In the event 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 profiting from the motion. And in the event you’re like me, you most likely have dreamt of happening an African safari at the least as soon as in your life. Nicely, that dream has simply develop into a actuality for me not too long ago.
We’ve simply wrapped up our African tour, making stops in 4 international locations 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 will not be simple 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 simple to strategy a safari the identical manner you’ll every other journey. And that may be your first mistake. Safaris are vastly completely different. On this article, we’ll share with you a few 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 acquired scammed by bogus tour operators, and plenty of of them are nonetheless fairly latest. 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 evaluations 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 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 (finances)
inclusive of the next:
- car (van good for 8 pax)
- driver/information price
- 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 primary possibility – finances lodging, and the car 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 search out replacements, and by the point every thing was finalized, a few of the authentic goal resorts have been already absolutely booked. We additionally upgraded to 2 4×4 land cruisers for a extra comfy expertise. In the long run, all of us paid USD 1,650 (roughly PHP 93,000) per particular person.
Observe that flights to and from Kenya will not be but included. That solely covers the safari.
Think about, if we have been scammed, we might 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.
In the event you’re from the Philippines and you like coping with an area journey company as an alternative, choose a good one! Established businesses like Constellation Travels provide Kenya Excursions, too.
In fact, it’ll be pricier particularly by default as a result of they bundle Kenya and Tanzania and so they normally choose extra upscale resorts, however most of those excursions could be custom-made. You may request for cheaper lodging or less complicated or shorter itineraries.
However the beauty of reserving with Constellation Travels or different respected native businesses is, they’re registered right here within the Philippines, so if one thing occurs, somebody can be accountable for you right here. And also you even have easy accessibility to buyer assist. For inquiries, contact this quantity or e mail them at this tackle.
CONSTELLATION TRAVELS, INC.
Electronic 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 have now 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 wish to take care of all of the planning.
2. Don’t count on a clean experience.
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 significant understatement, particularly in Masai Mara. As you search out wildlife, count on to be shaken fairly a bit. The guides actually have a time period for it, “African therapeutic massage.” However it’s something however enjoyable.
By clean experience, 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 is not going to 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 objective 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 thing of their energy so that you can see them, however it’s NOT assured particularly in the event you solely have just a few days. In the event 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. Gentle as a result of it may 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 may simply flip khaki or brown by the top of the day.
I used to be carrying mild coloured pants, not white, however lighter than khaki, after I stumbled and fell close to a waterfall in Nakuru, and it inadvertently acquired brown spots.
Neutrals or earth tones are really useful as a result of shiny 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 believe this was in Masai Mara — when each my pal Row and I have been carrying black, and we have been the one ones complaining about flies, whereas the remainder 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.
Typically, your baggage can be stowed in the identical car that you’ll be utilizing. Most autos have an area within the again for baggage, however in the event you’re a giant group, a few 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 below are some issues that we urge you to carry:
- Binoculars. Ask your tour operator if they’d be offering binoculars or if they’ve one they might hire out to you. In any other case, carry your personal.
- Hat. Though you’ll be spending most of your time contained in the car, it’s open-top so a few of the rays nonetheless get in.
- Gentle jacket or windbreaker. Whereas it may get sizzling through the day, nights are sometimes chilly within the parks.
- Insect-repellent lotion. Defend your self from mosquitoes and different bugs.
Talking of mosquitoes…
5. Don’t ignore vaccination necessities.
In the event you’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 among the international locations 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? In the event you’re coming immediately from Europe, US, or Asia together with the Philippines, NO, you received’t want an ICV.
BUT in the event you’re visiting or transiting in a rustic that’s thought of a yellow fever threat, you then’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 have now a separate tutorial video on learn 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 international locations, malaria can also be a priority. So in the event 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 hearken to your guides and heed their warnings. It’s to your personal security.
In case your information says you may’t get off the car, DON’T do it. If there’s a lion simply exterior the car, 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 could be unpredictable.
In the event 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 very 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 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.
Happily, most of us in our car have been introverted and usually quiet, so we might 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 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 arduous to include the awe, however don’t be too loud.
8. Don’t overlook to tip your driver/information.
Tipping your information is very inspired.
Recreation drives, particularly in Kenya, will not be simple. It’s arduous sufficient for the passengers, not to mention to your drivers. And they are going to be driving you across the total day for days, simply so you would 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
(increased for luxurious lodge recreation 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 robust 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 in addition they get to relaxation longer and recharge.
Enjoyable reality: Drivers and guides work collectively to search out the BIG 5. You’ll discover them speaking on the radio or chatting with one other driver as they move one another. They’re really 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 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 would. The very last thing you need is be depressing!
So whenever you’re given a alternative between a packed van and a smaller group in a land rover, think about the expertise. In the event you’re a giant group sharing one car, just a few of you could not have a window view.
And in the event you may afford it, guide that sizzling air balloon experience. Sure it’s costly, however it’s magical and really 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 in the event you additionally discover ways 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 car, meals, and many of the actions. Our guides as soon as shared with us that a lot of their company who’re {couples} on a honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary typically find yourself in bickering or in a clumsy combat 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 accomplice, household or buddies – and a multi-day safari tour takes the take a look at to a different stage. So to ensure you’re gonna have the time of your life, select companions that you just really like and love.
That’s all for now. Keep in mind, plan good, journey secure, and make each journey WORTH IT!
Extra Recommendations on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Is that this publish useful to you?
