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African Safari Trips Advice
An African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or a travel buff, it deserves to be on your bucket list. Moreover, it makes a great holiday option in the new normal when the virus continues to be a threat. You can enjoy the best of the outdoor locale without worrying about the city crowds or busy beaches.
Nothing matches the feeling of being amid the wild as you breathe the fresh air, view the endless green expanse, and experience the adrenaline rushing when you spot a huge animal. But the first time can be daunting and thrilling at the same time. Let us share some tried and tested African safari camp advice for first-timers.
Prepare Physically
Your readiness for a memorable African safari begins even before booking it. Start with physical prep as soon as possible if you have a trip to the wild in mind. The experience can be rigorous enough to test your physical strength, stamina, and agility. You should be a step ahead with your fitness levels before embarking on the wild. Start with a viable fitness plan that gets you in shape and boosts your stamina. Seek your medical practitioner’s advice if you suffer from a chronic illness or want to use supplements to enhance your fitness and energy levels. Optimal fitness levels make the camping trip safe and enjoyable.
Dress the Part
Dressing the part is fun for the first-timers, but there is also a practical purpose for wearing green and khaki clothes. These colors blend in with the environment, so there is hardly a chance you will overwhelm the animals while watching them. Moreover, ensure that your clothes are comfortable and well-fitted enough not to restrict mobility. Choosing a weather-appropriate material is also important. Although you will be in a car most of the time, you must wear a pair of comfortable safari boots. You may want to do some bush walks during your first trip itself.
Remember the packing limit
Although you will have a long packing list for a safari trip, remember that you have to follow a weight limit. Expect the limits to be strict if traveling via bush plane. You will be more comfortable when there is less luggage to carry and manage during the trip. Carry only a minimal number of clothing changes to last through the holiday. You may even consider washing and reusing them to limit your luggage weight. But do not miss out on other essentials like your medications, hygiene essentials, first-aid, camera, and batteries.
Create Memories with a Luxury Experience
Your first time on an African safari should be the best to create excellent memories. Booking a luxury experience is a great option, even if it requires you to spend more on accommodation and amenities. If Kruger National park is on your wishlist, you can explore Luxury Lodges Near Kruger National park to get the best money can buy. Besides thrilling walking safaris and game drives, the camp offers fun family activities and rejuvenating spa treatments. You can even check specialist packages for yoga lovers and avid birders.
Invest in a Telephoto Lens
Although you must limit your gear on a safari trip, carrying a high-quality camera is essential. You have a good excuse to invest in a telephoto lens as its lets you capture the African animals when you get closer than ever before. A lens of 200mm plus is ideal for beginners as it does not cost a fortune yet delivers high-resolution images. Getting some practice with the lens before landing in the wild is a good idea. The last thing you will want to miss out on is the incredible memories of the trip, so make sure you have the right props for photography.
Wake Up Early
When in the African forests, schedule your day according to the wild residents. The morning and evening are the most active times for the animals because mid-day hours get too hot. Moreover, it isn’t a great time to be outdoors due to the heat. So safari days include two game drives every day, one in the morning and the other in the evening. Pros recommend waking up before dawn and spotting the animals. The evening drive may be more enjoyable if you aren’t a morning person but early is still better.
Follow the No Yelling Rule
As a first-timer at an African safari, you may be too enthusiastic to know the difference between being in a zoo and in the wild. But you must follow the “no yelling” rule because you are in the natural habitat of animals. Skip the urge to get up, yell, and wave your arms, no matter how far your excitement goes. Also, remember that many animals are dangerous. You must prioritize safety because you can never be sure when an elephant may decide to charge. In fact, wild animals are more likely to attack if you disturb and distract them. Follow the rules and guidelines shared by your tour guide to stay on the safe side.
Watch the Birds
Besides looking for African animals, you must also go bird-watching. Most beginners miss out on the activity, but the truth is that you can see a treasure in the trees and in the sky. Ensure packing a pair of binoculars to see the various species from a distance. Rest assured, you will be spoiled for choice. Some birds are beautiful, and others have splendid calls. Be ready to spot some surprises you may have never seen before. Also, practice patience and wait for them to arrive.
An African safari is a thrilling experience, and it gets even more exciting for a first-timer. But you must know the basics to have the best time in the wild. Choose an accommodation worth remembering even if you have to spend extra. Also, prioritize safety and enjoyment, whether traveling solo, with your clan, or with your best friends. Experts recommend avoiding a solo safari for your first time because having people you know around makes you more comfortable and confident.