Why Not Give Someone a Safari Trip?
If you've got the bucks, you can give someone a one-of-a-kind safari trip.
Do you know someone who dreams of donning a pith helmet and khaki shorts, and heading out on safari? Well, if you've got enough cash in your pocket, you might just be able to fulfill that dream. Any other vacation will pale by comparison, even that memorable quilting bee excursion with Aunt Bertha.
Now, we realize that you're unlikely to get a true safari on the cheap; but after all, we do call this site "Wow Gift Ideas." And it's hard to out-wow a safari trip!
Diving Right In
To most of us, the word "safari" conjures up images of hunting elephants and wildebeest on the Serengeti. Well, hunting safaris are all but gone, but true African safaris are not. There's no reason your giftees can't practice their wildlife photography on location.
You might be surprised at the range of safari prices, incidentally. Depending upon the level of participation (i.e., willingness to hike, camp outdoors, cook over a fire, and generally rough it), they may cost as little as $100-125 a day per person.
Not peanuts, admittedly, but hardly as expensive as an exciting night in New York or London.
Since this would be a gift, however, expect to pay quite a bit more for quality; $250-500 per person/day is common, and you can easily spend as much as $4,000 per person per week.
What Does That Include?
Basically, everything except airfare. The traveler gets meals, accommodations, game drives, and occasionally other activities such as massages if you've paid enough. High-end African safaris include the royal treatment, with the equivalent of five-star accommodations and matching meals.
If fact, some of the more expensive safaris not only treat their customers royally, they give them total control, allowing them the option of designing a unique experience. Vacationers can spend their time lazing about, viewing wild animals, enjoying the scenery, or roasting marshmallows on a bonfire.
Or all of the above. Their choice.
Other Alternatives
If paying for an African safari is a bit out of your range, but you want to give someone a safari anyhow, you have a couple of options. Some companies do offer American safaris, particularly of the wildlife photography variety, on both continents.
Alternately, there are destinations throughout the continent where you can experience the African Safari experience right in the USA. Basically, you get to drive your way through a landscape teeming with transplanted African wildlife, enjoying it from the safety of your car.
One great example: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch near San Antonio, Texas.
While it might not be quite the same as an African experience, you can definitely say you went on safari and saw all the lions and elephants and giraffes, oh my!