Nothing says adventure quite like an African safari. The promise of seeing exotic animals in the wild such as lions, giraffes, and elephants are truly a life changing experience. What you might not know about safaris is they have become not only more accessible, but are also reasonably priced. For example a safari through Masailand in Kenya and Tanzania can cost as little as $3700 per person. This includes a 12 day tour of East Africa where you not only get to participate in wild game drives, but you can meet local African villagers. A safari of this type will include visits to Masai Mara Game Reserve and the Elephant migratory ground in Amboseli National Park.

If you are into a more hands on type of safari, you can also join a bush guide school in Botswana where you will receive a 9 day crash course in the finer points of African bushcraft and survival skill. This hands on romp through Africa’s Okavango Delta includes a walking safari that will bring you up close and personal to antelopes, lions, giraffes, Cape buffalo, and zebras. The price for the experience of a lifetime, a mere $2700.

I promise you will never forget your first safari... and don’t forget your camera.