The Benefits of a Locally Based Travel Agent for African Safari

Why Should I Use a Locally Based Travel Agent?

In an age where online booking platforms and travel apps dominate the landscape, many travelers might wonder if planning your safari through a travel agent is still worthwhile. Come to think of it, if we are asking Chat GPT to write our college thesis, a rap song using references to SpongeBob SquarePants, or the cover letter for our dream job, why wouldn’t it be able to plan our once-in-a-lifetime safari?  

Whilst planning a trip can be an exciting endeavor, it can also be overwhelming. When planning a two-week long trip to an unknown continent, with a plethora of different destinations in various foreign countries, decision fatigue becomes a real hurdle. One mistake can turn your dream safari tour into a true nightmare. And with the investment that comes with a luxury African safari, you most definitely want to avoid that at all costs! (pun intended).

But perhaps the most common misconception is that working with a specialist travel agent incurs greater costs than booking everything yourself. We’re here to tell you that this is the biggest fallacy of all! Industry connections, years of experience, and local knowledge all make sure that your travel agent can offer their services at the exact same prices (if not lower) as booking direct.

Below, we have outlined our top 6 reasons why working with a travel agent can actually save you stress, time and money.

1. Expertise and Knowledge

Travel agents are seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of destinations, travel trends, and industry best practices. They have firsthand experience and insights that can help tailor your trip to your specific preferences and needs. Whether you’re looking for hidden gems in Africa or the best family-friendly destinations, a travel agent can help you see the forest through the trees and guide you to the right choices. This not only saves you hours of Googling, research and typing in prompts in Chat GPT, but it also saves you money by weeding out the less value for money options.

2. Time is Money

In the world we live in time is our biggest luxury. Planning a trip involves countless details, from researching flights and accommodations to organizing activities and transportation. A travel agent streamlines this process, saving you valuable time. They handle the logistics, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: enjoying your trip.

3. Bespoke is the New Black

Travel agents take the time to understand your travel style and preferences. They can create customized itineraries that cater to your interests, whether it’s adventure travel, luxury escapes, or cultural experiences. This personalized approach ensures that your bespoke African safari aligns perfectly with your expectations. Their intimate knowledge of the destinations you are wanting to visit, gives them the best insight into which places and experiences will blow you away.

“The bespoke character of [Wild Wonderful World’s] safaris and trips is a huge selling point for me. Michelle always finds a solution and makes sure that we get exactly what we are looking for in a holiday.”

4. We’ve Got Your Back

Travel can be unpredictable, with unexpected changes and challenges arising at any moment. Having a travel agent by your side means you have someone to turn to for assistance. Whether it’s rebooking a flight due to a delay or finding alternative accommodation, your travel agent can provide support and solutions quickly. In the event of unexpected problems—such as flight cancellations, natural disasters, or health emergencies—travel agents act as your advocates. They can help you navigate these situations and ensure you have the support you need to get back on track. A local travel agent is also in the same time zone as when you are travelling, so they are always available when needed.

5. Less Stress, More Time

Planning a trip can be stressful, especially if you are juggling multiple responsibilities as it is at home (moms and dads, you know what we’re talking about). A travel agent alleviates this stress by managing the details and providing expert guidance. Knowing that a professional is handling your travel plans can give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy the anticipation of your upcoming adventure. We think of all the nitty-gritty and details, so you don’t have to!

6. Insider Tips and Local Insights

Travel agents often have extensive local networks and connections that can enhance your travel experience. They can provide insider tips on local customs, dining spots, and must-see attractions that you might not find in a guidebook or while searching online. This local knowledge can make a significant difference in how you experience your destination. And truth be told, it can make the difference between a trip-of-a-lifetime or a never-again-in-my life experience!

Debunking the Myth of Higher Costs

One common misconception about travel agents is that they are more expensive than booking directly online. Evidently, travel agents also have mouths to feed and therefore charge a fee for their services. However, by leveraging industry connections and expertise, travel agents will design your personalized safari itinerary at what will eventually be the same price, if not cheaper, as when booking direct. Well-connected travel advisors will ensure that you will not pay a cent more compared to booking with lodges direct. Time is money, and not only will you be able to take advantage of all the best offers, but you are also saving yourself countless hours of researching, phoning around, or solving any issues that may arise whilst you are already on your holiday.  

Working with a trustworthy travel advisor, who has proven experience with designing customized and personalized safari tours in Africa, is one of the best ways of ensuring you get the best deals, at the best luxury lodges! We help you to set a realistic budget and prioritize experiences based on your preferences, whether it's wildlife viewing, cultural encounters, or luxury amenities. All of this will help you create a trip that fits within your budget without sacrificing quality.  

“[At Wild Wonderful World,] you get what you pay for, rather than paying for what you get. The difference may be subtle, but it can make or break a trip in my experience!”

Having been in this game for quite some time, we also advise you about additional expenses such as international airfare, travel insurance, gratuities, and souvenirs when planning your safari budget. No nasty surprises come your arrival in Africa! Additionally, our experience can help avoid costly mistakes, such as booking flights with inconvenient layovers or choosing accommodations that don’t meet your expectations. While online self-booking options may appear more budget-friendly, the convenience of using a travel agent far outweighs the apparent savings of self-planning. So, the next time you’re dreaming about your next getaway, consider reaching out to a travel agent to help turn your travel dreams into reality.

Keen to see what we can do for you? Book a free, non-commital exploration call with our travel team, contact us via e-mail or fill out our website form to start planning your dream safari.

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Written by Christina Van Der Merwe & Evelyn Poole