Going on a safari is a big commitment on time and money. To get the most out of it, it needs to be planned very carefully. However, the process doesn’t stop with the planning. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your safari –

African Safari Do’s

DO leave your connectivity gadgets behind and deeply connect with the bush instead. Although many camps do provide WIFI nowadays, you will get more out of your trip tuning in to your surroundings.

DO wear beige, green and brown colored clothing to fit in without being seen miles away by the animals you like to get close to.

DO chat with the camp staff. They love that you show interest in their lives and finding out or even visiting their school and village, if possible, will give you the most interesting insights about their lives.

DO open all your senses. Take on the traits of a good guide and hear and smell animals before you see them. You will be amazed of the different smells in the bush if you pay attention to it. Listen for the alarm calls of antelopes, zebras and birds that announce predators in the vicinity and your experience will be beyond fabulous.

DO take a look at the stars at night. Africa is called the dark continent for a reason – few artificial lights make the stars brighter, seemingly closer, and you are able to see many more than you are used to. Try to find the Southern Cross.

DO get up early to join the morning game drives. The African bush at sunrise is pure magic and that is the time when the animals are on the move. Catch them wandering on the tracks or in search of a tree to sleep under during the lunch time heat.

African Safari Don’ts

DON’T bother bringing a hair dryer. Camps that are not near civilization and generate their own electricity are unable to support high wattage appliances such as hair dryers.

DON’T walk around in camp after dark without a ranger or leave your tent/unit. Wild animals are wild and many of them like to come into camp when it’s quiet after dark to munch on the greenery.

DON’T make sudden movements or talk loudly whilst on safari. It scares away the animals and your fellow safari goers won’t be impressed listening to you instead of the sounds of the bush.

DON’T jump out of the vehicle to get a better picture of an animal. Because the rest of the crowd in the vehicle will be able to sell pictures of you being munched or mutilated for a good price!

DON’T expect to see all the animals on your wish list or all the animals other people in camp saw. It does not matter how skilled your guide is, this is the wilderness. Please just enjoy the things you do see. There will be plenty little and big things.

DON’T anticipate a “tour”. An authentic safari is anything but a tour. It’s adventure, thrill, excitement, dusty roads and it can be comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time.

Going on safari means you are looking for the unusual and exciting. It’s no trip in the park. Keep an open mind and it will be the experience of a life time, unsurpassed!

Adventure To Africa is a company that covers Africa in depth. We are proud to offer safaris and trips tailored to your budget, from luxury to value. Impartial recommendations, in depth knowledge, local connections and a true love for Africa by people that have worked and lived in the African bush. Africa’s people and wild life make us what we are – your ultimate source to assist you with your African Adventure. www.AdventureToAfrica.com

Adventure To Africa | June 24, 2016