A continent where remarkable wildlife wonders lie in wait and vast savannahs conceal a royal dynasty that beckons lovers of the natural world; Africa is unlike anywhere else on the planet. That's what makes preparing for a tour into these mystifying lands particularly challenging for some.
1. Pick a tour that's perfect for you:
With 54 countries, Africa has no shortage of stunning national parks, each with its own unique experiences and ecosystems. From the striking mist-clad gorilla mountains of Uganda and Tanzania's Great Migration to South Africa's world-renowned Kruger National Park - where you choose to trek, is all about what you want to experience.
With hundreds of tours, each catering to different types of safari experiences, our first tip is to do your research and read the itineraries carefully. Do you want to travel the iconic Garden Route to discover different parts of Africa? Do you favour a quieter, more authentic retreat in a lesser-known reserve? Do you want game drives, bush walks, luxury lodges or to help local communities? Whether it's finding the right time of year or ideal country, the little details matter on a safari adventure.
2. Pack smart:
An age-old question on every traveller's lips... "What do I pack?" More so than most holiday destinations, packing for a safari requires a lot of thought. Khaki earth tones reign supreme when venturing into the wilds of Africa. With the goal being to blend into the sun-bleached backgrounds and foliage, as a rule of thumb, stray away from bright, bold colours if you want the best chance of seeing native wildlife. Be warned, unless you want to get up close and personal with biting insects like tsetse flies, avoid deep blue or striped shirts altogether.
As most tours use a safari vehicle, you can't go wrong with cargo pants or shorts with a T-shirt and comfortable trainers or walking shoes. Alongside sunscreen and insect repellent, light breathable layers will be your best friend on safari.
3. Get your camera ready:
A safari tour takes you to picture-perfect places and puts you centre stage. So, it's only fitting you have all the right equipment to capture those monumental moments. There's no better excuse for splurging on a high-quality camera than going on a safari. Think of it as an essential investment. Cameras with a quiet shutter sound and quality zoom functions are the best to photograph allusive animals. But make sure to have plenty of storage space or memory cards and extra batteries or a power bank; you will want to capture every moment of your trip.
Whether you opt for a new piece of tech or a faithful phone camera, for the best quality photos, use the natural light to your advantage, keep your horizon straight and remember the rule of thirds. Pictures only capture snippets of time; there is a whole world out there beyond the lens. So, remember to stay in the moment.
4. Listen to your guide:
More than someone who shows you the sights- your tour guide is a lifeline on safari. Trained to keep you safe whilst ensuring you have the best possible experience in Africa, listening to the instructions and advice of your guide is essential. While it may be tempting to get as close as possible to the wildlife, it is important to remember that you are in their territory. Always keep a safe, respectful distance and don't ask the guide to push boundaries.
Beyond safety measures, your tour guides are passionate people with a love for the captivating lands in which they work. For many experienced guides, bush lore runs in their blood. They know the cultures. Have navigated the landscapes. And watched endless stories of survival unfold. So, if you want to know the best spots or be treated to a unique tale whilst on safari, listen and connect with your guide.
5. Embrace Everything:
No two days on Safari are ever the same. That's part of the hypnotic fascination. Will you see mischievous honey-hued lion cubs wading through golden grasslands? A watering hole alive with the family dynamics of a majestic elephant herd? The piercing amber eyes of a lone leopard sheltering from the midday sun? With members of the Big 5 freely roaming the expansive horizons, there are natural spectacles to uncover every day. But not all drives will be action-packed.
Take the time to enjoy the quiet moments in between and find the wonder in even the smallest of wide-eyed bush babies or bouncing impalas. It's important to embrace every second on safari. Try new cuisines, learn a bit of history, and immerse yourself in cultures completely. This is your chance to soak up as much of Africa as possible beyond the fabled Big 5. A safari is a journey; make it one you'll treasure for a lifetime.
