Should you’re a part of my technology, you most likely grew up watching Uncover and Nationwide Geographic discoveries that includes the Nice Migration and the continent’s large cats and crocodiles making the most of the motion. And for those who’re like me, you most likely have dreamt of happening an African safari not less than as soon as in your life. Nicely, that dream has simply change 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 usually are not straightforward and never like your abnormal sightseeing journey. They’re not essentially the most inexpensive, both. So the less boo-boos, the higher. It’s straightforward to strategy a safari the identical means you’d some other journey. And that might 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 acquired scammed by bogus tour operators, and lots of of them are nonetheless fairly current. 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 generally, it’s a must to settle each the downpayment AND the stability 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 advice or contact, so I barely relied on opinions 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 most likely asking, “So with what firm did you ebook?” 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 essentially the most fundamental 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 would have liked to seek out replacements, and by the point every part 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 comfy expertise. Ultimately, all of us paid USD 1,650 (roughly PHP 93,000) per individual.
Notice that flights to and from Kenya usually are not but included. That solely covers the safari.
Think about, if we have been scammed, we might 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 an area journey company as a substitute, decide a good one! Established companies like Constellation Travels provide 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 will be personalized. You may request for cheaper lodging or easier or shorter itineraries.
However the wonderful thing about reserving with Constellation Travels or different respected native companies is, they’re registered right here within the Philippines, so if one thing occurs, somebody shall be accountable for you right here. And also you even have easy accessibility to buyer help. For inquiries, contact this quantity or e-mail them at this deal with.
CONSTELLATION TRAVELS, INC.
E-mail: company@constelltravel.com.ph
Landline: +63253227667
Cellular: +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 need to take care of all of the planning.
2. Don’t count on a easy journey.
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 search out 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 journey, 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 elements of the journey are out of your management. Most vacationers be a 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 particularly elusive. Your guides will do every part of their energy so that you can see them, however it’s NOT assured particularly for those who 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 mild and neutral-colored garments. Mild as a result of it might get sizzling 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 might simply flip khaki or brown by the top of the day.
I used to be sporting mild coloured pants, not white, however lighter than khaki, once I stumbled and fell close to a waterfall in Nakuru, and it inadvertently acquired brown spots.
Neutrals or earth tones are really helpful as a result of vivid colours are stated 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 stated to be particularly engaging to flies. And there was a day – I feel this was in Masai Mara — when each my pal 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 free. It should shield your legs from bugs.
4. Don’t overpack or underpack.
Normally, your baggage shall be stowed in the identical automobile that you may be utilizing. Most automobiles have an area within the again for baggage, however for those who’re a giant group, a number of the suitcases could also be positioned on the seats. So don’t overpack. Moreover, in our expertise, even the finances resorts are well-equipped.
However don’t underpack both. Listed here are some issues that we urge you to deliver:
- Binoculars. Ask your tour operator if they might be offering binoculars or if they’ve one they may hire out to you. In any other case, deliver 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 might get sizzling through 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.
Should you’re coming from the Philippines, proof of vaccination is NOT required to enter Kenya. However in accordance with 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? Should you’re coming immediately from Europe, US, or Asia together with the Philippines, NO, you received’t want an ICV.
BUT for those who’re visiting or transiting in a rustic that’s thought of a yellow fever threat, 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 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 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 also be a priority. So for those who might get a vaccine shot or prophylaxis, achieve this.
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 hearken to your guides and heed their warnings. It’s in your personal security.
In case your information says you’ll be able to’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 will 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 extremely discouraged due to crocs and hippos. Or going out of our tent at night time, even when it was simply to go to the reception as a result of if we’re unfortunate, we might 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 have been introverted and customarily quiet, so we might at all times catch a very good 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 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 utterly silent! It’ll be laborious to include the awe, however don’t be too loud.
8. Don’t overlook to tip your driver/information.
Tipping your information is extremely inspired.
Recreation 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 could possibly 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 ideas for safari guides:
- KENYA SAFARI GUIDE
USD 10-20 per day per individual - SOUTH AFRICA SAFARI GUIDE
ZAR 150-200 per day per individual
(greater for luxurious lodge sport drives)
Camp workers like bell boys, even the again of the home, are additionally usually tipped, particularly in South Africa, which appears to have a robust tipping tradition.
So sure, be sure to have sufficient money for tipping!
Our information in Kenya, Dennis, as soon as instructed us that he cherished 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 accordance with him is nice for them as a result of additionally 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 go one another. They’re truly sharing scoops. When somebody spots a leopard someplace, they share it with the others, like a large internet of knowledge.
9. Don’t scrimp an excessive amount of.
I do know this tip is wealthy coming from a web 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. Take pleasure in it as a lot as you could possibly. 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. Should you’re a giant group sharing one automobile, a couple of of it’s possible you’ll not have a window view.
And for those who might afford it, ebook that sizzling air balloon journey. Sure it’s costly, however it’s magical and actually unforgettable.
That stated, don’t splurge on a regular basis. Know that some stops could also be vacationer traps, and it might do you good for those who additionally discover ways to say no typically.
10. Don’t preserve 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 determined by the individuals 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 visitors who’re {couples} on a honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary usually find yourself in bickering or in a clumsy battle for an entire lot of causes.
We at all times say that journey is a take a look at of relationship – be it with a romantic associate, household or pals – and a multi-day safari tour takes the take a look at to a different stage. So to be sure to’re gonna have the time of your life, select companions that you simply actually like and love.
We’ve got a video model of this text on our YouTube channel!
That’s all for now. Keep in mind, plan good, journey secure, and make each journey WORTH IT!
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