A first-time safari should be all you’ve hoped for, but failing to pay attention to the details might cost you. You don’t want to spoil a fantastic trip by missing critical details. A safari is an experience; like any other vacation, being prepared is essential. Here Mistakes to Avoid on a Safari Vacation – Expert Guide.
Inadequate research and preparation
Compare safari packages from several providers and pick the best one for you. If you dislike large crowds, choose a smaller, more personalized choice.
Moving between camps in Africa may be long, hot, and dusty; fly in if you want to save time. Examine data such as the number of tourists per safari vehicle on wildlife drives.
You get what you pay for, so don’t save on comfort – you want to be able to sleep well, eat well, and take a nice hot shower; otherwise, you’ll be miserable.
Food on safari in rural locations will be healthful but don’t anticipate gourmet cuisine, but you’ll be astounded at what you can cook over a campfire.
Food is flown in or hauled overland on long automobile excursions to established lodges and camps. If you have special dietary needs, please notify your tour guide in advance so that necessary arrangements can be made.
- Not Being Prepared
Don’t overpack – baggage allowances on safari are quite limited; consider light, easy-to-wear apparel that can be cycled (not all camps have washing facilities). Clothing in khaki or neutral tones work well.
Make sure you prepare appropriately for the season – it’s the southern hemisphere, and the latter months of winter are the coolest in the evenings and at night, so bring a wool cap, sweater, and jacket.
Cover exposed skin (particularly wrists and ankles) in malaria zones at sunset and wear long-sleeved cotton shirts and pants. Mosquitoes are most active during the hot, wet summer months. Some campgrounds give malaria repellent, but you should always bring your own.
Don’t forget to bring a good pair of walking shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, eye drops for contact lens wearers to help with dustiness, a waterproof jacket if you’re going during the rainy season, a torch, a camera and cleaning kit, and, of course, a decent pair of binoculars.
- Dehydrate
Unless you live in a hot area, the days will be much hotter than you are used to. You will rapidly lose moisture and become dehydrated.
Tea, coffee, and wine may be pleasant, but they do not help you retain moisture, so drink lots of water to stay awake, headache-free, and enjoy all your everyday activities. Bottled water is provided on safaris and in hotels and camps.
Check out on the 5 Useful Hacks to Help Deal with the Heat on Safari in Kenya
- Don’t Miss out on Activities
You will miss out if you do not make an effort to participate in scheduled events. Take an interest in everything that happens.
Sunrise and sunset are ideal times to see wildlife. Animals are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler.
Safari activities occur at sunrise and sunset, so if you want to get the most out of your game-watching, you must participate, often waking up at the crack of dawn.
You will have time to nap after lunch to compensate for your early start. Snacks and drinks are frequently supplied during the safari excursion, so you will not go hungry.
- Carry enough supplies.
There are no shops on safari in rural areas: Camps may have a few basic goods, but you should bring extras and note where you can stock up. Take additional film or memory cards with you for your camera.
