Personalized African photo safaris with John Lasater

The King of the Jungle takes it easy before heading to the hunt  (John Lasater)

CHARLOTTE, NC, September 26, 2015 – When it comes to photo safaris in Africa, John Lasater is one of the best. Over the past quarter century Lasater has visited the “dark continent” nearly 60 times. Africa is his passion.

Curious white rhinos  (John Lasater)

For more than 13 years Lasater has been personally customizing tours to Africa. Best of all, “Safaris by John Lasater” offers prices that are frequently comparable to what most people pay for a trip to Europe. Many tours, which include accommodations, game viewing, tours, guides, meals and air, can be done for less than $5,000.

As a consultant for South African Airways for more than a decade, Lasater developed a passion for Africa that carries over to the detailed personalized attention he incorporates in each of his itineraries. Our tours are “customized to your requirements,” he says while adding the caveat, “If you come back unhappy it’s your own fault.”

For the most part, Lasater’s travel programs concentrate on Kenya and South Africa, but he also creates programs to Uganda and Rwanda for travelers with a particular interest in viewing chimps and gorillas.

Leopards are a favorite sighting because they are difficult to find  (John Lasater)

“Kenya and South Africa are completely different regions,” says Lasater. “It all depends on what your interests are. Kenya is better for viewing the great migration from June to October to witness the vast herds of animals. 

Not only are the animals beautiful, the scenery is also breathtaking; cliffs near Capetown, South Africa  (Taylor)

One problem, though, is the number of vehicles that converge on a particular area when there is a sighting. South Africa is more cultural with great roads and overall infrastructure which means greater diversity. Either way, people are guaranteed to see the “big five” meaning African elephants, lions, Cape buffalo, leopards and rhinos.”

According to Lasater, there is an unwritten rule in South Africa about too many vehicles arriving in one place at one time which allows more flexibility and a greater viewing experience.

Vehicles are designed for maximum viewing  (Taylor)

Lasater’s guides are independent contractors who speak up to seven languages. He has a pool of eight in South Africa and six in Kenya with whom he negotiates on a regular basis. That way he is assured of maintaining a high level of quality control over his personnel. In many cases, the guides and facilities Lasater uses are exactly the same as those of the larger, better known outfitters who charge considerably more for their services.

When it comes to Africa many travelers have concerns about safety to which Lasater answers, There are places you won’t go at night at home. It is no different in Africa. You just gotta use common sense. Our guides are experts and they keep travelers informed about where to go and where not to go.”

Father and daughter savor a South African moment  (Taylor)

Part of John’s traveling philosophy is that he never sends visitors to places with which he is unfamiliar. “If we haven’t been there, we don’t recommend it,” he says.

Three other considerations for many travelers planning visits to Africa are documents, shots and the friendliness of the people. Safaris by John Lasater provides all the details necessary for each destination. One surprising aspect is the number of required inoculations which are actually fewer than most people think.

When it comes to visas and fees Lasater says many African countries to not charge Americans for things that citizens of other countries are required to pay. In the case of South Africa, a visa can be obtained upon arrival which is a great travel convenience.

Morning wake up call with bad breath. Hippos spend most of the day in the water away from the heat  (John Lasater)

One of the magnetic factors that draws John Lasater to the African region is the friendliness of the people. “They have a love for animals as well as a high regard for Americans,” he says. “In fact, one of their most endearing qualities is that they do not begrudge you for having a lot and more than they have.”

A cheetah is hard to spot because it blends into the environment  (John Lasater)

Safaris by John Lasater puts itineraries together for as many as 15 to 18 people, but they will also make arrangements for one or two couples who just want to explore Africa on their own.

A face only a mother could love  (Taylor)

Lasater says one of the best books about Africa, regardless of whether you are planning to travel there or not, is “Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Capetown” by well-known adventurer Paul Theroux. The book details Theroux’s experiences while traveling the length of the continent from north to south on the N1 highway.

For travelers seeking a customized, well documented and detailed travel opportunity to Africa at a reasonable price, Safaris by John Lasater may be the best kept secret in the business. To e-mail John for personal feedback he can be reached at   safariplanners@gmail.com

Beauty at sunset -- Africa has a serenity unlike any other place on earth but you have to see it to understand  (Hatcher)

John Lasater knows Africa. 

Read more travel and discover tours at:  Magellan Travel Club