​Safari tourism continues to grow as many bloggers and influencers share their experiences. With the possibility of seeing wildlife, amazing landscapes, and exploring heritage sites, it's no surprise that more people have begun booking safari tours.
A safari tour can be a life-changing experience, but planning one is not for the faint of heart. From booking your flight to following the itinerary, things can go haywire. This is where a professional safari planner comes in. Read on to learn why you should hire a safari planner for your trip.

​Planning a trip can be extremely stressful because of the many areas you must cover. Many websites offer packages and deals, but going through them can get overwhelming quickly. Remember, Africa is a continent that is home to 54 countries. Unless you have one in mind, finding your dream safari destination can take some time.
If you are new to arranging trips, this safari planning can get slow and confusing. A professional safari planner can make this trip stress-free by doing most of the work. After identifying the place you want to visit, you can leave the rest to them. They will even help you identify the place you want to go if you don't know where that is. And often, the place you think you want to go isn't really that place. A free chat with a knowledgeable specialist will enable you to accurately identify the right place for you at the time of year you want to travel. 

From arranging itineraries to transportation, having a safari planner can lift a huge weight off your shoulders. You never have to worry about destinations and accommodation. Allowing an expert to handle the work and guide you is a good decision. They can shed some light on your flight routing and manage accommodations, transfers, communicating dietary requirements and special wishes or needs. 
You can seek their help when issues arise on the trip. You can guarantee a worthwhile safari experience with an expert by your side, virtually.

Being far from home can make anyone feel uneasy, especially when you're in a foreign land. One of the benefits of using a safari planner is the peace of mind you get. Aside from taking away the work, they strive to address every concern you have.
For instance, if you have an allergy to seafood, you may be concerned about your lodging serving dishes you can't eat. You can hand in dietary requirements to your safari planner and let them handle it.
Another good example is planning for family safaris. You want the kids to have the best experience, yet you are clueless about how to adjust to the trip. Our travel experts can arrange activities for the whole family to enjoy. A safari adventure is exciting, yet the unknown can get overwhelming. Whether you are new or not to this kind of trip, having hands-on help can make all the difference.

Surprises are inevitable even with perfect planning. Your flight can get delayed, your itinerary changed, or your lodging messed up. Regardless of the situation, how do you stay updated with the mishaps?
As the saying goes, communication is key from the beginning to the end of the trip. Your safari planner will keep you updated throughout the journey. Since they are handling all your trip details, they will be the first person to be notified about an issue.
You can count on them to pass the information to you as soon as possible. Moreover, your safari specialist prepares a detailed itinerary for your trip to ensure the best experience. It contains information about the place, its culture, and essential details.

Having worked in tourism for many years, our safari specialists have a wide-ranging network of contacts. Our Africa experts have contact with other professionals across the industry and access to special deals that consumers are not aware of. Often we tell inquirers about reserves and destinations they have never even heard of, and we know the pick of the accommodations in each price range in every area. We know what type of client each one is suitable for, and who it is not good for, in terms of location, ease of access, ambiance, style, etc. 
They arrange meet and greets at airports and transfer points, ensuring smooth transitions between accommodations, and are on hand to answer all your questions before you travel. 

​There are many misconceptions about travel agencies and one of them is that they are expensive. People believe they have to pay more if they avail themselves of these beneficial services. However, this is far from the truth. In our case, our services are totally free of charge. 
Moreover, you can get better deals for your safari trip through us. We use our connections to find the best bargains for our clients. For example, a travel planner bargains for the best African safari packages. Our network of tried, tested, and trusted service providers and accommodations keeps us in the loop with special combination and long-stay deals that the general public do not always see. Our safari specialists know where to find the best prices. They know where they can get travel packages that give the best value for your money. 
By pulling all the bookings under one roof, you only have one company to pay, saving you time, but also money when booking with Indigo Safaris. We bank in most major currencies, meaning you only have to make a domestic transfer rather than numerous foreign transactions, and we convert to your currency at the most favorable exchange rate possible. 

Using a safari specialist and getting them to book your trip gives protection for you. Traveling anywhere, whether in your home country or a foreign land, comes with safety risks. A natural disaster can hit out of nowhere, a petty crime may occur, or an accident can happen. Without an expert's help, you can get lost and feel overwhelmed.
Remember, a travel planner strives to give you the best safari trip. Ensuring your safety is part of their service. You can contact your safari planner to help you with your concern. Even before travel, we can help you out. Should an accident befall you or a close family member, with our special relationships with our suppliers, changing booking dates is a doddle, as we look after it all. If you cannot rebook and need to make an insurance claim with your travel insurer, we provide all the documentation required for your claim. All you have to do is send it in. 
Having someone knowledgeable about the course of the trip gives you a breath of relief. Aside from addressing your problems, your safari planner gives you safety pointers before leaving. You can entrust yourself and your safari journey to an expert.

Another reason you should work with a safari planner is the custom experiences you can enjoy. It’s nice to work with an African travel expert rather than a general travel agent, as they know the ins and outs and the tricks of the trade, and what is actually possible. 
In the beginning, they ask you questions about your safari trip. These questions will include the activities you want to do and the places you want to visit. Based on your answers, they will create an itinerary. If you want a camping safari, your safari specialist can arrange it for you. Your safari specialist chooses the activities and places depending on what you want. You never have to stress yourself about what to do and how to book them.

Going on a safari adventure exposes you to different cultures. Considering practices differ, some things accepted locally might be questionable to you, and vice-versa. Knowing and understanding these differences can make your trip easier and more enjoyable.
If you want factual information, use a safari specialist. They can share their knowledge with you to make you a well-informed traveler.

Using a professional safari specialist ensures a smooth trip. You can guarantee the best safari adventure experience knowing your guide specializes in this type of trip. Remember, they know more about traveling in Africa than the amount of research you can do for the trip.
First, a safari planner develops a comprehensive plan with custom experiences. Your planner will only be a call away from the moment you leave home until after you return. They know where you can go and what you can do within the parameters of your budget. Aside from the famous African safaris, your travel planner can suggest other places to enjoy, such as beach and city breaks.
If you want to avoid the crowds, your travel guide can help you find the perfect destination. For instance, Kwazulu Natal is an underrated safari and beach destination with much to offer. 
As mentioned previously, Safari travel experts have access to various connections. You can enjoy experiences you might never have considered.

A safari tour offers some of the most exciting activities and experiences imaginable, and some that you would never even have thought existed. If you want the perfect trip, work with a professional safari planner.
Indigo Safaris offers various packages for families and solo travelers. Check out our favorite hotels, lodges, and itineraries, or contact Indigo Safaris here!

Are you considering a South Africa safari? You're making a great choice, but you need to pick the best park for your interests. Kruger National Park should be on top of your list for many reasons. 
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South Africa had over 5.8 million visitors last year, which continues to rise. There are many reasons to visit South Africa, but one of the top reasons is to go on Kruger National Park safaris. But what makes Kruger National Park safaris so special? 

Kruger National Park is one of the renowned safari parks in South Africa and the world. Here are 12 reasons why you should visit Kruger National Park and experience this wonder yourself.

If you're considering going on a safari, the chances are it is to marvel at animals in their natural habitat. However, as the animals roam free, there is no guarantee of catching sightings, which is part of the safari adventure. It is essential to consider this factor when planning a safari trip to Africa. 
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The good news is that Greater Kruger safaris are known for wildlife sightings, diversity, and the amount of wildlife. It is often said to be the best place to see the iconic 'Big 5' animals: the lion, leopard, buffalo, and elephant. It is not unusual to see all five of these majestic animals in one day, especially when you use a reputable guide and team that knows the park well.
 
Kruger National Park is also home to over 147 species of mammals, over 50 snake species, 114 reptile species, 49 fish species, and over 508 species of birds. Along with the Big Five, keep your eyes peeled for the Little Five, including the leopard tortoise, elephant shrew, ant lion, red-billed buffalo weaver, and rhino beetle. There are also sightings of rarely-seen animals, including cheetahs, roan antelope, and African Wild Dogs.

​Kruger National Park has the infrastructure, policies, accommodation options, and professional guides to provide flexible package options that suit all needs. You can pick a package that suits your budget and just do a two-night trip to get a glimpse of the wonderful nature. 
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If you have longer, though, you can reap the benefits of fully immersing yourself in this park. It is the perfect park to plan options for wheelchair-friendly safaris, honeymoons, luxury safaris, families, first-time travelers, solo travelers, and safari enthusiasts. 

South Africa safaris are not just for huge budgets. You can tailor your safari to smaller budgets by staying in different accommodation options and planning your itinerary with one of our safari specialists. 

Greater Kruger includes Kruger National Park and private reserves next to the park. So, not only do you get to explore Kruger National Park, but you can also choose to spend time on the private reserves. These reserves include Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Klaserie, and Balule reserves.
These reserves also cater to different budgets, but the game viewing is prolific. They also offer a more private and authentic experience, where you can experience Kruger National Park's delights in a more intimate setting. 
The animals and birds in Greater Kruger are found in all the reserves as animals roam freely. However, specific habitats suit particular animals better, such as the Sabi Sand Reserve, a popular spot for leopard sightings.

Kruger National Park safaris are perfect year-round, whatever the season. The Summer months are from September to April, often with hot and sunny days, along with sporadic thunderstorms. The average maximum temperature is 34°C (93° F), but temperatures can soar to over 38°C (100° F). 
The dry season is during Winter, which extends from May to August. Temperatures average between 8°- 26°C (46° - 79° F). Each season offers a different experience.
Mid-winter (June to August) can be the best time for game viewing. Water is low, so animals stay close to waterholes, and the bush is dry, which means you can spot wildlife easier. 
The first rains arrive in September, so the bush slowly turns green once more, and fauna emerges. There tend to be many predators around due to the number of young animals.
Summer is when the bush is thick and abundant, meaning game drives are early morning and late afternoon. Summer is also an excellent time for bird-watching. March to May is the end of Summer, offering cooler temperatures and the need for experienced eyes to spot game with the long grass. 

If you want a diverse safari experience, Kruger National Park is the place. Safari in Kruger allows you to experience  zones, which means there is different vegetation, climates, and animals. You can break the ecosystems down in different ways, but in general, there are five to six systems to observe. This is why there is an abundance of species of animals and flora to observe. You will be amazed at how the zones change, with zones offering different surprises. ​

​Safaris in the Greater Kruger area are easily accessible, which is another reason to visit, even if you're on a tight time frame. There are several different ways to access the park, such as flying to Kruger from one of South Africa's airports. You can catch connections from cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban.
Alternatively, you could fly to the international airport close to Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga International Airport. Charter flights can also be arranged. Or, you can travel overland via the Panorama route. 
The road system to and through Greater Kruger also allows for driven access, though this takes six to nine hours depending on your start and end points. Roads are well maintained, and there is a well-established network. We are specialists in planning Kruger safari logistics, so you only have to worry about packing and getting to the airport. 

When searching where to stay in Kruger National Park, you will find there are reserves in and around the park in Greater Kruger. These reserves offer various accommodation options, from luxury lodges to bush camps. 
The Kruger National Park has mainly government-run, self-catered camps, frequented by self-drivers on congested tarmac roads. However, there are also some private lodges with fully inclusive game drives and private tracks, offering similar experiences to the private reserves in the Greater Kruger. This means that the public is not allowed to drive in that section of Kruger, which means you can avoid the crowds. 
You are guaranteed to find an accommodation option that suits your needs. Whether you want animals on your doorstep or creature comforts such as air conditioning, you can find it. Greater Kruger's accommodation fits all adventures and budgets, which is another one of its appeals.

​Despite Kruger National Park's popularity, Greater Kruger offers a wealth of off-the-beaten-track adventures to include in your safari experience. You can try a guided walking safari while visiting the Greater Kruger reserves. These can be one of the most authentic ways to experience the South African bush. The main objective is to look out for different animal species. However, the experience can help you immerse yourself in the landscape and experience safari from a different perspective.
Children are not usually allowed on guided walking safaris. However, there are many activities for them to enjoy, from game drives to star-gazing, and activities at the accommodation. 

The surface area ofKruger National Park is 7,580 square miles, and Greater Kruger stretches over 8,500 square miles. Fast-paced city life quickly falls away as you enjoy Mother Nature in all her glory and expansiveness. No day is the same on game drives here, with so many parts of the park to explore. You can enjoy moments of solitude with no other safari groups around and enjoy game drives at different times of the day to experience Greater Kruger in all its glory.
Your guide will know the best spots for early morning sunrise game drives, late afternoon drives, and nighttime drives. Enjoy the star-filled sky and the sounds of nature all around at night. 
Greater Kruger also is a destination where conservation efforts, advanced environmental management techniques, and policies have been implemented to protect the space. So you can also have peace of mind you are supporting tourism in a place that is working hard to manage conservation. 

​While many people consider a South Africa safari because of the animals, you may be surprised to learn that it is also an opportunity for exceptional bird-watching. After all, there are over 500 bird species, and for some species, Greater Kruger is their only home in South Africa. 
Some birds to look out for on your game drives include the Martial Eagle, Lappet-faced vulture, Pel's fishing owl, Ground Hornbill, Bateleur, Lilac-breasted roller, and Kori Bustards. Even if you are not a bird-watching enthusiast, you will be amazed at the variety of species.
If you are a bird-watching enthusiast, you can tailor your safari to cater to bird-watching experiences, although you will often see multiple species on the game drives. 

A challenge of some safaris is that they are not family-friendly. Some lodges have different child policies, and some activities may not be possible for children to do. The good news is that Kruger National Park is an exception to this. Due to the infrastructure and variety of accommodation options, children are welcome. You can have peace of mind they will be safe and also have an educational experience.
Our safari specialists will help you get the best family-friendly experience at in the Kruger National Park and will know how best to tailor your trip to satisfy the whole family. They can pick the best accommodation options, activities, and game drives for an experience your family will remember forever. 

Thanks to the transport connections to Kruger National Park, you can also plan to go elsewhere after your safari. Do not worry about complicated travel connections or long days traveling, as you have multiple travel connection options.
Maybe you want to explore the coast of South Africa and go diving. For example, you could fly to Cape Town and enjoy exploring the coastline. You can also travel along the Garden Route and visit the Winelands. Or, you could go to Johannesburg and spend time in the city.
Or maybe you want to go to another country in Africa for a different safari experience. Some people choose to fly to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, or Botswana; the choice is yours. We cover all of Southern and Eastern Africa.

When deciding where to go on a South Africa safari, you want to find an itinerary that suits your timeframe, budget, and interests. Indigo Safaris offers a variety of Kruger National Park itineraries and the option for bespoke itineraries. 
For example, you can choose a four-day Kruger Walking Safari with Rhino Post and Plains Camp in the Kruger National Park in a private concession, which includes airport transfers. Or, you could create a seven-day Kruger Safari combing Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Timbavati Game Reserve. We have various packages, so you choose your ideal lodge and timeframe. Many of these packages also include long-stay discounts, for four-night stays or longer. 
We recommend combining reserves if you want to spend more than four nights in the Greater Kruger. For example, we offer a seven-day Sabi Sand & Timbavati at Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge & Simbavati Hilltop Lodge with one free night included. So, no matter what your Kruger National Park dreams are, there are packages to make them come true.

Kruger National Park safaris offer something for everyone, which means there are many reasons to choose this as your safari destination in South Africa. The next step is choosing your provider, so you can have your dream safari experience.
Indigo Safaris offers a range of Safari packages in South Africa and beyond, covering all of southern and eastern Africa. We plan and book packages tailored to each customer in order to give them the best-personalized experience. Our small team of six safari specialists has over 100 years safari planning experience between them, and four of them live in South Africa, three of them have worked and guided in different countries across our portfolio, and we visit our destinations regularly. 
Contact us today to start your Kruger National Park adventure.