Before You Go
1. Be Smart: Africa is a huge continent with many countries offering safari tours. You need to define your personal travel goals: what animals you want to see, your budget, your travel schedule and scope. These factors will significantly influence your decisions and judgments throughout the trip.
Recommended reading: Fodor’s Complete Guide to African Safaris, and the safari-planning map produced by African Adventure Consultants. The practical tips and charts in these resources make planning much easier.
2. Do Your Research: Learn about the local customs, culture, policies, and history of the places you’ll visit before you start your journey. This will help you adapt better, respect local ways, and cherish your time there.
3. Be Ambitious but Realistic: If possible, don’t limit yourself to just one national park or reserve. Many African countries are vast and home to diverse landscapes, meaning you don’t have to travel far to experience varied terrains, climates, and wildlife.
If time and budget are limited, don’t try to cover the entire African continent in one go. The transportation system in inland African countries isn’t well-developed, and trying to see too much can lead to unnecessary complications.
4. Prepare Well: It’s recommended to get vaccinated or take other preventive measures before your trip. Once in Africa, carry basic medications with you, as you won’t always find a pharmacy in the jungle.
During my trip, I found two items indispensable: sunscreen (bring as much as you can) and antibacterial hand sanitizer. When our guide had a standoff with a male impala, we had an unforgettable close encounter with a cold-blooded animal. I was very glad I had that hand sanitizer handy.
5. Pack Smart but Light: In Zimbabwe during July and August, day and night temperatures vary greatly, dropping to freezing at night but turning scorching hot at noon. Most deserts and grasslands are like this. So pack not only hats and warm jackets, but also shorts, sunglasses, and tank tops.
Remember to travel light. Even if you’ve planned a ten-day trip, try to fit all your personal belongings into a single, lightweight backpack. Many hotels offer low-cost or even free laundry services for guests. If your hotel doesn’t, bring a bottle of detergent. Recommended product: Sea to Summit Trek & Travel Laundry Wash.
In the Jungle
1. Be Patient: You may have traveled halfway around the world in search of the ultimate savanna views. But if you’re hoping for good weather and the perfect wildlife sighting, be prepared for long waits. Remember: follow the crowd, trust your guide, and wait patiently if you don’t see what you’re hoping for right away.
2. Look Up: If you keep your eyes fixed on the ground, you’ll miss a lot of beauty in the sky. Africa’s skies are home to many beautiful birds, and monkeys and reptiles can often be spotted in the treetops. Also, the stars over the African savanna at night are among the brightest in the world—so be sure to spend some time enjoying them after dark.
3. Look Down: Many visitors to Africa come in search of the “Big Five”—lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo. But the lesser-known “Little Five”—buffalo weaver birds, elephant shrews, rhinoceros beetles, leopard tortoises, and antlions—are just as fascinating.
4. Take Care of Yourself: Being in the jungle doesn’t mean giving up all comfort. Spending long hours in a safari vehicle can cause eye strain and take a toll on your body. I carry a small bottle of leave-in conditioner to prevent my hair from tangling in the wind, and a foldable yoga mat to do some stretches and prevent back stiffness.
5. Plan a Solo Adventure: If possible, set aside a day during your trip to explore without the group and enjoy the thrill of a jungle adventure. Get up close with the animals and experience your own Tarzan moment.