The Best Questions to Ask before Booking a Photo Safari:
For what level(s) photographer is this trip?
Will you help me if I’m an absolute beginner and need extra attention?
Is there enough down time for classes or are we learning on the go?
Who is actually leading the trip? What experience do they have? Do they have certifications?
How many times have you been to this location?
What lenses and kind of camera should I bring? Binoculars? Tripod? Beanbag?
What topics will be covered?
Will you help me with editing?
Do I need a laptop? External hard drive?
What’s included in the cost?
What’s excluded from the cost?
How many people will be in the group? In the vehicle?
How much classroom time versus in the field time?
What if the weather is bad?
How do you get the animal to pose?
Do you flush animals out so we can see them?
Do you guarantee I’ll see my target animal?
What is the food like? Can my preferences/allergies be accommodated?
What are the beds like?
Will I have a private bathroom?
What happens if someone gets sick or injured?
What level of physical fitness do I need for this trip?
Do you have a packing list for this trip?
Can you take a credit card? What’s the deposit and when are the other payment(s) due? What happens if the trip is canceled on your side, or if I have to drop out?
What should the answers be? The answers will indicate the professionalism of the leader and the company.
Large companies often outsource their guides and vehicles; they are “middle-men” and many salespeople have never been on location. Their goal is to completely fill the safari vehicle with people. Smaller companies usually offer more personal services, guide you themselves, and are invested in your trip to ensure its success. Smaller companies will work with you to limit the number of people in the vehicle; there may be an extra cost to make room for your photography gear by leaving seats open, but it’s usually minimal.
A good photography instructor can manage about 6 people in a group on short trips (a week or less). On longer trips, one extra person per extra day is reasonable. The instructor should be able to teach in a group setting and provide 1-on-1 assistance as needed.
The operator should be transparent about the photographic skill level needed for the trip. Some trips have enough down time to teach the basics of camera operation, including how to install the battery and memory cards, turn it on and begin learning to set your own settings. Trips without down time aren’t ideal for brand new beginners, but if you already know some basics, ask the operator if your skill level will be able to keep up.
Inclusions and exclusions should be made clear in the trip prospectus. Most trips include government and park fees. Many trips include lodging, meals and transportation once you join the trip. Many trips do not include gratuities, laundry, alcoholic drinks and other personal purchases. Think through a trip from wake-up to bedtime—what do you normally do and normally need/want? Where does that fall in the inclusions/exclusions?
Operators should offer suggestions for appropriate gratuities for the staff, drivers, and anyone else who makes the trip work.
The operator should provide a very clear packing list that includes necessary clothing, camera gear, and other considerations. You should do your own research on the climate and adjust as necessary, too.
Ethical operators will not guarantee the sighting of any animal. They won’t flush animals out, corner them, nor will they bait or call animals to get their attention. Good guides know the likely behavior of animals—that they will stop and look for a quick second or two when you come upon them, when they are likely to look at you again, what they are likely to do and where they are likely to go. They’ll suggest camera settings and compositions so you are ready for engaging images.
Every operator should have emergency plans, including access to medical personnel, and evacuation plans for medical issues or environmental situations. You should purchase medical evacuation insurance for any trip that is remote or removed from good hospital care. Operators should ask for an emergency contact phone number before the trip commences.
Most operators are able to accept credit cards, although many will add the credit card fee to the price. That’s a normal practice, as their profit margin isn’t high. If you are comfortable wiring money, wiring fees are usually less than credit card fees. Using a credit card, however, has advantages–most credit card companies include trip insurance, and will dispute charges if necessary. Operators should have Terms & Conditions readily available on their website. Be SURE to read them! T&C’s protect YOU and the operator.
If payments have already been made to the suppliers, the operator may not be able to obtain refunds. To protect yourself, trip insurance is a good investment.
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Did you know that I’ve answered most of these questions more in depth in my FAQs?
Every trip is unique, with its own set of benefits and challenges. Your operator should keep communication lines open and answer questions precisely, not vaguely. Asking questions BEFORE booking can save heartache and financial loss. If you aren’t hearing the answers you want, it’s OK to move to the next operator for a quote. Good, ethical operators have nothing to hide.
Are there questions we should add to this list? Please share them!