The continent of Africa is a huge mass of land. It has an area of 11.7 million square miles and is the second-largest continent in the world. It is considered the cradle of the human race. The continent has about 54 countries. It has a varied geography with beautiful rolling hills and mountains, plateaus, deserts, and lush green forests, and savannah land. The continent has some of the largest forest reserves in the world. Some of the world’s greatest civilizations began in Africa. Some of them include the Egyptian civilization, Berber, Kush, Monomopata, etc. With this, it can be hard to find the ultimate guide to safaris in Africa.
From sandy plains that stretch as far as the eye can see with the occasional here of zebra and wildebeests grazing. The birds chirping in the treetops adding to the picturesque view. The predators lurking in the tall grass ready to pounce on their prey. These are the moments that make a safari worthwhile. The beauty of nature in all its majesty.
Some of these countries in Africa are well known for their large forest reserves with a huge population of wildlife. Some of these countries include Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. The prominent among them are Kenya and South Africa which have large populations of wildlife including lions, African elephants, and endangered species like rhinoceros.
This article is going to be the ultimate guide to safaris in Africa. The do’s and don’ts and other important information that you need to know. This article will not only guide you on what to do on a Safari but give you tips and recommendations on how to prepare for one and what to do to maximize your experience.
1.Planning/ Budget / Funds.
The first ultimate tip that any good traveler worth his salt can offer is how to plan your safari. Going on a safari takes a lot more than deciding to go. It takes weeks sometimes months of planning before it can be executed. Most people have to plan it so that it coincides with their vacation. Others need to make sure they save and have sufficient funds to make the trip. There are two major things to tick off your to-do list when going on a safari, they are funding and visas/travel documents.
2.Where to Go
Africa is a vast continent and in as much as it would be wonderful to see it all, you have to choose which country to visit first. It is important to consider countries that have better resources and security and have the best wildlife reservations. This is the chance for you to get more information about different African countries, research the necessary arrangements that need to be made if you’re deciding on a particular country. Some of the best countries to visit for a wonderful safari experience are South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana. But most first-time tourists prefer South Africa due to its diversity. The destination is perfect for all groups of people from families to honeymooners and seniors. The Kruger National Park is also highly recommended due to its large number of games.
3.What to pack.
Having the best ultimate guide to safaris in Africa will always make your moves great. This is a question to ponder. What do you pack when going for a safari?? Well, it’s quite simple, it all depends on the time of the year you’d be going for the safari. If it is during the hot dry season/summer it is advisable to pack lighter clothes, some sunscreen, and sunglasses to keep you protected from the scorching sun. If it’s during the rainy season/winter it is prudent to pack enough jackets and clothes to keep you warm. You need to be cautious and protective of all your luggage when traveling, take extra care of all your belongings, and always make copies of your travel documents. Do not carry large amounts of cash.
Most resort areas with hotels and shops will accept credit cards. But it is also important to note that safari lodges are mostly located closer to reservations so it’s important to ask for payment methods beforehand.
4.Accommodation.
This can range from small quaint resorts to expensive luxurious safari lodges. Whatever your budget you will find the right accommodation to suit your needs. Most lodges tend to have larger elaborate structures with several amenities like clean running water, swimming pools, spas, a restaurant, and sometimes a sauna. Other forms of accommodation like bush camps are smaller with tents being the main structure. These forms of accommodation do not have many luxuries, unlike the safari lodges. Bush camps are the most intimate of all and they allow you to sleep under stars with the essentials like a mosquito net to protect against the mosquitoes and a bedroll.
This another great opportunity to have a great safari experience( all with an experienced guide). There are also some cozy private properties dotted around that are available to rent on an exclusive basis. There is always a place to suit your budget in Africa when you have an ultimate guide to safaris before making a trip plan.
5.Health and safety.
It is important to get the necessary shots against diseases like malaria and high fever. Make sure to protect yourself from bugs like mosquitoes. It is important to use a repellent or a mosquito net if possible. Most lodges and bush camps readily provide such amenities. It is necessary to ensure that you’re in the best of health to enjoy your safari. To make sure you have an undisturbed luxury African safari, be sure to plan when it comes to health and safety precautions. Book an appointment with a health professional that specializes in travel medication. In these COVID-19 times, it is also very important to adhere to all protocols wherever you are.
6.Capturing moments through photography.
There are moments during your safari you would love to capture hence you need to pack along a digital camera. This is the best ultimate guide-line in safari in Africa. If you’re a photography enthusiast it would be wonderful if can bring a small kit to document those wonderful moments in nature. That rare lion cub running around, the majestic African elephants strolling in the park, the giraffes craning their necks to forage from treetops. Capturing these wonderful moments will help you remember your safari experience even better.
7.Food/ Meals.
All lodges and hotels serve meals as part of their packages. Sometimes you would have to make inquiries to ensure that your meals are catered for. You can have several meals from different cultures. Most lodges serve American and European dishes and if you’d like to experience some local African dishes you could try a few from the menu. Very few lodges offer a la carte dining, most lodges offer generous buffets, platters of delicious homemade snacks and tea-time treats, and 3-course dinners. Most of these depend on how close the reservation is to suppliers and if the right ingredients are in stock. To make your meals more curated it is important to let the restaurant know if you have any special dietary requirements. Whether you are a vegan, gluten-intolerant, or LFHC, chefs will go to the ends of the earth to serve you great food.
8.Other worthwhile activities.
There are several other exciting activities that you can add to make your African safari complete. You can go shopping, get souvenirs and also visit other attractions in the city. Countries like South Africa and Tanzania have beautiful beaches which are lovely and attract several tourists each year. There is also Victoria Falls which is a wonderful work of nature. You can also take a hike to Mt. Kilimanjaro in Kenya and a safari to see the villages of the Maasai an old tribe that inhabits most of Kenya and Tanzania.
For extra, you always need to plan such trip a week or two before the date of departure. This is the best ultimate guide to safaris in Africa.