As African safari tourism says it, it is a once in a life time experiences with a prospect of discovering the unknown part of Africa and its geographical features. When planning the first safari, every person needs all the information possible to make the tour enjoyable and a fulfilling one. Before we proceed to showcase more on what to expect during your African safari, it is important to discuss more on some of the relevant facts you need to consider once you decided to take on this fantastic adventure.
Safari Destinations to Choose
Safari is one of the most attractive and exciting activities that travellers can do; there are several excellent places in Africa. Some of the more famous safari stops include the Serengeti of Tanzania, the Mara of Kenya, the Kruger Park of South Africa and the Okavango deltas of Botswana. Read more about the destination most suitable for your desires, passions, and your wallet.
Decide on the Type of Safari
As for the types of safari to undertake there are driving safari, the walking safari, ballooning safari and the boat safari. Select from the kind that interest you most and the degree of adventurous nature you are willing to take. For example, the driving safari is for people who want an easy and comfortable trip, while walking safari is for people who want to embrace wildlife at close range.
Choose the Right Time to Go
When to go on safari depends on the country of destination and one’s self interests. Because the wildlife is easier to see, the recommended time for a traditional safari is from June through October when it’s dry and the vegetation is sparse. However, it’s also the high season for tourists meaning that camps and lodges may fully booked for accommodation. For those who find crowds unappealing, it is better to visit in the green season which lasts from November to May because the low rates will provide you with picturesque landscapes due to the rainfalls.
Know What to Pack
Make a good packing because all the same you are going for safari; the conditions may change depending on the area and period of the year. Carry appropriate and breathable clothing, supportive and comfortable walking shoes, hat, sun glasses, sun block lotion; insect repellent cream; and an umbrella or lightweight rain coat. Always carry your camera and additional memory cards since you would like to photograph memories of the great journey.
Choose a Reliable Safari Guide
A good operator will be a guarantee to a memorable experience on the safari. Always ensure that you choose a suitable operator who is well conversant with the place that you wish to visit most. Ask the opinion in relation to feedback about this from friends, relatives or some journey websites. Cost, compatibility of the operator, and their company’s past safety output in such activities must also be considered.
Know the Safari Etiquette
When on a safari trip tourists are expected to show consideration and admiration to the natural surroundings and animals. In order to ensure no undue stress is put on the ecosystem and wildlife whilst on the safari ensure that you always abide by the rules of engagement of your guide. Some of them include, withholding or limiting your movement towards animals or birds, avoiding interrupting the animal’s activities and avoiding using loud tones during the trips, and acknowledging cultures of the societies that you interact with.
Be aware that the day can start early and the day is long.
For sighting wildlife in action, it includes morning and evening drives. Brace yourself for these, you will work for long hours, expect to wake up early because it will still be dark probably around 6 am sunrise time. Taking a comfortable eye mask and earplugs in the camps can equally make one get quality sleep.
Aware of wildlife and vegetation in the area
To get the maximum out of your safari holidays you should understand what the wildlife, vegetation and other habitats of the locations in which you are staying in your safari holidays. The animals and plants are also important to be studied with regard to what type of animals the traveller is to expect to meet and plants and ecosystems which inhabit. This knowledge will come handy and make your safari a much more fulfilling experience enabling one appreciate the beauty of nature all around.
Get the Most out of Cultural Events
All those areas, which are suitable for a safari tour, provide travellers with a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the culture and traditions of local population. Make sure you quiz your safari operator on whether you can visit a village, markets or schools and participate in cultural activities such as making beads or pottery. One of the highlights of your African safari trip can be interacting with people of the villages.
Allow Time for Relaxation
While on Safari your activities involve walking a lot, driving and probably some rough terrain hence making it challenging, it is wise to make sure you include leisure time too. While on the safari many camps and lodges provide the following enhancements, spa therapy, swimming pool, stunning view lounges and many others. It may be important not to lose sight of the fact that the trips are all about the stunning vistas, the gorgeous sunsets and great, star-filled nights.
A safari simply means a journey, which allows people to get up close and personal with the natural treasures. These ideas and advice will hopefully be useful in putting together a fun and easy to remember safari. This noble journey, therefore, will start with the tips mentioned above, and to make memories that will never fade.
