For many, an African safari is the quintessential trip of a lifetime, but not all safaris are built the same.

Dena Rochwerger-Braun explains the different options out there and the types of questions you need to ask before handing over your credit card.

Africa is a unique beast and too many travelers don’t know what they should know. It all comes down to a definition of terms, understanding (and accepting) your own needs and interests, and asking the right questions before you go.

Luxury Safari

If your idea of roughing it is Motel Six, and the word “camp” scares you, a luxury safari is for you.

This isn’t your Dad’s camping trip. In fact, it’s like no camping you see in the States.

When you opt for one of the top luxury safari purveyors like Wilderness Safaris, your “tent” will be on a raised platform, include a private deck and plunge pool, en suite bathroom, king-sized bed and about 600 square feet of living space.

Food at these premiere camps is rustic gourmet and each camp is kept purposefully small, often just a handful of “tents” comprise the property. This allows the company to leave a light environmental footprint and provide attentive, personal service.

No matter which company you choose, Small camps also mean you won’t be packed like sardines into Land Rovers during game drives. This is critical for anyone’s enjoyment, but especially for those with extensive photographic equipment.

The more people in your vehicle, the less you’ll see.

Safari locations can range from South Africa to Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the Seychelles. Understanding the differences between these is also crucial to picking the right camp.

For an even easier, more relaxed experience, try Birding South Africa: Soft Adventure Travel & Easy Safaris

For example, in Botswana you’ll be treated to a variety of animals, whereas in Namibia you’ll see fewer species, but have the opportunity to see and climb the sand dunes of Sossusvlei.

If you know you’ll likely tire of six hours a day of game drives, consider combining safari with beach time in the Seychelles or a city experience in Cape Town.

Self-Drive Safari

For the intrepid traveler or the seasoned African visitor, a self-drive safari gives you an experience on your terms and your timetable. Because this is an independent vacation, planning ahead of time and picking the right operator is imperative.

Katika Africa, owned by David Prescott will help take care of all the logistics to create your own customized experience. Katika grew out of Prescott’s experience helping friends create the ideal African safari.

To plan your trip, expect to meet over dinner and drinks so Prescott can get to know you, your travel history and your wants and needs. He’s even been known to help travelers procure supplies on shopping trips at REI.

A self-drive trip can be a true overland adventure where you’re moving from camp to camp, or it can be less rustic, moving from lodge to lodge. On this kind of vacation, behind-the-scenes support is key.

Learn why: Tips for Driving in South Africa

Katika offers Land Rover driving training in the states before your trip, provides full camping gear, starter food, full in-country back-up support and emergency services including air rescue. Additionally, any route that is planned for you, any place you camp or stay or fuel up at have been tested by Katika staff.

Naturally, you’ll be armed with maps, guidebooks, and local information and staff will continually monitor your trip. For first-timers, Namibia and Botswana are generally the easiest countries to navigate.

Walking Safari

The walking safari began in the 1960s in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Today you can follow in pioneer Norman Carr’s footsteps throughout Africa.

Like the self-drive safari, the walking safari is for the adventurous traveler looking for something different. Tramping through the bush allows you to experience Africa at its most organic. Anyone can jump in a Jeep to view lions, but imagine hiking the trails, smelling the smells, feeling the wind in your hair and looking up and seeing one of the magnificent cats a mere 150 feet away.

For some the experience might be terrifying, for others exhilarating.

More African adventures: Cape Escapes: Blooms, Birds, Beaches & Barbecues in Langebaan, South Africa

Obviously on a walking safari, safety is paramount. Go with a reputable company like Africa Walking Safaris, dedicated exclusively to this style of safari. Walks are available in South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania. Groups are never larger than eight guests and several armed, experienced guides.

Morning walks cover about 3.5 miles in four hours and an average fitness level is all that is needed. Full-day walks range from 6 to 10 miles and are tuned for guest’s preferences and walking level. Children must be at least 12 in some camps and 16 in others to participate, while guests over 65 need a doctor’s note vouching for their fitness level.

Once in camp your guides will give you the rules and tips to make the most of your walk. You’ll learn basics like never run and no talking on the trail. And you’ll also be surprised to find out that the shutter of your camera can scare the animals and ruin a great sighting (silent mode is mandatory for all electronics).

While there are many ways to safari, these general tips, tricks and information will help you plan and enjoy whatever style suits your personality.

Selecting a Safari:

• Know what you like. A safari can be as rustic or as luxurious as you want and as laid-back or adventurous as you are.
• Choose an operator that is a stand-out in what you want
• Many safari companies have a philanthropic arm or employ the local community at the camp. If that’s important to you, weigh that in your selection.

Before You Go/Planning:

Thoroughly learn how to use your camera. Many people purchase digital SLR equipment specifically for this trip but don’t take the time to acquaint themselves with the features. Learning while trying to snap a picture of an elephant is not the right time.
Invest in high-quality binoculars. Trust me, you won’t regret this.

The flight to Africa is long. If you can’t afford business class consider breaking up the trip by spending a few days in London. Two 10-hour flights beat one 20-hour flight in coach.
Purchase lightweight clothing that still keeps you covered in the hot African sun.

Convertible pants, roll-up long-sleeve shirts, clothing with sunscreen built-in and a hat are all good bets.

Don’t use a suitcase with wheels. Many of the small planes you’ll be on can’t accommodate it.

Many camps offer included daily laundry service, this means you can pack very little.

Some camps, even luxury ones, don’t have the electric capacity for hair dryers and other personal electronic equipment.

Most camps will have bug spray for your use, but don’t forget sunscreen.

Research and prepare for any health issues. Not every place in Africa demands anti-malaria drugs, but some do and the regime needs to be started ahead of your trip.
Be aware that many companies will require that you carry medical travel insurance.

At Camp:

English is the primary language of many countries and the African people are some of the friendliest on the planet. Take advantage of this to befriend your guides and learn all about the African bush.

Expect to tip the staff at the camps you stay at. U.S. dollars are accepted.

By Dena Braun-Rochwerger for PeterGreenberg.com. Photos courtesy of Wilderness Safaris. Dena, aka The Fit Globetrotter, is an Arizona-based freelance writer who covers spas, lifestyle and travel. Visit her on the Web at www.fitglobetrotter.com.

Related Links on PeterGreenberg.com:

• Birding South Africa: Soft Adventure Travel & Easy Safaris
• Cape Escapes: Blooms, Birds, Beaches & Barbecues in Langebaan, South Africa
• Cape Escapes: The Culinary Charms of Franschhoek, South Africa
• Cape Escapes: Whale-Watching in Hermanus, South Africa
• Cape Escapes: Tips for Driving in South Africa
• Africa Travel section
• Ask the Locals Travel Guide: Cape Town, South Africa
• Off the Brochure Travel Guide: Cape Town, South Africa