Everything You Need to Know about Safaris

Safaris are perfect for people who what to get out of the city and be closer to nature. Where you go on a safari entirely depends on what animals and habitats you want to see, so you should start looking at safaris offered by different countries. To help you prepare for your trip, here’s everything you need to know about safaris.

Are There Any Travel Requirements I Need to Adhere To?

Before heading on a safari vacation, check the FCDO’S Foreign Travel advice for the country you’re travelling to for information on entry requirements, visas, safety, and vaccination requirements. Some countries, such as Togo, Nepal, and Singapore require tourists to purchase travel insurance in order to obtain a visa.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Go on a Safari?

Most people prefer go on a safari from May to October, when the animals will be easier to spot. This is when the dry season is in most countries. Many people will stay in a resort near or on a reserve for approximately a week to ensure they get to see everything they want to see. Many people will make sure their trip coincides with something like a wildebeest migration to ensure that they’ll get to experience something exceptional.

What Types of Safaris Are There?

There are many different kinds of safaris, and the ones you take will depend on the kind of experience you’re looking for. Many safari lodges will combine different kinds of safari options for their guests, so you may get to try more than one. Here are the top five kinds of safari:

Game Drive

On a game drive, you’ll either be driven by a guide or take a self-guided tour in a car. This will allow you to cover more distance and encounter a greater variety of animals. Game drives are typically a more relaxed kind of safari as you stay in the car.

Horseback

Doing a safari on horseback is a unique experience you’ll never forget. The wild animals will feel less threatened by horses than by cars, so you may get the chance to get closer to them. Some game lodges require safari goers to have some riding experience, so you’ll need to check with them before booking your horseback safari.

Walking

On a walking safari, you’ll be guided through a game reserve on foot. This kind of safari is slower paced than other kinds of safari, and you’ll need to be physically fit for all the walking you’ll do. You’ll learn how to spot animal tracks, discover things you may not have noticed on a game drive, and go to places that can’t be reached in a vehicle or on horseback.

Cycling

Cycling safaris allow you to experience the animals and terrain on a mountain bike. Cycling tours of game reserves tend to be two hours long or more, so like the walking tours, you’ll need to be physically fit and you’ll need to be an experienced cyclist.

Boating

On a boating safari, you’ll travel by boat, raft, or canoe. You’ll be surprised by how many animals you’ll see on the water, since many will stop by for a drink. It’s a great opportunity to get closer to animals like crocodiles and hippos.

What Should I Expect When Going on a Safari?

Just because you have a list of animals that you wish to see while on your safari, doesn’t mean that you’re guaranteed to see them. You may find the drives to be underwhelming on some days, but don’t be disheartened; the next day may be better.

Guided versus self-drive tours will be different. Guided tours will start around 5 a.m. and will last for three hours. There will also be evening tours and night-time tours. You’ll be able to ask your guide about the animals and their habitat, and your guide will be familiar with the animal’s habits so they’ll know where to look for them. Your guide will drive you around so you’ll be able to concentrate on animal spotting and taking photos.

On a self-drive tour, you’ll be driving yourself around. These kinds of safaris are better for those who have been on a safari before. You can take your time going around the park or game reserve, but you’ll have to stop more frequently, since you’ll be focused on the road.

Are There Rules for Going on a Safari?

Public and private game reserves will have different rules and safety regulations in place, but there are some basic rules you’ll need to follow wherever you go.

The first rule of safaris is that you should give the animals plenty of space. Some wild animals can get territorial or scared when humans encroach on their space, so keep a safe distance between you and them. You may want to get a close up of the animals, but that is what a telephoto lens is for. If you’re in a car, keep your camera inside the vehicle and don’t take any flash photography.

Always stay in your car, and if you’re on a self-drive tour, stay on the marked paths unless told you can veer off them. You should try to keep quiet while on a safari because loud, unfamiliar noises can frighten the animals. If one the animals approaches you, stay calm and don’t make any sudden movements.

What Should I Take with Me on a Safari?

You won’t need to bring a lot of things with you on the ride through the reserve. You should put on sunscreen and bug repellent before you leave, but bring some with you to reapply while you’re out. Bring a bottle of water with you so you don’t get dehydrated. If you’re heading out early in the morning or late in the evening, you’re going to experience the temperature changing. Wear plenty of layers that you can put in your backpack if it gets too warm. You should wear a wide-brim hat and sunglasses to protect your face. Don’t forget to bring your camera, lenses, and some binoculars for animal spotting.

What Should I Wear on a Safari?

The roads can be very dusty and you’ll likely sweat, so stick with comfortable clothing made with cotton or linen. You’re better off wearing neutral colours, such as cream, beige, brown, and green. Avoid wearing camouflage if you’re safari is in Africa, since it’s illegal to wear it there. You should avoid wearing blue and black as these colours will attract tsetse flies. Bright colours will also frighten the other animals. If you’re going to get out of the vehicle or going on a walking tour, you should wear closed toe shoes or hiking boots.

Will My Travel Insurance Cover a Safari?

Oasis travel insurance will cover safaris that are professionally organised and without guns. You should purchase your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip to ensure that you’re covered if something goes wrong while you’re away.

Most travellers will want to take a digital camera and lenses to capture photos of the animals. If this is something you’re interested in, you should consider purchasing gadget cover enhancements with your travel insurance, which will protect your gadgets from loss, accidental damage, malicious damage, theft, and unauthorised use.