1. Take the early morning drives on safari even though that often means getting up while it's still dark. You'll be very glad you did because your wildlife sightings will improve.
The animals are a lot more active in the early morning and late evening because it is cooler and the nocturnal species are either getting up or going to bed so your chances of spotting them are generally much better.
2. A safari is not only about the big game. Take enjoyment from the surroundings and all the wildlife you see because if you turn it into a "big five" tick list exercise you might be disappointed. There are a multitude of insects, birds and smaller creatures that can be just as interesting if you take the time to look and find out more.
3. A pair of good quality binoculars is absolutely indispensable on a safari so make sure you take your own with. Some safari companies do provide them but they might be a little worse for wear after a lot of use and it can be frustrating to have to pass them along to the next person when you actually still want to look at that lion stalking it's prey.
4. Wear insect repellent in the evenings to ward of those pesky mosquitoes and make sure you leave as little skin exposed as possible by wearing long trousers, long sleeved shirts and socks to cover the ankles. During the day they are a lot less active so you don't have to worry about them then.
5. Any good safari operator will have some form of medication available but you might consider taking some of your own with on a "just in case" basis: Anti malarial pills, anti-diarrhoea medicine, motion sickness medication if you suffer from this, mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
6. If you are taking photos using film, remember to bring at least two rolls for each day that you will be on safari and bring spare batteries for your camera because they will go flat at the worst times and you don't want to miss those once in a lifetime photo opportunities because of that. You should be able to recharge batteries in most safari areas. Electricity in Africa is 220 - 240V AC50HZ.
7. When it comes to lions, a lot of patience is called for because they spend most of their time during the day asleep. But if you watch them for awhile you might be rewarded by an impromptu hunt or the appearance of cubs from the undergrowth or a similar drama. Patience is the watchword here.
8. Night drives on safari are a great opportunity to see the nocturnal animals that you will never see during the day but remember that the powerful spotlight which illuminates the surrounding bush and the glowing eyes also attracts a lot of insects so you might think twice before volunteering to hold it.
9. Generally the dry season is a time when you will be much more successful at spotting game because the vegetation is sparse and the wildlife is forced to congregate in the areas where there is still surface water available.
10. It's not uncommon for safari vehicles to break down because most of the roads are dirt tracks and the cars take a pounding every day. Any company worth their salt should be carrying spares and the driver or guide should have some mechanical experience.
Bruce Whittaker shares many more excellent African safari tips, advice and recommendations at good safari operator.
Win a 3 day walking tour in the Kruger National Park in South Africa by entering this free good safari operator.
reliable home cleaners Lincolnshire ..So unknown is this treasure of Lake Jipe not many... Read More
Sun, Sand and Surf ? an apt description for Goa?... Read More
Malaria is endemic to most of the areas in Africa... Read More
Mount Kenya is Africa's second highest mountain, after Kilimanjaro. It... Read More
Last week in Australia, one man's day at beach could... Read More
Table Mountain sheltered the original Cape explorers in the 16th... Read More
Take a captivating trip through the Cape Cod National Seashore... Read More
Tamil Nadu is a delightful anachronism. With a rich culture... Read More
Mount Rainier National Park is the most popular park in... Read More
It is the end of the season for the year... Read More
If you love the thrill and adventure of kayak travel,... Read More
Once described in a 1950 article as "The Town That... Read More
Have you taken up hiking as a new form of... Read More
Holidays in India, awesome in her size and diversity. This... Read More
Magnetic declination is an essential principle to understand when navigating... Read More
Whale watching is a spellbinding, entertaining, and thought-provoking adventure trip.... Read More
It was the end of my first year as a... Read More
The owner can attempt small inflatable boat repair if factory-gluing... Read More
Truly a small wonder, the eTrex takes the best features... Read More
Climbing the glaciers to the summit of Mount Chimborazo in... Read More
"Do you know about Wal-Mart camping?" We didn't know, but... Read More
There are so many selections available when it comes to... Read More
Before you take off on that great outdoor adventure, be... Read More
Boston is a great destination city for a vacation. There's... Read More
There is something about a town tucked between the mountains... Read More
house cleaning near Northbrook ..The dictionary defines a tent as 'a portable shelter usually... Read More
The Kenya safari circuit is one of the best in... Read More
There are many manufacturers of inflatable boats on the market... Read More
"Do you know about Wal-Mart camping?" We didn't know, but... Read More
As the weather cools in late summer and the days... Read More
Last week in Australia, one man's day at beach could... Read More
Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower II ship are major attractions... Read More
HOW ARE MINERALS FORMED?MINERALS are naturally occuring, inorganic solids, with... Read More
I've had backpacking trips that included rain, snow, lightning, rockslides,... Read More
Sun, Sand and Surf ? an apt description for Goa?... Read More
Most people, who go on a family beach vacation, take... Read More
(NC)-With approximately 42,000 mosquitoes for every person in Ontario, most... Read More
Oregon's Rogue River is one of the nation's most beautiful.... Read More
The Cairns Fishing Adventure A Great Australia Road TripYou love... Read More
A South Africa safari is the ideal wildlife trip to... Read More
WHAT TO FISH AND WHERE: Alaska offers some of the... Read More
Pictures of a massive dead Great White shark on the... Read More
If you're a birder, you want to keep a list... Read More
So unknown is this treasure of Lake Jipe not many... Read More
Welcome to Bragg Creek! Bragg Creek is located in the... Read More
A camping gear checklist is an important tool to help... Read More
A Botswana safari is an excellent trip to undertake because... Read More
Contrary to what many think, ultralight backpacking is not just... Read More
Western Australia ? South-West Coast driving holiday. Great Australian Road... Read More
Touted as one of the world's fifty destinations of a... Read More
Outdoors |