If you are planning an overland, long safari holiday, there are a few things you will need to know to get your planning done appropriately. While this is a supposed to be a fun time, if not planned properly, it could be a nightmare experience if you are not properly prepared.
Here are a few tips to give you the heads up on the planning.
Early Morning Starts
You will be driving most of the day, more than likely every day, so it is key to get started as early in the morning as possible. If most of the roads you take are the gravel roads, this will mean that you not going to have a smooth ride. It is best to make sure that the seats you are sitting on all day are comfortable or you should consider taking along a few cushions. Driving all day and being in the bush at night will ensure that by 9 or 10 at night you will be more than ready to sleep which in turn helps you get up early and on the road well before dawn.
Staying nourished
Number one on your shopping list should be water. You will need to stay well hydrated regardless of whether it is a summer or winter safari, as the days, and your car, will heat up quickly. As for food, it is easy to eat junk food but this option along with sitting all day is not good think and you may find you will need to redo your wardrobe by the end of the safari. As the stops along the way may not have protein bars or healthy snacks it’s always a good idea to pack several healthy snacks and fruit for the time you’ll be driving.
Driving in the Kruger
Although it is difficult to imagine, depending on the length of your stay, a safari will have you covering a lot of ground in a short space of time. The idea of a safari is that you get to see as much as possible in the shortest possible time. Most safari companies will give you an itinerary, so if you are self-driving it’s a good idea to make yourself a journal. This will mean you can keep day to day notes of where you went and what you saw. Tagging photos that you take as soon as possible will also ensure that you know where you saw what.
Packing for a Safari
Travel light, don’t bring your whole wardrobe even if you are on safari for three weeks. Most vehicles do not have the space for a large suitcase so soft duffel bags are the best option and even a backpack should do. Several overnight stops will have laundry facilities, so it will be possible to wash clothes along the way. Another thing idea is to take along clothes that are more wash and wear. It’s wise to take a separate tote bag to keep your daily essentials and toiletries in.
What to Expect from a Guided Tour
You will get out of your safari what you ask for, especially when you book a guided tour. There are many different safari companies offering a wide variety of choices. When booking a safari, be sure to choose the safari for the experiences you want. Take your time to look into each safari to find out exactly what you will be seeing and where you will be staying. Some safaris offer better accommodation whereas the cheaper options will find you staying in more rustic accommodation or possibly even sharing.
Animal Safaris
When on safari in Africa it means you may not get to see all the animals that are advertised. While this can be upsetting, remember its nature and in the wild the animals go and do as they please. If you want to see all the animals every time, you best go to a zoo.
If you are fortunate enough to go on a long safari through Africa, you will see exactly why Africa is so popular. Knowing what to expect in Africa, what to do in Africa and how to travel in Africa will make your safari a memory you will cherish for the rest of your life.
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