As you are undoubtedly already aware, safari travel is unlike any other vacation you have ever had. So, let’s look at what to expect if you want to know what to expect on safari. A thorough list of tried-and-true safari tips and tactics can be found here.

 

1. Early Start Times

Sparrows in most camps will wake you up at first light. Take caution.

 

2. Game drives lasting up to four hours

There is a lot of bumping and bouncing around in the blazing African sun, with hard chairs at times (safari massage – no extra price!). However, it’s thrilling, and the time will pass quickly. Sunblock and a decent hat are essential.

 

3. Conditions of Heat and Dust

Summers are hot, and the dry winters are dusty. Just so you know, be prepared for it.

 

4. Game drives that are cold (almost freezing)

Winter (June to August inclusive) in southern Africa, particularly in the area known as the “Kalahari Sands,” which stretches from South Africa’s Kgalagadi to Botswana’s Central Kalahari and Okavango Delta, and all the way north to Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park.

Winters in South Africa may be quite cold, even in lowveld regions like Kruger National Park and other private reserves. It is not excessive to wear gloves, a scarf, a large jacket, and a beanie! Be (mentally and physically) prepared because the wind chill in an open 4×4 just makes things worse unless you are covered up warmly.

5. Getting Some “Comfort” in the Bush

when on game drives. Yes, there is no toilet paper, toilet seat, or functioning toilet! Behind the closest bush, you’ll be “going to the loo.” What can one anticipate while on safari? Ladies, you should bring tissues and a little bag to store them in until you can get rid of them back at camp. You should also bring hand sanitizer.

Toilet paper shouldn’t be left in the bush. Another smart choice is a hand sanitizer. The majority of guides are men, and they appear to believe that everyone can do this at home! If you have never had to “go” outside, begin preparing yourself today!

Remember that nothing is worse than having to “hang on,” so make sure you use the restroom as soon as possible before boarding the car for your drive. You should also avoid drinking too much tea or coffee beforehand.

You will grow accustomed to it (and will have little choice in the matter—nature beckons us all), even though it doesn’t sound particularly respectable to rush behind a bush in the middle of Africa to drop your pants. Regular “comfort” breaks will be planned by your guide, but if you need to “go” at any other time, just let them know and they will find a good spot where you can have some privacy (mostly bushes) and safety (no lions hiding behind them!).

6. Taking a Break During the Day’s Heat

The majority of safari camps and lodges will plan their activities so that you can sleep, read, unwind, and dine during the hottest parts of the day. Become accustomed to taking afternoon naps; since you will be waking up before dawn, you have most likely already had a full day!

 

7. Single-engine, small, four-seater charter flights

into tiny dirt runways. Completely safe, of course, but it’s a good idea to be mentally ready. The middle of the day might be a challenging time for flights. These flights also don’t have onboard restrooms!

 

8. Tsetse flies that bite

Additionally, annoying mopane flies—which are actually stingless bees—are a given when going on safari! You may experience constant harassment from one or both of these tiny demons at some point. Because they can bite and are cunning little insects, tsetse flies are very unnerving.

The unsettling thing about them is that they land so gently on your skin that you are completely unaware of it until they bite, and then ZING! They enjoy getting into your hair and can also get through your clothes! Furthermore, they are quite difficult to kill since, even if you practically smash them flat between your thumb and fingers, they will just get up and take off!

As you drive, I advise being alert and just brushing them aside with your hat or helmet to get them out of the car. Regretfully, they are drawn to moving vehicles and dim areas, such as footwells. Of course, many safari regions have a lot of mosquitoes (albeit not as much during the winter), so make careful to cover up in the early evenings to prevent getting bitten.

In keeping with the creepy crawlies theme, don’t be too alarmed if you discover a spider, frog, grasshopper, or other insect or reptile inside your tent or chalet. It shouldn’t be shocking because you have come to enjoy some time in nature. However, it is quite acceptable to request that a staff person take them off if it concerns you!

 

9. Eat too much

Overindulging is a constant risk when on safari! The majority of safari lodges provide three complete meals per day. That could be acceptable if you were working out in tandem, but because you will probably be spending the most of the day in the rear of a game-drive car, that is not going to be the case.

Some safari camps and lodges have admitted that guests are quite content with an early light breakfast to precede the morning activity, a respectable brunch closer to midday after returning to camp, and tea, coffee, and cakes served after an afternoon nap and before the afternoon drive, even though the majority of these establishments follow a daily routine of three cooked meals interspersed with teas, coffees, and cakes.

Dinner, the day’s major meal, is served when you get back to camp from your afternoon or evening activities, after you’ve had a hot shower and a fireside drink. Yes, and to be attended on foot and hand. Really, you won’t need to do anything! Have fun!

 

10. Lack of Coverage for Cell Phones

in the camps that are farther away. What were you thinking when you turned it off? These days, a lot of camps—even some far-flung ones—offer WiFi (sometimes by satellite), so you may frequently access the internet and check your emails (in case you have a communication deficit disorder!).