For many people, their first African safari is a long-awaited adventure! If this applies to you, you’re also probably bursting with questions. Read on – as we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions below.
Where should I go?
Wildlife travelers are spoiled for choice because there are so many fantastic safari destinations in Africa. Here are just a few of them
- The Kruger National Park, in conjunction with the Greater Kruger, in South Africa
- The Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania
- The Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe
- The Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana
- The Lower Zambezi National Park and the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia
- The Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru, and Mount Kenya National Park in Kenya
- The Etosha National Park in Namibia
Isn’t going on safari dangerous?
No, it is not – provided you are sensible. All the game reserves in Africa take great care to ensure that their guests are safe during game drives and safari walks. You will be in the care of skilled and experienced guides – the key to your safety is listening to them.
Remember you are in a wild environment and all the animals you see are wild. Follow the instructions of your guide throughout your stay, and you will have a safe and unforgettable wildlife holiday!
Do I need to be fit to go on safari?
This depends on the type of safari you choose. If you opt for a safari that includes a lot of walking, you will need a reasonable level of fitness. A walking safari will require you to be able to walk for several hours at a time, and cover between 3 and 5 miles during a walk.
However, if you choose a safari where you mostly go for game drives or boat cruises and revel in the amenities of a luxury lodge, you don’t need to be particularly fit at all.
Will I have to ‘rough it’ to go on safari?
No, absolutely not, although the level of comfort will depend on your choice of safari and budget. However, even camping safaris will assure you of a comfortable and well-run wildlife experience.
And the more upmarket lodges offer lavish accommodations, exquisite cuisine, and world-class service – all in unbeatably beautiful surroundings. In fact, many Americans enjoy luxury safaris in the Kruger National Park where they are pampered in luxurious comfort and style!
How many days should a safari be?
There are no hard and fast rules here – again it depends on your personal preference and budget. There are many different options, ranging from a long weekend to several weeks. We recommend at least a week or more as it will allow you to have a more complete and relaxing experience.
The choice is entirely yours as there really are tours to suit everybody. And thanks to the favorable climate, you’ll definitely be able to find a holiday that suits your preferences, time allotment, and budget perfectly.
Also Read: Top 10 Travel Destinations in The World
Can I go on safari on my own?
Yes, you can. There is a growing trend for people to plan their own safaris as it does reduce costs and you can set your own schedule. However, bear in mind that planning a safari is a complex process and you can easily get yourself in quite a mess without the safety net and experience of a tour operator.
What about malaria?
Only female Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria, and only if they themselves have been infected. This means the risk of contracting malaria is actually lower than you might think.
However, this does depend on your destination, so your tour operator will advise you accordingly. Fortunately, many of Africa’s best safari destinations are ‘low’, ‘very low’, or ‘no risk’ as regards malaria. Mosquito nets are also generally provided in most lodges and by most tour operators.
If you are advised to take preventative action by your tour operator, you can get suitable malaria prophylactics from your doctor. For added protection, use insect repellent on any exposed skin, particularly in the evenings. It is also advisable to travel during the drier months when mosquito populations virtually disappear.
Can I take my kids on safari?
Generally, yes. However, restrictions may apply, so check with the resort you’re going to. Many private game reserves and tour operators have age restrictions on children. These may range from 8, and sometimes even go as high as 12.
Babies and toddlers are generally not allowed out on game drives at all. This age limit is mainly for safety reasons, because animals often respond to something that is slower or smaller than they are in unpredictable ways. Some children also find the size and numbers of African wildlife a bit frightening!
That said, many lodges do provide baby-sitting and child-minding services, and offer plenty of stimulating and educational activities for children.
Hope this has answered some of your questions and that you’ll be setting off on your unforgettable African safari in no time!
