Upon making the brilliant decision to book your first-ever safari you may find yourself browsing the web to gather further knowledge about what to expect on your trip, the season you’re visiting, what to pack, and everything in between. Considering the unique nature of a safari. We’ve compiled a useful guide to help you with all you need to prepare for your African adventure. This guide is filled with tips from a first-time safari-goer and all you need to prepare for your upcoming African adventure.
Africa is unlike any other place you’ve travelled to, and having an open mind is of utmost importance to ensure you get the most out of your trip.
Prepare to disconnect in camps where you can be in some of the most remote parts of Africa, so connectivity is limited. Although some camps have Wi-Fi, I suggest taking the liberating and refreshing opportunity of a complete digital detox. It may feel strange at first, but as the days pass by, it gets easier!
Get to know your guide: You’ll spend many hours with your guide. Use this time to get to know them. They are passionate about sharing their stories and possess a wealth of knowledge about wildlife, culture, life in the bush, and so much more.
Never miss a game drive and gather as much knowledge as possible about as much as possible. There’s something so satisfying about learning a new bird species, being able to identify a tree you once knew nothing about or learning how to track a lion.
Take part in safari activities: If you have enough time, add safari activities to your itinerary. A bush walk and sleep under the stars experience is a wonderfully immersive way to reconnect with nature.
Ask lots of questions: Not only your guide but to the team in the camps too. Africa lodges will welcome guests with open arms and genuine hearts and are always delighted to have a chat.
Know that you are safe: Heading into the bush for the first time may be daunting for some. The key here is to remain respectful of wildlife and the environment at all times and to trust the team on the ground to take care of you.
Acquaint yourself with the sounds of the bush: Wildlife has different ways of communicating, and taking the time to stop, listen and recall these sounds adds so much depth to your safari experience. Whether it’s the sounds of grunting hippos (they’ll make sure you hear them), baboons alarming others when a leopard is near or the thrilling roar of a lion in the distance, every sound is unique and a huge part of your African adventure.
Learn a few words in the local language and use them when you can: You’ll be surprised by the smiles on the locals’ faces when saying ‘Thank You’ in their language.
Expect to have your every expectation exceeded: Despite being in a remote part of the world. You will receive an unbelievably comfortable, safe and high-quality safari experience. The hospitality, diverse wildlife and landscapes, sunsets and sunrises, delicious food, and untouched wildness will leave your life forever changed.
Be in awe of the stars at night. Africa is one of the best places in the world for stargazing, as its low humidity and lack of light pollution make the night sky incredibly clear.
A Typical Day on Safari (this can vary depending on where you stay):
5:30 Wake up call – another exciting day on safari awaits!
5:45 Enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee and a light snack.
6:15 Depart for your morning game drive or walk. Halfway through, you will enjoy a scenic tea and coffee break, complete with a freshly baked treat.
10:00 You return to camp after a morning of exploring. There is no exact time – it depends on what you see and the temperature as midday approaches.
11:00 Sit down to a tasty breakfast/brunch.
MIDDAY Read a book, take a nap, or watch the animal activity at the local water hole. This is a good time to make sure your camera batteries are charged.
3:30 Gather for afternoon tea, coffee and cake before your afternoon activity.
4:00 You depart for your afternoon safari activity.
SUNSET As the sun starts to set, your guide finds a scenic spot to stop for a sundowner.
After your sundowner, your evening drive continues using a spotlight to search for elusive noctural wildlife.
7:30 You return to camp after your evening drive. There is no exact time – it depends on what you see. Enjoy a drink at the bar or take a quick shower before dinner.
8:00 Dinner and dessert are served. Enjoy a nightcap and a little stargazing around the campfire before heading back to your room for some well-earned sleep.
