With our dear friend Lisa arriving in South Africa and staying with us for almost a month in Marloth Park, in a mere ten days, we’ve been talking to her about what to bring and what to expect for life in the bush.
What a fantastic adventure for her! Preparing for a safari vacation in Africa requires practical planning, packing the right gear, and preparing mentally for an unforgettable experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare that we share with our readers to better inform you of what is required and essential to ensure a positive experience.
1. Choose Your Destination & Safari Type
Africa is vast, and different countries offer different safari experiences. Consider:
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Kenya & Tanzania – Great Migration, Serengeti, Maasai Mara
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South Africa – Kruger National Park, malaria-free reserves
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Botswana – Luxury safaris, Okavango Delta
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Namibia – Desert landscapes, Etosha National Park
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Uganda & Rwanda – Gorilla trekking
Do you want a budget-friendly safari, a luxury lodge experience, or a walking safari? This will help you choose accommodations and activities.
2. Check Passport, Visa & Vaccination Requirements
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Many African countries require visas (check online for each country’s specific rules).
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Some require a yellow fever vaccine for entry.
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Malaria prevention is key—talk to your doctor about prophylactic medication.
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Other recommended vaccines are Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, tetanus, and rabies (if doing outdoor activities).
3. Plan the Best Time to Visit
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The dry season (June–October) is best for game viewing because animals gather around waterholes.
- Wet season (Nov–May) has fewer crowds, greener landscapes, and baby animals (but it can mean difficult
Kudus were searching for pellets. travel conditions).
4. Book Flights & Accommodations in Advance
Safari lodges and tours book up quickly, especially in peak season. Decide:
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Lodge vs. tented camp vs. budget safari
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Self-drive vs. guided safari
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Consider internal flights to avoid long road journeys.
5. Pack Smart: Safari Essentials
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Neutral-colored clothing (beige, khaki, olive—no bright colors or black/blue, which attract tsetse flies).
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Layers (mornings are cold, afternoons can be hot).
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Comfortable hiking shoes and sandals.
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Binoculars (essential for spotting wildlife).
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High-quality camera (or a good zoom lens for your phone).
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Hat, sunglasses, & sunscreen (sun protection is crucial).
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Insect repellent with DEET.
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Small daypack for essentials on game drives.
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Reusable water bottle (many lodges have refill stations).
6. Prepare for Safari Logistics
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Game drives: Expect early mornings (often 5–6 AM wake-ups).
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No WiFi in some areas: Download maps, books, and offline content.
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Cash vs. card: Bring some USD or local currency for tips and small purchases.
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Tipping culture: Guides, drivers, and lodge staff often rely on tips ($5–$20 per day).
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After tossing a batch of pellets, all heads were on the ground, scarfing them up.
7. Stay Safe & Respect Wildlife
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Follow your guide’s instructions—animals are unpredictable.
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Never stand up or make loud noises in a safari vehicle.
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Don’t feed or approach animals.
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Be cautious about food & water safety—stick to bottled or filtered water.
8. Cultural Considerations & Local Etiquette
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Learn a few local phrases (e.g., Swahili: “Jambo” = hello).
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Dress modestly in villages or religious areas.
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Be mindful when taking photos of people—always ask first.
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Finally, they were off.
9. Prepare for Unpredictability
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African time is real—things may not always run on schedule.
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Embrace the unexpected—some game drives may not yield big animal sightings, but the experience is always memorable.
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Go with a sense of adventure—the landscapes, people, and wildlife will make it unforgettable!
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, March 23, 2015:
