SAFARI TIERS RATINGS - AFRICANMECCA

An Overview Of AfricanMecca Safari Tiers

AfricanMecca Safari Tiers rank camp and lodge experiences on three different levels according to standard and worth so that clients know exactly what to expect for any safari accommodation based on its destination. The system is designed to balance all variables on a single scale of comparative values from the point of view of a prospective guest to provide a consistent relationship between factual worth and cost. Indicators include both the location of the accommodation and its amenities.

The number of guests, levels of comfort to rooming ambience, standard of cuisine, and more importantly, uniqueness of ecosystem and ambient wildlife, quality of safari experience, knowledge and experience of guides, or proximity to wildlife migration corridors, cultural venues and historical sites are all taken into account to shape an AfricanMecca safari vacation based on tiered ranking.



Eco-awareness and community links also come into the equation as do such considerations as decor and aesthetic of individual quarters, main lodge, bars, lounges, restaurants and libraries, views, maintenance of gardens, provisions for activities, entertainment and transport. Extra facilities such as spas, swimming pools, internet access also adds to our ranking evaluation. Ease of access and logistics feature prominently. The relative length and comfort of the journey, whether access is by land, air and water, or any permutation of the three, is a prime consideration.

To provide a distinct experience, AfricanMecca organizes its safaris based on the below "SEARCH For Africa" factors:

1. Sustainable tourism that allows minimal environmental and habitat impact.
2. Education within the local population that allows communities to be protectors and champions of the ecosystems while appreciating and being respectful of customs, language, and ways of life.
3. Authentic and unscripted nature, wildlife and cultural experience with low tourist numbers at safari camps and lodges.
4. Responsibility in caring for the environment, business practices, fair trade and high quality operational standards.
5. Conservation model to protect wildlife, reduce pressure and encroachment on the ecology.
6. Hospitality inclusion of communities, and support of camps, lodges and transportation organizations who are genuinely focused on local investment and the creation of community employment.

*Some safari camps and lodges cater to few guests thus having fewer rooms and the safari transfer logistics are generally by air.
*Price guide is per day/person sharing a double or twin room. Single room supplements may apply for certain travel months and accommodations.

Safari Tier 1 - Premier Experience

Safari Tier 1 is the highest rank, denoting the acme of African safari accommodation in a stunning exclusive location, offering sheer boutiqueness or rustic wilderness luxury, with individual attention, flexibility and superlative standards of comfort and cuisine in an all-inclusive tariff. Wherever possible, access to the parks will be by air on your African vacation.

Tier 1 is recommended for clients for whom superlative quality is all, who are happy to splash out on the very best options available for maximal experiences. Generally away from main tourist areas or in off-beat private conservancies in very small, intimate camps and lodges with few guests, it offers the ultimate dream safari with exclusive accommodation, exemplary game viewing in a customized 4x4 vehicle and the very best guides allocated with the ultimate experience and distinctive knowledge.

Safari Tier 2 - Deluxe Experience

Safari Tier 2 denotes a deluxe or mid–range approach, less opulent and lesser flexibility than Tier 1. There may be more suites and guests, and the safari camps and lodges are located in strategic wildlife locations in national parks and also off-beat private conservancies. Standards are excellent with delightful surroundings, spacious rooms, delicious meals and friendly atmosphere, often with a home-from-home ambience. Expect very pleasant and helpful domestic staff – the heart of any accommodation.

Tier 2 bases may require shared transport of both air and road logistical access, superbly skilled and knowledgeable guides but less adjustable itineraries than Tier 1; however, optional upgrades are available for private and exclusive activities during your stay with prior notice.

Safari Tier 3 - Value Experience

Safari Tier 3 is for budget conscious clients who prefer to economize on tour accommodation and services, focusing more on authentic wildlife experiences. Most cost savings come from locations in main tourist areas. Meals and activities are usually timetable based. Expect savings to be reflected in least personalization of safari services, no-frills accommodation in a dream destination and simple but adequate, filling meals. In general, the Tier 3 lodgings cater for the mass market, often with double or increased the number of guest rooms than in a Tier 2, although there are increasing numbers of smaller budget value niche camps and lodges with fewer rooms and guests in a personable setting.



A Tier 3 safari is selected by lighthearted and relaxed adventurers who are willing to accept inconsistencies in the service levels at the accommodation and on safari based on price paid, though guiding standards are good to very good dependent on your itinerary. Road travel is usual for economic savings but upgrades to more convenient air transport is available where road cost savings are minimal or non-existent.

All Tier 3 accommodations offer a choice of lodge or tented camp. Lodges are permanent solid structures of wood or stone, whereas tented camp suites are canvas quarters built on raised wooden decks, some with sheltering thatched roofs or an extra canvas awning. Both lodge and camp rooms have en-suite bathrooms, spacious rooms with large beds, mosquito protection, tables, chairs and storage facilities. There is usually a main dining area, bar and lounge with excellent views.

How AfricanMecca’s Safari Tier Ranking Helps You Make The Best Informed Choice

There is tremendous variety between one safari accommodation and another, each excelling in different aspects, with a range of amenities to be offset in determining an overall rank. AfricanMecca’s unique Tier Ranking system gives you the information you need to take the uncertainty out of your choice. You can be sure of getting precisely what you specify when you rely on our expertise. There are no nasty surprises.

The only thing in doubt is how much your AfricanMecca tour will exceed your expectations. We insists on an absolute standard of excellence and distinctive consistency so that, if a venue falls below par in any one core attribute e.g. number of rooms and guests being higher, it cannot be classed in Safari Tier 1 but becomes Safari Tier 2, even though most of its facilities are better than you might anticipate.



AfricanMecca does not rely on third-party reports or client reviews, but its team makes regular and annual personal visits to all accommodation it recommends to assess their quality and consistent adherence to Tier ranking requisites. These apply equally to all aspects of your safari with AfricanMecca, not only to the accommodation, food and service, but also to the quality of your wilderness, wildlife, cultural and guide experience and expertise.

AfricanMecca balances their recommendations fairly, so that a client at Safari Tier 3 will still enjoy the similar access to ambient ecosystems and wildlife as a guest at a more opulent safari base. The difference will lie in the exclusivity of the location, wellbeing and comfort, flexibility of viewing arrangements, standards of guides, logistical convenience, quality of cuisine etc.



The constant value in all AfricanMecca travel is the dedicated service we offer in personalizing your experience and ensuring that it exactly meets your preferences. The difference in cost is according to your choice and location of the accommodation with its varied amenities, logistics and quality of guided activity. At AfricanMecca, we believe that Safari Tier rankings should also correlate to price levels.

Equal ratings should reliably predict the equal value for money, thus allowing clients to compare outback holiday venues on a cost basis as well as preferred style and activities. It may be necessary to offset comfort against adventure. You may be delight in an authentic wilderness experience with bucket showers and bush cuisine, or you may prefer Colonial or boutique style indulgence, or even sybaritic pampering with every modern chic amenity, which is not easy to provide in remote locations.



All these factors affect the resultant ranking. It takes discernment and experience to set a value on uniqueness or the sense of freedom or achievement. AfricanMecca offer professional safari planning advice on all aspects of your tour in Southern and Eastern Africa, designing exactly the experience you crave, taking note of all your preferences to meet your idea of perfection in the ultimate safari experience.

We are eminently flexible, taking pride in meeting your requirements whether you want a deluxe mid-range safari sampling various locations, or a personally designed unique itinerary with privately chartered plane, boat or helicopter transport and such extras as hot air balloon trips or simply resolving to a cost-conscious adventure valuing our expert guidance and assistance in crafting a dependable safari itinerary for maximal wildlife experience. Contact AfricanMecca to plan your safari today!

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