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Africa safari tours are touted to be the most gorgeous outdoor experiences in the world. The wildlife of Africa is truly magnificent and hence, travelers from around the globe take up expeditions to witness its breathtaking scenery and awe-inspiring landscapes. No wonder Africa game drives here have gained immense popularity amongst millions of wildlife lovers and photographers. If you are one amongst these admirers of Africa safaris, whether it is Tanzania hunting safaris or Botswana hunting safaris, then explore this comprehensive guide to the quirkiest Africa Safari tours.
Complete Guide to Africa Safari Tours
1. Research First
Research is the major key to all happiness in Africa Safari holidays. Before you venture off to your destination and take up the safari, learn in detail about national parks, their weather, the kind of animals they nurture, safari trails, and everything else that would make your journey a happy experience. Go on the internet and explore the Africa Safari holidays that suit your needs and taste. All of this research would help you understand the country better. Searching for an Africa holiday? Click here.
2. Start Early
Ideally, Africa Safari tours start early. Hence, be a morning person and start as early as possible. The dawn is the right time when you would be able to spot the major animals in the national park, including the Big Five. Fauna in Africa is most active between 05:00 am and 09:00 am, and hence, starting early with the first light of the sun would help you discover the rare beauties of Africa. Moreover, you would be able to capture the natural charm of Africa through the lens of beautiful mornings and colorful sunrises.
3. Trust Your Guide
If you are hiring a ranger who is set to guide you through the forest or the national park, then you can trust them more than anyone else. Even if you haven’t seen anything special for a long time since you have been out on the safari, do not get disappointed and trust your ranger to show you around. They are well aware of the park, its activities, and its wildlife hotspots. So, leave everything on their shoulders, take a backseat, and just enjoy the scenery.
4. Book Your Stay Closer to the Park
Your stay matters a lot whether it is Serengeti Safaris across Tanzania or Kruger National Park in South Africa. The closer the stay is, the higher your chances of witnessing the wildest of Africa are. The place where you accommodate has a direct impact on your Africa safari experience. If you book your stay inside the national park at lodges, then you would be witnessing a lot of wildlife without moving anywhere. Just a few steps away from your terrace, you can spot elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and several other friends of the forest.
5. Nothing is guaranteed
Though African safari tours never let down any tourist, you need to be convinced with the fact that nothing is guaranteed. You need to know that you are venturing off in a national park spread across hundreds of kilometers and hence, there is no right time to spot an animal. You might encounter the rarest of species within the first 10 minutes of your safari or never see them even on your tenth excursion. Hence, it is always good to go with an open mind. Mother nature is a miracle in itself, after all.
6. No Dress Code
There is no proper dress code while visiting the national parks or the reserved regions of Africa when you are exploring around in a car or a van. It is because the animals see the entire vehicle as a single entity and therefore, wearing unnatural colors wouldn’t instigate them. However, if you are on a walking Africa safari tour, then you can be a little cautious. In this case, you would be asked by your ranger to wear neutral colors. It is one of the major Africa travel tips you need to keep in mind when on a safari.
7. Bring a Good Camera
Wildlife Safari and camera go hand in hand. There is no reason to miss out on capturing the splendors of African wildlife after all! If you already have a DSLR or a Mirrorless, bring it along. If you don’t, then do ask your ranger to arrange one for you. You can also rent a camera for a day or two. Frame the captivating charm of Kruger National Park or vlog your entire safari journey. Take wonderful shots of big-eared elephants, roaring lions, sky-touching giraffes, and so much more.
8. Backpack Gear
Before deciding on your gear, make sure to research the weather of the location you are visiting for an Africa Safari holiday. However, the must-have items in your backpack while taking up the expedition include:
- Camera
- Insect repellant
- Light scarf
- Sport shoes
- Utility jacket
- Camera battery backup
- Soft-sided bag
- Waterproof dry bag
- Extra memory cards
- First aid kit
- A pair of cargos and long-sleeved shirts/T-shirts
- Fanny bag
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen and moisturizer
- Binoculars
More Africa Safari Holiday Tips for a Memorable Excursion
- Do not use camera flash while taking pictures of the wildlife.
- Always check the timings of your safari with your tour operator and book the one who does several rounds in a single day.
- Wear comfortable clothes as you are going to be out for hours.
- Camouflage clothing is prohibited for civilians at several places. So, check with your ranger before donning one.
- Do not skip a game drive as you never know when you would spot the best of African wildlife.
- Do not spend too much time looking through the viewfinder of your camera. Instead, enjoy the wildlife from naked eyes.
- If you have a DSLR or Mirrorless, do bring a good zoom lens along to take the rarest close-ups.
- Above all, be kind to the animals and do not disturb them. We are walking into their habitat.
Have a Happy Safari!
Recommended Reads: What To Pack For A Safari In South Africa? 10 Unique Staycation Spots in South Africa 15 Safest Places to Visit in Africa After Lockdown
