Getting Ready to Fly to an African Safari
23/06/19 Filed in: safari travel advice
Before going on your next African safari, there are several things that you need to do to prepare for your trip, and this includes getting ready for your flight. Flying to Africa requires spending several hours inside of an airplane, and if you’re not prepared for the length of the trip, you may find yourself too exhausted to enjoy your first few days on safari. Here is some advice to help you get ready for your African safari flight so that you can enjoy every minute once you arrive in Africa.
Get a Good Night’s Rest
One of the keys to successfully getting through your long-haul flight to Africa is getting a full night of sleep before your trip. For most people, sleeping on airplane is extremely difficult, if not downright impossible, and if you don’t sleep before your flight, you may have to go as much as 30 hours before you can get some rest.
The night before you’re set to fly to Africa, make sure that you give yourself enough time to sleep at least eight hours, and more if you feel like it’s needed. Sleeping well the night before your trip will make sure that you feel refreshed throughout your flight and that you’re ready to start exploring when the airplane’s wheels touch the ground in Africa.
Dress Appropriately
If you’ve been on a safari before, then you know that packing the right clothes is one of the most important parts of getting ready for your trip. In addition to packing for your actual vacation, you should be sure that you have the correct attire for your African safari flight.
First, you should make sure that the clothes you wear on your flight are comfortable and loose. Dressing in this manner will help you stay relaxed on your trip. Wearing layers of clothes is also a good idea, as this will help you control your temperature. If the plane gets chilly, which is common, you can simply remove a layer to prevent overheating. With the right clothes, your long flight will be much easier.
Stay Active and Hydrated
On very long flights, developing blood clots is always a risk, especially if you have contributing health factors. If you want to make sure you’ll make it through your flight safely, you must stay active during your flight. Every hour or so, get up from your seat and take a walk up and down the aisle. These periodic walks will promote circulation and prevent blood clotting.
In addition to staying active, you should also make sure that you stay hydrated. If you feel yourself getting thirsty, ask for a bottle of water, and make sure that you drink multiple bottles throughout the flight. You should also avoid substances such as alcohol and caffeine, both of which act as a diuretic and can lead to dehydration if you’re not careful.
When you’re booking your next safari, keep these African safari flight tips in mind. Take the time to prepare for your flight, and you’ll be able to make it through your long trip refreshed and ready for adventure.
What to Consider if You're Going on a Safari in Your Golden Years
12/05/19 Filed in: safari travel advice
Being able to travel the world is the reason that most people look forward to retirement, and if you’re looking for a trip that will make your golden years special, an African safari is an excellent choice. Going on safari as a senior, however, takes a little more planning and preparation than it would for younger people, as this holiday is very different than almost any other vacation. Here are a few things that you should consider if you’re planning a senior safari so that you can book a trip that will be fun and safe.
Your Mobility Level
It’s an unfortunate fact that as we age, our mobility level naturally decreases, and in addition to requiring adjustments in your daily life, it can also impact how fully you’re able to enjoy your senior safari. Going on safari requires a good amount of walking, and if you’re dealing with mobility issues, handling this amount of physical exertion can be tough.
Before your trip, research how much walking you’ll need to do while you’re out and about. If you have any concerns, make sure to get in touch with your safari company. In many cases, they’ll be able to accommodate your needs so that you have the best experience possible.
Dealing With the Weather
Another factor that you should consider before booking your senior safari is how you handle extreme temperatures. The weather in Africa can range from blistering hot to freezing cold, and depending on the season, you may experience this full range of temperatures in a single day.
Some older people have trouble dealing with very hot or cold temperatures, which means they’ll need to take some precautions before going on safari. Packing a wide range of clothes is recommended so that you’ll be fully prepared for the potential temperature swings. Also, if temperature is a concern, it’s best to not book a safari where you’ll need to sleep outdoors, as it may be difficult to guarantee your comfort.
Any Underlying Medical Conditions?
Before going on a safari, every traveler, especially seniors, must take into account any medical conditions that might interfere with their trip. For instance, if you live with a condition that requires you to take medication regularly, then you should be sure that you pack enough of this medicine to last your entire safari.
In addition to making sure you have an ample supply of your prescription medications, you should also consider investing in travel insurance. With the right insurance plan, you should be able to access medical care on your safari when needed, and having a plan can give you a little peace of mind. Finally, before you are set to depart, schedule an appointment with your physician so that you can determine if it is safe for you to travel and to get their recommendations for staying healthy on your trip.
With a little forethought, you should easily be able to go on the senior safari that you’ve been dreaming of for years. Book your safari today and fill your retirement with fun and excitement.
Everything You Need to Know About Safari Hats
14/04/19 Filed in: safari travel advice
When you’re getting ready to go on an African safari, you want to be certain that you’re packing the right clothing. You’ll need to bring several types of clothing if you want to have the best safari possible, including a suitable hat. Here’s everything that you need to know about safari hats so that you’ll be able to choose the right hat for your next safari adventure.
Why a Safari Hat Is Important
Before we discuss the characteristics that make a good safari hat, it’s important to examine why you need one of these hats for your vacation. Protection from the sun is the main reason that you need to invest in a high-quality hat for your safari. While on your trip, you’ll be outside most of the day, and you will almost constantly be exposed to sunlight. If you don’t wear a hat, you run the risk of suffering a painful sunburn that will limit how much you can enjoy your vacation.
Wearing a hat on your safari can also help you stay cool. The heat in Africa can be hard to adjust to for many people, and keeping the sun off of your face is one of the most effective ways to keep yourself cooler. So, in addition to protecting you from sunburns, hats can also make your trip a lot more comfortable.
Picking the Right Brim
Now that you know why having a hat is important, it’s time to get some tips so that you can purchase the right one. Most importantly, you need to find a hat with a wide brim that covers both the front and back of your head. While baseball caps will provide some protection, they’ll leave the back of your neck exposed, meaning you’ll still be vulnerable to sunburns. A hat with a wide brim that encircles your entire head will give you fuller protection so that you can enjoy your trip.
Look for a Waterproof Hat
Before you purchase a hat for your safari, you need to make sure that you’ve chosen a waterproof hat. Even if you visit Africa during the dry season, it’s still possible that you’ll encounter a rainstorm, and with a waterproof hat, you won’t have to worry about your hair getting soaked. Waterproof hats are a lot more durable, meaning you’ll be able to use your hat for future safaris.
Make Sure It’s Comfortable
Comfort is one of the most important factors in choosing your safari hat. You’ll need to wear your hat the majority of every day you’re on safari, so it’s vital that you actually enjoy having your hat on your head. Make sure that you try on a few different hats to see how they feel. Avoid hats that are too tight or that are made out of an uncomfortable fabric. It’s also a good idea to wear your hat around your house a few days before your trip just to be certain that it’s comfortable.
While shopping for safari hats for your next vacation, keep these tips in mind so that you can choose the hat that fits your needs. With the right gear, you’ll have a much more enjoyable safari experience.
Thrilling Activities for a Family Safari in Kenya
31/12/18 Filed in: safari destinations | safari travel advice
If you’ve been thinking about taking your family on vacation, you want to be sure your trip is as exciting and memorable as possible. While you could go to the beach or take your kids to an amusement park, a safari in Kenya is a once in a lifetime opportunity they’re sure to remember for years to come.
Kenya is a great spot for your next family vacation, particularly if you want to enjoy thrilling activities you can’t find at typical holiday spots. Here are a few tips for planning a family safari in Kenya with thrilling activities that neither you or your children will ever forget.
Go on a Game Drive or Walking Tour
The best reason to choose a family safari in Kenya for your next vacation is being able to inspire an appreciation of nature in your children. Kenya is one of the best countries in Africa for animal watching thanks to its world-class national parks.
For most families, the best way to view wild animals in Kenya is on a game drive. From inside of your safari vehicle, your guide will teach you and your kids the basics of tracking animals, and will help you spot exotic creatures such as elephants and lions. If you want the best animal watching opportunities possible, you should book your game drive for Masai Mara National Park, one of the best reserves in the country.
If you and your kids are a little more adventurous, you can go on a walking tour. Exploring Kenya on foot is an unforgettable experience, and with the help of an experienced guide, you’ll have a safe, fun time immersing yourself in nature.
Hit the Skies in a Balloon
As previously mentioned, Masai Mara is one of the best places to visit in Kenya on a family safari. Most travelers choose to tour the reserve on foot or in a vehicle, but if you want a breathtaking view of this area, you and your children can hit the skies in a hot air balloon.
On a hot air balloon ride, you’ll soar 15,000 feet above the ground, meaning you’ll have an unobstructed view of Masai Mara in every direction. From your perch, you’ll have a birds-eye view of the animals as they walk around the park, and will also be able to fully enjoy the scenery. As long as your children meet the height and weight qualifications, you can enjoy the one of a kind excitement of a hot air balloon ride.
Go for a Swim
If your family can’t resist spending time in the water, then snorkeling is the perfect safari activity for your clan. Kenya is well-known for its sand swept beaches and crystal-clear water, and almost every beach in the country offers snorkeling opportunities. While your family is snorkeling, you’ll see exotic fish swimming throughout the water, as well as colorful coral reefs. While younger children may not be able to snorkel, this activity is a perfect way for you and your teenagers to bond.
Finding a vacation where you can spend quality time with your children is easy if you book a family safari in Kenya. On your trip, you and your kids will be able to make memories that will last a lifetime.
The Benefits of Visiting a Private Conservancy in Botswana
23/12/18 Filed in: safari destinations | safari travel advice
If you’ve been thinking about going on an African safari, and your main goal for your vacation is experiencing exotic creatures in the wild, there’s almost no better country to visit than Botswana. With some of the best game reserves and national parks in Africa, Botswana is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in nature and see some of the most beautiful animals in the world.
While visiting one of the public reserves in Botswana is a great choice for most travelers, vacationers looking for a more intimate, personal experience should consider spending some time at one of this country’s many excellent private conservancies. Here are some of the benefits of visiting a private conservancy on your next Botswana African safari that you should keep in mind for your trip.
Get Out from Behind the Wheel
When you visit one of the many national parks and reserves in Botswana, you’ll need to stay in your vehicle the entire time. Although you’ll certainly be able to see wild animals from inside your car, it won’t be quite as exciting as encountering these creatures on foot.
At a private conservancy, you’ll be able to go on a walking safari tour, which is a can’t-miss experience. Exploring a private conservancy on foot is a great idea for adventurous travelers, and with help from your safari guide, you’ll easily be able to see a variety of interesting animal species.
Avoid the Crowds
If you’re like many travelers, one of the worst parts of visiting a popular spot such as Botswana is having to contend with large crowds. One of the main benefits of visiting a private conservancy on your Botswana African safari is that you won’t have to deal with crowds the way you would when visiting a national park.
Generally, private conservancies only host a few guests at a time, unlike national parks and reserves which provide entry to a large number of visitors every single day. Because there will be fewer fellow safari-goers at the conservancy, it will be much easier for you to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Africa. Thanks to the intimate feel of a private conservancy safari, you’ll also be able to meet new people and make friendships that will last long after your vacation has ended.
Go on a Night Drive
The great thing about going on an African safari is that you’ll be able to have experiences that aren’t available with other vacations, and this is particularly true if you decide to visit a Botswana private conservancy. For example, when you visit a private conservancy on your trip, you’ll be able to go for an exciting night drive.
At national parks, you’ll need to leave the area before the sun has set. While visiting private conservancies, there will be no such restrictions. You can enjoy a breathtaking African sunset, and then your guide can take you on a drive where you can see African animals that only come out at night, including owls and bush babies. A safari night drive is an experience you won’t soon forget.
As you can see, visiting a private conservancy is a great way to have fun on your next Botswana African safari. When booking your trip, keep the benefits of visiting a conservancy in mind so you can decide if it’s the right choice for your trip.