5 Reasons To Book A Safari Tour
The safari industry in Africa is a huge one, and it’s what many of the continent’s nations rely on. Each year, it’s estimated that more than 30 million people make their way to Africa to go on a safari for a long list of reasons. If you’ve been on the fence about going on one of these fascinating trips that could change your life, you may need a little push.
That’s where we come in. Let’s take a look at five reasons why you should book a safari tour sooner rather than later. Once you see what safaris have to offer, there’s no way you’ll want to miss out on that opportunity.
Gorgeous Sights
If you’re looking for a great reason to book an African safari, what better reason than taking in the gorgeous sights? If you’re like most of the population and haven’t traveled too far outside your comfort zone, booking an African safari is a pretty big leap from your normal routine and environment. Africa holds breathtaking beauty, from the white sand beaches on the breezy coast to the grasslands, and the savanna to the towering mountains.
What locals experience on a daily basis is a whole new world for those who haven’t experienced the endless beauty of Africa. Through a safari, you’ll get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see places like the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world and perhaps the most popular safari destination out there.
Wild Animals
Perhaps the single most tempting reason you should run to book an African safari is of course the majestic inhabitants of the animal kingdom. Taking part in a safari, you quickly realize the wild animals all around you truly rule the land. It’s a humbling and breathtaking experience that can’t be replicated by simply visiting a zoo, or watching a documentary.
Where else can you sit mere yards away from lions, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, and all the other terrifyingly beautiful wildlife Africa has to offer? Safaris off you a chance to see animals that are specific only to the continent. On top of the world-famous African elephant, you’ll see rare creatures like the zebra, giraffe, hippopotamus, and ostrich.
Supports Tourism
What’s even better than booking an African safari trip? The fact that, when you do, you’re supporting the tourism industry within the country, as well as supporting the local businesses you dine at, stay overnight in, buy souvenirs from, and much more. Your patronage supports and allows local businesses and safari tours to thrive. Resulting in more resources available to continue the development of an already beautiful land, as well as resources to help care for the wildlife.
Tourism accounts for a large portion of Afirca’s gross domestic product. While Central Africa doesn’t rely much on tourism at all, East Africa’s economy is nearly 10 percent tourism. North Africa and West Africa also rely heavily on tourism while South Africa is only a small chunk. African tourism is expected to become an industry that’s worth over $300 billion in the future thanks to safaris.
Experience Another Culture
Getting the chance to take in another culture is always a humbling and unique experience. Most of us probably won’t get the chance to do so in our lifetime. Exploring the way a vastly different society lives their everyday lives is something we should all seek to see in our lifetime. The mannerisms, way of life, food, drink, and customs, amongst other things, are something special.
Each region of Africa has its own culture, and you’ll get to experience the best of them when going on a safari. Some cultures will remind you more of home while others are very entrenched into the safari lifestyle, allowing you to feel like you’re truly disconnected from the hustle and bustle of life while avoiding things like television or the internet.
Conservational Support
A large portion of the safaris offered in Africa goes back toward conservation to protect wildlife and its natural habitat. These safaris do their best to not disrupt the habitat in which the animals live, while also treating any animals that may be sick or injured. National World Safaris is a group that launched in 2005 and helped to kick conservation efforts into high gear through tourism funding.
With the added funding that these legitimate safaris receive, they’re better able to prevent poachers from killing wild animals. Countries like Madagascar, Mozambique, and Botswana have seen a large uptick in tourism since the conservational efforts increased, while also seeing a large drop in poaching. Therefore, simply seeing the animals in a non-habitat-disturbing way ends up helping them in the long run.