The thrill of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. Experiencing the wide expanse of a sun-drenched African savanna. Sitting around a campfire at night with the sound of lions roaring in the distance - it's the stuff that dreams are made of. An adventure of a lifetime. However, before going on an African safari, there are some important things you should know in advance in order to be well-prepared for your wildlife adventure.
Image: Ujuzi African Travel
Picking the Right Location
Africa is a vast and diverse continent, with each region offering unique landscapes with different types of wildlife experiences, and a diverse number of national parks and game reserves.
The most popular countries to visit for an enjoyable African safari are:
Botswana
The amazing ecosystem of the Okavango Delta in Botswana offers a unique safari experience with an abundance of wildlife. A true and immersive African Safari experience deep in the African bush.
South Africa
South Africa is famous for its world-renowned Kruger National Park. The park is over 7,500 square miles in size (bigger than some European countries) and not only boasts a wide variety of wildlife (including the Big 5) but also has many amenities and several Safari camps that range from rugged bush camps to the ultimate in luxury. If you're looking for a wildlife adventure without forfeiting your home comforts, this is for you.
Kenya
Kenya has been made famous by Hemingway's books and iconic films like Out of Africa. Visiting the Serengeti with its abundant wildlife is probably the ultimate safari experience.
Namibia
Namibia is a country with unique desert landscapes. The Etosha wildlife reserve is definitely worth a visit.
Central African Republic (CAR)
This safari destination is not for the faint-hearted, but it's a good bet if you want to see gorillas up close in their natural habitat.
Make Sure You Book Your Safari With A Reputable Safari Operator
Due Diligence
There are many excellent tour operators in Africa, but there are also some dubious ones. Before booking your safari, make sure you do your due diligence by researching the company thoroughly online. The safest bet is to book through a reputable travel agent, however, if you're booking online, be sure to check the reviews from people who have used their services in the past. Another clue to the company's success is to look at its gallery of photographs to see what kinds of experiences previous customers have had. Additionally, ask if their company and their guides are properly accredited by the relevant tourist authorities in that particular country. Remember, you'll be going out into the African bush miles from any kind of civilization, surrounded by wild and potentially dangerous animals, so you'll want to be sure that you're in good hands.
Type of Safari
Decide beforehand what type of safari you are interested in and make sure the safari operator can offer the kind of service you're looking for. These are some of the features you should consider:
Safety Guidelines:
Safety is crucial when on safari. Remember, in wildlife parks or reserves, there are no fences, other than around established, permanent bush camps. You will be surrounded by potentially deadly wild animals, so obey the instructions of your guide at all times, and observe the specific rules and regulations of the park or reserve to ensure your safety at all times.
Here are some of the basic safety measures:
Health Precautions:
Clothing:
Safari Etiquette:
Safari Gear:
Africa is a vast and diverse continent, with each region offering unique landscapes with different types of wildlife experiences, and a diverse number of national parks and game reserves.
The most popular countries to visit for an enjoyable African safari are:
- Botswana
- South Africa
- Kenya
- Namibia
- Central African Republic (CAR)
Botswana
The amazing ecosystem of the Okavango Delta in Botswana offers a unique safari experience with an abundance of wildlife. A true and immersive African Safari experience deep in the African bush.
South Africa
South Africa is famous for its world-renowned Kruger National Park. The park is over 7,500 square miles in size (bigger than some European countries) and not only boasts a wide variety of wildlife (including the Big 5) but also has many amenities and several Safari camps that range from rugged bush camps to the ultimate in luxury. If you're looking for a wildlife adventure without forfeiting your home comforts, this is for you.
Kenya
Kenya has been made famous by Hemingway's books and iconic films like Out of Africa. Visiting the Serengeti with its abundant wildlife is probably the ultimate safari experience.
Namibia
Namibia is a country with unique desert landscapes. The Etosha wildlife reserve is definitely worth a visit.
Central African Republic (CAR)
This safari destination is not for the faint-hearted, but it's a good bet if you want to see gorillas up close in their natural habitat.
Make Sure You Book Your Safari With A Reputable Safari Operator
Due Diligence
There are many excellent tour operators in Africa, but there are also some dubious ones. Before booking your safari, make sure you do your due diligence by researching the company thoroughly online. The safest bet is to book through a reputable travel agent, however, if you're booking online, be sure to check the reviews from people who have used their services in the past. Another clue to the company's success is to look at its gallery of photographs to see what kinds of experiences previous customers have had. Additionally, ask if their company and their guides are properly accredited by the relevant tourist authorities in that particular country. Remember, you'll be going out into the African bush miles from any kind of civilization, surrounded by wild and potentially dangerous animals, so you'll want to be sure that you're in good hands.
Type of Safari
Decide beforehand what type of safari you are interested in and make sure the safari operator can offer the kind of service you're looking for. These are some of the features you should consider:
- Rugged camping in tents or luxury glamping
- Game drives
- Bush trail guided hiking
- Elephant rides (South Africa)
- Mokoro (canoe) game viewing along the waterways (Okavango Delta, Botswana)
Safety Guidelines:
Safety is crucial when on safari. Remember, in wildlife parks or reserves, there are no fences, other than around established, permanent bush camps. You will be surrounded by potentially deadly wild animals, so obey the instructions of your guide at all times, and observe the specific rules and regulations of the park or reserve to ensure your safety at all times.
Here are some of the basic safety measures:
- When on game drives, stay inside the vehicle unless instructed otherwise by your guide. Vehicles provide both safety and excellent vantage points for wildlife viewing.
- Keep all body parts inside the vehicle to avoid potential injuries from wildlife or vegetation.
- Do not go wandering off to rivers on foot. Most of the rivers in wildlife reserves are crocodile-infested.
- Do not wander out of the camp on your own or with others in your party.
- Never go anywhere outside of the camp unless accompanied by your guide
Health Precautions:
- Consult a healthcare professional or travel clinic well in advance to determine which vaccinations or medications you might need.
- Malaria is prevalent in many parts of Africa, so take necessary precautions, such as anti-malaria medication and insect repellent.
Clothing:
- Dress in lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather during the day and cooler temperatures at night.
- Neutral colors such as khaki, beige, or olive green are ideal for blending into the environment and avoiding startling wildlife.
- Africa's weather can be unpredictable, so prepare for varying conditions. Dress in layers of clothing to accommodate temperature fluctuations throughout the day. Most game drives take place in the early morning or at sunset when the wildlife is most active and the temperatures can be rather chilly at this time of day.
Safari Etiquette:
- Follow the instructions of your guides at all times. They are knowledgeable about the area and wildlife behavior.
- Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could disturb or startle the animals.
- Do not try to feed or approach the wildlife.
Safari Gear:
- If you're keen on photography, bring a camera with a telephoto lens to capture wildlife from a distance.
- Don't forget extra batteries, memory cards, and waterproof protection for your gear.
- Most of the wildlife is viewed from afar. Having a good pair of binoculars will enhance your wildlife viewing experience by allowing you to observe animals and birds up close.