An African safari is considered to be one of the most coveted wildlife experiences of its kind, but there are certain rules and regulations to be kept in mind in order to make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
So before you pack your bags, insect repellent and loads of sunscreen, a bit of planning needs to be done. Ask yourself these ten important questions, while making the travel arrangements for something you might have been dreaming of since childhood.
Where exactly do you want to go?
Africa is a vast continent, and with over 50 countries to choose from, first time visitors could find themselves in a dilemma as to where to go. Consider the main safari destinations, before making a booking.
The best places for photography and wildlife are confined to Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Kenya is where the magic usually unfolds, especially if you want to see the Big 5. Hence, a Safari in Kenya will be almost on every wildlife lovers bucket list.
When is the best time to go?
As most of the popular wildlife destinations are located on or around the equator, they make for a perfect year-round safari escape. That said, it depends entirely on your schedule and the animals or birds you prefer to see. Like January to March are the warmer months when animals congregate on the waterholes. April and May are rainy but good for birding, but June is the calving season when animals give birth and are a joy to behold. July and August are the months of the Great Migration before another short rainy season sets in.
How long do you want to go?
Ideally, you should set aside at least a week for your dream safari experience, but if you can spare more, you won’t regret it in the least. Resist the temptation to pack a number of parks in one holiday, instead spend sufficient time in each camp to thoroughly explore the surrounding areas during game drives. Staying a night or two will devoid you of a good wildlife experience, instead consult each camp beforehand about their itinerary and expected experiences. Choose at least three camps for a ten day trip.
What are your target species?
While the iconic animals are on everyone’s must see list, what exactly you have come all the way to see makes a big difference. Your answer will go a long way in determining your dream wildlife vacation. While big cats are in abundance in the Mara Conservancy as well as the great wildebeest migration, elephants are best seen in Amboseli and both white and black rhino in the Lake Nakuru Park. Birding is best in Lake Naivasha National Park.
Type of accommodation you are looking for?
Accommodation on an African safari can fit every budget, but apart from that there are so many things to consider. Prices, for example, will be at their peak during the popular months of July and August. Consider booking your safari on a package rate that includes stay, game drives, meals, drinks etc. Next decide on the comfort level you are looking for. Whether you wish to sleep under the stars and hear the calls of the African bush, or inside a comfortable air-conditioned room. What is more enticing is entirely your choice.
If you want to add any extensions?
While a safari is an awesome experience in itself, there are extensions you can add on to your original package to make the holiday even more memorable. Providing your book in advance, you can get an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bush from a bird’s eye view perspective. A hot air balloon ride, at the crack of dawn, over the savannah will give you a view of the wilds of Africa which very few have experienced. Go a step further and fly off to the beaches of the Indian Ocean before heading back to Nairobi to catch your return flight.
What are your expectations?
Whether it is the hot cup of tea listening to the song of the birds or a light snack a bit later on before embarking on your game drive, your priorities need to be sorted out well in advance. Mornings are great for animal viewing as it is cool and the big game is active. During the heat of the day, most animals are resting and that’s the time to enjoy your lunch and read your favorite book. Night is the time for a drink or two and enjoy a game drive to look for nocturnal animals.
What to pack?
Packing light is a precondition for any type of African safari as there are weight restrictions on the small aircraft that may take you from one camp to another. Besides, you should pack a lot of greens, simple shirts, shorts, a pair of sturdy trainers and a good safari hat. If you are headed to the highlands, it can get chilly, so take some warm clothes. Do not forget items like passports, health cards, motion sickness pills and last but not the least a good pair of binoculars and a camera for each person traveling.
Mode of transport?
A safari can be planned as per your budget and comfort level. While travel by road is the option most used, it can gobble up an entire day getting from one camp to another. Air travel is a faster and efficient way to move as it saves time and is comfortable. On a conducted safari, open top vehicles are used, while when traveling by road, vehicles with closed sides and glass sliding windows are preferred. Roof hatches are availed off as well as they protect the passengers from adverse weather conditions and dust when on the main roads.
What you need to prepare for
Before leaving for Africa, here are some additional essentials that are to be taken into account but require some time and effort. First of all, your passport should have at least six months of validity from your date of departure with two blank pages. If you do not have a Kenyan visa, carry exactly $50 to purchase one on your arrival.
Secondly, a few vaccinations may be the order of the day before you leave your home country. Health professionals recommended safeguard for typhoid, hepatitis, polio and malaria. Malaria shots need to be taken beforehand as they take some time to be effective. Insect repellents are a must to avoid mosquito bites apart from wearing appropriate clothing that covers the skin during the evenings.
Some other things to consider are currency, travel insurance and sim card plans.