What To Know For Your First African Safari

There is no other experience in the world quite like an African safari. It’s an opportunity to see some of the world's most unique and spectacular animals in their true habitat — life as nature intended it. It's an immersive experience that allows you to disconnect from the stresses and devices of your daily life, and connect with the earth and the beautiful creatures that inhabit it.

When planning your trip, it may seem like you’re going off into another world, and while on safari, this isn't so far from the truth (in the best way possible). But as you're preparing for your trip, thinking about all the unknown aspects may be overwhelming, so we’re here to share the most important things you need to know for your first African safari.

Here are some ways to make your safari as smooth and incredible as it deserves to be.

Come with no expectations, ready for anything

There are plenty of exciting animals to see on safari, but when you're in the wild, nothing is guaranteed, so don't get hung up on seeing any animals in particular. You never know what will come your way, and every single moment will be special in its own right. Arrive at your safari with an open mind: Mama Africa will be sure to put on a show, and there’s a good chance your favourite sighting of the whole trip may not even be one of the Big Five.

Prepare for early mornings

Your safari activities will often start at the crack of dawn, as this is when the animals are most active, before the heat of the day hits and laziness takes over. 4:30 or 5am wake-ups are not uncommon, but don’t worry, you’ll likely have time for naps during the day (that is, if you’re still not running on the adrenaline from your amazing sightings).

Bring binoculars

Binoculars are a safari must-have. Staring into the amber eyes of a leopard as she lazily lounges up in the tree is something that resonates differently when zoomed in. It’ll also help you to spot far-away elephant herds, admire the spots on a giraffe’s back, and just make your entire experience more intimate and rewarding. Trust us, you don’t want to miss out on a single thing, near or far.

Protect your face with a hat

Since game drives typically take place around sunrise and sunset, a hat will help shade your eyes from the blinding light as you keep them peeled for wildlife sightings. Plus, it’ll help protect your skin from the intense African sun later in the day. Hats should be snugly fitted or have a strap so they don’t fly off in the wind during your drive.

Wear neutral colours and bring layers

Earth tones — beiges, greens, and tans — are recommended colours for your safari apparel. This will allow you to blend into your natural surroundings and not distract the animals with bold colours. Plus, in some safari destinations, it will help fend off the dreaded tsetse fly, which is attracted to blues and blacks. But don’t worry much about being “safari chic” - what you’re wearing will quickly fade from your mind as you take in your unforgettable surroundings. Early mornings can be quite cool, especially driving in an open vehicle, so bring layers you can remove as the day heats up.

Don’t stress about animal safety

Although it can seem completely absurd to remain calm as a lion saunters past you, just feet away, in an open vehicle, you are as safe as can be, so do not worry. The animals are habituated to game vehicles and perceive us to be a part of the landscape, and although anything can happen in the wild, your guide would never put you in danger.

Consult with your guide

You will likely have many more specific questions about your safari as it gets closer. Don’t forget that your ToursByLocals guide is there to answer any questions about your destination and experience, from planning your arrival in their country to your detailed itinerary, so don’t hesitate to reach out!

Live in the moment

Like everything in life, it's easy to get caught up in things that are bothering us from the past or stress about things that may or may not happen in the future. But a safari is the ultimate experience to truly live in the moment, so make a conscious effort to be present and soak in the experience you are currently living, as it really is one-of-a-kind.