If you have never done an African safari, here’s a few things you should expect:
Early starts
The camps will wake you up early for the morning game drives, the earlier you go the better chance of seeing the elusive nocturnal game like big cats in action.
Exposure
Most game vehicles are open to the elements and some without a canopy – a hat and sunscreen is a must. Even in summer the early morning drives can be cold so a warm jacket or vest is advised. We have a good collection of branded camp warm gear to attest to not being prepared for this!
Plenty of food
The all-inclusive safaris can offer food 8 times a day when you take in tea breaks, sundowner snacks let alone the hearty three meals.
Inactive and yet tiring
It is not the norm to have a gym or be able to go for an unaccompanied walk or run in the bush, for obvious wild reasons. And, despite sitting in a safari vehicle, all the fresh air and bouncing around will leave you wanting an early night! There are walking safaris if you really feel you must stay active – but keep in mind big game will typically be avoided on walks.
Bush toilet breaks
Some drives can last all day if you opt for it and not all places have toilets so be prepared to visit the bush toilet.
Unpredictable and quiet drives
You might think that you will see everything all the time but it is a matter of luck being in the right place at the right time. You can drive around all morning and not see much and in the afternoon see everything.
The thought of kids seeing the animals is amazing but the reality is much time is spent looking for animals and in my experience they lose interest fast and turn on their devices.
Sharing meals and game drives with other people
Depending on the camp and your requests, you may have to share meal times and game drives with random people the camp throw together. It can be fun and it can painful if everyone doesn’t respect each other. Kids jumping around and making noise, the front seat hoggers and those ignorant to the fact that it is a shared experience.
General game watching
If you want to look for specific things like birds and spend your own sweet time enjoying them then book your own vehicle as with a group the guide will do his best to show you everything and search for things the group has not seen.
Close encounters
Do expect to get close to game. For example, Elephant and Lion can walk right beside the vehicle. Trust and listen to your guide.
Pay a Tip
You are expected to pay your guide and the camp staff a tip. Of course this is at your discretion but USD10 per day per person for the guide should be a minimum. The same amount can be placed in a tip box for other camp staff.