When you’re a part of my technology, you in all probability grew up watching Uncover and Nationwide Geographic discoveries that includes the Nice Migration and the continent’s huge cats and crocodiles benefiting from the motion. And when you’re like me, you in all probability have dreamt of happening an African safari at the least as soon as in your life. Nicely, that dream has simply change into a actuality for me not too long ago.
We’ve simply wrapped up our African tour, making stops in 4 nations alongside the way in which: Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The extra I look again, the extra it turns into crystal clear that the highlights have been positively the safari drives!
However these excursions should not straightforward and never like your strange sightseeing journey. They’re not probably the most reasonably priced, both. So the less boo-boos, the higher. It’s straightforward to strategy a safari the identical approach you’d every other journey. And that might be your first mistake. Safaris are vastly completely different. On this article, we’ll share with you among the stuff you shouldn’t do and the errors to keep away from when becoming a member of a safari!
1. Don’t fall for scams.
The web is rife with accounts of people that obtained scammed by bogus tour operators, and lots of of them are nonetheless fairly latest. Some are honeymoon journeys that have been fully ruined by fraudsters who ran away with their cash. And thoughts you, these safari excursions are NOT low-cost. And typically, you need to settle each the downpayment AND the steadiness earlier than you even arrive in Kenya.
To be sincere with you, up till I noticed our first lion, I used to be nonetheless having doubts. You see, I didn’t know anybody in Kenya AT ALL. And nobody in my circle had any advice or contact, so I barely relied on critiques on on-line boards and Fb teams. On reflection, I spotted simply how dangerous it was. Fortunately, the corporate we booked was legit and we nonetheless had a grand time.
At this level, you’re in all probability asking, “So with what firm did you ebook?” And the reply to that’s Mufasa Excursions and Travels. This was its preliminary quote for a 6-day safari for eight (8) vacationers:.
USD 1510 (P85,000) per particular person
5 nights, Kenya solely (price range)
inclusive of the next:
- car (van good for 8 pax)
- driver/information payment
- all nationwide park entrance charges
- all resort lodging (price range)
- all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- plus airport pickup and dropoff
That is probably the most primary choice – price range lodging, and the car for use was a van that might accommodate as much as 8 pax.
However some folks on our group backed out and we wanted to search out replacements, and by the point every part was finalized, among the authentic goal resorts have been already totally booked. We additionally upgraded to 2 4×4 land cruisers for a extra snug expertise. In the long run, all of us paid USD 1,650 (roughly PHP 93,000) per particular person.
Observe that flights to and from Kenya should not but included. That solely covers the safari.
Think about, if we have been scammed, we’d have misplaced USD 1650/particular person or a complete of 13,200 USD (P745,000) for all 8 of us. That’s A LOT OF MONEY!
So sure, be sure you’re transacting with a legit operator.
By the way in which, that is NOT sponsored by Mufasa. We paid for our safari in full.
When you’re from the Philippines and you favor coping with an area journey company as an alternative, choose a good one! Established companies like Constellation Travels supply Kenya Excursions, too.
In fact, it’ll be pricier particularly by default as a result of they bundle Kenya and Tanzania they usually often choose extra upscale resorts, however most of those excursions could be personalized. You possibly can request for cheaper lodging or easier or shorter itineraries.
However the wonderful thing about reserving with Constellation Travels or different respected native companies is, they’re registered right here within the Philippines, so if one thing occurs, somebody will probably be accountable for you right here. And also you even have quick access to buyer assist. For inquiries, contact this quantity or e-mail them at this tackle.
CONSTELLATION TRAVELS, INC.
E mail: company@constelltravel.com.ph
Landline: +63253227667
Cellular: +639175926845
Once more, to be clear, our Kenya safari was not sponsored by Constellation Travels. However we’ve an excellent relationship with them as a result of they assist us replace our visa posts on our web site. That is for individuals who don’t need to cope with all of the planning.
2. Don’t count on a easy experience.
And we imply this in some ways.
Not all nationwide parks are the identical. In Kruger Nationwide Park in South Africa, most main roads are paved. However in Kenya, calling the roads bumpy is a serious understatement, particularly in Masai Mara. As you search out wildlife, count on to be shaken fairly a bit. The guides actually have a time period for it, “African therapeutic massage.” However it’s something however stress-free.
By easy experience, we additionally imply figuratively. It’s not unusual for tires to go flat and wheels to get bogged. It’s half and parcel of a safari. It comes with the territory.
And even earlier than the journey, settle for that issues is not going to all the time go as deliberate and a few facets of the journey are out of your management. Most vacationers be part of an Africa safari with one objective in thoughts: to see all of Africa’s BIG 5, thought-about the continent’s most iconic safari animals. These are:
- Lion
- Elephant
- Cape Buffalo
- Rhinoceros
- Leopard
The leopard is particularly elusive. Your guides will do every part of their energy so that you can see them, however it’s NOT assured particularly when you solely have a number of days. When you don’t spot all of them, it’s OK. Simply have a good time within the course of!
3. Don’t put on darkish, white or inappropriate garments.
When happening a safari, you’re inspired to pack mild and neutral-colored garments. Gentle as a result of it may well get scorching at mid-day even in cooler months. However not white. Some nationwide parks are very dusty. Living proof, Amboseli Nationwide Park. Amboseli in Swahili actually means salty mud. And sure, it’s so dusty, your garments may simply flip khaki or brown by the top of the day.
I used to be carrying mild coloured pants, not white, however lighter than khaki, after I stumbled and fell close to a waterfall in Nakuru, and it inadvertently obtained brown spots.
Neutrals or earth tones are beneficial as a result of vivid colours are mentioned to scare off wildlife and darkish clothes sometimes attracts bugs. I’m not a scientist, so I don’t know. However anecdotally, I can say the latter bit is true in my expertise.
Half of my wardrobe is black and blue, that are mentioned to be particularly enticing to flies. And there was a day – I believe this was in Masai Mara — when each my buddy Row and I have been carrying black, and we have been the one ones complaining about flies, whereas the remaining claimed they weren’t bugged in any respect.
Which brings me to this: WEAR COMFY PANTS or TROUSERS. Not tight and never too free. It’s going to defend your legs from bugs.
4. Don’t overpack or underpack.
Normally, your baggage will probably be stowed in the identical car that you can be utilizing. Most autos have an area within the again for baggage, however when you’re an enormous group, among the suitcases could also be positioned on the seats. So don’t overpack. Apart from, in our expertise, even the price range resorts are well-equipped.
However don’t underpack both. Listed below are some issues that we urge you to carry:
- Binoculars. Ask your tour operator if they might be offering binoculars or if they’ve one they might hire out to you. In any other case, carry your personal.
- Hat. Though you’ll be spending most of your time contained in the car, it’s open-top so among the rays nonetheless get in.
- Gentle jacket or windbreaker. Whereas it may well get scorching in the course of the day, nights are sometimes chilly within the parks.
- Insect-repellent lotion. Shield your self from mosquitoes and different bugs.
Talking of mosquitoes…
5. Don’t ignore vaccination necessities.
When you’re coming from the Philippines, proof of vaccination is NOT required to enter Kenya. However based on the World Well being Group, Kenya is among the nations with danger of yellow fever transmission, so it’s finest to be vaccinated earlier than going and safe an Worldwide Certificates of Vaccination (ICV).
Is yellow fever vax required to enter South Africa, Zimbabwe or Zambia? When you’re coming instantly from Europe, US, or Asia together with the Philippines, NO, you gained’t want an ICV.
BUT when you’re visiting or transiting in a rustic that’s thought-about a yellow fever danger, then you definately’ll want proof of vaccination.
For instance, our itinerary is KENYA > ZAMBIA > ZIMBABWE > SOUTH AFRICA.
I didn’t must current my ICV when coming into Kenya. However as a result of KENYA is a yellow fever danger nation and I visited it first, I used to be requested to current my ICV earlier than boarding my flight to and on the Immigration counters in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
However let’s say you’re flying from Manila to South Africa, with a layover in Dubai UAE or Doha, Qatar, no want for an ICV.
Now we have a separate tutorial video on how one can get yellow fever vaccination certificates within the Philippines.
However these insurance policies change over time so all the time double verify with the authorities to be completely sure.
In lots of African nations, malaria can also be a priority. So when you may get a vaccine shot or prophylaxis, achieve this.
6. Don’t dismiss the foundations and warnings.
When becoming a member of a safari, you’ll be embarking on an journey into the wild. You’re the customer and it’s the animals’ territory. It comes with a danger, so that you higher take heed to your guides and heed their warnings. It’s in your personal security.
In case your information says you’ll be able to’t get off the car, DON’T do it. If there’s a lion simply exterior the car, don’t let your limbs or head dangle from the window. Animals like lions and even one thing as gentle-looking as elephants or giraffes could be unpredictable.
When you’re staying at a camp inside a nationwide park, observe their insurance policies. We as soon as stayed at a riverside camp in Zimbabwe the place going too near the river is extremely discouraged due to crocs and hippos. Or going out of our tent at evening, even when it was simply to go to the reception as a result of if we’re unfortunate, we may simply flip from visitor to prey.
7. Don’t be too loud.
I learn previous to the journey that an excessive amount of noise frighten the sport away. And it was confirmed true throughout our go to.
Fortuitously, most of us in our car have been introverted and customarily quiet, so we’d all the time catch an excellent have a look at the wildlife. However there was one group that was too loud and each time they arrived, the animals stroll or run away. So if you’d like them to not depart and have extra time admiring them at a long way, simply zip it! You don’t must be fully silent! It’ll be arduous to comprise the awe, however don’t be too loud.
8. Don’t overlook to tip your driver/information.
Tipping your information is extremely inspired.
Sport drives, particularly in Kenya, should not straightforward. It’s arduous sufficient for the passengers, not to mention in your drivers. And they are going to be driving you across the total day for days, simply so you may have the perfect expertise. So chorus from antagonizing or annoying your driver-guides. Don’t be impolite or imply. And be thoughtful.
We have been instructed that these are the usual or anticipated suggestions for safari guides:
- KENYA SAFARI GUIDE
USD 10-20 per day per particular person - SOUTH AFRICA SAFARI GUIDE
ZAR 150-200 per day per particular person
(larger for luxurious lodge recreation drives)
Camp workers like bell boys, even the again of the home, are additionally typically tipped, particularly in South Africa, which appears to have a robust tipping tradition.
So sure, be sure you have sufficient money for tipping!
Our information in Kenya, Dennis, as soon as instructed us that he liked our group as a result of we’re simply so chill, weren’t demanding in any respect, and better of all, that we took our time having lunch, which, based on him is nice for them as a result of additionally they get to relaxation longer and recharge.
Enjoyable truth: Drivers and guides work collectively to search out the BIG 5. You’ll discover them speaking on the radio or chatting with one other driver as they move one another. They’re truly sharing scoops. When somebody spots a leopard someplace, they share it with the others, like a large internet of knowledge.
9. Don’t scrimp an excessive amount of.
I do know this tip is wealthy coming from an internet site known as “The Poor Traveler.” However the actuality is, for many people, a safari journey is a once-in-a-lifetime expertise, so take advantage of out of it. Take pleasure in it as a lot as you may. The very last thing you need is be depressing!
So once you’re given a selection between a packed van and a smaller group in a land rover, contemplate the expertise. When you’re an enormous group sharing one car, a number of of you could not have a window view.
And when you may afford it, ebook that scorching air balloon experience. Sure it’s costly, however it’s magical and actually unforgettable.
That mentioned, don’t splurge on a regular basis. Know that some stops could also be vacationer traps, and it could do you good when you additionally discover ways to say no typically.
10. Don’t preserve unhealthy firm.
I do know this sounds extra like a life lesson than a journey tip, however that is essential! Whether or not or not you’ll get pleasure from your safari closely depends upon the folks you’ll be touring with, particularly if it’s a 5- to 10-day tour.
You’ll be with them for a lot of the day. You’ll be sharing a car, meals, and a lot of the actions. Our guides as soon as shared with us that a lot of their friends who’re {couples} on a honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary typically find yourself in bickering or in a clumsy battle for an entire lot of causes.
We all the time say that journey is a check of relationship – be it with a romantic accomplice, household or pals – and a multi-day safari tour takes the check to a different degree. So to be sure you’re gonna have the time of your life, select companions that you just actually like and love.
That’s all for now. Keep in mind, plan good, journey secure, and make each journey WORTH IT!
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