3 things to consider when preparing for an African safari
If you’re looking for more than sun and sand on your next foreign adventure, an African safari could be the ideal trip of a lifetime. These vacations give you the chance to explore stunning landscapes, see an array of fascinating wildlife and experience different cultures. Before you jet off on one of these breaks though, you’ll need to do some preparation. Here, we take a look at three things you should consider when planning a safari in Africa.
Where and when should I visit?
There are so many destinations and attractions to explore on this vast and varied continent, so it pays off to do plenty of research when you’re selecting places to visit. From the Serengeti Plains, Mount Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro Crater in East Africa to the Namib Desert, Okavango Delta wetland and Kruger National Park in Southern Africa, there are plenty of attractions to take your pick from.
Depending on where you decide to go and what you want to do, whether you’re keen to get up close to mountain gorillas in Rwanda, watch the wildebeest migration in Kenya, meet meerkats in Botswana or anything else, certain times of the year will be better than others. This is because the weather and wildlife patterns can vary markedly.
If you’re not sure how to time your African safari holidays, you can ask the experts. Specialists vacation providers can give you all the information and guidance you need to help you get the most from your experience.
What style of holiday would suit me most?
Think carefully about the style of adventure you’re after as well. For example, when it comes to accommodation, would you like the luxury of a permanent tented camp or well-appointed lodge, or would you prefer to get closer to nature by fly-camping beneath the stars?
Also, decide whether you’re determined to have a relaxing, indulgent break, you’d prefer an all-out action vacation or you want something in between. Depending on where you go in Africa, you may be able to choose from an array of different activities. From horse riding and camel trekking to sailing, there’s no shortage of things to try.
However, don’t be tempted to do too much on your vacation. Trying to cram too many activities into your travel itinerary can prevent you from enjoying each element of your holiday to the full, and it can leave you feeling as though you need another break at the end.
What are the practical steps I need to take before I go?
Before you board a plane and begin your vacation, there are certain practical details you’ll need to arrange. For example, it’s important to take out suitable insurance, and you should also look into any relevant medical precautions. To find out if you need vaccinations or other preventative treatments before you jet off, speak to your doctor or visit a travel health clinic.
It’s also worth creating a checklist of things you will need to take with you, including important clothing and equipment. If you’ve booked your holiday through a specialist travel firm, they will be able to provide you with detailed information on all the things you will need to make the most of your safari experience.
Plus don’t forget you can find your perfect Safari Holiday by contacting Nelson Travel.
Once you’ve made your final preparations, all that’s left is to embark on your safari adventure. So, bon voyage!
What would you most like to experience on a safari holiday?
*This is a collaborative post.
Great
I’d love to go to Africa a safari is a dream of mine which will be a reality one day great advice thanks
My husband would love to go on safari. It must be great to watch the animals in their natural environment.
Coming from South Africa I love this article. Would definitely be a great holiday for me.
I’d love to go on a safari holiday, I’d like to camp or stay in a lodge near by with no light pollution to look at the stars at night
I have always wanted to see the safari animals up close and personal. I think it would be amazing to see a zebra, giraffe and lion in their natural habitat.
Awesome tips! I have always thought traveling on an African Safari would be so exotic! Great tips for travelers!
I would love to go on African Safari. They look like so much fun!
This would be a fabulous holiday place to go and see, with so much wildlife that you wouldn’t come across in this country, thank you for your advice tips.
I’d love to go on a safari-imagine all of those animals in their natural habitat.
An African Safari is one of those important places in my husband’s bucket list, though I am really scared of such environment in real. These are some useful information that might help anyone who wishes to give it a try.
An African safari is certainly on my bucket lists of things to experience.
These are really good tips, very helpful for those who are planning for an adventure trip Africa. It would really be a wonderful experience to go to this place, I would love to experience the Wildlife Safari.
Great article
I would love to go on an African safari holiday. That’s just my kind of thing 🙂 great advice!
I think that finding the real Africa is the best experience. Visit homes and see subsistence farming for yourself. Go to the markets. Don’t just go on organised trips so you see a sanitised version.
This is such a great post. We’re actually preparing to book a safari trip and it has been completely overwhelming because there is so much you can do. It actually surprised me. This post put it all in perspective and I will be looking at our bookings with new eyes. Thanks.
Going on an African safari is definitely on my Bucket List. I love how this post allows me to make more informed decisions if I ever get to plan one in the future.
This is on my travel bucket list, I can’t wait to finally check it off. I would love to stay in a lodge-like Claudia and not have to rough it to much inside of a hot sticky tent.
Those are great tips! I would love to go on a African Safari, what an amazing experience!
These are all great things to consider! I would love to go and stay in a lodge, because tents are not for me! Thank you for sharing it!
Wow, this is a big idea!
My husband had this idea for a wish list and knew someone from his work that went on one, but still…
I have always wanted to go on a African safari. It would be amazing to see all the animals. My kids would love it.
I have always wanted to go to Africa! So diverse and amazing, so many things to see and enjoy! Would be great
These are great tips. An African Safari trip is on my bucket list.
That would be cool to go on that kind of trip. This would really help if I ever go too.
How fun and exciting! Personally, I have never been on one, but one of my brothers went on one several years ago, and had a wonderful time. 🙂
I’ve never been to Africa before and am planning on having a big blowout holiday this summer so this tips have really inspired me!!
Thanks so much for sharing these tips! We are actually looking in to a safari for our big trip next year, so this is really helpful.
Being able to go on an African safari would be great! For accommodations, I think I would prefer a lodge or hotel. I don’t think I can stand sleeping in a tent out in the wild.
Great to know. I’d love to do an African Safari if I ever got the chance to. I think it would be amazing, so this is very helpful!
Going on an African safari has been on my bucket list for absolute ages but I just don’t know when I’m going to be able to go as I have my holidays planned for next year and 2018! Maybe after that. I don’t think i’d mind camping but maybe the odd night in a nicer camp x
I love cool animals, I want to go on a safari! haha x
I never been in safari but its one of my list that i want to go and stay there for a weeks with my family.
If you’re traveling abroad, I read that trying to reapply for passports are going to be difficult for the next couple years. Time delays and wait times. Hurry and get yours in if you want to catch that African safari!
I would absolutely LOVE to visit Africa and go on a Safari. I think it would be amazing to see all of the animals in their natural habitat.
This is really helpful. I’d definitely contact an expert and try to figure out what kind of safari we’d want to have.
I would love to be able to see wild animals in their natural habitat like on an African Safari. I have heard of some great lodges for safaris and think I would prefer that option as I am not much of a camper.
Oh I think an African safari would be pretty amazing. I hope one day we will be able to go.
I have been to Africa in fact I’m going back soon, but I have not been on Safari as of yet. I know one of the biggest things that should get for you get there is shots.
These are all important things to consider. I would love to go and stay in a lodge. I wouldn’t want to stay in a tent.
I am 100% I will never be on an African Safari, but great tips for people who plan on going on one 🙂
I don’t think I could go. I’m terrified of snakes and even thinking about them makes me shudder