Should you’re a part of my era, you most likely grew up watching Uncover and Nationwide Geographic discoveries that includes the Nice Migration and the continent’s massive cats and crocodiles profiting from the motion. And for those who’re like me, you most likely have dreamt of happening an African safari not less than as soon as in your life. Effectively, that dream has simply turn out to be a actuality for me lately.
We’ve simply wrapped up our African tour, making stops in 4 international locations alongside the best way: Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The extra I look again, the extra it turns into crystal clear that the highlights had been undoubtedly the safari drives!
However these excursions should not straightforward and never like your atypical sightseeing journey. They’re not essentially the most inexpensive, both. So the less boo-boos, the higher. It’s straightforward to method a safari the identical approach you’d some other journey. And that may be your first mistake. Safaris are vastly completely different. On this article, we’ll share with you a few of the stuff you shouldn’t do and the errors to keep away from when becoming a member of a safari!
1. Don’t fall for scams.
The web is rife with accounts of people that obtained scammed by bogus tour operators, and plenty of of them are nonetheless fairly latest. Some are honeymoon journeys that had been utterly ruined by fraudsters who ran away with their cash. And thoughts you, these safari excursions are NOT low-cost. And usually, you must settle each the downpayment AND the steadiness earlier than you even arrive in Kenya.
To be sincere with you, up till I noticed our first lion, I used to be nonetheless having doubts. You see, I didn’t know anybody in Kenya AT ALL. And nobody in my circle had any advice or contact, so I barely relied on opinions on on-line boards and Fb teams. On reflection, I noticed simply how dangerous it was. Fortunately, the corporate we booked was legit and we nonetheless had a grand time.
At this level, you’re most likely asking, “So with what firm did you ebook?” And the reply to that’s Mufasa Excursions and Travels. This was its preliminary quote for a 6-day safari for eight (8) vacationers:.
USD 1510 (P85,000) per individual
5 nights, Kenya solely (price range)
inclusive of the next:
- automobile (van good for 8 pax)
- driver/information payment
- all nationwide park entrance charges
- all resort lodging (price range)
- all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- plus airport pickup and dropoff
That is essentially the most primary possibility – price range lodging, and the automobile for use was a van that might accommodate as much as 8 pax.
However some individuals on our group backed out and we would have liked to seek out replacements, and by the point all the pieces was finalized, a few of the unique goal resorts had been already absolutely booked. We additionally upgraded to 2 4×4 land cruisers for a extra comfy expertise. Ultimately, all of us paid USD 1,650 (roughly PHP 93,000) per individual.
Notice that flights to and from Kenya should not but included. That solely covers the safari.
Think about, if we had been scammed, we’d have misplaced USD 1650/individual or a complete of 13,200 USD (P745,000) for all 8 of us. That’s A LOT OF MONEY!
So sure, be sure you’re transacting with a legit operator.
By the best way, that is NOT sponsored by Mufasa. We paid for our safari in full.
Should you’re from the Philippines and you favor coping with an area journey company as a substitute, decide a good one! Established businesses like Constellation Travels provide Kenya Excursions, too.
In fact, it’ll be pricier particularly by default as a result of they bundle Kenya and Tanzania and so they normally decide extra upscale resorts, however most of those excursions may be custom-made. You possibly can request for cheaper lodging or less complicated or shorter itineraries.
However the wonderful thing about reserving with Constellation Travels or different respected native businesses is, they’re registered right here within the Philippines, so if one thing occurs, somebody can be accountable for you right here. And also you even have quick access to buyer help. For inquiries, contact this quantity or e-mail them at this handle.
CONSTELLATION TRAVELS, INC.
E-mail: company@constelltravel.com.ph
Landline: +63253227667
Cell: +639175926845
Once more, to be clear, our Kenya safari was not sponsored by Constellation Travels. However we’ve got an excellent relationship with them as a result of they assist us replace our visa posts on our web site. That is for many who don’t need to take care of all of the planning.
2. Don’t anticipate a clean journey.
And we imply this in some ways.
Not all nationwide parks are the identical. In Kruger Nationwide Park in South Africa, most main roads are paved. However in Kenya, calling the roads bumpy is a significant understatement, particularly in Masai Mara. As you hunt down wildlife, anticipate to be shaken fairly a bit. The guides actually have a time period for it, “African therapeutic massage.” Nevertheless it’s something however stress-free.
By clean journey, we additionally imply figuratively. It’s not unusual for tires to go flat and wheels to get bogged. It’s half and parcel of a safari. It comes with the territory.
And even earlier than the journey, settle for that issues is not going to all the time go as deliberate and a few points of the journey are out of your management. Most vacationers be a part of an Africa safari with one purpose in thoughts: to see all of Africa’s BIG 5, thought of the continent’s most iconic safari animals. These are:
- Lion
- Elephant
- Cape Buffalo
- Rhinoceros
- Leopard
The leopard is very elusive. Your guides will do all the pieces of their energy so that you can see them, however it’s NOT assured particularly for those who solely have just a few days. Should you don’t spot all of them, it’s OK. Simply have a good time within the course of!
3. Don’t put on darkish, white or inappropriate garments.
When happening a safari, you’re inspired to pack mild and neutral-colored garments. Gentle as a result of it could actually get scorching at mid-day even in cooler months. However not white. Some nationwide parks are very dusty. Working example, Amboseli Nationwide Park. Amboseli in Swahili actually means salty mud. And sure, it’s so dusty, your garments might simply flip khaki or brown by the tip of the day.
I used to be sporting mild coloured pants, not white, however lighter than khaki, after I stumbled and fell close to a waterfall in Nakuru, and it inadvertently obtained brown spots.
Neutrals or earth tones are beneficial as a result of vibrant colours are stated to scare off wildlife and darkish clothes sometimes attracts bugs. I’m not a scientist, so I don’t know. However anecdotally, I can say the latter bit is true in my expertise.
Half of my wardrobe is black and blue, that are stated to be particularly enticing to flies. And there was a day – I believe this was in Masai Mara — when each my pal Row and I had been sporting black, and we had been the one ones complaining about flies, whereas the remainder claimed they weren’t bugged in any respect.
Which brings me to this: WEAR COMFY PANTS or TROUSERS. Not tight and never too unfastened. It can defend your legs from bugs.
4. Don’t overpack or underpack.
Usually, your baggage can be stowed in the identical automobile that you may be utilizing. Most automobiles have an area within the again for baggage, however for those who’re a giant group, a few of the suitcases could also be positioned on the seats. So don’t overpack. Moreover, in our expertise, even the price range resorts are well-equipped.
However don’t underpack both. Listed below are some issues that we urge you to convey:
- Binoculars. Ask your tour operator if they’d be offering binoculars or if they’ve one they might lease out to you. In any other case, convey your personal.
- Hat. Though you’ll be spending most of your time contained in the automobile, it’s open-top so a few of the rays nonetheless get in.
- Gentle jacket or windbreaker. Whereas it could actually get scorching throughout the day, nights are sometimes chilly within the parks.
- Insect-repellent lotion. Defend your self from mosquitoes and different bugs.
Talking of mosquitoes…
5. Don’t ignore vaccination necessities.
Should you’re coming from the Philippines, proof of vaccination is NOT required to enter Kenya. However based on the World Well being Group, Kenya is without doubt one of the international locations with threat of yellow fever transmission, so it’s finest to be vaccinated earlier than going and safe an Worldwide Certificates of Vaccination (ICV).
Is yellow fever vax required to enter South Africa, Zimbabwe or Zambia? Should you’re coming immediately from Europe, US, or Asia together with the Philippines, NO, you received’t want an ICV.
BUT for those who’re visiting or transiting in a rustic that’s thought of a yellow fever threat, then you definitely’ll want proof of vaccination.
For instance, our itinerary is KENYA > ZAMBIA > ZIMBABWE > SOUTH AFRICA.
I didn’t have to current my ICV when getting into Kenya. However as a result of KENYA is a yellow fever threat nation and I visited it first, I used to be requested to current my ICV earlier than boarding my flight to and on the Immigration counters in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
However let’s say you’re flying from Manila to South Africa, with a layover in Dubai UAE or Doha, Qatar, no want for an ICV.
We have now a separate tutorial video on the right way to get yellow fever vaccination certificates within the Philippines.
However these insurance policies change over time so all the time double examine with the authorities to be completely sure.
In lots of African international locations, malaria can be a priority. So for those who might get a vaccine shot or prophylaxis, accomplish that.
6. Don’t dismiss the foundations and warnings.
When becoming a member of a safari, you’ll be embarking on an journey into the wild. You’re the customer and it’s the animals’ territory. It comes with a threat, so that you higher hearken to your guides and heed their warnings. It’s on your personal security.
In case your information says you’ll be able to’t get off the automobile, DON’T do it. If there’s a lion simply outdoors the automobile, don’t let your limbs or head dangle from the window. Animals like lions and even one thing as gentle-looking as elephants or giraffes may be unpredictable.
Should you’re staying at a camp inside a nationwide park, observe their insurance policies. We as soon as stayed at a riverside camp in Zimbabwe the place going too near the river is extremely discouraged due to crocs and hippos. Or going out of our tent at evening, even when it was simply to go to the reception as a result of if we’re unfortunate, we might simply flip from visitor to prey.
7. Don’t be too loud.
I learn previous to the journey that an excessive amount of noise frighten the sport away. And it was confirmed true throughout our go to.
Fortuitously, most of us in our automobile had been introverted and customarily quiet, so we’d all the time catch an excellent have a look at the wildlife. However there was one group that was too loud and each time they arrived, the animals stroll or run away. So if you’d like them to not depart and have extra time admiring them at a good way, simply zip it! You don’t need to be utterly silent! It’ll be laborious to comprise the awe, however don’t be too loud.
8. Don’t overlook to tip your driver/information.
Tipping your information is extremely inspired.
Sport drives, particularly in Kenya, should not straightforward. It’s laborious sufficient for the passengers, not to mention on your drivers. And they are going to be driving you across the whole day for days, simply so you might have one of the best expertise. So chorus from antagonizing or annoying your driver-guides. Don’t be impolite or imply. And be thoughtful.
We had been advised that these are the usual or anticipated suggestions for safari guides:
- KENYA SAFARI GUIDE
USD 10-20 per day per individual - SOUTH AFRICA SAFARI GUIDE
ZAR 150-200 per day per individual
(greater for luxurious lodge recreation drives)
Camp employees like bell boys, even the again of the home, are additionally typically tipped, particularly in South Africa, which appears to have a powerful tipping tradition.
So sure, be sure you have sufficient money for tipping!
Our information in Kenya, Dennis, as soon as advised us that he liked our group as a result of we’re simply so chill, weren’t demanding in any respect, and better of all, that we took our time having lunch, which, based on him is nice for them as a result of in addition they get to relaxation longer and recharge.
Enjoyable truth: Drivers and guides work collectively to seek out the BIG 5. You’ll discover them speaking on the radio or chatting with one other driver as they move one another. They’re really sharing scoops. When somebody spots a leopard someplace, they share it with the others, like a large internet of knowledge.
9. Don’t scrimp an excessive amount of.
I do know this tip is wealthy coming from a web site known as “The Poor Traveler.” However the actuality is, for many people, a safari journey is a once-in-a-lifetime expertise, so take advantage of out of it. Take pleasure in it as a lot as you might. The very last thing you need is be depressing!
So whenever you’re given a selection between a packed van and a smaller group in a land rover, contemplate the expertise. Should you’re a giant group sharing one automobile, just a few of it’s possible you’ll not have a window view.
And for those who might afford it, ebook that scorching air balloon journey. Sure it’s costly, however it’s magical and actually unforgettable.
That stated, don’t splurge on a regular basis. Know that some stops could also be vacationer traps, and it could do you good for those who additionally learn to say no generally.
10. Don’t hold unhealthy firm.
I do know this sounds extra like a life lesson than a journey tip, however that is essential! Whether or not or not you’ll take pleasure in your safari closely relies on the individuals you’ll be touring with, particularly if it’s a 5- to 10-day tour.
You’ll be with them for many of the day. You’ll be sharing a automobile, meals, and many of the actions. Our guides as soon as shared with us that a lot of their friends who’re {couples} on a honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary typically find yourself in bickering or in an ungainly struggle for an entire lot of causes.
We all the time say that journey is a take a look at of relationship – be it with a romantic associate, household or pals – and a multi-day safari tour takes the take a look at to a different stage. So to be sure you’re gonna have the time of your life, select companions that you just actually like and love.
That’s all for now. Bear in mind, plan good, journey protected, and make each journey WORTH IT!
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