HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TOUR OPERATOR

Choosing The Best Tour Operator For Your Holiday To Southern Africa

The best advantages of travelling with a Tour Operator in Southern Africa make this better option for most travelers. Picking a good tour operator is the most important thing to do when you are travelling to a particular place. Give yourself enough time to do a research and comparing options ahead of time, so that you don’t feel rushed into making any rush decisions when planning your travels in Southern Africa.  Here are the three key factors to help you to pick the right Tour operator:

1. Quality Service 

You need to make sure that the tour operator you choose delivers the highest quality Southern Africa travel experience. Pay attention to what are the previous travelers saying in their reviews about that particular Tour operator. Fortunately, in this digital age, the pigeon has been substituted by the online forum, so you can read about what people are saying about various tour operators. 

Visit one of the reputable review platforms such as TripAdvisor. This platform allows you to read about what people are saying about that particular tour operator you want to choose. Using this platform, you can easily check up on the company’s track record by reading feedback from past customers.

Who they are?

Who are these so-called tour operator experts? Go through the operator’s website and have a look at the About Us section and it’s social networks channels.  Social networks such as Facebook, Twitter,Google+ , Instagram and Pinterest helps you to get a feel for the company and its culture.

How well do they know the destinations?

You need to be aware of how well do their guides know the ropes.  Spending some time communicating directly with a tour operator, as well as checking their blog, website and social media profiles, will give you a good idea of how well they know their destinations and their own products.

How long they have been operating?

Consider how long the Tour operator has been in the operation; you need to be aware of how long they have been around. The period that the Tour operator has been doing business for is usually a good sign of the company’s reputation, although not full proof.  Tour operators that have been operating for years have the benefit of accumulated lessons and insights gained on the ground. If the tour operator company has been operating for years, it probably means that they are more experienced on their own tours and they are familiar with many destinations. If the tour operator has been operating excursions in specific areas for decades, then it’s safe to say that they know how to travel there successfully.

What activities do they offer?

It is very important to consider the types and quality of the activities offered by the operator so that you will be able to choose your favorite activities. There are many activities that you can enjoy on Southern Africa tours such as elephant back ride, shark cage diving, game drives, walking safari, quad biking, bungee jumping, white water rafting, open vehicles and bird watching, to name but a few.

Different destinations are as well prominent for particular activities-Soweto for bungee jumping, abseiling and quad biking, Victoria Falls for bungee jump, Pilanesberg for hot air balloon rides, Chobe for sunset cruises. If you don’t confirm what activities the tour operator offers and where, you might find yourself missing out on some remarkable moments. Even if the activities offered at one of the destinations are not incorporated in the tour itinerary, a high excellence operator should be willing to make time allowances, and assist with bookings and transport arrangements.

2. Travel style

It is very important to find the style that suite you and falls within your price range. But It depends on your budget and what kind of travel you want. If you are looking for a luxury accommodations, transports or down-to-earth adventures, then you must have a tight budget.

What kind of accommodations do they offer?

The most important thing is finding a tour operator that uses the type of accommodation you desire. Many tour operators are offering every type of accommodation- from boutique hotel, self-catering, and lodge to guest house and Backpacker hostels. Your travel consultant will assist you with choosing the suitable accommodation for you. Request your operator for more images of the accommodation or more detailed information if you are uncertain. You can also go through those accommodation websites or TripAdvisor to see how they have been recommended by past customers.

What kind of vehicles & transport they are using?

It is your responsibility to check what kinds of vehicles are used for transfers, long distance and game drives. For long distances, it is recommended that vehicles with air conditioning can make a big difference to your level of comfort. When it comes to game viewing, the 4X4 safari vehicles offer the best wildlife view in the bush. Be able to choose vehicles that will make your travel a memorable experience.

3. Destinations

Many tour operators across Africa usually specialise in travel within specific areas, countries and wildlife areas. When evaluating tour operators you can narrow the options down according to the destination combinations offered.

What kind of destinations offered?

Southern African destinations combinations that you might look out for include the Kruger Park safaris,Garden Route & Cape Town Tours, South African Safaris, Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mauritius tour packages.

Make sure you choose the right destination. A tour operator cannot deliver the best tour experience of your dreams in the wrong part of Southern Africa. Choosing the right tour operator can make your trip to Southern Africa a memorable experience.

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10 TIPS TO BEGIN A SOLO SAFARI

Don’t let the thought of solo traveler intimidate you. Instead, learn how travelling alone can be rewarding and use some tips to help you on how to begin a solo safari. Here are some of the tips to make sure that you have the most memorable safari experience when you’re travelling alone:

1. Use a Tour Company with a great record of delivering incredible services

If you want to know about the Tour Companies with great track records, you need to look at places like TripAdvisor and SafariBookings for you to get proper suggestions and reviews. Looking at these places during your research will help you to pick the best Safari Tour Operator. It’s very great to use a company with good recommendations and reviews from their clients because it will help you to choose the right Tour Company.

2. Travelling solo helps you to meet and make more new friends

You will get the opportunity to meet new people than if you were with a travel partner. It’s known that if you travel alone, you’re far more likely to strike up a conversation with fellow safari-goers than if you had travel friends. And they’re more likely to try and include you in the conversation. This will give you an opportunity to know people and make more friends in that particular place. Making new friends will make your safari an unforgettable experience. 

3. Select smaller, more welcoming lodges

Some lodges are way more welcoming and any good travel consultant will take pains to book you into these.  Straight off, the lodge staff will go out of their way to make sure you’re looked after and feel comfortable and at home.  Choose smaller lodges because many of them have a communal table-at dinner and breakfast- so you won’t have to sit alone and eat. Most likely, you’ll be seated with your hosts and an interesting mix of guests that will make you feel as if you are at home with your favorite friends.

4. Think about walking safari

Walking safaris are a great option for solo travelers. The group sizes are tiny by nature and it’s an up-close-and-personal experience where you’ll have plenty of time to get to recognize your group members as well as encounter the bush and wildlife like never before.Take a comforting walk and discover the exhilaration and ancient secrets of the African wilderness. Walking safaris provide a good opportunity for travelers to identify tracks and insects, bird watch and learn about habitats and ecology as they walk through the bushveld.

5. Visit different destinations

Different destinations offer you completely dissimilar safari experiences if you are travelling on your own. For instance, at some of the safari lodges in Southern Africa, you’ll be going on bush walks and open vehicle drives as part of a group-even if it’s just one other person.  In some of the eastern African safari destinations, you’ll most likely have your own personal safari guide during your stay. You’ll have plenty of time to absorb all their safari knowledge and stories.

6. Consider Tour companies that offer small group, scheduled departures

This way, you’ll be able to save on costs and be sure to meet up new people on your trip. Young and solo travelers often book on overland tours where they meet and make friends for life. Some tour operators also specialise in arranging tours and itineraries particularly for solo travelers. Small group safaris are perfect if you are looking for an inclusive holiday experience. Travelling with small groups gives you an opportunity to get to more secluded areas and become more involved with the local culture, while still enjoying Africa’s best-loved destinations. 

7. Pay attention to safety matters

Usually, your travel consultant will organize for you to be met at the airport and transport you to the hotel where you’ll spend a night before your safari begins. Of course, a little street knowledge and common sense goes a long way. Don’t go hiking in deserted areas. Don’t stroll alone at night. Also make conversation to the local people and take note of their safety commands.

8. Be flexible and open-minded

Keep in mind that your trip is not about taking pictures of yourself, posing in front of famous animals. It’s all about the journey. Touring is about creating stories you can say again later, and you’ll get a heck of a lot more stories that are appealing from an independent trip than a restrictive guided tour. You will make some mistakes. And you might end up being in the wrong place without a clue about how to return to your hotel. But keep an open mind, enjoy every new experience, and think about the stories you can tell your friends and family when you return home. I promise that once you’ve traveled independently, you’ll never look back.

9. Gather Information

If you are planning for a solo safari, the most important thing to do is to gather the information about your destination. Start to collecting relevant information about your safari. Also use travel guide book, resources online and web forums where you can ask other travelers for information from their own experiences in your destination. Come to a decision about how long you can travel for and the ideal time-span of time to stay in different parts of your destinations. Gather information about the prices, places, tour operator companies and the type of transport you are going to use for your safari.

10. Go with smaller groups

As with anywhere you go on your own, fewer numbers are friendlier and more comfortable. Just as you’d hesitate to eat out in a vast 200-seater restaurant on your own, you’d probably think nothing of doing so in a cosy 12-seater one? A safari is no different. And you’ll find that game viewing is an excellent ice-breaker. Joining smaller groups will also help you meet and make new friends.

We hope that the tips above will help you to have a memorable experience on your next solo safari. You can travel alone. Never be afraid to travel alone.

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BEST ATTRACTIONS IN MOZAMBIQUE

Tofo beach

Mozambique is a country that has many associations. Possibly that’s exactly what makes it such an attractive and fascinating place to visit. For many South Africans, Mozambique is an affordable beach destination. It is a good destination for family holiday. Some people also prefer it as a place of romantic African honeymoon. You can pack 4x4 with camping gear and cool boxes of fresh supplies, and make your way up the coastline to your favourite camp spot. Mozambique offers international visitors some of the most exclusive beach resorts on Africa’s east coast.

Bazaruto

The Bazaruto and Quirimba archipelagos boast the ultimate in luxury and pampering in the most pristine tropical settings. No matter what your holiday style, there’s one thing about Mozambique that attracts just about everyone: the miles of unspoilt sandy beaches fringed with towering coconut palms and the blue sea beyond. The beaches are so clean they actually squeak when you walk on them. 

Quirimba archipelago

About 400km north of Maputo, near Inhambane, there is a small coastal village called Tofo. It’s a n area known for great diving, fishing and surfing. Tofo is a vibrant village, in and out of the season. It is the type of place where there’s enough to do, but you could also very quickly get into the vibe of doing not much at all. Tofo is located on a creascent bay with a sandy beach stretching north for about 3.5km to the lighthouse. Beyond the point, the coastline reaches up to another well-known tourist spot called Barra.

Barra Beach

 There are a variety of estuary day tours. Take a leisurely boat cruise or sail on traditional dhow. Snorkel the calm waters to look for pansy shells or shy seahorses. If you opt for a paddling trip, you can explore the mangroves and possibly see a dugong. This dolphin-like species is endangered and protected, and sightings are rare and very special.

The easy way to explore the Tofo area is by taking leisurely strolls along the beach or rural roads. In Mozambique everyone is friendly and it’s safe to explore o n your own. You walk along the beach or through the market and everyone greets you with a smile. It’s true that Mozambicans are friendly by nature. In Tofo, you will find everything that’s available in the village market, from T-shirts, souvenirs and flip-flops to fruit, vegetables, fish and beer. The local rum is a delicious golden spiced liquid ideal for cocktails and is available at every second store.

Tofo is known particularly for sightings of giant manta rays and whale sharks. This is what most visiting divers hope to see. The reefs are aquarium-like, with an abundance of fish. White and black-tip sharks are often seen, as well as moray eel, parrot fish, trumpet fish and large grumpy looking potato bass.  It’s not unusual to be surrounded by hundreds of colorful reef fish as you drift along.  As for seeing mantas, these large creatures are shy. For this season, when diving, you need the dive master while he peeks above the reef to see if there are any around.

Tofo's Whale Sharks

The mantas use Tofo’s reefs as cleaning stations. These are areas where many small reef fish can be found, so the mantas position themselves just above the coral while the tiny butterfly fish pick parasites off them. This symbiotic relationship keeps the mantas healthy and the reef fish well fed. It’s at these cleaning stations where you could get to experience the best manta sightings. Sadly, spotting mantas is becoming increasingly rare. They are being caught and killed for their gill rakers,which they use to filter their food. These gill rakers are dried and pulverized for use in Chinese medicine.

Mozambique is a destination where you can collect a photo book of memories. Enjoy a friendly vibe, incredible diving and the perfect end to a leisurely day- watching the sun dip behind palm trees while surfers dance in the waves.

If you want to take a trip to Mozambique, you can book here: Click

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