Before You Go
1. Travel 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 time 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 the African Adventure Company. The practical advice and charts in these resources make planning much easier.
2. Do Your Research: Before starting your journey, learn about the local customs, culture, policies, and history of the places you’ll visit. This will help you better adapt to the environment, respect local traditions, and make the most of your time there.
3. Be Ambitious but Realistic: If possible, don’t limit your trip to just one national park or reserve. Many African countries are vast and home to diverse natural scenery, meaning you don’t have to travel far to experience varied landscapes, climates, and wildlife.
If time and budget are limited, don’t attempt to explore the entire African continent in one go. The transportation system in inland African countries isn’t well-developed, and trying to cover too much ground can lead to unnecessary complications.
4. Prepare Thoroughly: It’s recommended that you 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 travels, I found two items absolutely essential: sunscreen (bring as much as you can) and antibacterial hand sanitizer. When our guide had a standoff with a male impala, our group had an unforgettable close encounter with a wild animal. I was very glad I had hand sanitizer with me.
5. Pack Smart but Light: In Zimbabwe during July and August, temperatures can drop to freezing at night but soar to scorching heat at noon. Most deserts and grasslands are like this. So, in addition to a hat and warm jacket, pack shorts, sunglasses, and tank tops.
Remember to travel light. Even if you’ve planned a ten-day trip, try to fit all your belongings into a single, lightweight backpack. Many hotels offer low-cost or even free laundry services for guests. If your hotel doesn’t provide this, bring a bottle of detergent. Recommended product: Sea to Summit Trek & Travel Laundry Wash.
In the Jungle
1. Be Patient: You might have traveled across half the world in search of the ultimate savanna views. But if you’re hoping for good weather and the perfect wildlife sighting, be prepared to wait. Remember: follow the crowd, trust your guide, and be patient when you don’t see what you’re hoping for right away.
2. Look Up: If you only focus on the ground, you’ll miss many wonders in the sky. Africa’s skies are home to many beautiful birds, and monkeys and reptiles can often be spotted in the treetops. Plus, the stars over the African savanna at night are among the brightest in the world—so take time to enjoy them after dark.
3. Look Down: Many visitors to Africa are searching for the “Big Five”—lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros, and buffalo. But the lesser-known “Little Five”—buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, rhinoceros beetle, leopard tortoise, and antlion—are just as fascinating.
4. Take Care of Yourself: Being in the jungle doesn’t mean giving up all comfort. Spending long hours on safari vehicles can cause eye strain and physical fatigue. I carry a concentrated 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. Experience the thrill of a jungle adventure and get up close with wildlife—feel like Tarzan for a day.