A well-planned safari is often the vacation of a lifetime. Africa’s national parks and game reserves boast some of the best wildlife viewing, if not the best in the world. Here are a few tips to make sure your african safari is as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.

Passports and Visas

Getting visa approval may take a while, so it’s best to tackle this aspect of your safari in good time–say at least 2 months in advance.

Passport must be valid for at least six months upon your return home. Also make sure you have extra passport photos (just in case).

Make sure your passport has enough blank pages to accommadate any visa requirements (entry/departure stamps) that may arise during the course of your safari.

Ensure you have up-to-date information on the specific documentation requirement for your trip–find out from your travel agent, relevant diplomatic mission, airline or tourist board.

Leave a copy of your passport and travel itinerary with someone responsible at home. It is also advisable to carry an extra copy with you when you travel to Africa.

Travel Insurance–minimum travel insurance is essential. In general your insurance should cover:

twenty-four hour medical assistance

emergency cash transfer

accident coverage

lost baggage

accidental death

Gorilla Tracking and Permits

Each safari park gets allotted a limited number of gorilla permits each season. It is therefore essential to obtain your gorilla permit when you initially book your safari.

For the gorillas’ protection (and visitors’) nobody under the age of 15 yrs or persons with illness may view the gorillas on safari treks.

Viewing the gorillas is limited to one hour at a minimum distance of 5 metres.

You are not allowed to use a flash when taking photos.

Video cameras are (generally) allowed.

Every viewing group will be escorted with park rangers, trackers and guides. Follow the guide’s instructions and please abide by the park’s rules.

Avoid the temptation to break the minimal distance for viewing the gorillas. Also absolutely avoid physical contact with the gorillas. Physical contact with gorillas exposes them to human diseases (a major cause of death to wild gorillas). Remember there’re few enough of these magnificent creatures without you abetting in their extinction (albeit unintentionally).

Gorilla viewing may be denied at short notice at the discretion of the national park authorities. This may occur because of:

Park or border closure due to security reasons;

Gorillas out of range (usually close tabs are kept on the where abouts of the gorillas by rangers who track them on a daily basis).

So please be aware that obtaining a gorilla permit is not an absolute guarantee that you’ll see the gorillas. If for any reason you’re unable to view the gorillas (though you paid for a permit), refunds are at the discretion of the park or the respective wildlife authority of that particular country…not your tour company.

Customs Issues

Don’t forget to factor in airport taxes, which may sometimes be extra and due before you depart.

Check duty-free allowances (alcohol and cigarettes) for the various countries you are visiting if you intend to take stock with you.

Generally, personal effects such as cameras, video cameras, digital recorders (tape as well) may be imported without a permit (so long as you don’t have unreasonable numbers).
Occasionally a customs bond may be required–to ensure that any such imported merchandise is exported at departure.

Firearms require a special permit.

Health Issues

Discuss pertinent health issues with your doctor (in good time) prior to embarking on your african safari.

Make sure your childhood vaccinations are up to date.
Different countries have different vaccine requirements.

Yellow Fever–No vaccine is usually required unless you’re arriving within six days of leaving an infected region.

Malaria–A malarial prophylactic course is highly recommended for all non-Africans. As usual confer with your physician/and or the nearest vaccination center for the most up-to-date requirements.

AIDS–For many African countries AIDS / HIV are serious health issues. However for most travellers this should not be a major concern. The HIV virus is transmitted by the exchange of bodily fluids, therefore, as long as you practice the same sensible (cautionary) measures as you do back home you should be okay.

Bilharzia–(schistomiasis). This disease is caused by tiny waterborne parasites found in certain snail species. Prophylaxis (preventitive measures) is not available and the only option is treatment by drugs and injection. The condition is quite unpleasant so it is best not to swim or or wade in rivers or streams.

Currency

It is inadvisable to enter or depart an African country with large sums of local currency.

Travel with a sufficient number of small-denomination traveller checks to cover any incidental expenses you may have.

In cities and larger towns many establishments accept international credit cards.

Usually there is no limit to the amount of foreign currency you can import.

Currency exchange is legal only through authorized dealers. Most city hotels are equipped to exchange money and more often than not the official exchange rate will usually be quite favorable. It is ill-advised to try to exchange your money on the black market (for a better rate). Doing so is an unnecessary security risk, and there’s a good chance you may get ripped off.

ATMs are usually available in most cities and towns but remember this is not America or Europe so plan accordingly
You may tip in local currency or U.S. dollars (more likely than not most locals would prefer being tipped in dollars).

You can change your travellers checks and dollars into local currency at airports and banks. Small denominations are preferrable. Always keep your receipt so that you can exchange any excess local currency back to dollars on your departure.

Keep at least $150 (usually in denominations no larger than $20) in cash, for visas and airport departure fees (per individual).

Be aware that only high-denomination US bills printed after year 2000 are generally accepted (something to do with counterfeit preventative measures).

What To Pack On An African Safari

Find out the luggage restrictions (limitations) from your tour operator if your safari is through such an organization.

Avoid clothing that resembles military attire–African countries tend to be jittery of such (coup plot phobia).

It’s preferable to travel with soft compact baggage.

Laundry is performed on a daily basis in most camps and lodges (this may not extend to your underwear), so it isn’t necessary to cart along tons of luggage.

Africa is sun rich so sunglasses are recommended as well as head protective gear(safari hats).

Malaria is a fact of life in Africa–mosquitoes usually hunt from dusk till dawn–so long-sleeved shirts and trousers (pants) are advisable for the evening.

Formal dress attire may come in handy if you intend to visit any clubs, casinos or restaurants that implement such requirements. The following items are strongly recommended:

Insect repellent

Sun block

Comfortable trekking shoes

Raincoat / Jacket

Best of luck and have a great African Safari!

I was chatting with my friend Brian over breakfast recently; we hadn’t caught up for such a long time. Brian is an international pilot and spends quite a good deal of his time overseas. “Where have you been for the last month?” I enquired.

“Africa mate, Africa,” he replied.

I was surprised by this…”I thought you just flew to Europe and the U.K.”

“No. I wasn’t working. I was on safari mate,” he said.

I was surprised..”Safari! I know you’re adventurous but I didn’t think you were that game.

I’ve been thinking of doing a trip like that. How was it?”

“Brilliant mate, absolutely brilliant. If you’ve been thinking of doing an African Safari trip don’t think too long about it. It was simply stunning,” Brian said excitedly. His tone suddenly picked up. “When were you thinking of going?”

“I’m not sure. Have you got any suggestions for a safari newbie?” I asked.

“Sure,” he replied. “Summer time is good.”

“Where did you go?” I asked.

“We went to Bongani on the edge of Kruger National Park in South Africa,” Brian responded.

“It was perfect for us. We stayed at the Bongani Mountain Lodge…” I interrupted quickly.

“Mountain Lodge! I thought it was a safari. Weren’t you supposed to be roughing it?”

“I was mate,” he said. “You know me. Anything below 5 star and I’m roughing it!” We both laughed. Brian had a dry sense of humour.

“Okay,” I said. “Give me an African Safari preparation list. What are the things I should prepare before I go?”

Brian gave his chin one of those pensive mood type rubs. He paused for a while. Meantime I ushered over the waitress..”Two more flat whites please.” Brian looked up at me and in his usual dry Aussie tone started giving me a checklist.

“Don’t get too carried away with taking a heap of stuff with you,” he said. “Travel Light.

In summer you just need light clothing. Winter time, the days are warm but the nights get cold so you’ll need something warm. Don’t go overboard though.”

“What about a hat?” I asked. Brian looked at me as if I was blonde, which I’m not; not by hair color anyway.

“Mate,” he said a little sarcastically. “You’re in Africa. It’s hot. Of course you need a hat.”

I tried to maintain a little dignity..”What about mozzies?”

Brian looked at me a with a little more approval this time. “Ahh! Mosquitoes! They can be a real pain. Definitely need insect repellant. Mate, there are mozzies over there that are so big they’ll pick you up and carry you away.”

Our coffees had arrived. I reviewed what Brian had told me so far. “Light clothing; something warmer in winter, hat, insect repellant… sounds simple so far. Is there anything else,” I asked.

“Oh yes mate,” he replied in a nonchalant fashion. “There sure is. Take sunscreen. You’ll need it. Take loose change when you’re on the road particularly in South Africa. Great freeways but in a four hour drive to Kruger National Park we copped seven tolls!”

“Brutal mate,” I said.

“Yeah, sure was. I thought I was back home in Sydney. I wouldn’t carry a wallet though,” he said taking a sip of coffee. “Why not?” I asked.

“Well, I wouldn’t carry a wallet in an urban area. Let’s just say it’s safer not too.”

“Got you,” I nodded. “Is that it?”

“One more thing,” he said. “Just make sure you have id with you all the time. You won’t believe how many people get caught without their passports on them. On last year’s safari I got taught a neat little trick. One sure fire way not to forget your passport.”

“What’s that,” I asked.

Brian finished his coffee, wiped his mouth and said..”Well mate, before you go to bed at night, put your passport and one shoe in the room safe or somewhere out of sight…”

“What? I butted in. “Did you say one of your shoes?”

Brian still had his mouth wide open. Then told me..”Stop interrupting!”

“Okay. Sorry… can’t help myself,” I said apologetically. Brian continued..

“The reason you put one of your shoes away is because when you’re getting dressed in the morning; when you remember you’ve put one of your shoes away you’ll also remember it’s with your passport.”

“You’re a genius mate,” I said with a grin on my face. “That’s why you get paid the big bucks.”

Brian thanked me. And then said.. “And I’m not charging much for this advice. Just pay the tab and we’ll call it even.”

So there it was. A crash African safari course for newbies from a seasoned safari veteran.

And the best part is; you don’t have to be a “Jungle Jim” type to appreciate it!

You have always loved the idea of visiting a faraway place and seeing exotic sights. You also have an interest in photography, so you think that your next vacation should be a South African safari tour. However, there are several things that you will need to plan first before you embark on your South African safari tour.
About South African Safari Tours
The first thing that you should consider is what South African safari tour you should go on. There are a variety of South African safari tours you can choose from. However, the two things that you need to consider the most are the price, and safety.
When it comes to the price, you will notice that the prices of South African safari tours tend to vary widely. This is because some are run by locals, while others are run by companies. Do not choose a tour simply because you think that the cheaper price is more reasonable. Sometimes the better tour is indeed more expensive.
Instead, do some research on the tour that you are thinking of taking. If it is reputable, a travel agency or an internet travel site should easily recognize it. Be sure that you gather reviews of the […]

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