Safari – All you need to know….

Booking a safari

Tent accommodation at Little Governors Camp, Kenya

Booking a safari can be overwhelming – there’s so much choice around countries and options. Here’s what I learnt when booking my trip:

Check the best time of year to travel to safari destinations, between May and November is the general rule for African safari but the best times do vary by country and it’s possible to visit some destinations year round.
Think about how you’re going to get there, most safaris are not near international airports and involve an internal flight (or a very long drive to get there which I would not recommend as the roads are bumpy)
I’d suggest a stopover before your internal flight to allow for any delays – if in Nairobi the Sheraton Four Points is excellent.
Fly in safaris offer a quicker route to the camp but usually come with baggage restrictions so bear this in mind. The driving safaris can involve long uncomfortable drives between camps but are often cheaper alternatives.
How long do you want to go for? If you’re looking to do longer than 4 nights, I’d suggest visiting more than one camp.
What kind of terrain and animals do you want to see? For example, you might want to visit one of the lakes to see flamingos and bird varieties.
I’d suggest staying in a private conservancy over a national park. You’ll then have the chance to go on off-road drives and walking safaris and visit at night. It’s also likely you’ll have less crowding as some of the national parks radio across to other trucks if they spot one of the big 5. Some safari camps have access to both which is ideal.
It’s expensive. Typically safari camps are on a pretty much all inclusive basis (i.e. the price includes transfers to the camp, game drives, food and drinks at meal times). However, this comes at a price – just to enter a National Park can cost $200pp a day. If you see a cheap deal, ask yourself why…. It can also get expensive just preparing for a safari with visas, medication, equipment and clothing for your trip.
Safari can be a full on experience, getting up early to go on drives so you may wish to combine with a beach holiday afterwards. Typical multi centres are Zanzibar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives or Kenyan coast.
Who is going? Travelling with small children is not recommended for some destinations as the game drives are long and in open sided jeeps on bumpy roads. I’d also not recommend for people with back problems or pregnant women too.
The type of game drive offered – I’d recommend open sided jeeps for a better viewing experience from your seat. Although it does depend on the weather and season.
Experiences – I’d highly recommend booking a hot air balloon flight at sunrise. This gives a completely different perspective of the terrain and is a once in a lifetime experience.
Type of accommodation – would you like to stay in a luxury tented camp or prefer a lodge/hotel style accommodation? Some larger camps have pools and gyms however I’d say this really isn’t necessary as there’s not much downtime and it’s all about the safari.

Before you go

Check visas needed ahead of time – see FCO website for advice. Note that some have to be applied for before you get there and if you’re visiting multiple countries or multiple entries the rules could differ. For Kenya you need a visa to even board a flight, for Tanzania its possible to get on arrival but I’d HIGHLY recommend getting before you go as the queues were so long. Ours came through really late so we asked the hotel to print for us before we arrived.
Check any travel health advice (NaTHNaC website) for info on vaccinations and medication needed ahead of time (do this at least 8 weeks pre). Some destinations require malaria tablets and also a yellow fever vaccine. If you’re travelling to multiple countries remember to check all requirements.
Pack neutral clothing – the colour of your clothing matters on safari. Stick to neutrals in beiges and khakis. Steer clear of white, black and blue. Try and cover up to prevent mosquito bites and wear layers. I’d suggest trousers for drives but pack a pair of shorts to relax back at the camp and for lunch.
Pack clothing layers – It can get cold in the mornings and evenings in the back of the trucks so take a fleece/gilet/light jacket. Remember a sun hat and glasses too.
Take trainers/boots that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. I’d recommend socks too so ankles are covered to prevent mosquito bites.
There’s no need to pack evening clothes for dinner, we found that most people just wear the clothes they are going to wear the next day for safari having showered once they are back from the afternoon drive. Although I’d suggest packing another pair of shoes (trainers or crocs) that are clean as your day ones can get very dirty!
Be mindful of baggage restrictions – if you’re on a fly in safari, you may have a restricted luggage allowance and need to pack in soft bags. Check before you travel.
Most camps offer laundry services – but bear in mind that they may not wash underwear so make sure you have enough pairs of pants!
Check with your accommodation regarding toiletries, some camps ask you not to bring shampoo/conditioner/shower gel in order to reduce plastic waste and chemicals.
Remember insect repellent with a high DEET concentration.
Always pack SPF
Binoculars (essential!), camera, lenses, battery packs – all the gear for the most incredible photos. A chain for your phone/camera so it’s accessible but secure in the jeep.
Ear plugs if you’re staying in a tent and are a light sleeper – those animals can be noisy at night!

When you are there:

Expect to be at passport control for a long time – Nairobi airport is notoriously bad for this.

If offered a breakfast picnic definitely choose this, you’ll be able to stay out for longer on your morning drive and having a breakfast in the bush is an amazing experience.

Tips – take some USD and pay your driver on your last game drive in cash (typically $20/day)