Should you’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 massive cats and crocodiles benefiting from the motion. And should you’re like me, you in all probability have dreamt of happening an African safari no less than as soon as in your life. Effectively, that dream has simply turn into a actuality for me not too long ago.
We’ve simply wrapped up our African tour, making stops in 4 international locations 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 positively the safari drives!
However these excursions usually are not straightforward and never like your extraordinary sightseeing journey. They’re not essentially the most inexpensive, both. So the less boo-boos, the higher. It’s straightforward to method a safari the identical manner you’d 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 stuff 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 obtained 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 typically, it’s a must to settle each the downpayment AND the steadiness 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 opinions 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 (finances)
inclusive of the next:
- automobile (van good for 8 pax)
- driver/information price
- all nationwide park entrance charges
- all resort lodging (finances)
- all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- plus airport pickup and dropoff
That is essentially the most fundamental possibility – finances lodging, and the automobile for use was a van that might accommodate as much as 8 pax.
However some individuals on our group backed out and we would have liked to seek out replacements, and by the point every little thing was finalized, a number of the unique goal resorts had 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 particular person.
Notice that flights to and from Kenya usually are not but included. That solely covers the safari.
Think about, if we had been scammed, we’d 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.
Should you’re from the Philippines and you like coping with an area journey company as a substitute, decide a good one! Established companies 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 they usually often 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 companies is, they’re registered right here within the Philippines, so if one thing occurs, somebody will probably be accountable for you right here. And also you even have quick access to buyer assist. For inquiries, contact this quantity or e-mail them at this handle.
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’ve a very good 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 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 serious understatement, particularly in Masai Mara. As you hunt down wildlife, count on to be shaken fairly a bit. The guides actually have a time period for it, “African therapeutic massage.” Nevertheless it’s something however enjoyable.
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 is not going to at all times go as deliberate and a few points of the journey are out of your management. Most vacationers be part of an Africa safari with one aim in thoughts: to see all of Africa’s BIG 5, thought of 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 should you solely have a couple 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 happening a safari, you’re inspired to pack gentle and neutral-colored garments. Gentle as a result of it might probably 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 top of the day.
I used to be sporting gentle coloured pants, not white, however lighter than khaki, once I stumbled and fell close to a waterfall in Nakuru, and it inadvertently obtained brown spots.
Neutrals or earth tones are really useful as a result of brilliant colours are mentioned to scare off wildlife and darkish clothes sometimes 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 believe this was in Masai Mara — when each my good friend Row and I had been sporting 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 free. It should defend your legs from bugs.
4. Don’t overpack or underpack.
Typically, your baggage will probably be stowed in the identical automobile that you may be utilizing. Most autos have an area within the again for baggage, however should you’re an enormous group, a number of the suitcases could also be positioned on the seats. So don’t overpack. Apart from, 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 convey:
- Binoculars. Ask your tour operator if they’d be offering binoculars or if they’ve one they might hire out to you. In any other case, convey 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.
- Gentle jacket or windbreaker. Whereas it might probably 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.
Should you’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 among the international locations 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? Should you’re coming instantly from Europe, US, or Asia together with the Philippines, NO, you gained’t want an ICV.
BUT should you’re visiting or transiting in a rustic that’s thought of 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.
Now we have a separate tutorial video on tips on 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 international locations, malaria can be a priority. So should 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 in 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 exterior 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, observe 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.
Thankfully, most of us in our automobile had been introverted and customarily quiet, so we’d at all times catch a very good 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 go away and have extra time admiring them at a long way, simply zip it! You don’t need to be fully silent! It’ll be laborious to comprise 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, usually are not straightforward. It’s laborious sufficient for the passengers, not to mention in your drivers. And they are going to be driving you across the whole day for days, simply so you would have one of the best expertise. So chorus from antagonizing or annoying your driver-guides. Don’t be impolite or imply. And be thoughtful.
We had been informed 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
(greater 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 robust tipping tradition.
So sure, ensure you have sufficient money for tipping!
Our information in Kenya, Dennis, as soon as informed us that he beloved 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 in addition 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 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 a web site referred to 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 would. The very last thing you need is be depressing!
So once you’re given a selection 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 couple of of chances are you’ll not have a window view.
And should you may 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 should you additionally learn to say no typically.
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 get pleasure from your safari closely depends 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 visitors who’re {couples} on a honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary typically find yourself in bickering or in an ungainly 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 stage. So to ensure you’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!
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