First Time Safari Tips
Africa offers incredible natural diversity, from the dramatic, forested landscape of Victoria Falls to the vast expanse of Botswana’s Kalahari Desert. It’s no wonder it enticed more than 5.1 million visitors in 2022, eager to immerse themselves in the stunning scenery and impressive array of wildlife.
Safaris, a word which means “to journey” in Swahili, are some of the most popular attractions. Visitors are eager to experience Africa's natural geography and otherworldly biodiversity throughout the continent’s rainforests, grasslands, deserts, and mountains.
Once you’ve booked your tour, you’re sure to have plenty of questions about what to expect and how to prepare.
To help you get the most out of your first safari, here are nine first-time safari tips to ensure you can make the most of your incredible adventure.
1. Head Out Early
If you want the best chance of maximizing your animal encounter potential, it’s worth skipping out on the snooze button.
On the savannah, most activity happens in the cooler mornings and evenings as animals prefer to avoid the midday sun. It’s also more comfortable for those who aren’t accustomed to the heat.
By waking up extra early, you’ll also have the opportunity to watch the stunning African sunrise as you head out on your journey.
2. Dress in Layers
Temperature fluctuations are common while on safari, with mornings and evenings being much chillier than the sun-baked afternoons. By dressing in multiple layers, you can avoid feeling uncomfortably cold or hot during your trek.
Start with a t-shirt, then top it with a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt. If the forecast looks particularly nippy, consider bringing another top layer, such as a coat or thick sweater.
Khaki, linen, or athletic pants are a good idea, as they’ll easily transition from cold to hot without the weight of other materials like denim.
Finally, wearing broken-in, well-fitting shoes with quality socks is crucial, especially if your first safari involves a walking tour. It’s a good idea for driving bush tours, too, as you may need to leave the vehicle in case of a vehicle breakdown.
While on the topic of clothing, try to avoid very dark colors like black or navy blue. These hues absorb more heat than lighter tones and can be uncomfortable to wear when the temperatures peak.
3. Follow All of Your Guide’s Instructions
Safety always remains the #1 priority during a safari. Safaris aren’t like trips to the zoo. No protective glass barriers are separating you from the animals, which means there’s always the potential for danger if a charging elephant or curious lion approaches your party.
The best way to ensure everyone stays safe is to follow your guide’s instructions closely. Their rules and guidelines are in place to ensure everyone, including the animals, feels safe, relaxed, and comfortable on the journey to avoid potentially life-threatening mishaps.
If you’re considering bending the rules, keep in mind that wildlife is just that: wild. You’re on their turf, and they’ll react accordingly if they believe you’re a threat.
4. Stay Hydrated
While there are many misconceptions about the African climate being arid across the continent, there’s no denying that many of the most popular first-time safari trip destinations boast record-breaking temperatures which means it is important to drink water and stay hydrated.
During your time in the wild, there aren’t any air conditioners to help regulate body temperature. That means your body is sweating more than usual to keep everything balanced. However, increased perspiration also means you’re losing water faster than expected.
Water loss due to sweat depends on your metabolism, but it can be up to 10 liters per day in the right conditions.
Remember to take frequent water breaks, especially if you embark on a walking bush tour. Keep an eye out for the signs of dehydration, some of which include:
Lightheadedness and dizziness
Fatigue
Feeling thirsty
Dark-colored urine
Urinating or sweating less than usual.
5. Set Timers for Sunscreen and Bug Spray
After a long day exploring the savannah, the last thing you want to contend with is a painful sunburn or itchy bug bites. However, it’s easy to get so wrapped up in the magic of first-time safari trips that you neglect preventative measures while out on tour.
Even if you apply skin protectants in the morning, they lessen their effectiveness over time and wash away when you’re sweating. Take the time to set reminders on your watch or phone according to the reapplication directions on your sunscreen and bug spray.
It might take you out of the moment, but it’ll be worth the quick distraction when you’re not tossing and turning all night due to discomfort.
6. Be Considerate of Other Tourists
Unless you make a private party booking, group tours entail riding alongside strangers who want to enjoy the experience just as much as you do. That means following good safari etiquette:
Avoid loud noises or sudden movements that may startle the wildlife away.
Invite others to use your spot to get a better view or take advantage of a photo opportunity.
Clean up after yourself and ensure no litter makes its way into the natural environment.
Don’t engage in activities that might endanger yourself or others.
Closely follow the guide’s instructions.
If going out on a self-tour, respect the road rules and avoid disturbing other touring vehicles.
7. Ask Questions
It’s not every day that you have the opportunity to spend time with an expert in the field of African biodiversity.
Make the most of the experience by asking questions. It will help sate your curiosity and create a more interactive, informative trip for any guests who might be hesitant to speak up.
8. Go With the Flow
When you’re trekking through the open savannah, flexibility is a virtue. You’re in an environment where you have little control, so unexpected events crop up.
Often, they’re a chance to engage more deeply with the experience, like taking an impromptu trip across the river to get a closer look at a herd of wandering zebra or stopping for a while to watch a lion pride in their natural habitat.
Either way, don’t let unexpected side treks damper your day.
By keeping an optimistic attitude and open mind, you’re more likely to welcome a sudden change of plans as an opportunity for adventure rather than an inconvenience.
9. Embrace the Art of “Roughing It”
Roughing it on safari can be an exhilarating experience. It involves trading the comforts of home and other amenities for a raw, close-up look at the incredible African wilderness that is often inaccessible to most travelers. This can be an adventure of a lifetime, as you get to witness and appreciate the beauty of nature in its entirety.
When it comes to roughing it on safari, there are a few elements that help make the experience even more remarkable. It is advisable to take only the essentials with you on safari and leave anything that is not necessary at home. Keeping your bag light allows for more mobility and ensures that there won’t be any extra weight to carry. Bring only the essentials such as bottled water, sunglasses, a hat, and your camera.
Final Thoughts
Your first African safari is unforgettable, but planning every detail can be a bit stressful without the help of an expert.
Sundowner Safari can take the uncertainty out of planning first-time safaris. By booking one of our tours, you are investing in the long-term, positive impact of tourism-funded conservation through our low-impact, high-quality experiences.
The Sundowner Safari team can also curate a custom itinerary for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Check out our different trip destinations such as Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Rwanda, South Africa, and Namibia! Get in touch with our team today to start booking your dream adventure!
