For those who’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 in case you’re like me, you in all probability have dreamt of happening an African safari a minimum of as soon as in your life. Properly, 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 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 undoubtedly the safari drives!
However these excursions are usually not straightforward and never like your abnormal sightseeing journey. They’re not essentially the most reasonably priced, both. So the less boo-boos, the higher. It’s straightforward to method a safari the identical manner you’ll every other journey. And that will be your first mistake. Safaris are vastly completely 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 lots of of them are nonetheless fairly latest. Some are honeymoon journeys that have been fully ruined by fraudsters who ran away with their cash. And thoughts you, these safari excursions are NOT low cost. And usually, it’s important to settle each the downpayment AND the steadiness 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 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 particular person
5 nights, Kenya solely (price range)
inclusive of the next:
- automobile (van good for 8 pax)
- driver/information payment
- all nationwide park entrance charges
- all resort lodging (price range)
- all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- plus airport pickup and dropoff
That is essentially the most fundamental possibility – price range lodging, and the automobile for use was a van that might accommodate as much as 8 pax.
However some folks on our group backed out and we wanted to seek out replacements, and by the point every thing was finalized, a number of the authentic goal resorts have been already totally booked. We additionally upgraded to 2 4×4 land cruisers for a extra snug expertise. Ultimately, all of us paid USD 1,650 (roughly PHP 93,000) per particular person.
Be aware 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/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 way in which, that is NOT sponsored by Mufasa. We paid for our safari in full.
For those who’re from the Philippines and you favor coping with a neighborhood journey company as a substitute, choose 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 and so they often choose extra upscale resorts, however most of those excursions will be personalized. 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 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 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 take care of all of the planning.
2. Don’t count on 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 serious 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.” But it surely’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 a 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 thing of their energy so that you can see them, however it’s NOT assured particularly in case you solely have a couple of days. For those who 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 mild and neutral-colored garments. Mild as a result of it could possibly get sizzling 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 may simply flip khaki or brown by the tip of the day.
I used to be sporting mild coloured pants, not white, however lighter than khaki, after 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 vibrant 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 believe this was in Masai Mara — when each my good friend Row and I have been sporting 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 unfastened. It is going to defend your legs from bugs.
4. Don’t overpack or underpack.
Usually, your baggage will probably be stowed in the identical automobile that you can be utilizing. Most autos have an area within the again for baggage, however in case you’re an enormous group, a number of the suitcases could also be positioned on the seats. So don’t overpack. Moreover, in our expertise, even the price range resorts are well-equipped.
However don’t underpack both. Listed here 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 individual.
- 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 could possibly get sizzling in the course of the day, nights are sometimes chilly within the parks.
- Insect-repellent lotion. Shield your self from mosquitoes and different bugs.
Talking of mosquitoes…
5. Don’t ignore vaccination necessities.
For those who’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 threat 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? For those who’re coming instantly from Europe, US, or Asia together with the Philippines, NO, you gained’t want an ICV.
BUT in case you’re visiting or transiting in a rustic that’s thought-about a yellow fever threat, then you definately’ll want proof of vaccination.
For instance, our itinerary is KENYA > ZAMBIA > ZIMBABWE > SOUTH AFRICA.
I didn’t must current my ICV when getting into Kenya. However as a result of KENYA is a yellow fever threat 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 the right way to get yellow fever vaccination certificates within the Philippines.
However these insurance policies change over time so at all times double test with the authorities to be completely sure.
In lots of African nations, malaria can also be a priority. So in case you may get a vaccine shot or prophylaxis, accomplish that.
6. Don’t dismiss the foundations 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 threat, 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 possibly can’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 will be unpredictable.
For those who’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 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 usually quiet, so we’d at all times catch an excellent 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 go away and have extra time admiring them at a good way, simply zip it! You don’t need to 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, are usually not 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 can have the very best expertise. So chorus from antagonizing or annoying your driver-guides. Don’t be impolite or imply. And be thoughtful.
We have 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
(larger for luxurious lodge sport 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, ensure you have sufficient money for tipping!
Our information in Kenya, Dennis, as soon as instructed 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 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 go one another. They’re truly sharing scoops. When somebody spots a leopard someplace, they share it with the others, like a large net of knowledge.
9. Don’t scrimp an excessive amount of.
I do know this tip is wealthy coming from an internet 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. Take pleasure in it as a lot as you can. The very last thing you need is be depressing!
So whenever you’re given a selection between a packed van and a smaller group in a land rover, think about the expertise. For those who’re an enormous group sharing one automobile, a couple of of you could not have a window view.
And in case you may afford it, guide that sizzling air balloon trip. Sure it’s costly, however it’s magical and really unforgettable.
That mentioned, don’t splurge on a regular basis. Know that some stops could also be vacationer traps, and it could do you good in case you additionally learn to say no typically.
10. Don’t preserve dangerous 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 folks 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 automobile, meals, and many 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 combat 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 simply really 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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