Before you go, African safari guide

Africa Safari Guide

This guide covers the basics for any safari trip, including the best times to travel, transportation and the various accommodation options available to you. The information is impartial but aims to serve as a helpful guide to help you choose the right safari for you.

Transportation

Every second of your holiday is important, including your journey times – the majority of our safaris comprise a combination of air and road transfers between the world-famous game parks of Africa. Air transfers give you the chance to fly to some of the most spectacular wildlife areas in a short time period, so you can spend longer in your chosen destination. The flights are in small, light aircrafts for a chance to see this amazing continent from a different angle.

Once you arrive in the park, you’ll be met at the airstrip in a 4x4 vehicle then transferred to your accommodation. If you’d prefer, there is also the option of a road safari in a comfortable vehicle, usually to the closest national parks to your departure destination. The roads in Africa aren’t like those you’re used to – many are rough terrain without tarmac, so your journey is likely to be hot, dusty and bumpy in such areas. However, we only use experienced drivers who are used to the area, so your journey will be as comfortable as possible.

Vehicles

We’re committed to ensuring that your safari is of top quality and that you have the most amazing experience possible. To ensure the utmost comfort and safety, we only work with safari camps and lodges who use 4x4 vehicles. These have a roof hatch for game watching and are spacious for complete comfort. Conservancies may have adapted vehicles, such as those with customised open sides, to give the best possible viewing experience. All of the vehicles used are managed by an experience driver guide who can enhance your bush experience.

A 4x4 vehicle is vital in the majority of the game parks, particularly in rainy season. Because of the rough terrain of the African bushland, a minibus-style mode of transport isn’t suitable – both for safety and comfort. You’ll be offered a better safari experience in our vehicles, and although a minibus may be cheaper, your experience will be compromised as a result. Transfers from the airport or your base hotel to a safari destination may be in a minibus-style vehicle, however, as these are along existing roads.

Accommodation

We aim to provide as broad a range as possible for your safari experience, to enable you to choose the best option for your needs.

Guest tents are spacious and comfortable, offering double beds, wardrobe space and a relaxing area outside. The bathrooms have flushing toilets, running water and hot safari showers – water is usually heated twice a day for bucket showers. The electricity is often restricted as it runs off a generator or solar power, but it will be available early in the morning and at night. Bush camps are slightly different in that they offer the ultimate ‘bush experience’ without compromising your safety or security. They’re usually eco-aware with solar power and restricted water supply.

Lodges

Lodges are permanent structures which are open throughout the year. The accommodation itself is usually in the form of self-contained rooms or bungalows, and most lodges have a swimming pool so you can relax between game drives and excursions. The lodges are usually situated within national parks.

Tented Lodges

Tented lodges are a blend of canvas tents combined with a permanent structure, offering the perfect combination of lodge facilities with a classic camping experience. They are usually larger than bush camps and are open throughout the year. Tented lodges are a great choice is you want to experience a different form of accommodation but don’t want to miss out on the facilities of a lodge – they’re usually situated in the national parks.

Bush Camps

Bush camps are becoming increasingly popular with safari visitors. They can be either permanent or seasonal, depending on the location, and usually offer a more intimate experience than with a lodge. Some of the more exclusive camps offer accommodation for just six couples.

National Parks & Game Reserves

There are a vast number of national parks and private conservancies within Africa, which have been set aside for the conservation of the native wildlife and natural habitat. We advise staying in a conservancy to enjoy a real safari experience. You’ll have exclusive use of the conservancy land, the chance to take part in a number of activities, and learn about the local wildlife.

National Parks

National parks are usually run by the government and, as such, they comply with strict regulations. This includes rules such as being back at your lodge or camp in the evening, and not leaving the vehicle once it’s within the park. They’re usually well established with regular maintenance, and have good roads and signage. Game wardens patrol the parks to ensure that visitors remain safe at all times, as well as ensuring the safety of the animals.

The wildlife in these parks is abundant, and you’re almost guaranteed to see the famous Big Five (Lions, Elephants, Buffalo, Leopards and Rhinos). You’ll see a number of other vehicles on your safari as tourists are plentiful in the national parks – however, our expert driver guides will direct you to less populated areas.

Conservancy/Private Wildlife Reserves

Conservancy areas and private wildlife reserves are areas of land which are owned privately or are leased from the local community. They usually work in partnership with the local community and are committed to eco-awareness and education. Stays in the conservancies are much more secluded and offer a true ‘wild’ experience. The number of other visitors you’ll encounter is restricted, usually to just guests staying within the reserve.

The animals are also usually wilder than those found in the larger national parks, as they aren’t as accustomed to seeing humans and vehicles. Thanks to the added advantage of night game drives and other activities, you’ll have an extra opportunity to see animals you wouldn’t normally see. Conservancies often involve the local community by employing local people as staff or wardens, as well as running community projects such as installing bore holes for water supplies or building schools. There is greater flexibility to conservancy safaris as you’ll be able to take part in a wider range of activities, from walking and game drives, to bush camping and sundowners, depending on your interests.

Safari Packing List

This is a comprehensive list of the basic amenities required on your safari trip. We recommend soft bags which are lockable, rather than rectangular suitcases, as the weight of the luggage which can be taken onto the small aircrafts is limited to 25-53 pounds (depending on the size of the plane).

Documents

Passports (with visa entries)

Health cards (vaccination certificate)

Airline tickets

Cheque book

Cash and Travellers’ Cheques

Separate record of T/Cheque numbers

Credit Cards (VISA, Mastercard and/or American Express)

Photo copy of passport/visas/Insurance papers

Clothing

We recommend that you bring khaki and green-coloured clothing. Bright colours should be avoided while on safari. Please be advised that camouflage clothes are illegal because they are worn by local soldiers.

Tennis/Gym Shoes

Safari boots

Flip flops

Hat

Windbreaker/Jacket

Pullover Sweater/Sweatshirt

2 pc. safari trousers (or chinos)

2 pc. safari shorts

4 pair sport socks

3 short sleeve shirts

1 long sleeve shirt

2 T-shirts

Pyjamas

Swim Trunks

1 pair casual slacks (men) or an evening outfit (women) - for evening meals

Bras (sports type) - women

6 sets underwear

Belt

Toiletries & Medicine

Malaria prophylaxis

Prescription drugs (Also bring the generic names for these drugs. It’s a good idea to pack two separate lots)

Motion sickness pills

Insect repellent (containing DEET for mosquitos)

Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)

Lip balm

Shampoo/Conditioner

Deodorant

Toothpaste/Toothbrush

Dental floss

Hair Brush/Comb

Electric/Hand Razor

Emery boards

Tweezers

Hand lotion

Feminine hygiene supplies

Wear sunscreen at all times during the day, and cover up during the hottest time of day – between 11am and 3pm

Where to see African wildlife

Kenya

Maasai Mara – Big Cats and migration

Amboseli – Elephants

Samburu – Gerenuk and elephants

Tsavo – Elephants

Nakuru – Flamingos, rhinos and leopards

Tanzania

Serengeti – Big Cats and plains game

South Africa

Kruger – Big Five

Namibia

Etosha – Rare desert elephant and Great Oryx

Botswana

Okavango Delta – Birds, elephants and hippos

Chobe National Park – Elephants and giraffes

Moremi Game Reserve – Birds, hippos and crocodiles

Central Kalahari Game Reserve – Wild dogs, leopards, lions, wildebeest and antelopes

African Travel Calendar

Jan-Mar

South Africa – Heart of the summer

Botswana – Green season with rain around; excellent time for bird watching

Kenya – Dry season

Tanzania – Prime time for the migration

Apr-Jun

Namibia- Not too hot but still sunny

South Africa – The end of summer with cooler weather

Jul-Sep

South Africa – Good time for safaris but the Western Cape can be damp and quite cold; perfect whale watching season in Hermanus

Botswana – Prime game viewing in the Okavango Delta

Kenya – Prime time for the migration

Namibia – Not too hot and dry

Indian Ocean – Hot and sunny

Oct-Dec

South Africa – Spring season with rising temperatures in the Western Cape; great time for game viewing

Kenya – Migration season; short rainy periods in November

Indian Ocean – Sunny and hot