First Time Safari

First Time Safari : A trip on an African safari can genuinely transform one’s life. Your first safari is a memory you’ll never forget, whether you select to visit East African countries like Kenya and Tanzania or head further south to Botswana and South Africa. Nothing contrasts to identifying legendary species like the Big Five in their natural habitats.

But before you check this off your bucket list, there’s a lot to think about. To what precise location should you go? What should you put in your bag? Which season is ideal? Fortunately, our tour consultants are available to assist. We’ve put together a comprehensive handbook for first-time safari visitors using their professional suggestions and guidance. Continue reading to learn all you require to know.

How do I plan my first safari?

Hiring professional tour guides is the best approach to organize a fantastic first safari experience. Our trip planners have personally planned dozens of safaris, so they have firsthand knowledge. They are privy to all the information and insider knowledge required to plan a flawless vacation, allowing you to focus on the adventure rather than the technicalities.

What’s the best time to go on safari in Africa?

The ideal time to go on safari completely depends on your priorities and areas of interest. Given the diversity of African sites, you may have a fantastic safari year-round, provided you take into account local weather patterns and seasonal celebrations.

For instance, since animals tend to congregate around limited water sources, safaris are frequently best conducted during the dry season, which runs from June to October. Additionally, you’ll need to plan your trip carefully if you want to see a particular occurrence, like as the Great Migration or the flooding of the Okavango Delta.

How long should your first safari be?

Your hobbies will also determine how long your journey will be. For the safari itself, we generally suggest staying 3–4 nights in one place. But if you wish to take in other experiences – like beaches, cultural excursions or wine tastings you’ll need to build them into your itinerary as well.

For example, if you select to go on safari in South Africa, you may wish to visit Cape Town or the Wine lands. Additionally, it’s a fantastic idea to combine thrilling activities in Lewa with a visit to the Maasai Mara National Reserve when in Kenya that is a wonderful safari experience.

What does a typical day on safari look like?

The majority of African safaris include wildlife drives in the morning and/or afternoon, interspersed with downtime to unwind at camp. Aside from getting up early in hopes of seeing wildlife at dawn, get ready for the thrilling (and occasionally dusty) experience of driving an open-sided vehicle into the countryside.

The greatest safari camps and lodges provide the ideal blend of opulence and closeness to the natural world. When you’re not touring, you can enjoy the pools, fitness centers, and top-notch restaurants that some of them provide. It often surprises newcomers how opulent tented camps may feel; you don’t have to forgo comfort in order to have a genuine safari experience.

What should you pack for a safari?

Packing light is the first rule when it comes to safari preparation. To make your trip go more smoothly, try packing only the necessities, especially if you are visiting several places. For cold morning game drives, we suggest packing lots of clothing, preferably in muted colours like beige to blend in and not scare the animals away.

Regarding gear, you may want to bring a high-quality camera. If so, ensure that you also have charging cables and a portable power bank. We also suggest packing a broad-brimmed hat, a waterproof jacket, sunglasses, a swimsuit, binoculars and a torch (flashlight). The last two are usually provided by the camps, although it’s always convenient to have your own.

Tented camps and opulent resorts are often your options when selecting a safari lodging. Without compromising comfort, tented campers let you get up close and personal with nature. Some models even allow you to move around to follow the wildlife. Luxury lodges are ideal for families because they typically offer a greater variety of amenities and activities.