Today’s completely awesome guest blog is very near and dear to my heart. Between all the business going on in life, I’ve been quietly planning a South Africa honeymoon for sometime in 2011. You can imagine how pleased I was to have Sandy Salle offer me this wonderful guest blog full of tips on planning an African Safari getaway, for beginners like me. Sandy works for Hills of Africa, who are top aces in planning unforgettable African travel experiences, not just making some puny reservations and wishing you luck (like a few other travel agents whose names I’ll spare at the moment!). And remember, when going someplace completely foreign, using a knowledgeable agent can save time and energy, not to mention ensure safety. If you’ve never experienced those wild grassy plains but are dying to, everything you need to know is below, and stay tuned next week for part two- with more information to guide your trip planning!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact Sandy at www.hillsofafrica.com. Thanks Sandy!

When looking for a trusted travel company to plan your African safari vacation, it’s important to find a travel company that boasts personalized and customized service that carries on throughout your African safari vacation and upon your return.

The right travel company has expert guides who will meet you the moment you touch African soil. They are not merely drivers, but local residents who have extensive knowledge of Africa and its culture. You can rest assured, their warmth and charm will make you feel safe and welcome.

Once you’ve found the perfect travel company to plan your detailed, customized itinerary, it’s time to begin preparing and packing for your upcoming vacation.

Here are the essential ways to prepare for an African safari vacation:

• Do your research and get the facts: Gather important information from your trusted travel company about the various destinations you will be visiting in Africa, and request restaurant, spa, activity, and accommodation recommendations. In addition to informational materials provided by your travel company, Hills of Africa Travel recommends you read detailed and informative books on the countries you will be traveling to. This allows you to get a much greater understanding for what to expect when you arrive to your destination and is an excellent resource to have on hand while traveling.
  
• Have your travel company book private tours and make reservations: Going to Africa completely prepared with an itinerary full of details mapping out each day’s events will make for an absolutely exceptional African safari trip. Make sure you have your travel company book a private guide for some of the tours you want to go on to ensure you have a saved spot for the days and times you want. Having an itinerary that includes private, guided tours with trusted guides, allows you to experience the African safari trip of a lifetime without the hassle of negotiating your schedule once you arrive to your destination. Many travel companies will also make final itinerary tweaks and add restaurant bookings, private tours, tee times, spa appointments, and other amenities you’re sure to love.
• Become familiar with the language of each country you visit: Every country has an official language even though there can be several languages spoken in one country. For example, there are over 10 languages spoken in South Africa! Since many African countries were once colonized by Europe, several European languages are still spoken in these countries, including French, English, and Portuguese. It may be beneficial for you to purchase small phrase books for destinations you are visiting, although most accommodations do have staff members who speak English.
• Become familiar with the various cultures of each country you visit: Once you know what countries you will be visiting in Africa, it would behoove you to research the culture of the land before departing. One of the most enriching experiences in life is interacting with those who are part of a different culture. Becoming more familiar with these cultures before you depart will allow you to have a more educational and inspirational experience while at your destination. There is arguably nothing more enlightening than visiting local villages and learning about locals’ cultural heritage and historical background.
• Make an appointment with your primary care physician: Having a physical before you embark on your African safari vacation is an important measure to take in order to ensure you are in healthy condition. It’s also very important to see your doctor and discuss any vaccinations and prophylactic medicines you may need in preparation for your trip to Africa. It is highly suggested that all visitors to Africa be up to date with common childhood vaccines including Hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and polio. If you have not had these shots in a while, it would be beneficial for you to receive booster shots. If you are traveling to countries that require Yellow Fever shots, make sure to have these and to carry your certificate with you. Be sure to fill any meds you will need well in advance of your African safari trip and store those in a carry-on bag so they are readily available within a moment’s notice. Although it would be rare to come across one of these diseases, it’s always better to air on the side of caution.