Going on a vacation requires thorough preparation to avoid safari mistakes that are prevalent with most holiday goers. As a result of much experience, here is a comprehensive list of the safari mistakes that visitors, time and again have fallen prey to and how to avoid them.
Clothing
African safaris are typically dusty so avoid white and dark clothing that may show accumulated dusts settling on your clothes. We strongly advise visitors to have khaki clothes, avoid blue clothes for they attract tsetse flies which when they bite you, you may suffer from trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness). Oh, by the way, also shun camouflaging clothes; because in some countries, they are reserved for the military.
Booking
Using websites that aren’t reliable and trustworthy that will go in and out of business leaving customers in the cold. It is advisable and generally safer, to book your safari holiday through either your local travel agent or directly with the safari operators’ via its website. Moreover, never book after you arrive to the said destination. I strongly recommend you book your safari before arriving in the country of destination and if possible, do it months ahead of time to avoid the risk of encountering situations whereby vehicles, tour guides, and to some extend luxurious hotels, lodges, & camps are fully booked. (Cameras, Binoculars, Tents, Sleeping bags, Hiking shoes, Travel Bags. link to my Amazon a/c
Vehicle Type
Using vehicles for group safaris will limit your chances of getting that picture of a lifetime you crave for. Look for tour firms that have 4X4 vehicles with open backs to enable you view the animals unhindered and if it must be covered to avoid sun or rain, it should just have a cloth cover over the top of your heads. If possible the vehicle should be limited to not more than eight people.
Guides & Drivers
Taking self-driven cars may seem adventurers but never make that mistake because you will miss out big time since much of your attention will be focused on driving and not looking at the wildlife. I bet, you can do better driving back at home after the vacation!
Timing
Even though Africa is an all round year destination, seasons differ in East and Southern Africa. But this is where the advantage lies because you can practically plan a great safari for almost every month of the year if you are flexible about where you want to go and what you would like to see. Click hereto read blow-by-blow account of month-by-month guide for the best country to visit at different times of the year.
Spending Too Little
Your safari is an adventure that is once-in-a-lifetime experience so make no mistake! When planning your adventure, make sure you know the real cost by learning ahead of time exactly what’s included before you book.
Also carry on you some extra cash just in case the unexpected happens.
Packing List
Packing a lot of stuff that will make your luggage heavy whereas in the end, you may not use them anyway. For the most essential items that will make your safari enjoyable and memorable click here.(link 2 packing list)
Group Tours
These are best for people who want to save, or they want to enjoy the adventure as a “family”! However, group tours should be meticulously planned and thoroughly researched on places to visit and which company to use before booking for your flight tickets.
Photo Taking Opportunities
Mistakes of shooting photos when in movement, camera shaking as you take pictures and keeping your camera carelessly and in dusty places. On the whole, safari shots should be taken early in the morning and late afternoon to produce best animal photos and landscapes. Early afternoon photos lack vivid colors. Use cameras with image stabilizers or alternatively hold it in a static posture for it to capture the image otherwise it will be blurred. Hold your camera steady when taking pictures.
Please bring along a lens cleaning kit if you have one and keep your camera clean by keeping lens sealed when not in use.#memoriesaremadeofthese #apictureisworthyathousandwords #pictureofalifetime
Binoculars
Many visitors make an unforgivable mistake of assuming that tour operators will provide these equipments. But wore unto you if you are not booking for luxury safari because you may be forced to share the one companies provide and if you are lucky not to share, they may be defective!
Health & Safety
We live in interesting times and so with this Covid-19 pandemic, situation dictates that you made follow health and safety guidelines religiously and obtain necessary vaccines before travelling to avoid being turned away at the Airport. Additionally, one should make arrangements and obtain a travel insurance cover just in case things go south!#healthyandsafety
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