The Do’s and Don’ts of an African Safari

Guests in the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve are likely to see rhinos, increasingly rare and threatened by poachers, near Kruger National Park, South Africa. Steve Haggerty/ColorWorld/TNS

By Belvin Baldwin II From TravelPulse

I took my first safari as a travel adviser in Tanzania journeying through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

To say it was a great experience is an understatement. I am still in awe of all the visuals that I got to experience up close. As a child watching wildlife shows on TV, I never imagined that I would see these beautiful animals in their natural habitat.

I planned a lot to make sure that I took full advantage of this vacation. Despite doing my best, I missed out on some opportunities that I wish I could get back.

With that being said, here are some of my do’s and don’ts for your first safari.

Do

• Pack lightly. You are not going to do a lot of wardrobe changes, so plan accordingly.
• Bring binoculars, as the zoom on your smartphone will not give you the same experience.
• Wear glasses to protect you from the dust produced by the caravan of jeeps on those dirt roads.
• Take the hot-air balloon. I know it’s a bonus option on most itineraries, but it is well worth it.
• Be prepared for the “African Massage.” That’s what they call the bumpy roads on our long-range ride.

Don’t

• Eat too much. There are no convenience stores for bathroom breaks in the Serengeti.
• Leave your lodge at night without hotel assistance. After seeing wildlife run freely outside my tent, there is no way I am breaking this rule.
• Stare at your cell phone and miss the sights. Stay in the present and enjoy one of the wonders of the world.
• Get out of the vehicle unless your guide gives the OK. Common sense is not common, but it needs to be stated.
• Start your safari the next day after your arrival. Give your body time to adjust to the time difference before the 5 a.m. start.

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