Green T-Shirt / Tan Sweater / White Shirt /  White Nano Puff Vest / Green J Brand Cargo / Boots / Gold Scarf /  Barbour Jacket / Gap Safari Jacket / Hermes Belt 

We were so honored to be hosted by Natural World Safaris in April on our first trip to South Africa. We spent time in Cape Town, the Winelands and two different safari reserves (Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge and Royal Malewane) in Kruger National Park. Since then, I have received countless emails and direct messages on Instagram asking for more details and how to plan the perfect safari.

With our oldest now in college, we are determined to make the most of our family travel time and to plan ahead as much as possible. I can’t believe that we are beginning to plan for 2020 and 2021 already! Taking our girls on a safari definitely tops our list. And there are so many reasons to plan an amazing journey like this: high school graduation, college graduation, 50th birthday, 25th anniversary, etc.  It would be an amazing Christmas gift as well!

So many of you have let me know you’re planning a couple or family safari for these occasions. I often get asked if I have any tips for going into the planning process. So today, I’m sharing three tips on how to plan the perfect safari!

Repeated Day 2 with different Navy Tshirt / White Shirt / Navy J Brand Cargo Pants / Tall leather Boots / Bahadu baseball cap / Utility Jacket / Barbour Jacket / Printed Scarf

1. Choose A Reputable Safari Company – This is not the kind of trip that you want to “wing it “ on your own. Working with a company that has deep contacts across Africa is of the utmost importance. From coordinating state transportation to choosing high-quality and reputable safari reserves you don’t want to leave anything to chance. We were fortunate to go with Natural World Safaris. Condé Nast Traveler named them one of the Top Travel Specialists for 2019. They’ve been one of the leaders in safaris for more than 20 years. Will Bolsover created the world’s first private safari company many years ago and has spent his life building a network of reputable outfitters to make safari planning seamless and perfect.

2. Decide What You Want To See – Next, you need to decide which type of animals you like to see. We knew we wanted to see the Big Five (African Elephant, African Leopard, African Lion, Black Rhino, and Cape Buffalo). But there are so many different kinds of safaris! Have you always dreamed of tracking leopards? Or maybe polar bears or penguins are more your heart’s desire. Natural World Safaris plans unforgettable safaris in Africa, Asia, North America, Latin America, and the Polar Regions. You can get up close and personal no matter the type of wildlife you want to encounter: Bears, Big Cats, Big Five, Primates, or Whales.

Dusty Rose Chiffon Ruffle Dress / Jimmy Choo Sandals / Basket Bag

3. Time Of Year – Finally, decide what time of year you would like to go. Depending on the animal you decided to see, the reserves look very different from spring to winter. Natural World Safaris can let you know the best times of year to see the animals you dream of seeing. They definitely put you in the right place at the right time.

Rust Chiffon Maxi Dress / Jimmy Choo Sandals / Basket Bag On Scott: Dress Shirt / Quarter Zip Sweater / Lululemon ABC Slim Warpstreme Pant / Quarter Zip Sweater / Grey Suede Belt / Suede

For 2020 travel inspiration, access the dedicated NWS app. You can download it for free from your Apple or Android app store – just search ‘Natural World Safaris’. Once you have the app download, you can access all kinds of information about Natural World Safaris and the different safaris they offer!

For example, you can go on one of the special Aperture safaris. It’s designed specifically for the avid photographer. Aperture offers some of the world’s leading photographic guides to tutor you through your journey on either a private or specialist group basis. They also offer small group specialist-led safaris. You get up close and personal with wildlife in a small group setting.

If you want something tailored more to your taste, they have that too! Natural World Safaris has tailor-made itineraries that allow travelers to embark on their own personal journey into the extraordinary, in pursuit of up-close and personal wildlife encounters. For more information, make sure you check out the Natural World Safaris app and website.

Stay tuned for a special project with an extremely talented friend you’ll definitely want to download.  Don’t forget to download my newest eBook, Holiday Entertaining.  They will both help you prepare for holiday entertaining!  Subscribers will get first access!

I’ve also added a Holiday Tab on the Menu above where you will find Gift Guides and Inspiration for Thanksgiving and Christmas all in one spot!  The Gift Guides there currently are from last year but still have great ideas to get you started while we curate the Gift Guides you’ll have access to shortly!

Get more inspiration on these category pages: Personal Style, Interiors, My Home, Food, Entertaining, Tablescapes, Beauty and Travel. You can also see all the shop pages here: Style, Home, Tabletop, Beauty, and Travel.  Did you know you can also easily shop my Instagram Feed, too?

xo

Alicia

PS – Don’t forget to enter the Holiday Giveaway!  There are also two new giveaways I’ll select winners from the comments those who leave on blog posts and from those subscribed to my newsletter.  These winners will receive gift boxes filled with some of my favorite items.

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