Wild call: African safari holidays

African safari holidays are becoming increasingly popular with people in Dubai who want to experience the continent's stunning wildlife.

Tour operators said they have witnessed a steady increase in the number of visitors from the UAE over the last three years and expect it to continue to rise despite the global economic crisis.

Animal kingdom

Safari providers in Kenya and South Africa said tourists from Dubai in particular are attracted by the opportunity of seeing lions, elephants and rhinos in their natural habitat.

Consaga Khisa, Managing Director of Destination Connect in Kenya, said visitors from the UAE had jumped from 8,000 in 2007 to 12,000 in 2008.

He said: “In Dubai's case I would say the vast majority, 70 per cent, are Indian expats taking our safaris.''
Around 25 per cent are European and five per cent are Emiratis.

Costs vary from $1,250 (Dh4,587.5) for a five-day stay at a national park to $4,845 (Dh17,781) for a 15-day stay at a national reserve.

He admitted that although the international financial problems left many people feeling the pinch, safaris continue to be a “unique'' holiday experience.

He said: “A safari is not like other holidays where you go to the beach, or visit some place for the history.
“A safari is a totally different experience where you come face-to-face with animals most people see only on TV or in a zoo. To see the animals' normal behaviour – be it hunting or foraging for food – is quite amazing and as more and more people live in cities they want to experience that.''

Taalib Felton, Chief Executive Officer for South African-based Freedom and Falcon Tours, said a growing number of schools in Dubai have been booking tours to the country's game reserves and the Kruger National Park.

He said: “There is a growing number of Arabs, especially from Dubai, wanting to go on these trips. People are a lot more interested in wildlife and the environment these days and safaris offer them the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.''

Tour costs

The cost of taking a safari at the Kruger National Park ranges from $5,000 (Dh18,350) to $15,000 (Dh55,050).

Felton said: “The cost just depends on the level of service people want.''

For the super-rich, Tanzania offers $50,000 (Dh183,500) package safaris, where tourists can hunt big game, including lions, leopards and elephants.

Erasmus Tarimo, Director of Wildlife for Tanzania, said the current market for these tours in the UAE was tiny.

He said: “Most of our customers currently are from the US or Europe. But the Middle East is an area we want to expand into in the coming years. The Arab tradition of hunting with birds of prey like falcons is something that we can offer and we are hopeful that it will become an attractive destination for people from the Middle East.''