The Ultimate Guide to Financing: Safari Tours

The Ultimate Guide to Financing: Safari Tours

Dreaming of an unforgettable safari tour but unsure how to finance it? You’re not alone. Safari tours are bucket-list trips for many, offering the chance to see breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife up close. However, they can also come with a hefty price tag, making financing a key consideration. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore various options for financing your dream safari, with some useful tips on how to make your journey more affordable. Additionally, we’ll explain how Kandoo, a UK-based retail finance broker, can help make your safari adventure a reality.

Why Safari Tours Can Be Expensive

Before diving into financing options, it’s important to understand why safari tours can be expensive. A typical safari package often includes a combination of:

• Accommodation: Luxury lodges, campsites, or eco-resorts in remote locations.
• Transportation: Flights, transfers, and 4x4 vehicles for game drives.
• Guides and Experts: Skilled safari guides, trackers, and sometimes even conservation experts.
• Meals and Drinks: Full-board meals, including traditional and international cuisine.
• Park Fees: Entrance fees to national parks and game reserves.
• Special Activities: Night drives, bush walks, and hot-air balloon safaris.

These elements combine to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience but can also push the cost into the thousands. While it may seem daunting, there are plenty of financing solutions available to help you plan and afford your dream safari.

Setting a Realistic Budget

The first step in financing your safari tour is to establish a realistic budget. Consider the following factors:

1. Destination: Safaris in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) and Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia) vary in cost. Some countries, like Tanzania’s Serengeti or Botswana’s Okavango Delta, are more expensive than others.

2. Time of Year: High season (dry season) often means higher prices due to demand. If you’re flexible, travelling during the shoulder or off-peak seasons can save you money.

3. Length of Stay: The duration of your safari will directly affect the cost. A 3-day safari will obviously cost less than a 10-day experience.

4. Level of Luxury: Do you want to stay in luxury lodges or are you happy with more modest accommodations? Luxury safaris can cost significantly more.

Once you have a rough estimate of your costs, you’ll have a clearer idea of how much financing you’ll need.

Financing Options for Your Safari

1. Savings

If you have the time and discipline, saving up for your safari in advance is the most straightforward option. Set aside a portion of your income each month to build up your travel fund. This method ensures you won’t incur debt, but it does require patience.

2. Credit Cards

Many travellers choose to finance their trips using a credit card. Some credit cards offer travel rewards or cashback, which can help offset the cost of your safari. However, be mindful of interest rates. If you can’t pay off your balance in full, you could end up paying significantly more than the original cost of the trip.

3. Personal Loans

A personal loan is a popular option for financing large purchases, including travel. Personal loans generally offer lower interest rates than credit cards and allow you to pay back the loan over a fixed term, making it easier to budget. This can be a good option if you want to spread the cost of your safari over several months or even years.

4. Travel-Specific Loans

Some companies offer travel-specific loans designed to help fund vacations. These loans may come with flexible terms and competitive interest rates, making them a viable option for financing your safari. Always ensure you understand the loan terms before committing, including interest rates, repayment periods, and any additional fees.

5. Retail Finance Broker – Kandoo

One of the most flexible and accessible ways to finance your safari tour is through a retail finance broker like Kandoo. Kandoo is a UK-based broker that specialises in helping individuals finance large purchases, including holidays and travel experiences.

Kandoo connects you with a range of lenders who can offer personal loans tailored to your needs. Here’s how Kandoo can help:

• Competitive Rates: Kandoo works with a network of reputable lenders, helping you find the best interest rates available for your financial situation.

• Flexible Terms: You can choose from various loan terms, allowing you to spread the cost of your safari over a period that suits your budget.

• Quick and Easy Application: Applying for a loan through Kandoo is straightforward, and you can receive a decision quickly, helping you plan your safari without unnecessary delays.

• No Impact on Credit Score: Kandoo performs a soft search when you apply, meaning it won’t affect your credit score. Only when you accept a loan offer will a full credit check be carried out.

By using Kandoo, you can secure a loan that covers the cost of your safari, giving you the freedom to pay for your trip in manageable instalments rather than a lump sum.

How to Apply for Safari Financing Through Kandoo

If you decide that financing through Kandoo is the right option for you, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to applying:

1. Visit Kandoo’s Website: Start by visiting Kandoo’s website and navigate to their loan application section.

2. Fill Out the Application Form: You’ll need to provide some basic information about yourself, your financial situation, and the amount you wish to borrow.

3. Receive Loan Offers: Kandoo will match you with a range of lenders who are willing to offer you a loan based on your application.

4. Compare Terms: Take the time to review the loan offers, comparing interest rates, repayment terms, and any fees.

5. Accept the Best Offer: Once you’ve found the loan that suits you best, accept the offer, and the funds will be transferred to your account.

6. Book Your Safari: With the funds in hand, you can now proceed to book your dream safari tour!

Other Ways to Save on Your Safari

In addition to financing, there are several ways you can save on your safari without sacrificing the experience:

1. Travel in the Off-Season

As mentioned earlier, travelling during the off-peak season can significantly reduce costs. While the dry season is often considered the best time for wildlife viewing, the wet season (also known as the green season) can still offer excellent game sightings at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and lush landscapes.

2. Group Travel

Travelling as part of a group can lower your costs, as many safari operators offer group discounts. Whether you join an organised tour or gather a group of friends and family, this is a great way to make your safari more affordable.

3. Book Early or Last Minute

Booking your safari well in advance can often secure you a better deal, as tour operators may offer early bird discounts. On the other hand, if you’re flexible with your dates, last-minute deals can also offer significant savings.

4. Use Local Operators

While international tour operators may offer convenience, local safari operators often provide more competitive prices. Do your research and book directly with a local company to save on middleman fees.

Conclusion

Financing a safari tour may seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning and the right financial tools, your dream adventure is well within reach. From saving up to taking out a personal loan, there are numerous ways to make your safari affordable. And with the help of Kandoo, you can secure flexible financing that fits your budget, allowing you to spread the cost of your trip over time.

So, whether you’re dreaming of witnessing the Great Migration in Tanzania or tracking lions in South Africa, don’t let the cost hold you back. With the right financial plan in place, your dream safari is just a few steps away. Happy travels!