Travel’s all about breaking the rules, right? Well sure, but not when those rules are there to help you have the best trip possible, or to stop you from being a lion’s tasty afternoon snack.
There are so many amazing safari destinations in Africa and if you are planning an adventure, there are lots of things to know before departing. To get the most out of your African safari, follow these eight simple tips and you can’t go wrong.
1. Listen to your tour guide
Despite the fact that you’re literally surrounded by wild elephants and hyenas, an African safari is generally very safe. IF you listen to your leader and crew and do what they say. These guys are pros. With respect, you are not (unless you were secretly raised by a pride of lions). Listen carefully to their instructions when wild-camping. Don’t stick your gangly appendages too far out the window or get out of the truck unless you’re told it’s safe to do so. You may be on a game drive, but wild Africa is no game.
2. R.E.S.P.E.C.T the wildlife
When you’re on safari, you’re in someone else’s kingdom. Respect the local wildlife and they’ll respect you. Don’t be that person who begs the driver to veer off the trails to get closer to a kill: those trails are there for a reason. And while we know it’s temping to whoop like a maniac when you see a cheetah or a herd of elephants, try and keep quiet. The idea is to infringe on their lives as little as possible. Whatever happens, you’re guaranteed to see some amazing animals. Trust me.
3. Embrace the dirt
There’s no way around it: on safari, you’re gonna get dirty. You’re out there on the road, and in Africa, them roads is dusty. And them showers – they not always hot. By the end of the trip, you’ll be able to write your email address onto the arms of your fellow safariers, they’ll be that grimy (although if this is how you plan to stay in touch, remember to write everything down before you take a shower). You may also have formed a beautiful new friendship with wet wipes.
4. Pitch in
You didn’t come to Africa to sit on your caboose and be waited on like that fancy lady from The Titanic. A safari is all about teamwork, not in a forced-office-bonding kinda way, but in a collaborative, common-sense way. Your leader will draw up a roster and give you some light chores. Sometimes you’ll assist with cooking, other times with dishes. Everyone puts up their own tent each night, although you end up pitching in – gettit? – to help your neighbours a lot. Participation is FUN, guys, For real though – lifelong friendships are forged when you hold a torch for someone as they pee in a hole. Some travel operators also offer the chance to help volunteering programs in Africa – if you get the chance don’t say no.
5. Be patient
There’s a Swahili saying: pole pole – slowly slowly. Locals will sling the phrase your way regularly, always with a grin. And after a few days in Africa, you’ll understand why: life is better when you take it easy, man! Things often take a little longer than you’re used to – meals, checking into hotels, getting from A to B. On some days you’ll do a LOT of driving, and the bumpy roads mean the occasional breakdown happens. But have a lil’ patience, and you’ll see that it’s all just part of the ride.
6. Pack as lightly as possible
While it’s tempting to bring a whole look-book’s worth of Africah-inspired outfits, it’s wise to pack light. Bring comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. You’ll be storing your main luggage in a locker at the back of the truck, so bring a soft bag or backpack and leave your huge flamingo lilo at home (you don’t want the confuse the real flamingos, do you?). The less stuff you have, the easier your life will be on board the truck.
7. Bring an open mind
Like on any adventure, you’re in for some surprises. Sometimes, weather or park closures mean your itinerary has to change a bit. Maybe you don’t see the Great Migration or all of the Big Five. But often it’s the experiences you didn’t expect that stay with you the longest – witnessing the hijinks of a warthog family while a member of your group does hilarious voices, or watching an epic thunderstorm roll over the Serengeti.
8. Put your camera down from time to time
The African wilderness is heaven for shutterbugs. You will probably take more photos on your two-week trip than all of last year combined. I came back from East Africa with approximately 450 pictures of zebra butts (they’re just so voluptuous). But hard as it is, try and put the camera down now and then. Get lost in the moment. Be still. Enjoy with your eyeballs. Be present in the presence of greatness, of wildness. Because that feeling? That’s why you go on safari.
Have we got you keen to go? Search Africa tours and book your trip today.