safari travel advice
Getting Ready to Fly to an African Safari
23/06/19
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
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
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
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
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.
Benefits of Choosing the Winter Season for Your Safari
12/12/18
Choosing the right time of year to travel is important for every vacation, but it is especially crucial if you’re thinking about going on an African safari. You’ll have a great time in Africa no matter what time of year you choose to travel, but for the most enjoyable time of your life, booking your trip for the winter season is the best idea.
Winter in Africa lasts from May to August, and it provides everything that you could want for your vacation, including consistently gorgeous weather. Here are some of the biggest benefits of booking a winter African safari that you should keep in mind when you’re planning your next vacation.
Spend More Time Outdoors
For most travelers, the main reason to visit Africa is being able to spend hours outdoors exploring the beautiful scenery and viewing interesting animals. Although you’ll certainly spend time out in the wild if you visit Africa during the other times of the year, you’ll have a much better time during the winter.
Daytime temperatures during the winter in Africa are very pleasant. Although it is still warm outside, it isn’t nearly as hot as during the other seasons, meaning you can safely stay outdoors for hours. Nighttime temperatures can get very cold, however, so you’ll need to pack warm clothes to keep you comfortable during the evening hours.
See Animals More Easily
The great thing about visiting Africa is that you’ll be able to see a variety of animals in their natural habitat that you’d only be able to see in a zoo back home. If you’re an animal lover interested in seeing lions, elephants, cheetahs, and more on your next vacation, booking a winter African safari is an excellent option.
Winter in Africa is not only the cooler season, it is also the dry season. Because of the lack of rain, there will be much less plant life blocking your views of the animals you have traveled to see. Additionally, the lack of rainfall means that animals will heavily congregate around watering holes, making it easy to see a wide variety of species in one convenient location. For these reasons, there is no better time of year for animal watching in Africa than the winter.
Hit the Beach and Watch Whales
Many people don’t realize that Africa features some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, especially when you visit South Africa. In addition to the warm daytime temperatures that are perfect for a day in the sand, going to an African beach in winter is an excellent idea because you’ll be able to sea whales frolicking in the waves.
During the winter season, you can frequently sea whales swimming off the coast of South Africa. You can either watch these whales from your spot on the beach, or book a ride on a whale boat for an up-close and personal view of these majestic creatures.
If you’re thinking about traveling to Africa for your next vacation, visiting during winter is the best idea. Book your winter African safari, and you’ll enjoy beautiful weather and amazing sightseeing, resulting in the holiday of a lifetime.
Visiting Botswana During the Green Season
04/11/18
If you’ve decided that your next vacation is going to be an African safari, the most important factor to consider when booking your trip is the time of year you will travel. For instance, when visiting Botswana, most vacationers plan their trip for the dry season, which is when it’s easiest to see wild animals.
While visiting during the dry season is a good choice, you can have just as good a time by booking your Botswana safari during the rainy Green Season. Although you won’t enjoy as much sunshine during this time of year, there are some big benefits to visiting during the Green Season that you should consider. Check out a few exciting reasons to book your African safari in Botswana during the Green Season so that you can plan out an exciting, memorable trip.
Beat the Crowds
The Green Season in Botswana takes place from December to March, and because the weather will be much wetter than other times of the year, there will fewer visitors, which is beneficial for several reasons. For starters, less visitors means you won’t have to fight the crowds. In addition to making your safari much more relaxing, smaller crowds means you’ll have better animal watching opportunities.
Traveling during the rainy season also means your vacation will be much more affordable. You should be able to get great prices on virtually every aspect of your vacation, allowing you to spend a little extra money on exciting experiences and attractions.
Take Great Photographs
If you’re something of a shutterbug, then you probably want your next African safari in Botswana to include a few opportunities to take beautiful photographs. While every time of the year in Botswana is excellent for picture taking, the Green Season is especially advantageous to photography enthusiasts.
The Green Season gets its name from the explosion of lush plant life that happens during this time of year. If you visit during this time of the year, you’ll see lush forests and blooming flowers that you’ll enjoy photographing. If you want to take gorgeous pictures on safari that you’ll treasure for the rest of your life, visiting Botswana during the Green Season is an excellent choice.
Unforgettable Animal Experiences
The reason many travelers decide to book their Botswana vacation during the dry season is that it’s much easier to see wild animals because of the lack of vegetation. While you may have to work a little harder to see exotic creatures during the Green Season, you’ll enjoy some of the most unforgettable animal watching Africa has to offer.
For example, the rainy season is when most African animals give birth, which means you may be able to see adorable baby zebras, lions, or giraffes. The Green Season is also the time of year when several species migrate, so you may be able to see large herds of animals moving across the grassy plains. Book your trip for the rainy season, and you’ll get a unique look at Africa’s most exotic creatures.
If you want a fun and memorable vacation, booking an African safari in Botswana is a great choice, particularly if you visit during the Green Season. Plan your vacation for this time of year, and you’re guaranteed one of the best holidays of your life.
Booking the Luxury Safari of Your Dreams
28/10/18
If you’re like most travelers, you want to make sure that your next vacation includes world-class amenities and experiences, which is a great reason to go on an African safari. When you’re booking your trip on a budget, however, you might assume that you’ll have to skip some of the luxury of which you’ve been dreaming. Fortunately, this isn’t the case, and it’s actually very easy to book a luxury safari if you follow a few simple tips and tricks.
Here is some advice for booking the luxury safari of your dreams so that you can have a great vacation without having to break the bank.
Pick the Right Time of Year
Although there are several tips and tricks you can use to help you book an affordable luxury safari, but the best advice is to plan your trip for the low season. During the low season, there are much fewer travelers, which results in lower rates than you would be able to find during the more popular travel season. If you book your trip for the low season, you can expect better prices on flights, lodging, and even safari activities.
Control Your Transportation Costs
If you’ve never been on a safari before, then you might be surprised to learn that transportation in Africa will account for the majority of your costs. Choosing to have someone drive you from location to location, for example, can get very pricey depending on how far you are traveling and the duration of your vacation. The best way to lower the overall costs of your luxury African safari is handling transportation yourself. Driving yourself on a safari isn’t as difficult as most people imagine. The majority of the roads are well paved and maintained, and so long as you’re confident in your driving skills, you should be able to get yourself from place to place without worry. In addition to providing you with more freedom, driving yourself will lower your transportation costs and give you more money to put towards luxury experiences.
Plan Your Safari with Help
For first-time safari goers, the process of booking the perfect luxury vacation can be somewhat daunting. The key to a great luxury safari experience is making sure you’re choosing the right destinations and activities without spending too much money, and the best way to accomplish these goals is booking your safari with the help of a professional. An experienced and knowledgeable safari travel company will be able to listen to what you’re looking for out of your vacation and can help you book your trip accordingly. Also, if you’re not exactly sure what you want out of your trip, the right safari company can help you pick out the activities that will make for a trip that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. If you want an exciting and affordable luxury safari, consider booking your vacation with the help of an expert.
Keep these easy tips in mind, and you should be able to plan and reserve a luxury safari that includes several once in a lifetime experiences for a cost you can easily afford.
Picking a Tailor-Made Safari Experience
14/10/18
When you go on a vacation, you want a trip that feels like it was designed just with you in mind. In this regard, there is almost no better holiday than a safari in Africa. Safaris come in all shapes and sizes, meaning you can easily find a trip that fits your exact tastes.
If you’ve been considering going on a safari, you need to learn a few ways to book the trip of your dreams. Find out how you can plan a custom African safari and learn about a few of the exciting activities and destinations to include in your trip.
Advice for First Timers
For travelers who have never gone on a safari before, the best idea is to book a trip that includes time with the Big Five, Africa’s most famous animals. The Big Five is comprised of elephants, leopards, lions, rhinos, and buffalo, and every first-time safari goer needs to see these creatures in their natural environment.
Fortunately, the Big Five can be found in several African countries, including Tanzania and South Africa. If you’re going on your first safari and want to see the Big Five, you should book your trip to include a stop at Kruger National Park, which is one of the best places to view these animals.
Make a List of Activities
One of the smartest ways to plan a custom African safari is to spend some time thinking about what you want to see and do while on your trip. Africa offers a wide range of activities, so you should easily be able to find something that matches your preferences.
For example, if you have the spirit of adventure, you can find several safari activities that will get your blood pumping, including white water rafting or hiking through the bush. On the other hand, if you prefer relaxation on your vacation, you can find great opportunities for leisure, such as going on a sunset hot air balloon ride. Take a little bit of time to think about what you want out of your vacation, and you should be able to plan the trip of your dreams.
Avoid the Crowds
Dealing with crowds can seriously reduce your enjoyment of your vacation. Fortunately, if you want to avoid the crowds on your safari, you can choose a few options. One of the easiest ways to steer clear of crowds on your trip is to visit one of the lesser known safari destinations. Africa has a few iconic spots filled with tourists almost year round, and avoiding these areas will help you have a more personal experience.
If you want to make sure that you have the calm, intimate safari you’ve been dreaming of, you can book a private safari. On a private safari, it will only be you, your travel partners, and your safari guide, resulting in a great trip that you’ll always remember.
As you can see, there are several easy ways to book a custom African safari where you can have a fantastic time. Keep these easy tips in mind, and you will be able to plan a trip that is made just for you.
Safari Countries US Guests Can Visit without a Visa
07/10/18
When you go on a vacation, you want your trip to be as simple as possible. Unfortunately, when you travel to certain countries, you will need to acquire a visa before you will be allowed entry. Luckily, if you hold a United States passport, you can go on an African safari in several countries without spending your valuable time or money on a visa. Here are a few exciting countries that you can visit for a visa-free African safari and some of the best activities in each location.
South Africa
If you have a passport, you can visit countless countries in Africa without a visa, including South Africa. Possibly the most popular safari destination in the world, South Africa is an exciting country that provides countless activities that you won’t want to miss.
For example, if you’re interested in breathtaking scenery and world-class amenities, you can spend some time in Cape Town. South Africa is also home to several gorgeous beaches, meaning you can spend some time enjoying the sun and sand while on your safari. Whatever activities you’re looking for on your trip, you’ll find them in South Africa, all without needing a visa.
Namibia
Many people planning a visa-free African safari want their trip to include breathtaking, unforgettable sights. If sightseeing is your main goal for your vacation, then the best country to visit that doesn’t require a visa is Namibia.
The fortunate part of taking a trip to Namibia is that the country offers several different environments for you to enjoy. Sossusvlei, for instance, is known throughout the world for its red sand dunes. Adventurous travelers can ride a sandboard down these dunes, and visitors looking for relaxation can take a hot air balloon ride. Namibia also features mountains and oceans, so you can find whatever scenery you prefer.
Visiting Namibia is also a good choice if you want to see exotic animals. This country is home to the largest game park in Africa, making it easy to find interesting animals such as lions and elephants. If you want to visit Namibia without a visa, your passport needs to be valid for at least six months before your trip.
Botswana
Finding the most memorable travel experience of your life is easy when you book your trip with a stop in Botswana. This visa-free country is known for its gorgeous scenery and ample opportunities to explore nature. Botswana features the large savannahs for which Africa is famous, meaning you’ll have the authentic safari of which you’ve always dreamed.
Botswana also features several interesting features that you won’t find in other African countries, including the world’s largest salt pans and the Okavango wetlands. If you want to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Africa, Botswana is your perfect visa-free travel destination.
When you’re planning your next vacation, you don’t want to deal with having to obtain a visa. Fortunately, as you now know, it’s easy to plan a completely visa-free African safari. Make sure to visit these countries on your trip if you want a thrilling vacation that you’ll remember fondly for the rest of your life.
Tips for Feeling Safe on Your African Safari
08/07/18
If you’re looking for an exciting vacation that you’ll always remember, look no further than an African safari. When you go on safari, you’ll experience some of the most interesting sights and sounds of your life while also be able to enjoy activities that you won’t be able to find in any other vacation destination.
However, if you want to enjoy your safari as fully as possible, you need to feel safe throughout your entire trip. Fortunately, feeling safe on safari is easy when you follow a few simple tips. Here is some advice for feeling safe on an African safari that will allow you to enjoy this one of a kind vacation without fear or worry.
Keep Your Distance
When going on an African safari for the first time in your life, it’s likely that your most anticipated activity is seeing exotic animals in their natural habitat. While seeing a lion or an elephant in the wild can certainly be thrilling, you also want to be sure that you’ll feel safe, which is why it’s crucial to maintain the proper distance from these creatures.
Viewing safari animals is perfectly safe as long as you’re certain to not get too close. With lions, for instance, you can get fairly close as long as you stay inside of your safari vehicle. When you’re viewing elephants, you may want to stay further away, as they travel in herds and may get spooked if you get too close or approach to rapidly. Being careful about how close you’re getting to the animals is an easy solution for feeling safe on safari.
Be Aware at All Times
Although there are several ways you can stay and feel safe while on safari, the most effective is staying aware of your surroundings. Too many people going on safari assume that they can rely wholly on their guide to keep them safe. While your guide will do everything they can to keep you from harm, you must also take some responsibility for your own security.
While you’re walking around, keep your eyes open and listen for any unusual sounds. This should help you detect potential threats so that your safari will be safe and fun.
Listen to Your Guide
Maybe the most important thing you can do to feel safe on safari is to trust your guide and to listen to their instructions as carefully as possible. Your safari guide has been trained to give you a fantastic vacation experience while keeping you safe, and if you fail to listen to their instructions you may be putting yourself and your fellow safari-goers at risk.
If you put your trust in your guide, you’re guaranteed to have a safe safari that you’ll remember for the rest of your days.
Going on a safari is the best choice for your next vacation, and as you can say, feeling safe on an African safari is easy when you follow these easy and effective tips. Start booking your safari today and keep this advice in mind so that you can have an exhilarating vacation of which you’ve only dreamed.
Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui
3 Reasons to book your Safari through an agent
01/07/18
If you’re long overdue for a vacation, then it’s time for you to get away by planning an African safari. Every person should go on safari at least once in their life, especially those whose idea of a good vacation is one filled with unforgettable sights and sounds.
When planning a trip, you might be tempted to do all the legwork yourself. While this may be a good choice for a typical vacation, it usually isn’t recommended when you’re going on safari. Find out why you should get professional help when booking an African safari and learn how to make the most out of this one of a kind trip.
Get Inside Knowledge
If you’re the type of traveler that avoids the typical tourist spots and prefers an authentic taste of what their vacation destination has to offer, then having a professional book your African safari is a fantastic solution. When you reserve your trip through an experienced safari company, you’ll have access to inside information about every location that you visit. This means that you’ll be able to enjoy the best food, activities, and more on your trip, all while being able to steer clear of tourist traps. With the right company on your side, you’ll be able to have the authentic vacation for which you are looking.
Time and Money
Let’s face it, planning a vacation is extremely time consuming. So much so, in fact, that many people simply aren’t able to book the trip that they want. However, if you have help from a professional, booking an African safari is quick and easy, as well as a great deal more affordable. Because safari companies have booked hundreds of trips for thousands of travelers, they will know how to reserve your holiday in no time at all. In addition, using a professional will often net you much better prices than you would be able to find on your own. If you want to save time and money on your next safari, book with a knowledgeable safari company.
Never Be Without Help
If you’re an inexperienced traveler planning on taking your first ever safari, it’s normal to have concerns. Fortunately, if you book your vacation through the right company, you will always have the help that you need, even if your thousands of miles away from home. For example, if you land at the airport and the transportation to your next location is nowhere to be found, you can call your safari company for assistance. Because they already have relationships with businesses in the countries you are visiting, your safari company will be able to help you overcome any and all obstacles and connect you with everything you need for a completely stress-free vacation.
Getting professional help booking your African safari means that you’ll never be alone when a problem arises during your vacation.
If you’re an independent person, it can be tempting to try to plan your next safari own your own. However, as you can see, booking a safari with help from a professional safari company is the best way to go, particularly if you want a fun and easy holiday.
Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui
What your safari tour operator is not telling you
08/06/18
This is not about construction sites at the lodges your tour operator is not telling you about or that the food is actually really bad at the camp, that you booked. This misinformation might happen occasionally, but most of the tour operators are good and do their best to help you with an awesome safari holiday.
This is about the incredible work that’s done in the background to make sure you have the best African safari experience ever. Safari lodges and camps are at remote places, which come with logistical challenges while being at the same time exposed to moods of the elements.
Imagine only the delicious food at the camps. Being for example at a camp in the Okavango Delta, surrounded by water with only small aircrafts able to land, demands excellent planning and logistics. The guys at the camp need fine tuned order systems to make sure it is always the needed variety of ingredients available and not to forget one. You cannot go quickly to the next supermarket and get the strawberries. They got to be flown in at the right time for the planned menu, not too early and not too late. It can get expensive when the logistics are not right and food would be wasted or meals wouldn’t be of the expected quality.
And food is only one part of the operations. Staff planning, maintenance and everything else is just as complex and well thought about long in advance. A small mistake costs a substantial amount of money and time. Big hotels are already impressing when seeing the big operations in the background, yet doing all that in the African bush is even more impressive. Outside temperatures can rise well above 40 degree Celsius, yet the kitchen has to work perfectly with no air-conditioning at hand. Heavy rains and floods can occur and still the safety of the guests must be guaranteed. Buffalos can decide to eat the thatched roofs or elephants find a new route straight through camp, yet the operations must go on with no effects on the guests safari experience.
The people in the camps are doing great work to make sure all is perfect, no matter how the circumstances are and silently in the background.
How to make sure you can go off road on African safari
20/05/18
Going off road on African safari game drives is essential for the safari experience. It makes a big difference seeing the lion a hundred meters away or 3 meters away. Not only for wildlife photography lovers, but also for all safari guests, seeing the Big Five through the binocular is not the same than having them sitting next to you.
Be aware, that in general national parks do not allow off road driving. Also night game drives are prohibited, except for some parks exclusively for their own operations with limited numbers of guests. Safari National Parks are open to the public and it would do severe damage to the bush and animals, if off road game drives would be allowed. To make people listen high fines are in place and guides can loose their license.
The situation is different on private game reserves. Game drives are regulated and rules for the number of vehicles on sightings are in place. Off road driving is allowed for the Big Five, but not to see an impala close up. Also there the protection of the bush and wildlife is of concern, but due to the private character of the game reserve, the safari experience is so much better. It is an incredible experience to follow a leopard through the bush and being able to witness otherwise hidden wildlife interactions or even a hunt. Private game reserves or private concessions are in all major safari areas like Sabi Sand/Kruger South Africa, Okavango Botswana or Masai Mara Kenya.
7 Essential Informations needed with your African safari booking
03/05/18
Booking an African safari holiday comes with excitement about the safari destination, the Big Five, one wish to spot, the choice of the game reserve and the time of the year for the right weather and best wildlife sightings. During this process questions will be asked about the number of persons travelling, the available budget and more of this kind. When finally the booking is made, some more information is requested and for a good reason.
Travelling comes always with some risk and travelling to the African bush adds the adventures of the wild. Although professional rangers/guides and lodge staff will look you after, nature can have its surprises. Extreme rainfall can cause floods or in the dry season a bush fire can occur. As said, the professionals will look after you, but there is always a rest risk of the unforeseen.
Besides nature’s moods, you could fall ill during a safari or do a misstep and twist your foot. These things can also happen while you are at home, but there medical aid is in general right at hand. When being at a private camp on a high ranked safari destination like the Okavango Delta, medical aid is not in direct reach. A light aircraft transport will be necessary to get you to a hospital. This is also quick, but costs a bit.
In order to assist you best in case of an emergency, some essential information is needed:
1. Your passport details for registration with medical/evacuation services.
2. Your travel insurance name and number to cover the costs of medical aid and possible evacuation/repatriation.
3. Your health insurance name and number.
4. Information on possible medical conditions the operator should be aware of.
5. Information on possible allergies and dietary requirements.
6. The name and phone number of a person to be contacted in case of an emergency.
7. Your cell number for operational emergencies like changed transfer/flight times or similar.
By providing this information, safari ground handlers and lodge staff can efficiently and quick help and organize whatever might be necessary to make sure you are safe. Your African safari should be worry free, also when the unforeseen happens or nature turns wild.
What should your African safari travel insurance cover
20/04/18
When you go on an African safari holiday you don’t want to worry about anything except, if you will see the illusive leopard or not or will you be able to see a rhino at all. You should be free to enjoy the safari you were looking forward to for so long.
In order to achieve that, you should have a travel insurance. Pretty much all insurance companies offer travel insurance and it can be challenging to go through all the plans to make a decision.
Your safari travel insurance should in essence cover:
1. Emergency evacuation expenses.
2. Medical and hospitalization expenses including emergency assistance, accidental death and disability, personal injury.
3. Repatriation expenses.
4. Cancellation or curtailment of your travel.
5. Damage/theft/loss of personal baggage/goods/money/any personal effects of whatsoever nature and value.
6. Costs incurred as a result of changes to arrangements such as the cost of a private charter should you miss your (connecting) flight for any reason whatsoever.
The cover for cancellation of your safari holiday varies per insurance plan. Study carefully the terms and conditions of the plan to know in which cases cancellation is covered. Some cover for medical reasons only, others include cancellation for work reasons and the most comprehensive cover includes cancellation for any reason. These variations come with different price tags and in general cancellation for medical reasons is sufficient, but it the cover for work reasons can be very useful.
Once the travel insurance is sorted, you can focus in the joys of an African safari and get worried about which zoom lens you should bring with you or what to wear.
5 Essentials to bring on African safari
10/04/18
There are many packing lists for African Safaris and there are essentials, which make sure you feel comfortable and happy. They also ensure you pack weight wise with regards to your light aircraft transfers. And for emergencies the safari camps offer laundry service, mostly ready on the same day.
Bring one pair of closed shoes you are very comfortable with, light and easy drying. Sneakers are fine or light walking shoes. You don’t need mountain boots on safari.
Bring a light rain jacket. This is comfortable of course when it rains, but also for wind. It can get chilly on open game drive vehicles and it helps a lot when you have a light jacket to break the wind.
Bring a fleece jersey. They are very light, dry very quickly and are cozy and comfortable when you feel a bit cold or very cold. Even in summer it gets chilly after rain and in winter they are just great.
Bring outdoor trousers rather than jeans. In the hot and humid summer the jeans will be much too warm and uncomfortable on the game drives. Outdoor trousers are the best and work well in winter with warm underwear.
Bring one fast camera and lens you can use for everything. Changing lenses or having several cameras with you can become stressful on game drives. Don’t end up being too busy with your photo gear and missing wildlife and nature around you.
These essentials might sound obvious, but one can get lost when packing for an African safari. Keep it simple, light and practical. Have items, that combined are suitable for all situations you might encounter on safari. Don’t worry about fashion, hairdryer or makeup. That will cause only stress and will not make any difference to the bush and the Big Five.
Happy safari travel!