Below is a spotlight on a variety of southern African parks and reserves to make your decision process go a bit more smoothly:

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Perfect for . . .

• Honeymooners who are looking for the ultimate romantic setting with a seamless combination of adventure and relaxation.
• Families who want to experience some of Africa’s most highly acclaimed safari tours.
• Bird lovers who want to exercise their photography skills in the bush.
• The adventurous and the non-adventurous. With accommodations for all preferences, travelers can choose from adventurous camps to more refined, luxury lodges and hotels.

When to go: Although the Okavango Delta offers year-round beauty, the best time for game viewing is during the months when vegetation has dried out, between May and October. And for bird lovers, the months between November and April are an exciting time as migrant bird populations return to the area.

What to see and do:

• Enjoy adventurous game drives where you’ll witness exotic birds, elephants, zebras, buffalo, red lechwe, wattled crane, lion, buffalo, hippos, and giraffes.
• Visit Moremi National Park and witness breathtaking scenery comprised of cracked, red-mud plains and glistening lagoons hidden between the solid trunks of towering baobabs.
• Experience glorious boat rides through the blue lagoons and witness some of Africa’s most exotic bird life.
• Enjoy a delightful picnic on one of the Okavango Delta’s exclusive islands.
• Embark on a journey above the treetops in a helicopter safari.

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Perfect for . . .

• Honeymooners who are interested in spending most of their days exploring one of the world’s most magnificent wildlife sanctuaries.
• Adventurists looking to explore and discover the unknown on walking safaris.
• Avid birdwatchers.

When to go: Although South Luangwa National Park is open year-round, the best time to visit is during the months between April and November.

What to see and do:

• As one of Africa’s leading safari destinations, South Luangwa National Park is ideal for walking safaris and game drives where visitors often witness the elusive leopard.
• Strewn with interlacing networks of streams and tributaries, South Luangwa National Park is comprised of thriving eco-systems that are home to over 100 different species of mammals and more than 500 species of birds.
• Enjoy a mountain biking safari tour through game trails and paths.

Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

Perfect for . . .

• Honeymooners interested in African safari tours.
• Adventurous families.
• Photographers looking to capture some of the most beautiful areas of Africa on camera.

When to go: The best time to visit this park is during the months of March to early October. These months offer fantastic weather and game viewing at its best.

What to see and do:

• Located on the southern bank of the Zambezi River, Mana Pools encompasses 541,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness—commonly called Zimbabwe’s Wildlife Riviera because of its abundant wildlife.
• Experience walking safaris among the roaming wildlife and discover animal tracks, callings, and behaviors.
• Take a wild journey on an adventurous canoeing safari as you trail down the Zambezi from Kariba in the west and reach Kanyemba in the east.
• Observe grazing buffalo, still crocodiles, wading elephants, hippo families and over 380 species of bird, such as as goliath herons and malachite kingfishers.

Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in our comments section.

Enjoy!

Michael

Any Other “Zambia-Related” Travel Resources to Share?

Please comment below in the comments section. Thank you!

When people think of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, they think of red sand dunes and massive black-manes lions, but it’s the small things that make this extenisive conservation area such and extraordinary place. Ground squirrels, surricates, and even Cape cobras are all regularly seen and even photographed! It is also home to some of Africa’s shyest creatures, such as brown hyenas and caracals. So next time your body is craving the African bush, and you know it’s time for somewhere other than the Kruger National Park, head for the Northern Cape…and explore the Kgalagadi.

In October 2009 I embarked on a 42-day trip to the Kgalagadi, visiting all nine public camps and staking out all the waterholes along the Auob and Nossob riverbeds. Here are a few handy tips for future Kgalagadi visitors:

Best Season

The Kgalagadi is a place of extremes. In summer it becomes unbearably hot, and in winter the nights dip way below freezing. This is typical of desert environments and therefore you should ideally try to avoid mid-summer or mid-winter, and rather try to book in the transition times. Make sure to book way in advance, though, because it is an extremely popular park.

The most enjoyable time in the park is probably March and April. The temperatures are very pleasant and if you’re lucky, there’s still a bit of greenery from the summer rains. September/October can be just as nice temperature wise, but this is also the time that the desert sand storms become a regular sight. This is not necessarily a bad thing – the dusty skies can make for some very dramatic wildlife and scenery photographs! Spring is also the best time of the year to photograph thunderstorms and lightning over the Kalahari dunes. To be honest – this is my favourite time of the year! I especially love the cloud formations that accompany the big storms.

Photographic opportunities in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Because of the relatively flat and open landscape and relaxed animals, the Kgalagadi is a wildlife photographer’s dream! Unlike the Kruger National Park, most game drives are done along two major gravel roads – one along the Auob River (in the west) and one along the Nossob River (in the east). These are fossil rivers and only flow in years of excessive rainfall, as was the case in 2000 when most of southern Africa was drenched for months on end.

A series of boreholes along these two riverbeds feed small waterholes every 8-12 kilometres and attract great quantities of animals each day. This is where a lot of the photographic action takes place…

How long should I wait?

In the rainy season (October – February) there are often a number of natural pools in the riverbeds, making it less worthwhile to sit for hours at one of the man-made waterholes. In winter, however, it may very well be worth it to sit at any given waterhole for an extended period of time. Patience pays off! Early morning and late afternoon is best for predators and most general game species, as well as for birds such as doves and sand grouse. During the heat of the day raptors such as secretary birds and vultures often come down to drink.

The big question is generally: should I stay at ONE waterhole, or should I drive a bit quicker past a few different ones? Both options can be rewarding, so use your gut feel.

Which are the best waterholes?

My five favourite waterholes (in no particular order) are:

Samevloeiing (approximately 5 km from Twee Rivieren camp along the Nossob River).

• Samevloeiing’s first great advantage is the fact that it’s so close to camp. You can head out there an hour before gate closing time, sit for 40 minutes, and still be back in camp before the game closes. It also has a unique design that allows visitors to stop on both sides of the waterhole – there is a larger parking area above the waterhole with a spectacular view over the confluence of the Auob and Nossob rivers, and a smaller loop at the bottom of the waterhole, to allow you another angle of photography. Samevloeiing attracts a lot of animals, especially springbok and gemsbok. Cheetah are also seen in the area on a regular basis.

Cubitje Quap (approximately 10 km north of Nossob camp along the Nossob River)

• This is one of the most famous waterholes in the park due to its proximity to the road and large quantities of animals and birds that drink here. The waterhole is virtually right next to the parking area and attracts massive numbers of Cape turtle doves and sand grouse every morning. Lions, black-backed jackals, blue wildebeest, springbuck and many other species drink here regularly. You don’t get a much better waterhole for morning photography than Cubitje Quap!

Dalkeith (approximately 24 km south of Mata Mata camp along the Auob River)

• Dalkeith is situated in very open, scenic veld with bright red sand dunes and picturesque camelthorn trees. This is prime lion country, but also a good area to search for bat-eared foxes and Cape foxes, which sometimes den close to the waterhole. Dalkeith is another one of the drinking places that is situated right next to the road, making it extremely easy to photograph drinking birds and animals.

Marie se Draai (approximately 16 km south of Nossob camp along the Nossob River)

• Marie se Draai is relatively close to the road and situated ideally for afternoon photography. The viewing area is a bit higher than the waterhole itself, which is not ideal for wildlife photography, but it does give you a stunning view over this very scenic part of the Nossob riverbed. It’s a very popular place for people to spend the last hour of sunlight before the camp gates close. General game drink here in great numbers, and I have seen lions and leopard here before. It’s also a great place for jackals and foxes.

Polentswa (approximately 62 km north of Nossob Camp along the Nossob River)

• What I love about Polentswa is its remote location. It’s miles away from anything and, just like the waterholes above, close to the road. A large tree in the parking area provides shade in the heat of the day and the waterhole often attracts lions and large raptors such as lapped-faced and white-backed vultures.

What about the camps?

In-camp photography is phenomenal in the Kgalagadi! The birds and animals that make the camps their home have become extremely accustomed to humans, allowing you to approach them easily, sometimes almost within touching distance!

In all three larger camps, Twee Rivieren, Nossob and Mata Mata, you can expect to see and photography ground squirrels, yellow mongoose and a variety of bird species. The bird baths (or any dripping taps or other water sources) are generally the best stakeouts for bird photography. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a snake in camp, making it relatively easy to get a photo (as opposed to photographing snakes from your vehicle outside camp).

Nossob has one of the best-designed hides I have ever photographed from, being far away from camp (thanks to a tunnel-like walkway) and looking down at a very close and productive waterhole, which attracts most species that occur in the park.

The six smaller, exclusive camps, all have their own waterhole in front of the camp. Grootkolk’s waterhole is probably the most productive of all and it’s here that I’ve seen (and photographed) a leopard coming down to drink at 8 am! Urikaruus also has a very productive waterhole right on the doorstep of the four units. Here you even have a chance to see a cheetah kill from the comfort of your balcony! The smaller camps are much quieter than the three main camps, and therefore you also stand a chance to see shy creatures such as brown hyenas coming to drink here!

In conclusion

If you’re ever wondering whether it’s worthwhile driving so far to this desert park…it is! Yes, is far. Yes, the roads can be very bad if you’re unlucky. BUT, the wildlife photography opportunities are exceptional and the remoteness does wonders for the soul! My final advice is this: Go for longer than a week, rather stay longer at one or two camps than racing around to see them all, and book in advance!!

Enjoy the Kgalagadi!

This is Villiers’ second post of this nature on our website. If you enjoyed this guest post then check out his previous post “Wildlife Photography in the Kruger National Park“.

For more great photos by Villiers Steyn, please visit www.visionphoto.co.za

While on Safari in the Serengeti a colleague experienced some serious dirt and dust not only on the lens but also on the sensor of her DSLR. It turned out the investment of a small lens cleaning pack prior to my African trip became priceless.

DSLR Cleaning equipment. Lens Cleaner, Dust Brush, Lens Tissue, Cotton Buds and Lens Filters for extra protection for the lens.

We pulled up in the Serengeti surrounded by the migrating herds of Wildebeest and Zebra, and I dismantled her DSLR and attempted to clean the lens and sensor. Dirt or dust on the sensor of your DSLR can be tricky to clean, and is usually best done by professionals in a controlled environment, but as you can imagine there is not a lot of options in the middle of the Serengeti. So after a nerve racking 30 minutes using lens cleaning fluid, Inca lens cleaning tissue and cotton buds I managed to get a clear result and we continued on our journey in the Serengeti. If it wasn’t for the small price of a cleaning kit, all of my colleagues African Safari photos would have come out in splotches.

The result of a dirty lens or sensor

The image above is a sample of what can happen when you have dirt or dust on the lens or sensor of your camera.

A clean result

While this particular example is easy to adjust in post you’re not going to be this lucky all the time. So always keep that small package of cleaning gear handy, you will never regret it. If you’re not equipped to handle dust and dirt then you need to be.

Packing for your safari should be a truly exciting experience. You’ll start to feel butterflies in the stomach and that familiar twinge of anticipation as you pick your clothes and pack your outdoor essentials, and of course your trusty camera for snapping an ungainly hyena or a soaring fish eagle. It’s certainly easy to get carried away, but stick to our carefully considered safari selection and you won’t go wrong!

1. Clothing

OK, so you know you need clothes. Nobody wants to get that close to nature out in the African wilderness. But what kind of clothes? Most people find shorts or trousers the most comfortable on safari, depending on the time of year and your exact safari location. You should also take some loose-fitting, comfortable shirts or t-shirts – maybe not your absolute favourites though, since they’re likely to get a little creased and more than a little sweaty! One long-sleeved shirt – possibly with inbuilt insect or sun protection – is also very useful. Moreover, you’ll need a wide-brimmed hat which covers both your face and the back of your neck.

It’s also worth taking a warm fleece with you – yes, Africa is a hot country, but early morning game drives can be quite chilly, and you’ll feel the bracing breeze once you’ve got the windows and roof open! You’ll also appreciate it on the cooler evenings, especially if you want to take an al fresco drink or sit at the camp fire if you’re staying at a tented camp. Take some sturdy walking boots with you, and some thick, comfortable socks to wear underneath. These will be particularly useful if you want to go on a nature walk, a walking safari or a mountain hike.

Ladies may also wish to take a sarong or khanga with them – these multi-purpose garments can be used as a headscarf to keep hair out the way if it’s particularly windy, a scarf if it gets chilly, or a lightweight shawl to protect shoulders from the sun. It can also be folded nice and small to fit in your day bag (we recommend a small backpack) when you’re not using it!

2. Healthcare Essentials

First on the list is some very high SPF sun cream. Even if you consider yourself used to the sun, the sun is extremely strong in Africa and it’s simply not worth getting burnt – you don’t want any distraction from your game-viewing! Factor 50 is recommended. It’s also useful to bring an extreme/sports sunblock. These are very small – usually the size and shape of a lip balm – and can be taken in a day bag or pocket for reapplication to sensitive areas whenever you feel it’s necessary.

You’ll also need some good quality sunglasses. The reason sunglasses come under healthcare essentials and not clothing is that you will need sunglasses to protect you, not just as a fashion accessory! Physicists recommend you choose sunglasses with at least 99% UVB protection and 95% UVA protection. Instead of offering proper protection, cheap sunglasses will simply darken you vision, meaning your pupils will dilate to allow extra light in. Without proper UV protection, your dilated pupils will also take in more harmful UV rays and could cause extensive damage to your eyes.

Take some mosquito repellent with you. If you don’t want to carry a large bottle when you’re out on game drives, just bring some wipes in your day bag. They come in tiny sachets and are very handy – especially if you’re out on an evening game drive when the sun has started to set and the mosquitoes are at their most active.

3. Interactive

First on the list has to be a camera, and all the stuff that comes with it! Depending on how much of an amateur or professional you are this could be anything from spare batteries or a charger, to extra memory cards, a zoom lens and a dust-proof camera case! Whatever your level, a little beanbag is always useful for resting your camera on and steadying hands. It’s the safari-friendly alternative to an unwieldy tripod!

Even if you have fantastic eyesight and the world’s most observant safari guide, a pair of binoculars will enhance your safari experience immeasurably. Using binoculars is often the only way to take in those tiny details – examining the differences between a plains zebra and a Grevy’s zebra, marvelling at the sheer size of a black rhino’s horn, even staring into the golden eyes of a hungry lioness.

Of course, you’ll want to know exactly what it is you’re looking at through your fantastic binoculars. Was that a ground hornbill or a Kori bustard? A masai giraffe or a Rothschild’s? Doing a bit of research in some bird and wildlife books is worth every minute. It’s no use your guide telling you that today you might spot a rare beisa Oryx if you’ve got no idea what these beautiful creatures look like!

The enthusiastic botanists amongst you might even want to take a guide to the plants, trees and vegetation you might encounter. The landscape of Africa is hugely diverse, from the riverine forest to the open savannah to the reed-spotted marshlands. And you wouldn’t want to confuse a doum palm with an oil palm, would you?

4. Safety, Security and Practicality

A torch is always useful to take on a safari holiday. If you’re staying in a campsite, a large torch and a head torch will of course be a blessing. Even many luxury tented camps and permanent lodges turn off the power, usually from around midnight to five in the morning, either for practical or environmental reasons. In this case, a wind-up torch is useful for any late night trips to the toilet! NB – you can usually arrange to have the power turned on before the scheduled time in cases of early departure etc.

A Swiss army knife is a marvellous miscellaneous tool for any occasion. The bottle opener is there for opening cold drinks bought at road-side cafés on long journeys. The scissors are handy for snipping off loose threads. And of course if you’re camping, the various knives and tin-openers will be invaluable.

Although they may not be entirely practical for wear during your actual game drives, a money belt is undoubtedly the most secure way to keep your money, passport and other important documents to hand when you’re in transit. They are particularly useful if you are flying through large and busy airports such as Nairobi or Johannesburg, or if you have to take coach or train transfers anywhere.

So, that’s our fairly comprehensive list of necessary safari items. This article focuses mainly on items you’ll need whilst actually on safari, so don’t forget the things you’ll need to actually get to your safari destination – like visa, passport and local currency! We hope you’ve found the article helpful, and remember the most important thing – safari njema!

Each region of Africa is full of new and exciting cultures, adventures, and history. But some areas are better suited for you based on your specific preferences. South Africa, for example, is great for honeymooners who wish to experience city elements and some wildlife safaris, while East Africa is ideal for those who wish to do more safaris and / or take part in chimpanzee or gorilla trekking.

The great thing about planning a luxury African honeymoon is that each and every detail is high-end and completely customized based on your personal preferences. Therefore, you experience Africa exactly the way you want, when you want.

When considering a honeymoon to Africa, it’s important to be realistic about everything from your budget to your personal preferences—and don’t forget about the preferences of your husband or wife! He or she might have different vacation preferences than you, which is why it’s always important to compile individual lists and then compromise on each element of your lists.

Here are five things you need to know before booking a honeymoon to Africa:

1. Your budget: If you want a high-end, completely customized African honeymoon, your budget must be a minimum of $10,000 per person. This includes your airfare and transportation, luxury accommodations, superior services and amenities, private tours / safaris, intimate dinners, and each and every small detail that makes all the difference.

2. The time of year you wish to take your honeymoon: Depending on the time of year you want to book your honeymoon to Africa, you could have to book anywhere from six months to over a year out. If you wish to experience your honeymoon over the holidays in December, you need to plan 12 – 18 months in advance to ensure your space in Africa’s most romantic and renowned accommodations.

We advise that you book your honeymoon as soon as possible so that each of your accommodation preferences can be met.

We also suggest that you plan on visiting Africa for your honeymoon in the months between July and November, as these months yield the most beauty and wildlife. Although many countries in Africa are year-round destinations, some months do offer greater wildlife observation and weather conditions.

3. Your accommodation preferences: Africa’s accommodations range everywhere from mobile tents to lavish five-star hotels, and luxurious chalets to romantic “tree houses.”

If you’re thinking: “A mobile tent on my honeymoon? No way,” you might be surprised to discover that although these accommodations are mobile, they are spacious, intimate, and high-end. It’s also important to consider that these mobile safaris usually only last anywhere from 2 – 5 days, which means you can stay in a luxury chalet or hotel for the rest of your stay in Africa. But, if you and your spouse are not the adventurous type, a mobile safari might not be for you.

Chalets are a great medium between a five-star hotel and a mobile safari. They have a permanent location, often incorporating elements of nature in their design and boast 19^th century safari décor and romance. Most chalets have an open design which enables air and other natural surroundings to incorporate themselves within these spacious and private accommodations.

4. Your activity preferences: Do you want to visit the fluffy white beaches of Mozambique? Has one of your lifelong dreams been to view the Big Five on safari? Are you interested in experiencing the bustling city of Cape Town or touring the infamous Table Mountain? Whether you crave adventure or desire a more peaceful and romantic escape, you must understand your preferences before booking your honeymoon to Africa.

Customized itineraries can bring you the best of both worlds. Whether you want 80% of your trip to be relaxation and romance with 20% of your trip comprised of adventurous activities, or vice versa, a personalized itinerary has the ability to accommodate your specific needs.

It’s also important to be open and honest with your African travel agent about your activity preferences. A great African travel agent will get to know you and your spouse and understand your personal needs and desires, and provide you with the best advice for your luxury honeymoon.

5. The length of time you wish to stay: Whether you want your honeymoon to last for two weeks or a month, you need to plan your destinations and activities based on the time you have in Africa. It’s also important to consider length of stay when planning your budget to Africa.

Also, you will have more time to devote to activities if you remain in the same region of Africa as oppose to moving throughout the continent during your stay. This is why it’s important to understand your transportation options and how much time each option will take away from your activities.

Babbelas (bub-buh-luss): A hangover.

Biltong: meat that is salted, cut into strips and dried in the sun. Typical biltong has a “beefy” flavour, but you can also get ostrich biltong, antilope biltong or even buffalo biltong.

Boerewors (boor-uh-vors): Traditional farmer’s sausage.

Braai: “barbecue” in Afrikaans. South Africans who cannot cook their “braai” are not “real” South Africans!

Marmite: Dark-coloured spread made of vegetable extract, used on bread or toast just like jam. Personally, I find it untasty, but that’s just me…

Mealie (mih-lih): “maize” or “corn”. “Mealie meal” is a maize meal, the staple diet of South Africa, mainly cooked into “pap” (porridge).

Naartjie (nar-chee): tangerine.

Sarmie: sandwich.

General Expressions & Words

Ag shame (pronounced agh): expression of compassion or admiration.

Bakkie: a pick-up truck.

Bliksem: to “beat up”, “hit” or “punch”.

Boet (pronounced like book, but with a “t”): term of affection, similar to “bru” (see below).

Bru (brew): short for “brother”. As in “pal” or “friend”. “How are you doing, bru”?

China: has nothing to do with the country! To a South African, china means “friend”, “mate” or “pal”.

Eina (ay-nah): ouch! Can also be used for “sore”.

Eish! (aysh): used to express surprise, wonder or exasperation.

Fundi (foon-dee): an “expert” in a certain domain.

Fynbos (fayn-baws): “Fine bush” in Afrikaans. Type of vegetation uniquely found around the Cape area.

Gogga, or Goggo (gho-gha, gho-gho): insect, bug.

Gogo: “grandmother” or “elderly woman”, in Xhosa or Zulu.

Graze: eat.

Howzit: A traditional South African greeting meaning “How are you?”, “How are things?”, or simply “Hello”.

Indaba (in-daa-bah): a “conference”, “expo” or “place of gathering”. In isiZulu it means “a matter for discussion”.

Is it (izit): an expression used in a discussion to signify “Is that so?”.

Jol (jawl): to “have fun”, “party”, “disco”, or just a “thing”.

Just now: as in “in the near future”. Not immediately (that would be “now-now”), but later on.

Lekker (lekk-irr, with a rolling “r”): “tasty” (for food), “good”, “nice”, or “awesome”.

Nê (neh): “Really?” or “Is that so?”. Sarcastic connotation.

Oke: “man”, similar to “guy” or “bloke”. “Oke‘s my china”: this guy’s my friend! Sounds like Chinese, I do agree!

Robot: traffic light.

Rondavel: Circular hut or house. Often used as accommodation for guests or tourists.

Rooibos: Afrikaans for “red bush”, and now world-famous tea with many health benefits.

Sangoma: “Traditional healer” or “sorcerer” using traditional medicine.

Sharp: “ok”, “good”, “goodbye”. Sometimes used repetitively: “sharp sharp”!

Shebeen: a place where you can by liquor, or a tavern usually set in a township (shanty town).

Shongololo: a large black millipede.

Smokes: cigarettes.

Takkies: running shoes or sneakers.

Veld: “open grassland”, that can also refer to the “countryside”. Dutch word for “field”.

Yebo: yes (Zulu).

World Cup 2010 Specials

Bafana: “boys” in Nguni. South Africa’s national football team is known as the “Bafana Bafana”.

eShibobo: nutmeg. When a football player sticks the ball through his opponent’s legs.

iDiski: game of “soccer” in South African township slang.

Jabulani (Adidas): “Official Match Ball” for the FIFA World Cup 2010. Means “rejoice” in Zulu.

Laduma: goal (in Zulu)!

Makarapa: Modified, decorated miners’ helmet unique to South African soccer fans.

Tsamaya: extraordinary football skill, most commonly known as a “feint”.

Vuvuzela (voo-voo-zeh-lah): a colourful plastic trumpet with the sound similar to a foghorn, that virtually every “soccer” aficionado brings to celebrate and “make noise” (meaning of the word in isiZulu) during matches.

Zakumi: South Africa’s Official World Cup 2010 Mascot! It’s origin comes from two words: “za” (South Africa’s country code), and “kumi” (number ten in many African languages).

Learn the Diski Dance

How to do the Diski Dance – Step by Step Video Lessons.

South African Tourism 2010 TV Advert

Calling an African safari your “vacation” is a pretty huge understatement. A trip of such magnitude usually ranks right around “climbing Mt. Everest” and “boating down the Amazon” on the “do it before I die” lists of our planet’s most adventurous souls.

A vacation is going to the shore for a week with your relatives. An African safari is the trip of a lifetime. In turn, you can’t just throw some clean undies into your bag and plan on going to Wal-mart for anything you forgot. A journey like this requires some serious advance planning. Here are a few tips to get you on your way.

1. What do you want to see?

The first step is figuring out what you want to see. On a safari that translates to deciding what kind of wildlife you wish to encounter. Africa is a big continent and you may have to sacrifice seeing certain animals in order to view others in their natural habitat.

A lot of African safaris cover what is called the “Big 5”. That includes lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and elephants. Good places to see these animals include Masai Mara in Kenya and Kruger National Park in South Africa.

If you would rather see gorillas then you should plan on going to Rwanda, Gabon, or Uganda. For crocodiles and hippos you can explore the lakes and rivers of eastern or southern Africa. The Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania has ample viewing opportunities.

2. Know your budget.

One question you should ask yourself before planning a trip to Africa is how much you can afford to spend. This is important because it can greatly affect the enjoyment of your trip. Although the beauty of the landscape is astounding, you may not be able to see all of the expected wildlife without spending at least a few weeks there. It is recommended to stay there for at least a month.

You may be able to save money by booking this trip through a travel agency. There are many travel agencies with varying prices. For example, if you are looking for flights to South Africa, you may want to consider Liberty Travel. With some research, you can find great prices for planning this trip of a lifetime.

3. How are you getting around?

This sort of goes with deciding how much “roughing it” you expect to do. If you want to have a more relaxed vacation then you will probably be doing your wildlife viewing from a four-wheel drive vehicle. However, there are many other options for the more adventurous types.

A safari on the back of an elephant isn’t the most discrete way to sneak up on wildlife, but you’ll feel like Tarzan cruising through the jungle on the back of such a gigantic creature. Abu Camp in Botswana offers elephant back safaris.

You can also experience the jungles and savannahs of Africa simply by walking. This is a great way to get to know the guides and take advantage of their wealth of knowledge. Being on foot will really give you a sense of immersion in the countryside.

There are many other ways to get around in the savannah as well. You could canoe alongside crocodiles on the Zambezi River, race zebras on horseback, or hot-air balloon over the Serengeti Plains. It all depends on your budget and personal preference.

4. Getting into shape.

Even if you plan on being shuttled from your hotel to a nearby wilderness and then being back by nightfall, you are still going to want to be physically fit for this journey. Not only will this help you if you are doing a lot of physical activity, but a healthy body means a healthy immune system and you don’t want to get run down and catch a cold.

Start planning at least nine months to a year in advance and join a gym as soon as you’ve set a date. Get on a good program of eating healthy and exercising and make sure you stick to it.

To take full advantage of this trip you should be in the best physical condition you possibly can be. If you smoke it’s time to quit. If you are a drinker it is time to moderate. “Great adventures are had by great human beings”, so if you are planning an African safari you need to prepare to be the best person you can be.

5. Thinking outside the box.

When most people go on safari they go for a package deal. These are in no way a cop-out to your own independent safari. In fact, you will probably get a whole lot more out of it when traveling with guides who know the area and where to see the best wildlife.

However, if you are planning on going on one of the pre-planned safaris, there is nothing stopping you from going a little early or staying a little late to do some exploring on your own. After all, you’ve already suffered through the plane ride. Might as well make the most of it!

Do some research on the surrounding areas where you are traveling. If you are going on a rugged backpacking safari in South Africa, why not spend an extra week at the end of the trip pampering yourself on a beach in Cape Town or enjoying the Johannesburg nightlife? There are plenty of other things in Africa than just animals and jungles. It is just a matter of finding them.

As was said earlier, a trip of this caliber is not to be taken lightly. And yet it should not be so intimidating that you are scared to just go for it. Sometimes it takes being put in a dramatic situation for a person to realize just how incredible they really are.

It is important that you don’t get in over your head when planning a safari like this. If you have never camped before you might not want to plan a two-week hiking trip through the jungle. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t push yourself. By planning ahead and getting yourself into shape you will be able to make the most out of what could be the greatest adventure of your life.

If you missed our previous post on what TO bring on a trip to Africa, click here to read the list of safari vacation essentials.

Below is a list of items that should not be taken on a day trip safari tour:

1. Bright colored clothing: Bright colors are not appropriate for game viewing while on a game drive or other safari tour. Because bright colors often alert the animals, stick to neutral toned clothing such as khaki, off-white, brown, beige, and tan.

2. An oversized bag: Safari vehicles and mokoros (canoes) are limited in space, which is why it is essential not to bring huge quantities of anything while game viewing. Not only are safari vehicles and mokoros limited in space, but it’s also unnecessary to bring a huge duffle bag of items as you will often only be on safari for a portion of the day.

Whether you are on a mokoro safari or a game drive, bring a small purse-size bag that can easily be stored behind your feet or on your lap. If needed, bring a wait pouch to store any additional items that you wish to keep close to you such as money, credit cards, and / or documents.

Make all necessary preparations before leaving on safari to reduce the amount of items you will need to bring with you. If you are going to be in the sun for a few hours, put sunscreen on before you leave and treat your clothing with bug spray prior to your departure. This eliminates the need to bring extra bottles that often take up a good bit of room.

3. Cell Phone: There is no need for a cell phone while on safari. Not only do you risk losing or damaging your phone, but you also risk alarming the animals if the phone is to go off. Safari guides are equipped with hand held radios at all times in case any emergencies should arise; therefore, the need to make calls via cell phone is not necessary.

4. Expensive jewelry and clothing: Whether you are on a game drive, mokoro safari, or walking safari, clothing can easily become dirtied and sometimes ruined. The dust of the dry lands, sweat, bug spray, sunscreen, and even water can soil clothing items while on safari. Don’t take the risk of ruining any expensive clothing you might have. Bring inexpensive pants, shirts, and hats while on your safari tours.

Also, jewelry can be alarming to the animals, not to mention you run the risk of losing or ruining jewelry while on trips through the bush and across the plains. If a jewelry item is to fall into the water or off the vehicle, it is difficult to retrieve and will often remain where it fell due to safety precautions.

5. Food: A granola bar or small snack is fine to take on safari. But, bringing excessive amount of food or enticing animals with food is a huge no-no. Sometimes safari-goers are under the impression that by throwing food at the animals, they can get a closer look. This is extremely unsafe and prohibited.

Also, the wrappers from packaged food items should not be thrown out of the safari vehicle. If you do bring a granola bar or other small food item with you on safari, always securely store the package of the food item into your bag. If a wrapper were to fall out of the safari vehicle, not only would it be polluting the pristine land, but it could also be a health danger to an unsuspecting animal that tries to eat it or scavenges for left-over crumbs.

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Packing for any trip, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long trip, isn’t the most relaxing way to spend your afternoons and nights prior to your departure. The stress of forgetting something important or packing too much is always on the back-burner of your mind. But now, you’re days away from departing on your next big trip: a 10 day safari vacation in Africa. And the sheer thought of packing sends your stress levels sky rocketing.

But with the right packing tips, the only emotion you’ll feel in the weeks, days, and seconds prior to your trip to Africa is sheer excitement!

Rest assured that with the below packing tips, you’ll be relaxed and ready for your trip of a lifetime in the few weeks leading up to your departure.

Packing tips

1. Know the climate: Because you don’t want to over-stuff your bag with unnecessary items, ask your safari travel agent what the climate will be like in the country(s) you’ll be visiting in Africa.

Ask the following:

• Is it winter time or summer time?
• Is it the dry season or the wet season?

This should give you a better idea of what to pack in terms of heavy clothing or lighter attire.

2. Clothing: Whether you plan on partaking in walking safaris, canoe safaris, or game drives during your stay in Africa, long-sleeve shirts and pants are essential to prevent bugs, small scratches (walking safaris), and sunburns.

If you are traveling to Africa in the summer months, a rule of thumb is to bring light-cotton clothing, and if you’re traveling to Africa in the winter, bring heavier items in addition to a few lighter items so that you can remove layers if necessary.

For each item you choose to put in your suitcase, ask yourself:

• Is it comfortable and semi-casual / casual?
• Is it a neutral color? (Bright colors and white alert the animals; therefore, stick to basic colors such as khaki, tan, brown, off-white, forest green, etc.).

Because it depends on the time of year you travel to Africa and the duration of your trip, here are a few suggestions / guidelines to keep in mind while packing clothing:

• 2 pairs of long, casual pants.
• 2 – 4 pairs of shorts.
• 7 – 10 shirts (a mixture of long-sleeve and short-sleeve).
• 2 sweaters for chilly evenings / mornings.
• Thick jacket (only if you are visiting in the winter months).
• Hiking boots for walking safaris and game drives.
• Flip flops or waterproof shoes for canoe safaris (only if you are traveling in the summer should you pack flip flops).
• 1 cocktail dress / light-weight suit ONLY if you have plans to attend an event that requires this attire.
• 1 – 2 bathing suits.
• 1 light rain jacket.
• Clean underwear, socks, and undershirts for each day. Some accommodations offer complimentary or non-complimentary laundry services. Check before packing.

3. Sun and Bug Protection:

In addition to wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants to prevent bug bites and sunburns, you will also need some other items for proper preventative measures:

For Bugs: One bottle of bug repellent and a bug repellent designed to treat clothing.

For the Sun: Sunglasses with high UV protection, sunscreen (SPF 15 or 30) for your face and body, and a wide brim hat.

4. Documents:

If you are a U.S. citizen, South Africa doesn’t require you to have a visa. It’s crucial for you to have at least two blank pages per entry into South Africa for entry stamping. It’s also a requirement that your passport be valid for six months after date of travel.

Before you leave for your trip to Africa, make two copies of your passport and driver’s license. Take your original documents and a copy of your passport and driver’s license and give the other copy of these items to a responsible and readily available individual at home. Also leave a copy of your itinerary with this person so that they can contact you if an emergency should arise.

5. Money / Credit Cards:

Most establishments accept international credit cards as a standard form of payment. Major international credit cards such as VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club are accepted throughout the region, with VISA being the most widely used. In addition, ATMs are easily accessible in all major cities.

The U.S. dollar is accepted at many safari accommodations.

6. Toiletries (pack all liquid / powder toiletries in a sturdy, plastic zip lock bag):

• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Shampoo and conditioner.
• Deodorant.
• Hair brush.
• Disposable shavers.
• Face / body lotions.
• Aloe (to soothe any sunburns).
• Tweezers.
• Body soap.
• Makeup.
• Hair ties.
• You may bring your hairdryer and appliance chargers, but be sure to bring appropriate adaptors. Check with your safari travel agent for a list of appropriate adaptors.

7. Additional Accessories:

• Pen and notebook.
• Camera, lenses (if needed), and extra batteries / charger.
• Reading glasses or any other type of glasses. Contacts can often get dry and can be irritating to your eyes.
• Reading materials or field guide books.
• Binoculars.
• Wet wipes.
• Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer for traveling.

8. Medications: If you are in a malaria-prone region, be sure to bring necessary antibiotics / medications to prevent against the disease. Your doctor can advise you on / prescribe you with malaria prevention medications.

For muscle soreness, headaches, and other small aches and pains, bring Tylenol / Advil, anti-diarrhea medicine, and bug bite soothing cream.

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