApp or another service to save call costs if possible). A professional operator will answer calls at any time during office hours. Be mindful, of course, that if there is a time difference, you should call during office hours in the country the operator is based in.

The cheapest option isn’t always the best option
The price you are quoted can be an indicator of many things: whether you’re on a private or group safari; the season in which you’re travelling; or the degree of comfort for your accommodation. You may not understand the precise reasons behind many price variations, except to say this: if the price for a safari seems too good to be true, it usually is. Don’t always go for the cheapest option, but find the right balance between price and how trustworthy a tour operator appears to be.

African operator or travel agent in your home country?
A final question: is it best to book with a local African operator or through a European or other non-African travel agent? This has more to do with personal preference than anything else, and is less important than the other factors listed here. There are excellent safari companies with headquarters in Europe (which are usually required to be part of a consumer protection scheme or bond), and there are similarly excellent operators based in Africa. At SafariBookings we can see that whether or not a company can organise the safari of your dreams has nothing to do with where they are located. What matters instead is following the advice outlined above. If you do this, there’s a great chance that you’ll find a reliable company who can organise your ideal safari.

Inspired by this article from issue 99? For more helpful advice and expert tips, why not pick up a copy of this issue today, or subscribe to Travel Africa by clicking here. Image credit Time+Tide