High 10 AFRICAN SAFARI MISTAKES to Keep away from in Kenya & South Africa

Should you’re a part of my technology, you in all probability grew up watching Uncover and Nationwide Geographic discoveries that includes the Nice Migration and the continent’s huge cats and crocodiles profiting from the motion. And in the event you’re like me, you in all probability have dreamt of occurring an African safari no less than as soon as in your life. Effectively, that dream has simply develop into a actuality for me lately.

We’ve simply wrapped up our African tour, making stops in 4 nations alongside the way in which: Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The extra I look again, the extra it turns into crystal clear that the highlights have been positively the safari drives!

However these excursions are usually not simple and never like your odd sightseeing journey. They’re not probably the most inexpensive, both. So the less boo-boos, the higher. It’s simple to strategy a safari the identical manner you’ll some other journey. And that may be your first mistake. Safaris are vastly totally different. On this article, we’ll share with you a number 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 bought scammed by bogus tour operators, and plenty of of them are nonetheless fairly latest. Some are honeymoon journeys that have been utterly ruined by fraudsters who ran away with their cash. And thoughts you, these safari excursions are NOT low cost. And typically, you must settle each the downpayment AND the stability earlier than you even arrive in Kenya.

To be trustworthy 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 evaluations on on-line boards and Fb teams. Looking back, I spotted 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 guide?” 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 (finances)
inclusive of the next:

• automobile (van good for 8 pax)
• driver/information payment
• all nationwide park entrance charges
• all resort lodging (finances)
• all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• plus airport pickup and dropoff

That is probably the most primary choice – finances lodging, and the automobile 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 every little thing was finalized, a number of the authentic goal resorts have been already absolutely booked. We additionally upgraded to 2 4×4 land cruisers for a extra snug expertise. In the long run, all of us paid USD 1,650 (roughly PHP 93,000) per individual.

Word that flights to and from Kenya are usually not but included. That solely covers the safari.

Think about, if we have 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 to’re transacting with a legit operator.

By the way in which, that is NOT sponsored by Mufasa. We paid for our safari in full.

Should you’re from the Philippines and you favor coping with a neighborhood journey company as an alternative, decide a good one! Established businesses like Constellation Travels supply Kenya Excursions, too.

After all, 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 might be personalized. You’ll be able to request for cheaper lodging or less complicated or shorter itineraries.

However the beauty of 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 electronic mail them at this tackle.

CONSTELLATION TRAVELS, INC.
Electronic 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 have now an excellent relationship with them as a result of they assist us replace our visa posts on our web site. That is for individuals who don’t need to cope with all of the planning.

2. Don’t anticipate a easy 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, 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 easy 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 every little thing of their energy so that you can see them, however it’s NOT assured particularly in the event you solely have a number of 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 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. Working example, Amboseli Nationwide Park. Amboseli in Swahili actually means salty mud. And sure, it’s so dusty, your garments may simply flip khaki or brown by the tip 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 bought brown spots.

Neutrals or earth tones are advisable as a result of shiny 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 enticing to flies. And there was a day – I feel this was in Masai Mara — when each my buddy Row and I have been carrying black, and we have been the one ones complaining about flies, whereas the remaining claimed they weren’t bugged in any respect.

Which brings me to this: WEAR COMFY PANTS or TROUSERS. Not tight and never too free. It’ll defend your legs from bugs.

4. Don’t overpack or underpack.

Typically, your baggage can be stowed in the identical automobile that you’ll be utilizing. Most automobiles have an area within the again for baggage, however in the event you’re an enormous group, a number of the suitcases could also be positioned on the seats. So don’t overpack. In addition to, in our expertise, even the finances 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 lease out to you. In any other case, carry your personal.
• Hat. Though you’ll be spending most of your time contained in the automobile, it’s open-top so a number of the rays nonetheless get in.
• Mild jacket or windbreaker. Whereas it will possibly get scorching in the course of 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 in line with the World Well being Group, Kenya is without doubt one of the nations with danger of yellow fever transmission, so it’s greatest 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 straight from Europe, US, or Asia together with the Philippines, NO, you received’t want an ICV.

BUT in the event you’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 have to current my ICV when getting 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’ve got a separate tutorial video on find out how to 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 in the event you may 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 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 might be unpredictable.

Should you’re staying at a camp inside a nationwide park, comply with their insurance policies. We as soon as stayed at a riverside camp in Zimbabwe the place going too near the river is very 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 may 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.

Luckily, most of us in our automobile have been introverted and customarily quiet, so we’d at all times 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 would like them to not depart and have extra time admiring them at a long way, simply zip it! You don’t need to be utterly silent! It’ll be exhausting to include the awe, however don’t be too loud.

8. Don’t overlook to tip your driver/information.

Tipping your information is very inspired.

Sport drives, particularly in Kenya, are usually not simple. It’s exhausting 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 could possibly have the perfect expertise. So chorus from antagonizing or annoying your driver-guides. Don’t be impolite or imply. And be thoughtful.

We have been informed 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
  (increased 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 to have sufficient money for tipping!

Our information in Kenya, Dennis, as soon as informed 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 line with him is nice for them as a result of in addition they get to relaxation longer and recharge.

Enjoyable reality: 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 net of data.

9. Don’t scrimp an excessive amount of.

I do know this tip is wealthy coming from an internet 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. Get pleasure from it as a lot as you could possibly. The very last thing you need is be depressing!

So if you’re given a alternative between a packed van and a smaller group in a land rover, take into account the expertise. Should you’re an enormous group sharing one automobile, a number of of you could not have a window view.

And in the event you may afford it, guide 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 might do you good in the event you additionally discover ways to say no typically.

10. Don’t maintain 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 is dependent upon the individuals you’ll be touring with, particularly if it’s a 5- to 10-day tour.

You’ll be with them for a lot of the day. You’ll be sharing a automobile, meals, and a lot of the actions. Our guides as soon as shared with us that lots of their company who’re {couples} on a honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary typically find yourself in bickering or in a clumsy struggle for a complete lot of causes.

We at all times say that journey is a take a look at of relationship – be it with a romantic accomplice, household or associates – and a multi-day safari tour takes the take a look at to a different degree. So to be sure to’re gonna have the time of your life, select companions that you simply actually like and love.

That’s all for now. Bear in mind, plan sensible, journey protected, and make each journey WORTH IT!