It is a no brainer that if you’re looking for a thrilling adventure go for an African safari. However, planning for an African safari will not be complete without African safari packing. This is because of the wide-ranging temperatures and restrictive internal flights. The latter comes with stringent luggage restrictions that can make African safari packing a real challenge.
What are the Basic Requirements for African Safari Packing?
There are things that cannot miss in your traveling bag. These are the must have or the basic requirements. These are very important especially when space and weight are at a premium. The question would be what else do you choose and what can you lose? The must have include:
Sunscreen
A camera
A good hat
Sporty shoes
African Safari Packing Rules for Every Safari:
Use Soft Malleable Bag with no Wheels
To maximize your options, your best bet for African safari packing is a soft bag. Look for a bag that’s flexible enough to squeeze into a tiny storage compartment. Bags with wheels are a no-no when packing for a safari in Africa. Recommendations include The North Face medium-sized Base Camp Duffel. The Base Camp has internal pockets and can be carried traditionally or as a backpack. Another recommendation is the L.L. Bean medium-sized Adventure Duffel. It comes with its super-lightweight fabric weighing a mere 14 ounces.
Count on Free Laundry
Flying into the bush means you’ll be on small planes with very little cargo space. The small planes come with a luggage limit of 15kg/33lbs per person. This will include camera equipment and carry. Some camps provide free laundry service though not all of them will launder your undies. So think about African safari packing list for a long, adventure weekend for this destination. This is because you’ll be able to enjoy clean clothes as needed.
Stick to Neutral Colors
When packing for an African safari please avoid bright colors. These are the colors that scream “See me I’m here!” to the animals. Also avoid wearing black or dark blue while on game drives. The annoying bugs may think you’re a skinny buffalo.
Have you ever thought of layering layers?
African weather is variable and will definitely affect your African safari packing. Evenings and early morning are chilly, but it’s toasty by midday, if not sooner. Layers will keep you prepared for anything. Pants, a T-shirt, a fleece and a light jacket usually suffice outside of the winter months. This enables you to peel down as the sun kicks in. Lightweight cargo pants that unzip into shorts are a great way to get two pieces for the price of one. For women, it is recommended to add a cashmere shawl. It’ll keep you warm when needed, dress up an outfit at dinner, or double as a cover-up at the pool.
Save space for a power strip and other non-clothing essentials
Even the most luxurious camps have a limited number of outlets in each guest tent. We therefore suggest adding a travel power strip to your African safari packing list. This is so that you can charge everything you need each night. And don’t forget a universal adapter. It will come in handy no matter where you travel. Bring an ultra-light day pack that you can take with you on game drives.
Here you can carry an extra camera battery or an extra memory card. In it you can have a pocket journal, your sunglasses, sunscreen, and the like. For photography enthusiasts who plan on taking a boatload of photos, a small portable hard drive works. Things like Silicon Power’s Rugged Armor 1TB external drive, is highly recommended.
Just imagine your family waking up to a brilliant sunrise over the Savannah from the best African safari lodges! This is just before heading out for game drive on a real safari in Africa. Africa is a beautiful and diverse continent by virtue of natural attractions. It comes with several choices that will make confused on what to take.
You will be overwhelmed when it comes to game-viewing destinations for families. Accommodation for your family plays the most important role on your safari. It is therefore important to look at the best African safari lodges that are family friendly. When planning an African safari trip for the family:
You’ll want to select a location with easy access. It should not be far from the airport with facilities designed with children in mind.
You will definitely be looking for a Malaria-free region, too. This is so that your family doesn’t need to take curative medication later.
You’ll want to confirm any age requirements before booking your safari accommodations. Some African safari lodges set an age limit on game drives.
You’ll also want to know if an African safari lodge offers children’s programs. There are many that offer children’s programs with age-appropriate activities. This will ensure that your kids can get the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Here we look at the 10 best African safari lodges for safari-going families:
1. Giraffe Manor
This is not exactly an Africa safari lodge if we stick to the definition. It is among the best African safari lodges for families. However this is one of the best places to start your Kenya safari tour with family. Giraffe Manor is located in Karen, one of the serene neighborhoods of Nairobi. This is an incredibly child-friendly small hotel in Nairobi. The Giraffe Manor is home to a herd of very playful Rothschild giraffe. You can even hand feed them at the kitchen table or at the front door of this luxury Nairobi hotel.
This family friendly luxury Nairobi hotel was originally built to resemble a Scottish hunting camp. Giraffe Manor has 10 bedrooms along with two suites. The suites have direct access to the courtyard, ideal for families especially those travelling with children to Africa. Children of all ages are welcome to the Giraffe Manor.
This family friendly luxury Nairobi hotel is just outside the city centre. Giraffe Manor is less than half an hour’s drive from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The hotel is surrounded by forest with views of Mt. Kilimanjaro in the south. The resort’s giraffe population shares its home with many different types of birds. There are also warthogs and even the rare bushbuck.
2. Shamwari Riverdene Lodge
The Shamwari Riverdene Lodge located in the Shamwari Game Reserve. This is in South Africa’s Eastern Cape and makes to the best African safari lodges. It is an ideal spot for your first African family safari adventure and qualifies to be in the best African safari lodges for families. Shamwari Riverdene Lodge is located in Port Elizabeth, this is in a Malaria-free area. Shamwari Riverdene Lodge happily welcomes families with children as young as 4.
It is however important to note that children must be older in order to go on a game drive. There is so much to do here beyond normal game drives. These include visits to the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Center.
The center houses lions and leopard that have been saved from circuses and zoos. There is the Shamwari Wildlife Hospital that nurses wounded wild animals back to health. This is before releasing them back into the wild. Riverdene Lodge features nine
interconnecting, air-conditioned rooms. They come with satellite television, a lounge area and private balconies. The balconies lead to the garden. The lodge has a BBQ area, and a swimming pool. There is an onsite children’s coordinator to suggest activities. These activities are custom-tailored for your family’s unique interests.
3. Madikwe Safari Lodge
This is another one of South African safari lodges in the list of the best African safari lodges for families. Madikwe Safari Lodge is located in the Malaria-free Madikwe Reserve. This is in the North West Province of South Africa. Madikwe Safari Lodge gets top ratings from families. This is because of their accommodations and age-appropriate introductions to the African bush. This South African lodge also welcomes children as young as 2 years old. At Madikwe Safari Lodge you can Book one of two spacious family suites in the Lelapa Lodge. The suite can accommodate up to two children under the ages of 10.
The suites even have private pools that are covered with a safety net when not using them. Many of the lodge employees are parents, so they know what kids like. As a plus Madikwe Safari Lodge will also take your kids’ food preferences into account. Just let them know what works best for your family and the staff will do their best to accommodate.
Game drives are in open vehicles and are available for those 6 years and older. They also have Family safari drives also in open vehicles. This can accommodate children between the ages of 2 and 6. These lodge also a ton of fun activities for kids, like Bug CSI with a field ranger. Children can participate in painting and coloring. They can make pizzas in the lodge’s new pizza oven at the boma. The lodge organizes impromptu soccer games and viewing the night sky.
4. Camp Jabulani
Magic happens every day at Camp Jabulani. The camp is located near Kruger National Park in South Africa’s Kapama Game Reserve. Here, your family will meet a herd of very special elephants that live on the property. In 1997, a 4-month-old elephant was found abandoned. He was taken to the nearby Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. This elephant was hand-reared and named Jabulani. Later, in 2002, HESC launched a rescue mission for a dozen Zimbabwean elephants. These were elephants whose lives were in the balance when they were tagged for meat after the war. It was clear that Jabulani would become part of their family when they arrived in South Africa.
Camp Jabulani was created as a home for the elephants. It was also a place where visitors could come to spend time with them. Fifteen elephants now reside on the property. Camp Jabulani is a high-end property that offers all-inclusive African safari lodge Package. However, the elephant-back safaris and time spent interacting with the herd is priceless.
Families on Africa safari with children here must ensure the young are 12 years and above to stay at the main lodge. A few days at Camp Jabulani’s Zindoga Presidential Villa is a must for families who can afford. This is a camp-within-a-camp, and includes two spacious suites. The suites are connected by a living and dining area. There’s also a private heated plunge pool and roomy wooden deck for game viewing. You’ll have your own safari team, including a ranger, private 4×4 vehicle and a chef and butler. Children of any age are welcome at Zindoga.
Young guests are invited to take part in the camp’s excellent children’s program, Team Tusker. Activities include storytelling, dress-up parties, art and crafts projects. There are also tracking tutorials, bird watching and bug catching, as well as survival basics.
5. King’s Camp
King’s Camp is one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to affordable luxury African safari. King’s Camp is located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in South Africa. For families looking for affordable but best African safari lodges, this is the lodge. It is one of the only places in the world where you can see rare white lions in the wild. At this private reserve “Big Five” can be easily seen.
There are many other species to be spotted here, pretty much on a daily basis. King’s Camp accepts children 6 years and older. It harkens back to Colonial days and strikes the right balance of elegance and comfort. You can book one of 11 standalone thatched-roof bungalows or Waterbuck Private Camp. There is also a four-bedroom villa that comes with its own safari vehicle, ranger, butler and chef.
The camp is roomy enough for a 8 outh African safari. King’s Camp is situated on a dry riverbank that offers fantastic game viewing. In-room decor includes beautiful and functional mosquito nets. Also on the rooms are claw-footed tubs, indoor, outdoor showers, private patio decked out with a hammock.
The rangers, trackers, camp managers, chef and staff create a family-like environment. The guests on safari to Africa feel welcome the moment they arrive. There is an on-property watering hole. This draws the attention of animals all day long. Guests either relax by the camp’s pool or in the shade of the thatched viewing deck. What a way to watch the elephants and impala stop for a drink or dip.
6. Richard’s Camp
Richard’s camp is located in southwestern Kenya. This is a family-owned and operated luxury camp in Kenya. At Richard’s camp, you’ll find traditional tented accommodations near the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Forest Camp sits on the edge of a riverine forest with grass plains stretching away from it. This means game drives easily sight elephants, big cats and herbivores.
The grazers include zebra and impala that graze the plains each day. Richard’s camp has six tented suites are available with either twin or double beds. Extra beds can be brought in for families on Kenya safari sharing accommodations. The tents operate via solar power and offer 24-hour light, heated showers and flushing toilets.
Meals are enjoyed outdoors or in the camp’s sitting area in front of a roaring fire. There is also a private camp on the property that can accommodate up to 10 individuals. This is ideal for groups or families on safari who want complete privacy. We rank this as the best African safari lodges for families in Kenya. There are also additional lodgings at River Camp located about a half-hour away.
Game drives and escorted bush walks are the core of the experience here. One can also go on a day trip to nearby Lake Victoria or visit a Maasai village. The adults can go on a hot air balloon safari or flight-see over the gorgeous Masai Mara. The camp’s owners are raising their own child right on the property. They can expertly answer questions about age-appropriate safari activities.
7. WILDchild Program & Family Suites
&Beyond is an African safari specialist offering accommodations. This is throughout southern and East Africa. The company recently devised its WILDchild program that’s available at all lodges. Rangers trained in working with children to keep kids engaged throughout their vacation. This is achieved with special programs about wildlife, conservation, and African culture.
The company also installed new family suites at select lodges in South Africa and Tanzania. &Beyond recommends many lodges for families. They include Kirkman’s Kamp, Phinda Zuka Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, and others. &Beyond Kirkman’s Kamp is a favorite with families due to its location.
This African safari lodge is in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve next to Kruger National Park. It’s an easy 90-minute charter flight from Johannesburg and yet the animal viewing is exquisite. That’s because there are no boundary fences between the Reserve and National Park. Animals and game drive participants roam across that invisible line. It’s not unusual to see leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino here. This area also allows off-road driving so your guide will get you as close to the wildlife as possible.
8. Jock Safari Lodge
Jock Safari Lodge is situated in Kruger National Park in South Africa. This African safari lodge welcomes children of any age. that is the reason why it make in in the best African safari lodges for families. It is important to note that only those 4 and older can join a game drive. It is only children who are 16 and older for a walking safari.
Kids especially love Jock’s unique “frogging” safaris. Here guests set out with head lamps and gum boots. They will be searching for 34 different types of amphibians that live nearby. These include banded rubber frogs, bubbling kassinas, and painted reed frogs. Kids are wild about this activity, which is best during the rainy season, November through March.
Accommodations at Jock Safari Lodge are decidedly in the luxury category. They include Main Jock, with 12 individual thatched-roof bungalows. This can be configured with queen or twin beds. Each offers air-conditioning, a private plunge pool, claw-foot tub and outdoor shower. The bungalows also come with a private viewing deck over the river. Fitzpatrick’s Lodge is a three-room standalone compound that’s perfect for families on safari.
9. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
African Family safari vacations are an expensive proposition. The Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is no budget option either. However, it’s a fabulous destination for families on Tanzania safari. It is ideal for families with deep pockets. The lodge and its 77 guest rooms are tucked into the plains of the Central Serengeti. East Africa is home to places your kids have read about in school. They include Mount Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Victoria.
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is located in the homelands of the Maasai people. The indigenous population now survives as craftsman, farmers and ranchers. They wear distinctive brightly colored traditional clothing. Most impressively, this lodge is smack dab in the middle of the path of the annual Great Migration. This takes place between July and September.
You’ll also have no trouble viewing the Big Five here. Families on Africa safari can take advantage of the Discovery Centre. It’s the gathering place where guests learn about the Maasai people and Africa’s history. They also take part in programs that support local schools and wildlife conservation.
Finally, the Kijana Club is open to kids ages 8 to 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. This s the main reason why we have this lodge in the best African safari lodges for families. Here, children can work on arts and crafts projects. They will take part in environmental programs and learn about the animals of the Serengeti. They can simple enjoy some downtime playing videogames or watching a movie. This is an option ifyour kids get tired and don’t want to go on every single game drive during their stay.
10. Luangwa Safari House
Luangwa safari house is an option for reticent safari-goers. This is a private house in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park that offers the comforts of home. Luangwa Safari House can comfortably house up to eight people in four bedrooms. It is recommended for groups or large families on African safari in Zambia.
The house has a spacious dining/living area. A chef, house manager and private guide and vehicle are all at your disposal. Meals and activities are carefully matched to your family’s interests, too. There’s also a solid children’s program that extends from game drives to guided nature walks.
It also includes trips to the Kawaza Village School and Chimpembele Wildlife Education Center. Back at the camp, kids can help collect eggs from the hen house and bake cookies in the kitchen. Children age 7 and up are welcome at Luangwa Safari House.
Deciding on when to go on Africa safari is an integral part when planning your African holiday. It is wise to do a bit of research on and find out when to go on Africa safari for the experience that you want. You don’t want to start your beach holiday in cyclone season. You may find that the migrating herds you’ve arrived to see have moved on.
As a general rule, Africa is warm and sunny throughout most of the year. However certain countries and even regions within a country experience a variety of climates. The key thing to remember is the difference between the dry and wet seasons. This article looks at the best time to go for an African safari in different countries.
When to go on Africa Safari to Southern Africa
The winter dry season in Southern Africa is between May and October. If you are looking at when to go on Africa safari, this are the best time for South African Safari. It is during this time that game viewing is at its best. This is true especially in the hotter, drier months at the end of the season.
You will find thirsty animals congregate at waterholes. Trees are often bare and vegetation is sparse. This makes it much easier to see wildlife. It’s often cold at night during mid-winter but daytime temperatures are mild.
During this period, the risk of malaria is at its lowest. The summer wet season is between December and March. This is a hot and sometimes humid period with short but intense bursts of rain. The Southern African landscape is beautifully green at this time of year.
Bird watching is exceptional during this period. Many animals give birth during the period offering a special game viewing experience. You are likely to see marauding predators move in for an easy kill.
When to go on Africa Safari to East Africa
The seasons are more complex in East Africa so is choosing when to go on Africa safari to the region. This make deciding when to go depending on what safari experience you have planned. Most Kenya safari destinations are at their best between January and the end of March. This is when the climate is mild and dry and game viewing is at its peak. However, for the Masai Mara great wildebeest migration you’ll need to check when to go to Africa. The best time to go is between mid-August and late October when the herds have returned.
General game viewing in Tanzania is at its peak during the June to October dry season. However, the best time to go to Tanzania for wildebeest migration is between November and August. It’s a huge park so make sure you’re in the right place at the right time to catch all the action. You may need to have a look at our wildebeest migration guide to find out more.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is a year-round activity. If you are hiking the rainforests, you’ll certainly appreciate the drier and cooler months. The best time to go is January and February and again from June to September.
When to go to Africa Safari on a Beach Holiday Vacation
December to March months is the best time for a beach holiday in Cape Town. This is the rest of the beaches in South Africa. This probably answers the when to go on Africa safari is question. Other beach holiday destinations include Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius and the Seychelles. They are generally considered year round African beach holiday destinations.
For those planning a beach holiday in Africa, it is strongly advised to read the country-specific when to go on Africa safari guides. This is because there are several months you will want to avoid thanks to heavy seasonal rain. The risk of cyclones and extreme heat and humidity will be greatly reduced.
African safari tour is a true adventure and therefore proper planning a safari to Africa is required. It is a journey crafted in the tradition of wealthy 13th-century traders. They first hunted the plains of Africa for wild game trophies to hang on their walls. Today, travelers hunt for photo opportunities instead of occasions to kill. However they encounter the same scenes that have fascinated explorers throughout history. These include but are not limited to:
Thousands of Wildebeests and zebras migrating across emerald grasslands
Flocks of florescent flamingos creating a field of color across a shining lake
Lions feasting on a hard-earned kill
Many travelers trek to Africa in search of the “big five”. The big five are buffalo, lions, leopards, elephants and rhinoceroses. The chance to get close to these animals in their natural habitats is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is however important to note that your trip to Africa is anything but a trip to the zoo. African safari tours can be physically taxing and strenuous. You may not see all the animals you expected while on a wildlife safari to Africa. With proper planning a safari to Africa you will be able to see the difference in success.
Most safari destinations are in developing sub-Saharan nations. Safari travelers must therefore take certain safety and health precautions. If you’re planning a safari to Africa or just dreaming about it, you ought to be as prepared as possible. It is important to get some good guidebooks or talk to friends who’ve been to Africa. The 3 important things when planning a safari to Africa is to
Research
Research
Research
In this article, we’ve outlined some important safari basics. This is from choosing a destination to getting vaccinated. This is to help you start successful planning a safari to Africa.
Factors to Consider When Planning a Safari To Africa
Types of Safaris
Many a times, safaris are a costly kind of vacation. To ensure you choose the right type of safari planning a safari to Africa is important. Just like any other type of travel, you can tailor your African safari to suit your personal budget. The factors that will impact on the cost of your safari include
Length of your safari will affect its cost
You may want to cut your trip short to save cash. It is however important to note that the longer you stay, the less you pay on a per-night basis.
Accommodation type
If you’re looking for luxury accommodation on your safari, prepare to pay more. Budget-minded adventurers should seek self-drive or overland safaris. This is quite opposite to all-inclusive package tours to Africa. The downside would be being prepared to camp in tents or navigate a 4×4 through the African bush.
Group Size
If you’re traveling alone, you will probably have to pay a single supplement. Most African safari tour package pricing is based on double occupancy. The larger the group the cheaper the travel
Luxury Safaris
A luxury safari typically costs thousands of dollars per person. It comes with all-inclusive prices covering tours, food, drinks and excursions. Fully catered luxury packages offer travelers the comforts of home in wild Africa. Accommodations range from air-conditioned suites to stylish. The Ultra-luxurious safari lodges can cost more than $1,000 a night.
Overland or Mobile Safaris
Overland also known as mobile safaris are generally the cheapest type of organized tour safari. An overland safari will involve campsite accommodations. You will most likely travel in a group with other travelers. Overland safaris are usually participatory as you may be expected to pitch. You may help in with chores such as cooking meals or setting up camp.
Self-Drive
This type of safari is for the adventurous sort. It involves:
Picking a public game park
Renting a car
Touring the African bush on your own
Self-drive safaris are only possible in public parks that usually have paved roads and signs. Here you need not worry about getting lost in the plains of Africa. You will not become lunch or dinner for a hungry lion. If you are looking for the cheapest African safari tour, then self-drive is your best bet. When planning a safari to Africa on self drive, you can pay a la carte for meals, tours and accommodations. This will enable you to opt for the most inexpensive lodging you can find. You may tour the bush on your own instead of hiring a guide. One potential drawback of a self-drive safari is missing out on wildlife. Without a knowledgeable local guide, you may miss some wildlife. To remedy this problem when planning a safari to Africa research on information. Read guidebooks on spotting wildlife in your destination. You may bring a field guide or stop and ask other travelers where they’ve seen the best game. This is easier to do in the popular public parks.
Where to Go on Safari in Africa
When planning a safari to Africa, you should know that each country offers a different safari experience. It is therefore impossible to capture the spirit and culture of an entire country in one paragraph. However, below is a brief overview of some popular African safari destinations. This will help you answer that critical question about where to go on safari in Africa. The best and most popular areas in Africa for safaris are East and Southern Africa. Here you will be offered vast plains and roaming packs of extraordinary beasts.
Planning a Safari to Africa: Going East Africa
Kenya
Kenya’s most abundant wildlife can be found in the Masai Mara National Reserve. This is a part of the vast Greater Serengeti Mara ecosystem. Here massive herds of animals make an annual migration across the plains. But beyond Masai Mara and the Serengeti lie plenty of other quality parks with abundances of wildlife. They include the soda lakes of the Great Rift Valley like Lake Bogoria, Lake Turkana and Lake Baringo. In Lakes Bogoria and Elementaita there are thousands of colorful flamingos reside. Kenya is one of the more popular safari destinations. However, the country has seen its share of terrorism, violence and kidnappings over the past several years. This was particularly in the Lamu district and the Northeastern Province as late as 2013. The situation seems to be contained as there has been no attack in 2014. Be sure to check State Department travel advisories before planning a trip to Kenya or other developing country.
Tanzania
Like Kenya, Tanzania houses part of the Serengeti National Park. This is among the best park in which to see great herds of wildlife in Africa. Other noteworthy sites include Mount Kilimanjaro and marine parks off the coast. There is also the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, site of the Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge. The latter is also known as the Cradle of Mankind. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the largest volcanic craters on earth. Over 30,000 animals live within the crater. Ngorongoro Crater has the densest lion population in the world.
Uganda
The most famous African safari destinations in Uganda are the country’s many primate reserves. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale Forest and Ngamba Island are the places. They offer visitors the opportunity to get a close look at gorillas, chimpanzees and other primates. Kibale Forest has the highest recorded number of primates in sub-Saharan Africa. Travelers can also see crocodiles, hippos and exotic birds, and witness the thundering water Falls. This is at Murchison Falls National Park on the Nile River.
Planning a Safari to Africa: Going Southern Africa
Botswana
This is probably the most expensive destination in Africa. This is due to the government’s push for high-end tourism. Botswana has smaller crowds than most other safari destinations. This is a common locale for luxury African safari packages. You will see wildlife in game reserves such as Chobe National Park, famous for an abundance of elephants. Moremi Wildlife Reserve offers plenty of the famous “big five.” You can also visit the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Look for crocodiles, buffalo, zebras, hippos and many other animals. This is in the delta’s tangled waterways and islands.
Namibia
Namibia is under the radar for many African safari travelers. However it is important to note that in Namibia expect less upscale game parks. It is dotted with incredible natural wonders from the Fish River Canyon to the Namib Desert. You’ll find more than 100 species of mammals in Etosha National Park. These includes endangered animals like the black rhinoceros. Desert elephants and zebra roam the arid landscapes of Skeleton Coast National Park in Nambia. This is the driest place in Africa.
South Africa
South Africa is a particularly popular destination for safari travelers. Here expect a well-organized and modern tourist infrastructure. There are plenty of other travelers in the high season. The best-known park is Kruger National Park. This is home to an impressive variety of African animals. The park is situated in the largest conservation area in the world. You can go to a private game lodge if you want a less traveled safari and ready to pay. These high end African safari accommodations can run well over $500 per night.
When to Go on Africa Safari Tour
When planning a safari to Africa, time is of importance. This is brought out by the question when is the best time to go for a safari in Africa? This is because Africa is an immense continent with safari opportunities available across thousands of miles. The best time to go to Africa for Safari therefore depends on your specific destination. Overall, when planning a safari to Africa it’s best to travel in the dry season, which corresponds with the region’s winter. It is however the most expensive time to go on safari to Africa. Most safari destinations are in the Southern Hemisphere. Therefore their seasons run opposite of North America. Winter is from June to September and summer is from December to March. You’ll also want to consider the migration patterns of animals such as the Great Migration through Tanzania and Kenya. Annual patterns of animal migration often vary, so it’s a good to research animal migration predictions. This should be for the season during which you plan to travel.
African Safari Requirements
Visas
Planning a safari to Africa? Of course, you’ll need a passport to travel to Africa. For some other countries, like Kenya or Tanzania, you will need a visa too. Visit the State Department website for more information on visa requirements. Apply for a visa at least two months before your departure date. If on a last minute safari to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda, you can get the visa on arrival.
Vaccines
If you are planning a safari to Africa don’t forget to find a doctor. Look for one who specializes in travel health care and tell him or her about your African travel plans. You’ll need to get certain immunizations before heading to Africa. Malaria is common there, but there is no vaccine for the disease. You can protect yourself from malaria by taking an anti-malaria treatment or avoiding mosquitoes. Make use a mosquito-repellent spray and mosquito nets. You will need a yellow fever vaccination for travel to East and Southern Africa. Other vaccinations you may need include hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. Visit the Centers for Disease Control’s website for destination-specific health information. Keep in mind that many vaccinations take several weeks to provide full protection. Don’t put off your shots till the last minute.
Staying Safe
You may imagine that hungry crocodiles or packs of ravenous lions are the biggest dangers on safari. The truth is that humans rarely get attacked by wild animals. Most routinely fall victim to safari scams, dehydration and illness, or crime while traveling to Africa. It is very important to take note of this when planning a safari to Africa.
Scams
When selecting a package, beware of safari scams. Research is the basic part of planning a safari to Africa. You will have to research on your prospective safari package provider. Keep watching out for the things that sound too good to be true. Look at things like $50-per-night safari in luxury bungalows that should raise an alarm. Finally, always be aware of your package provider’s cancellation policy or lack thereof.
Staying Healthy
Safaris can be physically strenuous and mentally taxing. This is more true if in your planning a safari to Africa, you did shoddy work. Travelers to Africa are at risk for dehydration while on safari. Your body may not be accustomed to the hot sun and dry air of the bush. You may not even realize that you’re becoming dehydrated. When planning a safari to Africa, plan to drink lots of water.
Politics and Crime
Political unrest is an unfortunate fact of life for many African nations. It is important to consider such situation when planning a safari to Africa. Crime and violence plague many African cities. Even if you’re safe on a remote safari in the bush, you may run into problems on either end of your trip. It is important when planning a safari to Africa t consider this. When traveling to populated areas, familiarize yourself with local customs. Take measures to keep your money and valuables safe. And always check State Department advisories before you start planning a safari to Africa.
Insurance
African safari goes to remote location in Africa. You will probably be spending a significant amount of money on a safari. It is important when planning a safari to Africa to consider travel insurance. It is virtually a necessity on an African safari. Be sure to look for emergency medical coverage and financial protection when booking your policy.
As a general rule, Africa is warm and sunny throughout most of the year. However certain countries and even regions within a country experience a variety of climates. The key thing to remember is the difference between the dry and wet seasons. This article looks at the best time to go for an African safari in different countries.
General game viewing in Tanzania is at its peak during the June to October dry season. However, the best time to go to Tanzania for wildebeest migration is between November and August. It’s a huge park so make sure you’re in the right place at the right time to catch all the action. You may need to have a look at our wildebeest migration guide to find out more.
For those planning a beach holiday in Africa, it is strongly advised to read the country-specific when to go on Africa safari guides. This is because there are several months you will want to avoid thanks to heavy seasonal rain. The risk of cyclones and extreme heat and humidity will be greatly reduced.
Many travelers trek to Africa in search of the “big five”. The big five are buffalo, lions, leopards, elephants and rhinoceroses. The chance to get close to these animals in their natural habitats is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is however important to note that your trip to Africa is anything but a trip to the zoo. African safari tours can be physically taxing and strenuous. You may not see all the animals you expected while on a wildlife safari to Africa. With proper planning a safari to Africa you will be able to see the difference in success.
If you’re looking for luxury accommodation on your safari, prepare to pay more. Budget-minded adventurers should seek self-drive or overland safaris. This is quite opposite to all-inclusive package tours to Africa. The downside would be being prepared to camp in tents or navigate a 4×4 through the African bush.
If you are planning a safari to Africa don’t forget to find a doctor. Look for one who specializes in travel health care and tell him or her about your African travel plans. You’ll need to get certain immunizations before heading to Africa. Malaria is common there, but there is no vaccine for the disease. You can protect yourself from malaria by taking an anti-malaria treatment or avoiding mosquitoes. Make use a mosquito-repellent spray and mosquito nets. You will need a yellow fever vaccination for travel to East and Southern Africa. Other vaccinations you may need include hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. Visit the 
African safari goes to remote location in Africa. You will probably be spending a significant amount of money on a safari. It is important when planning a safari to Africa to consider travel insurance. It is virtually a necessity on an African safari. Be sure to look for emergency medical coverage and financial protection when booking your policy.