If you happen to’re a part of my era, you in all probability grew up watching Uncover and Nationwide Geographic discoveries that includes the Nice Migration and the continent’s large cats and crocodiles benefiting from the motion. And if you happen to’re like me, you in all probability have dreamt of occurring an African safari not less than as soon as in your life. Effectively, that dream has simply turn into a actuality for me just lately.
We’ve simply wrapped up our African tour, making stops in 4 nations 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 aren’t straightforward and never like your unusual sightseeing journey. They’re not essentially the most reasonably priced, both. So the less boo-boos, the higher. It’s straightforward to strategy a safari the identical manner you’d another journey. And that may be your first mistake. Safaris are vastly totally different. On this article, we’ll share with you a few of the belongings 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 received scammed by bogus tour operators, and lots of of them are nonetheless fairly latest. Some are honeymoon journeys that had been fully ruined by fraudsters who ran away with their cash. And thoughts you, these safari excursions are NOT low-cost. And most often, it’s a must to settle each the downpayment AND the stability 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 suggestion or contact, so I barely relied on critiques 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 in all probability asking, “So with what firm did you e book?” 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 particular person
5 nights, Kenya solely (funds)
inclusive of the next:
- car (van good for 8 pax)
- driver/information payment
- all nationwide park entrance charges
- all resort lodging (funds)
- all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- plus airport pickup and dropoff
That is essentially the most fundamental choice – funds lodging, and the car for use was a van that would accommodate as much as 8 pax.
However some individuals on our group backed out and we wanted 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 particular person.
Notice that flights to and from Kenya aren’t but included. That solely covers the safari.
Think about, if we had been scammed, we might have misplaced USD 1650/particular person or a complete of 13,200 USD (P745,000) for all 8 of us. That’s A LOT OF MONEY!
So sure, ensure you’re transacting with a legit operator.
By the best way, that is NOT sponsored by Mufasa. We paid for our safari in full.
If you happen to’re from the Philippines and you favor coping with an area journey company as an alternative, decide a good one! Established companies like Constellation Travels supply Kenya Excursions, too.
In fact, it’ll be pricier particularly by default as a result of they bundle Kenya and Tanzania they usually often decide extra upscale resorts, however most of those excursions may be custom-made. You may request for cheaper lodging or easier or shorter itineraries.
However the beauty of reserving with Constellation Travels or different respected native companies is, they’re registered right here within the Philippines, so if one thing occurs, somebody shall be accountable for you right here. And also you even have easy accessibility to buyer assist. For inquiries, contact this quantity or e mail them at this deal with.
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 now we have a great 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 wish to take care of all of the planning.
2. Don’t count on a clean trip.
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, count on to be shaken fairly a bit. The guides also have a time period for it, “African therapeutic massage.” Nevertheless it’s something however stress-free.
By clean trip, 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 won’t at all times go as deliberate and a few features of the journey are out of your management. Most vacationers be part of an Africa safari with one purpose in thoughts: to see all of Africa’s BIG 5, thought-about 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 if you happen to solely have just a few days. If you happen to 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 occurring a safari, you’re inspired to pack gentle and neutral-colored garments. Mild as a result of it will possibly get scorching at mid-day even in cooler months. However not white. Some nationwide parks are very dusty. Living proof, 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 top of the day.
I used to be carrying gentle coloured pants, not white, however lighter than khaki, once I stumbled and fell close to a waterfall in Nakuru, and it inadvertently received brown spots.
Neutrals or earth tones are really helpful as a result of vivid colours are mentioned to scare off wildlife and darkish clothes usually 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 mentioned to be particularly engaging to flies. And there was a day – I feel this was in Masai Mara — when each my buddy Row and I had been carrying 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’ll defend your legs from bugs.
4. Don’t overpack or underpack.
Usually, your baggage shall be stowed in the identical car that you may be utilizing. Most automobiles have an area within the again for baggage, however if you happen to’re an enormous group, a few of the suitcases could also be positioned on the seats. So don’t overpack. Apart from, in our expertise, even the funds resorts are well-equipped.
However don’t underpack both. Listed below are some issues that we urge you to carry:
- Binoculars. Ask your tour operator if they might be offering binoculars or if they’ve one they might hire out to you. In any other case, carry your personal.
- Hat. Though you’ll be spending most of your time contained in the car, it’s open-top so a few of the rays nonetheless get in.
- Mild jacket or windbreaker. Whereas it will possibly get scorching through 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.
If you happen to’re coming from the Philippines, proof of vaccination is NOT required to enter Kenya. However in response to the World Well being Group, Kenya is likely one of the nations with danger 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? If you happen to’re coming straight from Europe, US, or Asia together with the Philippines, NO, you received’t want an ICV.
BUT if you happen to’re visiting or transiting in a rustic that’s thought-about a yellow fever danger, then you definitely’ll want proof of vaccination.
For instance, our itinerary is KENYA > ZAMBIA > ZIMBABWE > SOUTH AFRICA.
I didn’t must current my ICV when coming into Kenya. However as a result of KENYA is a yellow fever danger 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 get yellow fever vaccination certificates within the Philippines.
However these insurance policies change over time so at all times double examine with the authorities to be completely sure.
In lots of African nations, malaria can be a priority. So if you happen to might get a vaccine shot or prophylaxis, accomplish that.
6. Don’t dismiss the principles 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 danger, so that you higher take heed to your guides and heed their warnings. It’s on your personal security.
In case your information says you may’t get off the car, DON’T do it. If there’s a lion simply exterior the car, 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.
If you happen to’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.
Thankfully, most of us in our car had been introverted and customarily quiet, so we might at all times catch a great take 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 in order for you them to not depart and have extra time admiring them at a long way, simply zip it! You don’t should be fully silent! It’ll be arduous 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, aren’t straightforward. It’s arduous sufficient for the passengers, not to mention on your drivers. And they are going to be driving you across the complete day for days, simply so you would have the most effective expertise. So chorus from antagonizing or annoying your driver-guides. Don’t be impolite or imply. And be thoughtful.
We had been instructed that these are the usual or anticipated suggestions for safari guides:
- KENYA SAFARI GUIDE
USD 10-20 per day per particular person - SOUTH AFRICA SAFARI GUIDE
ZAR 150-200 per day per particular person
(increased for luxurious lodge recreation drives)
Camp workers like bell boys, even the again of the home, are additionally typically tipped, particularly in South Africa, which appears to have a robust tipping tradition.
So sure, ensure you have sufficient money for tipping!
Our information in Kenya, Dennis, as soon as instructed 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, in response to him is nice for them as a result of additionally 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 truly sharing scoops. When somebody spots a leopard someplace, they share it with the others, like a large net of data.
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 would. The very last thing you need is be depressing!
So once you’re given a alternative between a packed van and a smaller group in a land rover, take into account the expertise. If you happen to’re an enormous group sharing one car, just a few of you could not have a window view.
And if you happen to might afford it, e book that scorching air balloon trip. Sure it’s costly, however it’s magical and actually unforgettable.
That mentioned, don’t splurge on a regular basis. Know that some stops could also be vacationer traps, and it will do you good if you happen to additionally discover ways 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 car, meals, and many of the actions. Our guides as soon as shared with us that lots of their friends who’re {couples} on a honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary typically find yourself in bickering or in a clumsy battle for a complete lot of causes.
We at all times say that journey is a check of relationship – be it with a romantic accomplice, household or buddies – and a multi-day safari tour takes the check to a different degree. So to ensure 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 secure, and make each journey WORTH IT!
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