By Will Fox

Will Fox has guided hundreds of people on Safaris in Africa. He runs On Track safaris to help
support INW! " #eopard $esearch% a pro&ect he esta'lished to conser(e free roa)ing
leopards in South Africa.
Will has co)piled this safari*planning guide gi(ing ans+ers to the )ost fre,uent ,uestions he
is asked 'y people +ho are considering taking a safari.
+ + +. o n t r a c k s a f a r i s . c o . u k
African Safari -lanning
African Safari Planning
Issue 3
Tips on Planning your African Safari
By
William Fox
All rights reserved.
o part of this pu!lication may !e reproduced" stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted" in any form or !y any means #ithout prior permission of the author" nor
other#ise circulated in any form of !inding or cover other than that in #hich it is
pu!lished and #ithout a similar condition !eing imposed on the su!se$uent purchaser.
Forward
%aving guided hundreds of people on safari in the African !ush" I figured that it #as
#orth compiling a safari&planning guide that hopefully provides some ans#ers to the
$uestions that I am most fre$uently as'ed !y people #ho are considering an African
safari. I(ve !ased this !oo' on the most common $uestions that I have !een as'ed
over the years. After all #hat !etter a reference point could one have than the
$uestions that have !een as'ed !y others #ho #ere planning an African Safari.
In putting together the third edition of this safari&planning guide" my aim is not only
to update the information provided !ut also add more detailed ans#ers to some of the
particular $uestions that I have !een as'ed since African safari planning #as first
pu!lished. I(ve also added a fe# comments of my o#n and stories from safaris" #hich
I hope you(ll en)oy.
*y love of Africa started on my first visit in +,-.. In turn that lead to my !ecoming
involved #ith African #ildlife conservation" moving from the /0 to South Africa and
su!se$uently starting my o#n safari company & 1n Trac' Safaris.
1n Trac' Safaris aims to raise money for our #or' in conservation" as I !elieve that
tourism and conservation must #or' hand in hand. Without one there can(t !e the
other.
But it is not my aim for this guide!oo' to !e a sales !rochure for my safaris" !ut
rather to provide you #ith sufficient information to ma'e a reasoned decision #hen
choosing your African Safari.
William Fox
What is a Safari?
Sounds a simple $uestion" !ut it(s a good one.
Safari is the S#ahili name for 2)ourney(. It has !ecome synonymous #ith adventure
and the discovery of #ildlife and ha!itats of Africa. When one thin's of a safari one
thin's of Africa and #ildlife" the !ush" rustic !ut high $uality lodges etc.
In the early part of the t#entieth century an African Safari tended to !e seen as an
expensive trip reserved for the rich and famous" #hich added to its glamour and
mysti$ue. 1f&course air travel opened up Africa so that a safari !ecame much more
afforda!le" !ut than'fully some of the magic surrounding a safari to #ild Africa is still
there.
Safaris have evolved from the days #hen the name safari #as synonymous #ith
hunting animals through to today #hen the ma)ority of visitors ta'e their shots #ith a
camera. But that evolution continues and #e are no# moving into an era #hen
visitors $uite understanda!ly" #ant more than )ust to !e sho#n animals and en)oying
stylish !ush lodges. 1f&course those things are 'ey elements of any safari !ut my
advice is to choose a safari that also provide opportunities for guests to 2experience
Africa(. 3oo' for a safari that provides an immersive experience" one that is lead !y
people #ith a passion for the continent" its people and its #ildlife. I find that todays
safaris travellers #ant more" they #ant to understand the real conservation issues and
in many cases get involved #ith conservation4 as #ell as having opportunities to
spend time understanding animal !ehaviors and learning !ush s'ills. For example on a
recent safari #e came across a lone lioness that and had clearly !een fighting. *y
guests #ere naturally 'een to learn more a!out #hat had happened to her and so #e
suspended our normal game drive and !oth guests and guides spent most of that day
reading the signs and using our !ush 'no#ledge. And so the story unfolded.
A dominant male from a northern pride had travelled south loo'ing for some
adventure 5as lions do6" on finding our female he had lured her a#ay from her pride to
mate #ith her. %o#ever" the females from the northern pride didn7t approve and came
south loo'ing for their male8 1n finding the t#o ne# lovers together they let our
lioness 'no# they #eren(t impressed in the least" and gave her $uite a hiding.
o# stranded on her o#n" our lioness #as fre$uently and desperately calling for her
pride" #ho had drifted further south hunting Buffalo and out of range for her calls.
By moving !et#een !oth prides of lions and our stranded female #e #ere a!le to
esta!lish exactly #hat had happened. And !y involving our guests in understanding
the trac's #e sa#" indeed appreciating their help #ith trac'ing and listening to the
lion calls and other animal !ehavior" #e #ere a!le to follo# the stranded lioness until
she #as than'fully reunited #ith her o#n pride later that day.
But #hat a day #e had had" experiencing all the factors that contri!uted to a great lion
story and a great day on safari.
What kinds of Safari are there?
A safari can !e underta'en in many #ays & from the 9I: self&drive right through to an
exclusive luxury 2fly&in( safari. When you are planning your safari" there are a num!er
of things you need to consider" #hich I #ill cover later. %o#ever as far as the type of
safari goes" then your choice should !e directed !y the #ildlife you #ant to see" the
time of year you #ish to visit" your preferred accommodation and of&course #hat you
can afford to pay. The most popular safari is undou!tedly a fully guided safari tour"
#hich should provide the !est value for money and moreover the !est safari
experience.
;ssentially" there are four !asic types of Safari<
Self drive tour
=uided safari tour 5ta'ing in several different locations6"
>eserve?lodge safari 5!ased on one particular reserve or lodge6
Bush and !each safari 5normally t#o center !rea'" mixing time in the African
!ush #ith a !each resort holiday6.
I(ve given a !rief description of each safari type !elo#. @ust )ump do#n to the option
you prefer<
Self 9rive Tour
:ou can arrange a self&drive safari tour and essentially 2do it your self(. *ix and
match the types of accommodation" game vie#ing and recreation that you prefer.
There are plenty of accommodation #e!sites and guide!oo's that provide
descriptions and !oo'ing options and of&course the Trip Advisor #e!site should have
revie#s of accommodation venues. Some ational Par's such as the 0ruger Par' in
South Africa are open to the general pu!lic allo#ing you to drive the myriad of roads
loo'ing for animals.
%o#ever it #ould !e churlish of me not to in)ect a #ord of caution. /nless you have
experience in driving in Africa then please consider the safety aspects of driving in
Africa and the li'ely hidden extra costs. The self&drive option re$uires an element of
local 'no#ledge to ensure yours and your passengers( safety" and can end up !eing
more expensive #hen compared to a fully guided safari tour. But more importantly"
you are li'ely to miss out on the information" tips" local 'no#ledge and visits to out of
pu!lic reach places" #hich a tour operator and local guides provide.
%o#ever" self drive does give you the freedom to do your o#n thing and even change
your itinerary as you go. I have added some driving tips in a later chapter if you are
interested in self&drive.
=uided Safari Tour
*y recommendation to everyone considering a safari is to ta'e a guided tour. 1f&
course I #ould say that" after all I o#n and mange a safari company. But that is not
the main reason that I recommend a guided tour. This form of safari provides the !est
overall value" coupled #ith the !est safari experience. There are hundreds of tours and
pac'ages availa!le online and I(m sure the choice is daunting and may even !e
over#helming.
As a good place to start" I #ould recommend you visit the >esponsi!le Travel
#e!site" #hich is a referral site for many types of holidays including safaris. Those
companies that advertise on the >T #e!site have demonstrated that they operate in a
responsi!le and sustaina!le manner and as such are #orthy of consideration. ot only
that !ut the site also provides independent customer revie#s on each safari they list"
#hich offers some assurance as to the $uality that you should expect.
*y advice is to opt for a tour that provides high $uality game vie#ing" uni$ue
accommodation and caters for small intimate groups accompanied !y a $uality guide.
I also feel that it is #orth#hile selecting a tour operator #ith good conversation
credentials #ho demonstrates a social conscience. As I said earlier tourism and
conservation need to go hand in hand. ;ach needs the other to survive. If #e are to
maintain and sustain #hat is left of the #ilderness for future generations" then tourism
must help fund conservation" so loo' for companies #ho do this. I have not met a
safari guest yet #ho does not #ant to support conservation and also help the
underprivileged communities that often rely on support from tourists visiting their
country.
*y preference is not for the large coach type tours" !ut there are many of this form of
tour availa!le and they can !e a relatively cheap option. They normally cater for large
groups and move !et#een a num!er of hotels and lodges or reserves" covering
comparatively large areas. In my local to#n" on any given lunchtime" several coaches
stop to allo# their passengers time to ta'e a cafA lunch" !efore heading off again to a
game reserve. The !edraggled and some#hat !e#ildered are sho#n #here to eat
!efore !eing herded !ac' onto their coach. It(s not my style" !ut as I said it can !e a
slightly cheaper option that ta'ing a small group safari.
We limit our safari groups to !et#een t#o and six people" #hich allo#s for personal
service.
1ne other tip. If you can" then ensure your tour minimiBes road travel and hotel stays
in favor of !ush lodges and more time spent in the !ush #ith nature. After all you
don(t come on safari to gaBe out of a coach #indo#.
%aving an experienced guide is essential for any safari and is a great #ay for you to
learn a!out all the elements of nature. But most importantly it(s often the only #ay to
see something" simply !ecause trained guides 'no# #hat to loo' for and #ill spot
things that you may never see. As #ell as all the 2!ig and fury( animals that #e all
#ant to see" they(ll notice very small creatures" li'e a chameleon or a dung !eetle" and
at other times they(ll see things that are far off" hidden !y trees.
When choosing your safari it(s important to ma'e sure that all the essential elements
associated #ith the trip are included in the $uoted price. Chec' that the ground
transportation" accommodation" meals" excursions" guide?driver and transfers are all
included. Some operators complicate the issue !y offering a very lo# cost for a !are&
!ones safari" #hich ends up costing you a lot more once you add in all the extras that
you(ll need to cover #hen you arrive. *y advice is to stic' #ith a reputa!le safari
operator that offers an inclusive deal #ith no hidden costs.
>eserve or 3odge !ased Safari
Ideal if you prefer to stay and en)oy one location. This form of safari is usually for
less than seven days" as !eyond that things can !ecome a little repetitive if you stay in
one place. Again you can choose to self drive to a lodge" ho#ever this means that your
hire car #ould remain in the lodge car par' unused for most of your stay and as such
its is often !etter to fly in to a local airport and arrange a pic' up !y your lodge.
Beach and Bush Safari
ormally a fourteen&day pac'age #ith seven days spent on a guided safari and seven
days at a !each resort. %o#ever the distances !et#een safari venues and the !each
can ma'e this a more expensive tour than a stand&alone !ush safari.
It(s interesting to note that many of our guests ta'e the vie# that they can easily find a
!each holiday relatively cheaply else#here in the #orld. If they are coming to Africa
they prefer to maximiBe their safari experience #hile in the country. I have to say that
these conversations often happen after a day game vie#ing in an open land rover"
follo#ed !y a sumptuous dinner #ith coffee ta'en sitting around the fire listening to
the sounds of the nighttime !ush and recounting tales from the day. To !e fair" given
the surroundings" that conversation is a little one sided.
Where should I go for the best Safari experience?
This is a very difficult $uestion to ans#er and one that could !e a !oo' in itself. There
are literally hundreds of great locations throughout Africa. But at the ris' of offending
many great places" I have chosen a fe# popular locations 5mar'ed on the map !elo#6
that in my vie# are the !est places to go for a safari.
South Africa D The 0ruger ational Par'
Bots#ana D The 1'avango 9elta
0enya & The *aasai *ara
Eam!ia D The South 3uang#a ational Par'
/ganda D B#indi Impenetra!le Forest
South Africa
South Africa is my preferred venue for a safari. The countries infrastructure provides
ease of transportation" the climate is good for safari all year and most important of all
the variety of game vie#ing and scenery is spectacular.
South Africa is relatively easy to get to in that there are fre$uent international flights
to @ohannes!urg from most countries of the #orld. @ohannes!urg 1> Tam!o airport
#as upgraded significantly as part of the F.+. soccer #orld cup and no# provides all
of the services and facilities that one expects from a large modern airport.
South Africa !oasts many fine game vie#ing areas" !ut if it is a #ildlife safari that
your loo'ing for" then my advice is to find a tour that includes at least some time in
the 3o#Geld i.e. the area around the 0ruger ational Par'" #here you #ill also find
the Sa!i Sands >eserve" Thorny Bush >eserve and a num!er of other private #ildlife
reserves.
This region provides the !est opportunities for #ildlife game vie#ing throughout the
year and has a variety of venues for you to choose from. There are daily flights to and
from the 3o#Geld area from @ohannes!urg airport" flight time around one hour.
*any safari operators transfer to the 3o#Geld !y vehicle" as the road net#or' to the
#ilderness areas is good. ot only that" !ut it is often a prefera!le option to hanging
around at the airport #aiting for an internal flight for several hours" or having to stay
overnight at an airport hotel" especially if you have )ust endured a long&haul flight
from your home to @ohannes!urg.
In our case" #e meet our guests at @ohannes!urg airport and transfer straight a#ay !y
safari vehicle to our home reserve. That means that #e(re normally en)oying our first
game drive !efore most transfer flights have arrived in the 3o#Geld. *ost people
agree that is a much !etter #ay to spend your first day.
When visiting South Africa" it is often advisa!le to loo' for tours or venues that
include cultural and conservation elements as #ell as game vie#ing. In that #ay the
overall experience is more fulfilling.
If you have a choice" it(s definitely #orth opting for some accommodation venues that
have luxury tents" simply !ecause you(ll hear and see more. And if you thin' 2tent(
means 2sleeping !ag on the ground don(t #orry" safari tents are usually #hat one can
only descri!e as luxurious.
South Africa also has plenty of small" private #ildlife reserves #here you can see a lot
of animals in a short amount of time. These private game reserves normally have
comforta!le" even luxurious accommodation #ith lodges that also have s#imming
pools and provide an All Inclusive daily itinerary.
South Africa 5and moreover @ohannes!urg6 also provides a good hu! from #hich to
add an extra couple of days #hale #atching near Cape To#n or even a visit to the
Gictoria Falls.
From @uly through to ovem!er some excellent #hale #atching can !e found on the
southern coast of Africa. Flights to Cape To#n from @ohannes!urg 5approximately
t#o hours6 run almost every hour ma'ing it easy to en)oy some time #hale #atching
at the !eginning or the end of your #ildlife safari.
Alternatively" if you #ould li'e to add a trip to the Gictoria Falls then there are daily
flights to 3ivingston 5Eam!ia6 ta'ing )ust one hour forty five mins. As #ith #hale
#atching it is easy to include a fe# days at the Falls as part of your safari" either
!efore or after your #ildlife safari to the 3o# Geld.
Why choose South AfricaH
Well" there are several good reasons to choose South Africa #hen thin'ing of an
African holiday.
%ere are some things you may not 'no# D South Africa is a country #ith the highest
!io&diversity of any country in Africa" and ran's amongst the most !io&diverse
countries in the #orld !ehind BraBil and Indonesia. There are species of plants and
animals that are found no#here else on the planet" and !eautiful scenery to go along
#ith them.
South Africa has an infrastructure unli'e any other part of Africa" #hich ma'es
getting around $uite a lot easier than in the rest of the continent.
There are several climactic Bones too" offering vastly different holiday options
depending on #hat it is you(re loo'ing for.
South Africa is also fondly called the >ain!o# ation" #hich sho#s its human
diversity as a county that supports all cultures. There are ++ official languages and not
one true South African stereotype. The climate ma'es it an all round visiting
destination" similar to that in Iueensland" ena!ling a sports&mad culture to prosper.
Bots#ana
orthern Bots#ana has some great game vie#ing opportunities. There are several
game reserves one can visit in northern Bots#ana" #ith the #orld famous 1'avango
9elta !eing the most popular. To many people Bots#ana is not as visually stunning as
other safari locations" ho#ever the remoteness and large concentrations of #ildlife
easily compensates.
To get to the 1'avango delta you #ill first need to fly from your home country to
@ohannes!urg 5South Africa6 and then ta'e a flight to *aun Airport in Bots#ana. :ou
#ill then transfer to a light aircraft for the final leg to the delta #here you #ill !e
pic'ed up !y JxJ vehicle for the short leg to your !ush lodge.
It is possi!le to stay outside of the delta area and ta'e day trips into the delta from the
surrounding lodges" ho#ever that some#hat diminishes the experience. The extra
costs of staying at a lodge in the delta are #ell #orth it and #ill hopefully leave you
#ith treasured memories that #ill never !e forgotten.
When you are planning a trip to the 1'avango 9elta you should ta'e into account the
seasonal nature of the area. @une to August is high #ater season #ith the !est
opportunities for vie#ing game from !oat or canoe. *any animals migrate to the delta
at this time and the resulting game vie#ing plus the mild" dry and largely mos$uito&
free #inter climate ma'e this period the !est time to visit the 1'avango 9elta.
%ot and dry Septem!er and 1cto!er are also good months to visit as thirsty animals
are concentrated in enormous num!ers on its fringes 5the *oremi =ame >eserve is
particularly re#arding at this time6. While ovem!er to April is the rainy summer
season.
0enya?TanBania
I have com!ined 0enya and TanBania as the Serengeti 5TanBania6 and *aasia *ara
50enya6 form part of the same eco&system.
I #ill focus on the *aasia *ara in 0enya as it is pro!a!ly the most famous of the t#o
and more easily accessi!le.
The access point to 0enya is airo!i Wilson Airport and the *asai *ara is accessi!le
!y a ninety&minute flight from airo!i. :ou #ill land on one of the small *ara
airstrips" and from there transfer !y car to your particular lodge or camp. Flying to the
*aasai *ara is the $uic'est option. It is more expensive than travelling from airo!i
!y vehicle" !ut given the distance and road conditions is #ell #orth the extra cost.
The *aasai *ara is situated in south#est 0enya and is famous for the a!undance of
lion" the =reat Wilde!eest *igration and the *aasai people" #ell 'no#n for their
distinctive custom and dress. It is #ithout a dou!t one of Africa(s most famous safari
destinations.
The #orld&reno#ned #ilde!eest migration is in @uly to 1cto!er" ma'ing this the !est
time to see this incredi!le movement of animals. Although please note that it is not
guaranteed that the #ilde!eest #ill get to *aasai *ara. Also" 9ecem!er to Fe!ruary
are great times to visit as it is dryer" ho#ever the #ilde!eest and a lot of the Be!ra #ill
moved on to the Serengeti ational Par' in TanBania !y then.
In contrast to a Southern African safari" game drives are ta'en in closed vehicles or
mini !uses #ith opening roofs" as opposed to the open game drive 3andover or )eep
style vehicles used else#here. In my vie# this does diminish your game vie#ing
experience some#hat !ut nevertheless you are li'ely to see some #onderful game
species.
The not so good ne#s is that for the past several years 0enya has !een a dumping
ground for cheap ;uropean tour groups" #hich in my vie# have reduced the $uality of
the safari experience. %o#ever this is changing #ith 0enyan tour operators and
hotel?lodge?camp o#ners pulling out all the stops to revive their once thriving
industry. 1ne #ord of #arning" !e careful and try to avoid the large lodge ? mini!us
safaris.
/ganda D B#indi
/ganda has emerged from decades of trou!le to !ecome a must go to destination in
Africa. For most people the !ig attraction is an opportunity to see a #ide range of
primates and in particular =orillas.
It #ould !e fair to say that the road infrastructure is very much third #orld Africa" so
)ourneys can ta'e longer than might !e expected else#here in the #orld. But you #ill
soon relax into the slo#er pace as you travel around and have chance to ta'e in the
variety of ha!itats" sights and sounds that ma'e up any /gandan safari.
*ost safari tours start at ;nte!!e international airport. There are direct flights from
;urope and else#here" #hich ma'es travel relatively simple. *y advice is to opt for a
tour that includes a visit to a num!er of the ational Par's including *urchison"
Iueen ;liBa!eth and B#indi.
*urchison ational Par' not only provides game vie#ing" !ut I recommend you also
ta'e a short !oat trip upstream along the >iver ile to the *urchison Falls.
Iueen ;liBa!eth ational Par' offers some interesting game vie#ing 5including
ChimpanBee tre''ing6 and any trip to that area must include a !oat trip. The )unction
of 3a'es =eorge and ;d#ard offers fantastic opportunities to vie# !irds and game
from the #aterside. :ou are li'ely to see many ;lephant and Buffalo. Personally I(m
not convinced !y the tourist rhetoric that tal's a!out the tree&clim!ing 3ions. Sure it(s
al#ays good to see lions" !ut I have #or'ed #ith #ild !ig cats for over a decade" and
seen many lions clim!ing trees" not )ust in /ganda8
*ost tour either run in a cloc'#ise or anticloc'#ise route starting and ending in
;nte!!e and visiting the *urchison Falls to the ;ast and include the Iueen ;liBa!eth
ational Par' and B#indi ational Par' to the South West. Along the #ay you should
have an opportunity to en)oy game vie#ing #ith a #ide variety of primates #ith
ChimpanBee and then =orilla tre''ing !eing the highlight.
=orillas are found in the B#indi Impenetra!le Forest" #hich is home to half of the
#orld(s mountain =orillas 5around 3J.6. Penetrating the impenetra!le forest re$uires
a reasona!le level of fitness" so do consider this !efore travelling. :our tour operator
#ill need to pre&purchase a =orilla tre''ing permit for you at a cost of KL.. 5F.+J6"
#hich offers you the chance to trac' =orillas in a small group #ithin the forest"
accompanied !y a guide and several trac'ers. *y advice is that no matter #hat your
fitness level4 do hire a local porter" as the going can !e difficult at times. But #hatever
the hardships of the tre' its #orth it" )ust to !e a!le to spend time in the company of
these magnificent creatures. 9on(t miss it.
Eam!ia D 3uang#a
The 3uang#a Galley mar's the end of the >ift Galley and is one of Africa(s prime
#ildlife sanctuaries. This is the landscape of the 2>eal Africa( and 'no#n as the home
of the #al'ing safari.
:our gate#ay to Eam!ia is li'ely to !e 3usa'a International Airport" #hich is a little
small and old fashioned" !ut that only adds to its charm. Eam!ia is regarded !y many
as one of Africa(s greatest secrets" offering incredi!le opportunities to explore a vast
range of ha!itats" species" terrain and natural #onders.
Gisitor num!ers are small & Eam!ia is not on the main 2tourist trail(. %er vast areas of
pristine #ilderness have remained unchanged for millennia and the opportunity to
explore these areas and to see the #ildlife that inha!its them #ithout having to share
the experience #ith too many others is a privilege hard to find these days.
I recommend that you visit South 3uang#a #here the extreme high and lo# #ater
levels result in a very dynamic ha!itat and also dictate our seasonal safaris.
Green Season
9uring the =reen Season 5mid @an to early April6" the 3uang#a river floods4 ma'ing
many parts of the ational Par' impassa!le !y road. %o#ever as the river !ecomes
naviga!le !y !oat" the valley is at its most dramatic and !eautiful. >iver safaris
explore the river and flooded plains and ta'e you eye to eye #ith hippos and
crocodiles" #hile providing a uni$ue and unforgetta!le safari experience for
photographers" #ildlife and !ird enthusiasts" as #ell as those loo'ing for ne#
adventures in Africa.
Crystal clear night s'ies and occasional dramatic tropical do#npours provide the
!ac'drop for a safari during the most exciting time to !e in the South 3uang#a Galley
Dry Season
9uring the dry season 5@une D 1cto!er6 the flood#aters have receded and the area has
dried out. Bush roads and camps have !een reesta!lished and the area is teaming #ith
game and !ird species.
The famous 2#al'ing safari( originated here and it remains one of the !est #ays to
explore this #ild region.
If you can" then opt to sleep out under the stars for one night of your stay. It is the
ultimate #ilderness experience" #hich involves venturing out on foot from a remote
!ush camp in the mid afternoon" to find a spot to camp and ma'e campfire for a game
ranger dinner. Then share stories around the fire and sleep out under the magnificent
African s'y #hilst the guide and scout 'eep #atch until morning.
*y advice is to mix game vie#ing !y vehicle #ith !ush #al's. It is said that from a
vehicle you can see Africa !ut #hen on foot you experience and feel Africa. :ou
!ecome part of the landscape" no longer )ust a spectator.
Climate
The general height of the land gives Eam!ia a more pleasant climate than that
experienced in most tropical countries. There are three seasons D cool and dry from
*ay to August" hot and dry from Septem!er to ovem!er" and #arm and #et from
9ecem!er to April. 1nly in the Galleys of the Eam!eBi and 3uang#a is there
excessive heat" particularly in 1cto!er and" in the #et season" a high humidity. In the
#arm #et season" fre$uent heavy sho#ers and thunderstorms occur" follo#ed !y
spells of !right sunshine. Plants gro# profusely and rivers and streams fill up almost
overnight. 9uring the cool dry season" night frosts may occur in places sheltered from
the #ind. The countryside dries up gradually and grass fires" fanned !y high #inds are
a feature of this time of the year. In depressions" frost can occur on cloudless nights.
Temperatures rise high during the hot" dry season !ut ne# leaves appear on the trees
!efore the start of the rains and ne# grass !rightens the countryside.
re there any age restrictions?
Some safari tours do have age restrictions for children. If you are travelling #ith
children under +F" then tal' this through #ith a safari tour operator #ho #ill !e a!le
to shape your safari to cater for your family.
Certain lodges and campsites also have age limits. If you7re ma'ing your o#n
reservations" dou!le chec' to ma'e sure children are allo#ed to stay at the
lodge?campsite and #hat the age&limit may !e on game drives.
*y vie# 5and I may !e #andering off trac' a little here6 is that children should !e
#elcomed on safari and !e involved as much as possi!le. What greater adventure for a
child than a safari.
In our case" #e love to see families on safari !ut #e naturally do not to mix a family
#ith small children in #ith a small group safari that may include couples or single
travellers. We(d rather offer exclusive family safari pac'ages to cater for the
individual needs of !oth 'ids and mum and dad.
An African safari can !e a li!erating adventure for 'ids. I fondly remem!er a family
)oining us on safari last year made up of mum" dad" eleven year old son and grandma.
At the very start of the safari" I #as $uite concerned a!out the young !oy" #ho seemed
to !e totally stressed out a!out !eing in Africa. I(m not sure #hat he had seen on TG
or heard perhaps from his friends" !ut he imagined that there #as danger around every
corner. 1n his first night he sat at dinner terrified !y a couple of moths that #ere
attracted to the paraffin lamps that hung around the stoop of our lodge.
I #on(t !ore you #ith the details !ut to#ards the end of the safari he had transformed
completely and #as running around the la#n !arefoot" #as clim!ing trees and #as
even !ecoming proficient at target shooting #ith an air rifle. %e returned home
confidant yet respectful of nature and the !ush" much to the amaBement of his mum
and #ith much pride from his father. As #ith all of our safari guests they start as
clients and very soon !ecome friends. They have 'ept in touch since returning home
and I(m pleased to hear ho# the young guy has )oined his local scout troop and is
continuing on #ith a ne#found passion for nature.
At the other end of the scale" I(m often as'ed if there is an upper age restriction. And
the ans#er is of&course a resounding 1. =iven there are no serious medical
conditions then all are very #elcome. *ost safari operators #ill tailor each day(s
activities to suit their clients and if #e need to slo# do#n a little" then this is Africa
and that is very easy to do. We have had some #onderful seniors on safari #ith us
over the years. From the elderly lady #ho had !een #ith the British Colonial service
!ac' in the day. Before travelling" she rang us to as' #hat #as the dress code for
dinner and #hen she #as on safari entertained us #ith #onderful stories of her time as
a teacher in colonial Africa )ust after the Second World War. To the eighty&four years
young lady #ho could dance the night a#ay after dinner and still !e !right eyed and
raring to go at M<3. the next morning. She #ore out t#o of my young rangers #ho
needed to #or' in shifts )ust to 'eep up #ith her. When she arrived !ac' at home after
her safari" she sent me a photograph ta'en the same #ee' of her grinning from ear to
ear #hile sat on the handle!ars of her sons( motor!i'e. That in itself #ould have !een
$uite something" !ut the motor!i'e #as going around the #all of death at a fair
ground at the time8
When is the best time to go on Safari?
This is pro!a!ly the most fre$uently as'ed $uestion. *y advice is to focus on the
reason that you are going on safari i.e. to see #ildlife.
9ifferent seasons offer different game vie#ing opportunities.
It(s important to remem!er that if you live in the orthern hemisphere you(ll !e used
to summer !eing !et#een @une D August and hopefully !eing #arm and dry. Whereas
those are the #inter months in Southern Africa" and tend to !e pleasantly cooler and
dry.
Summers in Southern Africa are 9ec D Fe! and are #armer 5often very #arm if you
are not used to it6 and rainstorms can occur.
The dry season is the most optimal season to see animals. With less standing #ater
around" the #ater holes attract a #ide variety of animals. This ma'es it easy for you to
find and vie# #ildlife. The dry season also means the vegetation has thinned out.
The prime safari areas are !est visited from @une through 1cto!er #hen the #eather is
cooler and dry" and moreover the !ush isn(t so dense allo#ing you to see further.
%aving said that" a good guide #ill ta'e into account the #eather" availa!ility of #ater
and a num!er of other natural factors to find you great game sightings. So if you
#ould prefer to visit at other times" then please ensure you have an experienced guide.
If I #ere to pic' a time of year 1T to visit 5and its only a personal choice6 it #ould
!e during the Christmas period i.e. late 9ecem!er and early @anuary. That is #hen the
temperatures can often reach J.N and the game lodges are very !usy and prices are at
a premium.
Is Safari dangerous?
;very safari has an element of danger" that7s #hat ma'es it exciting. ature is
unpredicta!le and you #ill !e getting relatively close to dangerous animals. %ere you
are reliant on your guides( a!ility. %e or she #ill understand animal !ehavior and
'no# #hen it is a good time to say vie# 3ions from an open vehicle and #hen it is
time to move a#ay. For example" the flic' of an ear or s#ish of the tail may not mean
much to you" !ut to your guide #ill understand #hat these things mean and act
accordingly. The !ottom line is that you are on safari to relax and en)oy vie#ing
#ildlife and it is your guides( )o! to find that #ildlife in a considerate manner that
'eeps guest and animals safe.
*ost safari operators and guides at the various lodges and game reserves #ill stress
!asic precautions you need to ta'e #hile game vie#ing. Stic' to your guides( advice
and all should !e #ell. I have listed some of the !asic safety guidelines that #e tell
our guests later in this !oo'.
Wherever you go on safari" you #ill !e as'ed to sign an indemnity form to indemnify
the safari operator or lodge against your !eing hurt or traumatiBed resulting from an
event that #asn(t directly their fault. Some year ago that indemnity form #as very
simple and comprised a fe# lines only. %o#ever in the modern day #ith la#yers ever
eager to sue companies" the indemnity forms no# need to list all the haBards that you
may 5and pro!a!ly #on(t ever6 encounter" #hich is more an indication of the realities
of operating in the modern #orld then anything else.
%ere is an example of the type of #ording you might expect to see on an indemnity
form<
I do here!y #arrant and ac'no#ledge<
That my general health is good and there is nothing that renders me unfit to underta'e
a Safari.
That there #ill not al#ays !e protection in the form of fences !uilding and vehicles in
#hich to ta'e cover and that exposure to one or more of the follo#ing potentially
dangerous animals such as lion" hyena" !uffalo" rhinoceros" leopard" hippo" !uc'"
#arthog" !ush pig" #ilde!eest as #ell as poisonous sna'es" spiders" insects and plants
and other natural haBards may occur #hilst on safari that rivers and dams may contain
!ilharBias and sic'ness may result upon entry or consumption of such #aters.
That I am a#are of the haBards and distri!ution of malaria in Southern Africa.
That I am a#are of the potential dangers of exposure to sun & directly or indirectly &
and that serious sun!urn may result from unprotected exposure.
Do I need insurance?
The simple ans#er is yes you #ill need travel insurance. I figure that comes as no
surprise to anyone. A #ildlife safari #ill normally fall under general travel insurance"
!ut it(s #orth chec'ing that is the case !efore !uying your cover.
What about !alaria?
*alaria occurs in varying degrees throughout su! Saharan Africa and is spread !y
mos$uitos. There are *alaria free areas and the ris's alter from season to season. For
example the hot #et summer months tend to !e the #orst time for mos$uitos"
especially around da#n and dus'.
:our doctor #ill !e a!le to advise on antimalarial pills 5prophylactics6" !ut the !est
form of protection is the simplest" don(t get !itten !y mos$uitos. /se an insect
repellant on any exposed s'in and #ear long sleeved shirts and trousers at da#n and
dus'. :ou(ll often see even the toughest game ranger dressed in the o!ligatory 'ha'i
shorts4 $uic'ly spraying his?her legs and arms !efore an evening game drive"
especially during the pea' season 59ecem!er and @anuary6. *ost lodges provide
mos$uito nets around your !ed for use at night. As #ell as loo'ing romantic" they help
you relax and en)oy a restful sleep #ithout need to #orry a!out *os$uitos.
"ow can I keep the cost down?
I have to !e honest and say that this amongst the first $uestion that I #ould as'. But I
am from :or'shire in the /0 and the inha!itants of that fine county do have a certain
reputation for lets say 2finding the !est value(. %o#ever there are #ays that you can
ma'e your safari cheaper #ithout cheapening your safari.
Travel to Africa in the off&season 5Fe! D *ay6. Conventional safari #isdom says that
the dry season is the !est time to go on safari. It7s #hen the animals congregate around
#aterholes and the grass is short" i.e. !etter game vie#ing opportunities. But if you go
on a small safari tour to private game reserves #ith a great guide then you #ill have
an incredi!le safari in any 2off Dseason(" and that is #hen you can find some
discounted safaris.
=o #ith a friend or a group. :ou can really cut the costs of a safari and retain all the
!enefits" if you travel #ith friends. We al#ays offer discounts to groups" as do many
other safari tour operators.
Forego the extra luxuries & :ou can get a great safari experience #ith a good guide
and good accommodations for much less money" if you cut do#n on some of the ultra
luxurious per's. These #ould include a private plunge pool" a spa" gourmet meals
coo'ed to order" a large selection of #ines" etc.
Boo' your o#n flights online. /nless your tour operator is a!le to provide a discount
on the price that you can get online" then #hy pay the extra commissions. There are
often great offers availa!le online either direct #ith the airlines or through sites such
as s'yscanner" expedia and opodo. The list of discount flight shops seems endless so
shop around for the !est deal and !oo' as early as possi!le. Any good tour operator
#ill !e a!le to arrange for you to !e met in country from a flight that you have
!oo'ed" !ut o!viously chec' #ith them !efore !uying your tic'ets.
Find a good safari operator. A good safari operator #ill ta'e the time to listen to #hat
you #ant out of a safari and #ill get you the !est value !ased upon your personal
preferences. African safari specialists #ill 'no# #hen a regional flight ma'es more
sense than driving" or #hether it7s #orth spending your first night at a hotel rather
than game reserve" #here you could miss out on a game drive due to a late afternoon
arrival. They understand that if you #ish to go on a #al'ing safari and #ant to do
night drives" that you have to safari in a private reserve.
In the end" it pays to !oo' your safari #ith an expert to get the safari you #ant" at the
price you can afford.
"ow important is the guide or ranger?
:our guide or ranger is pro!a!ly the most important person" other than yourself" on
any safari.
*ost people going on safari #ill !e ta'ing a selection of game drives or !ush&#al's
#ith a game ranger. The #ord 2game ranger( is often used incorrectly. In fact the
person #ho loo's after you #hile on safari is !etter referred to as a field guide.
Whatever his or her title" it is his or her experience and a passion for nature and
people that are the essential elements in any tour or field guide. :ou(ll spend a lot of
time #ith your tour guide #hile on safari and #ill pro!a!ly !e #ith several other field
guides at the various reserves you visit as part of a safari tour" so chec' this element
carefully.
I figure the $uestion is moreover ho# do I ensure the $uality of guide5s6. *y advice is
chec' out any revie#s of the safari that you are considering. In that #ay you(ll get a
good feeling that you are ma'ing the right choice.
As much as the $uality of your guide is very important" it is )ust as important that the
lodge you are staying at understand that your num!er one priority is to vie# game. As
much as I understand that the lodge 'itchen need to produce meals on time. A guide
should never leave a sighting )ust to !e !ac' in time for dinner.
9uring a recent safari 5#hich is fresh in my mind6" #e had such an occasion" #hich I
thin' explain my point !etter.
I #as leading a safari #ith a group from the /0 #hen one of my safari guests" made a
slightly tetchy retort to a young trac'er 5#ho had apologiBed for a !lan' game drive6.
OIf I #anted animals to appear on time" I(d ave gone to a Boo or 9isney World. I #ant
this 5he points out across the African !ush6" the real deal.P
%e #as a :or'shireman li'e myself" #ho 5as they say6" called a spade a spade and not
a 2digging implement(. I couldn(t have agreed more" #ith !oth statements. Safari
guests #ant more than to )ust vie# animals. When on game drive there is no reason to
charge around trying to tic' off species )ust !ecause that is #hat it is assumed guests
#ant" or #hen !ac' at the lodge no need to #orry a!out the $uality of the ro#ing
machine in the gym. Safari guests #ould much rather go for a !ig five&!ush #al' than
#or' out in a gym. The num!er one priority is a real #ildlife experience.
Spending $uality time in a sighting" en)oying !eing in the same place as the 3ion"
>hino or #hatever is 'ey. @ust let nature dictate the pace and if that means #e(re late
getting !ac' at the lodge for diner. Who caresH It(s #ildlife experiences that #e #ant
and not )ust !eing a!le to say I sa# a 3ion.
I may have been unkind by saying who cares. Of-course the lodge kitchen staff care.
They work hard to put high quality hopefully local! cuisine on your table and often
need to work to a schedule.
I should say that it(s not that #e(re ungrateful for the efforts of the lodge staff" !ut in
the #ords of my :or'shire friend #hile #atching a pride of 3ions as they moved off
for a nights hunting.
OTell yon lodge a cheese toastie(ll do #hen #e get !ac'. I #ant to stay ere and see
#hat 2appens.P
%e #as a!solutely right. We stayed and he #itnessed a 3ion hunt resulting in his
#earing a grin from ear to ear as he ate his toastie at ++pm that night.
What happens on Safari?
1ther then travel to and from Africa" your safari #ill !asically encompass visiting
game reserves #ith normally 5depending on siBe6 one or more chic" high $uality !ush
lodges on that reserve. :ou #ill pro!a!ly visit several different reserves during your
safari to vary your #ildlife" cultural and lodge experiences.
=ame drives leave from your lodge each morning and evening and traverse the
reserve #here you are staying.
The most usual #ay to see #ildlife is from the !ac' of a game drive vehicle. These
tend to !e an open 3andover or similar J x J vehicles that have !een modified #ith
comforta!le seats for guests" allo#ing you to see a lot more than from a conventional
car. :our guide #ill !e on hand to help you spot the #ildlife and #ill !e a!le to
explain #hat is happening during each sighting.
What type of safari you choose #ill alter ho# the safari unfolds !ut it is important to
remem!er you are there for a holiday" so try and !alance game vie#ing activities #ith
time for some >Q>. *orning game drives leave at first light to ensure the !est game
vie#ing and that can mean that you are getting up at M<.." so it(s often a #elcome
!rea' to have a couple of days during your safari #here the scheduled activities mean
you can en)oy a lie in.
*y advice is to pic' an itinerary #ith a couple of !rea's from game driving. For
example en)oying a cultural visit or ta'ing in a #ildlife reha!ilitation center. In our
case #e intersperse !ig five game vie#ing #ith opportunities for you to meet our
conservation team and !e hands on 5if you #ish6" learning the art of trac'ing animals"
or developing your !ush senses" lin'ing up #ith our leopard research team to monitor
leopards" that sort of thing. The idea is to give you an overall immersive !ush and
#ildlife experience.
1f&course the serenity and peace of !eing in the !ush" a#ay from it all" together #ith
the relaxed atmosphere of !ush lodges and camps ma'es relaxing very easy.
9epending on #here you go on safari" your vehicle may !e allo#ed to go off&road.
This #or's really #ell #here a great sighting 5say a leopard in a tree6 is some #ay off
the road or trac' and to get a good appreciation you need to !e closer. It is a huge
!enefit if this is permitted. All good reserves have strict ecological and conservation
guidelines for guides" that #ill affect #hen this is possi!le and moreover #hen it is
not ethical to do so. For example if there has !een rainfall over a certain limit" then off
road driving #ill not !e permitted as it is li'ely to do long term damage to the veldt.
There are !roadly three types of game drive.
;arly morning drive D ormally starting at first light and returning for !rea'fast.
Afternoon drive D 3eaving your lodge after high tea and returning for dinner.
ight drive. D Ta'en after dinner or more often that not forms the later part of the
afternoon game drive.
It(s never the case that one may !e !etter than another as there are no firm rules for
success. It is the !ush and nature that calls the tunes.
The contrast is greatest on the night drive #here it may !e possi!le" #ith the aid of a
strong spotlight" to see animals that only come out at night or certain activities that
usually only ta'e place at night. 1ften the afternoon game drives are extended into the
early evening #hen dar'ness falls" allo#ing you to en)oy a night drive on your #ay
!ac' to your lodge for dinner.
Please remem!er that it might !e chilly in the early morning or late evening especially
in an open game drive vehicle" so ta'e along a fleece or #arm )ac'et )ust in case.
=ame drive times vary as the seasons change !ut morning drives tend to start at
around .L<.. #ith a coffee ta'en in the lodge !efore departing into the reserve. :our
guide #ill often !e accompanied !y a trac'er" sitting up front on a !onnet mounted
seat to spot spoor 5trac's6 left from the night !efore" to help lead you to animals.
1n most reserves your guide #ill also !e communicating #ith any other guides in the
area via a radio to co&ordinate their efforts and cover as much of the reserve as
possi!le. The more eyes on the ground the !etter as there are normally huge areas to
cover.
9uring the morning drive you #ill pro!a!ly stop in the !ush for a ten minute !rea' at
around .-<.. #hen your guide #ill set up a ta!le to serve coffee tea and !iscuits" that
sort of thing.
Then you(ll set off again arriving !ac' at your lodge for !rea'fast some#here around
.,<3." !ut that could !e later" dependent on #hat you find on your game drive.
Brunch is then served on your return to the lodge.
There is often the option of a guided !ush #al' in the late morning. To !e on foot in
the African !ush is a #onderful experience and one that #e very much en)oy #hen the
time is right.
9uring the heat of the day there is usually time to relax and en)oy the serenity of your
surroundings !efore the afternoon game drive.
The afternoon game drive #ill normally start #ith high tea !efore setting out into the
reserve at around +L<...
At around +-<.. you(ll again stop in the !ush for a fifteen&minute sundo#ner 5a drin'
of your choice accompanied !y snac's6. Then it(s off again and as the sun sets your
guide?trac'er team #ill use a spot lamp to find any nocturnal animals as you return
through the reserve !ac' to your lodge for dinner.
o trip is ever the same and your tour operator #ill #or' #ith you to come up #ith a
se$uence of places and activities that addresses your re$uirements" to create that
exceptional )ourney.
What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation options #hilst on safari vary greatly" ranging from traditional and
!asic tents for the more adventurous travelers to the huge decadent lodges for those
#ho #ant to really indulge themselves. It is very easy to chec' out the
accommodation at any particular lodge or reserve" via their #e!sites" Trip Advisor or
any of the revie# sites availa!le. As I said earlier" I particularly li'e the >esponsi!le
Travel #e!site that not only provides leads to find great safaris" !ut also has genuine
customer revie#s for you to read !efore ma'ing a selection.
Whether you prefer a huge and extravagant suite" complete #ith cla# !ath and his and
hers sin's or a more modest canvas construction is entirely your decision. A fantastic
African safari experience a#aits you #herever you choose to stay.
%ere are a fe# !rief descriptions of some of the accommodation types availa!le<
Bush Q =ame 3odges D A guided safari tour #ill normally visit several lodges #ithin
different reserves as part of your safari. The term lodge can mean either a permanent
tented camp or structures made of natural materials" !lending #ith the environment"
!ut generally very luxurious. There is range of esta!lishments in this category" each
!eing uni$ue !ut offering you contact #ith the !ush. /sually all meals and activities
are included in the price.
Country hotels D ormally found on the outs'irts of rural to#ns. They tend to !e
tran$uil" secure environments #ith landscaped gardens" in !eautiful settings. 1ften
o#ner managed.
Country 3odges D ormally not found in game reserves" they are smaller" gracious
esta!lishments" exuding charm and understated luxury.
=uest %ouses D Again not normally found in game reserves" they are small" upmar'et
esta!lishments" usually o#ner&managed" #ith a!out M rooms or suites" set in tran$uil
su!ur!s or countryside. 3unch and dinners usually availa!le" or !y prior arrangement
#ith management
Bed Q Brea'fast esta!lishments & >easona!ly priced" comforta!le" often selected on
the !asis of the strong individual stamp o#ners place on their service and amenities.
1ften a good stop over location" ideal #here you #ould rather spend money on actual
safari accommodation #hen you arrive at a reserve.
What should I bring?
For most people" an African safari is an expensive holiday" so it pays to see' the
expertise of a seasoned professional & and there is no charge for their time and advice.
If you plan ahead then you(ll ensure that you #on7t have any unpleasant surprises on
your safari holiday a!road. Chec' your passport isn7t a!out to expire" chec' #hether
you7ll need visas" organiBe travel insurance and medical insurance. Chec' your flight
details and don7t forget to confirm them D including on#ard connections a!road and
returns. 9on7t forget to order special meals on flights" or children7s meals" if necessary.
3ist all your important num!ers & passport num!ers" credit card num!ers" etc. If you
lose your !ag or important things" this could !e an enormous help.
In Africa" electricity is generally FF.?F3. volts and uses either three&prong or t#o&
prong plugs" !oth cases #ith round pins. If you7re !ringing anything electrical" !ring
an adapter" or you could !uy one in country.
Bring spare spectacles" and?or a copy of your prescription.
If you7ve forgotten anything D don7t panic. :ou can usually !uy #hatever you need in
small shops and supermar'ets" pro!a!ly at a good price.
Select your clothing !ased on comfort. Safari clothes should !e #asha!le and loose
fitting. If possi!le" light colored 5tan" 'ha'i" or neutral colors64 it 'eeps you
comforta!le and is uno!trusive and non&threatening to #ildlife.
*any safari camps and lodges no# support local community initiatives in and around
the #ildlife par's" reserves and concession areas. Please as' if you can !ring any
school supplies" clothing or other light o!)ects that #ill help these pro)ects.
If possi!le pac' using a soft&sided suitcase. In addition you should !ring a carry&on
!ag #ith everything you cannot live #ithout 5camera e$uipment" prescription
medication" money" important travel documents" passport" etc.6.
This !asic safari&pac'ing list !elo# provides some good pointers. It7s important to
remem!er to pac' light especially if you7re ta'ing internal charter flights !et#een
par's !ecause the !aggage #eight can !e limited.
Some essentials to !ring #ith you<
Camera and camcorder 5#ith !attery charger or spare !atteries6
Binoculars 5the !est you can afford -x3F or +.xJF are recommended6
>echargea!le Torch?Flashlight
;lectrical converter and plug adapter
Suntan lotion and insect repellent
Spare glasses 5it can !e very dusty so avoid contact lenses if you can6
Sunglasses
%at
Credit?de!it card
Personal medications
3ight#eight clothing 5no !right colors6. Including long sleeve shirts and trousers for
game drives and evening meal.
Warm clothing" s#eater or fleece for early morning and evening
Waterproof )ac'et if you7re on safari during the rainy season
S#imsuit
A good !oo' to en)oy !et#een drives
*o!ile phone #ith call roaming option to 'eep in touch #ith home.
Spare plastic Bip loc' !ags
A #ell !ro'en&in" comforta!le pair of light#eight hi'ing !oots or #al'ing shoes.
Small travel first aid 'it.
Should I bring dollars or local currency?
If you are travelling to South Africa the local currency is >and. We recommend that
you !ring around EA>F"... 5approx. R+L. or KFS.6 #ith you and thereafter use a
credit or de!it card to either purchase goods or to #ithdra# local currency at an AT*
or !an'.
Wherever you travel in Africa and !efore you leave home" it(s important to let your
credit card provider 'no# that you #ill !e travelling to Africa and ensure that they
have your mo!ile phone num!er. We have 'no# safari guests to !e refused funds at
an AT* #hen their card provider initiates a security chec'" #hich in turn leads to
expensive phone calls home to sort it out. Better that they ring you on your mo!ile
phone and deal and clear it up straight a#ay.
In Bots#ana you #ill need the local currency 5pula6 for tips and minor expenses. :our
lodge may accept /S 9ollars" !ut it(s #orth chec'ing first. 1f&course your lodge
should also accept credit or de!it cards" to cover !ar !ills etc.
When travelling to 0enya then for day&to&day expenses you #ill need 0enyan
Shillings 50;S" ?& or 7Bo!76.
/S 9ollars #ill !e accepted in larger hotels" shops and restaurants !ut at a poor rate of
exchange. Any#here that #ill accept 9ollars #ill also accept Pounds and ;uros" !ut
again at a poor exchange rate.
If you #ant to ta'e cash" ta'e your local currency 5 Sterling ? ;uros ? 9ollars6 and
change into Shillings at either the !an' or forex at the airport or at a !an' or forex ?
FT. :ou #ill get a !etter exchange rate in 0enya and you #ill get the !est rates at a
forex. :ou should avoid changing money in your hotel or Safari lodge as their rates
#ill !e poor. :ou can 'eep your cash safe in the hotel7s safes.
What is the #ig Fi$e?
The term 2Big Five( refers to lion" leopard" rhino" elephant and Cape !uffalo.
Although it is a term that is no# synonymous #ith tourism it #as actually coined !y
!ig game hunters. It originally referred to the five species that #ere deemed most
dangerous to hunt on foot. Than'fully it no# has a different connotation i.e. the five
!ig animals that one is supposed to #ant to see most of all on safari.
*y vie# is that the hype surrounding the 2!ig five( name is no more than a mar'eting
ploy or at !est is used to !oast that a guide found the !ig five in one game drive
5hoping for a !ig tip6.
We find that most safari guests #hen as'ed #hat they #ant to see #hile on safari #ill
$uite rightly say O;G;>:T%I=P.
Imagine a game drive #here you spend some $uality time #atching a herd of
;lephant" understanding more a!out their !ehavior and the herd dynamics. Then later
on you come across t#o =iraffe !ulls nec'ing 5territorial fighting not 'issing6. :ou
stop to #atch a couple of red oxpec'ers on the !ac' of a loan Wilde!east and then
en)oy a sundo#ner !y a dam seeing and listening to a pod of %ippo as they prepare
for their nights graBing. What a #onderful African experience" and you only sa# one
of the !ig five. But importantly you didn(t charge around trying to find the other four.
After all there is al#ays tomorro#. %o#ever" you did connect #ith the !ush and
#ildlife and did get to understand a lot more. What a #onderful experience.
If you come across the !ig five every day" that(s great" !ut see it as a !onus. *y
advice is don(t come on safari #ith a tic' list of animals you must see at all costs"
rather en)oy every opportunity you have to !e in the company of #hatever #ild
animals your guide finds for you. There #ill !e a lot of them.
What is %esponsible &ra$el?
If you haven(t guessed !y no#" I am an advocate of responsi!le and sustaina!le
Travel. I #on(t !ore you #ith my vie#s on conservation and tourism needing to #or'
hand in hand any more save to say that the title explains all.
%o#ever I am often as'ed #hat responsi!le and sustaina!le travel means so let me
put some context to the term<
>esponsi!le travel is a!out re&discovering ho# to experience nature and to !e in it"
feeling it" smelling it and learning a!out it rather than )ust loo'ing at it.
It(s a #ay of travelling for those #ho7ve had enough of mass tourism. For those for
#hom travelling is for relaxation" fulfillment" discovery" adventure and to learn4 rather
than simply to tic' off 7places and things7.
>esponsi!le travel !rings you closer to local cultures and environments !y involving
local people in tourism. It7s a!out doing this in a fair #ay that helps ensure that they
#ill give you an even #armer #elcome.
The responsi!le traveller tends to prefer smaller groups" and to meet some local
people 5as #ell as fello# travellers6 rather than !e surrounded !y hundreds of people
from !ac' home.
A!ove all else the responsi!le traveller #ants to cut loose and experience their #orld.
Whether they travel independently" or through a leading responsi!le travel operator"
the responsi!le traveller ma'es and experiences a difference.
Safety &ips
:ou #ill normally !e given a safety !rief !efore you start any safari" !ut here are a
fe# safety tips that might !e useful<
When out in the open" #hether on game drive or !ush #al'" #ear sunscreen and a sun
hat
Wear long sleeve shirts and trousers and spray li!erally #ith insect repellant
especially on morning and evening game drive.
/se the mos$uito net that #ill !e provided if you are in a *alaria area.
It(s unli'ely that you #ould try" !ut )ust in case" avoid s#imming in rivers or la'es
unless you are a!solutely sure there are no hippos or crocodiles. %ippos are actually
the most dangerous of all the !ig animals. They feed on the !an's of the river and if
they sense danger #ill charge and attac' #hatever lies in their path in order to get
!ac' to the safety of the #ater.
Be careful #hen #al'ing around at night" even at your lodge. *any lodges are open
to the !ush" in #hich case it is not un'no#n for 3ion" 3eopard or %yena to visit at
night. A game ranger #ill assist you.
Al#ays #ear !oots and soc's #hen #al'ing around the !ush.
9o not ta'e logs from a log pile. :ou may as' #hy you #ouldH But many lodges have
an open fire to en)oy at night and if the fire is dying and the staff are a#ay perhaps
getting you a drin'4 it(s tempting to thro# a log on the fire. 9on(t. :ou don(t 'no#
#hat is sharing the log pile.
When entering a room put a light on or use a torch?flashlight !efore you enter" don(t
stum!le around in the dar'.
Carry a torch?flashlight at night.
9on(t stand up #hen in a game drive vehicle. *any safari vehicles are open&topped
and the #ildlife is generally accustomed to these. But" if you stand up or #ave
something around on the side" some animals #ill get annoyed and conse$uently
aggressive.
If you are on foot and an animal loo's hostile ma'e sure you are not in the #ay of its
escape route. =ive the animal a clear !irth and don7t ma'e any noise to further
aggravate the situation.
It(s unli'ely that you #ould !e in a position #here you come across an animal #ithout
your guide in attendance" !ut if you do" first stand still. Then #al' a#ay slo#ly. If
you encounter an animal that doesn7t li'e your presence move !ac' slo#ly and
$uietly.
I once had a lady guest from California #ho it transpired had had an altercation #ith
her hus!and #hile on safari and decided that it #ould !e rather fun to go off for a
#al' on her o#n #hile the rest of her group #ere having lunch. I #as !lissfully
una#are of the situation until one of the service guys #ho #as #or'ing in the reserve
5actually fixing a !ore hole pump6" told me he had seen her heading to#ards a herd of
elephants that #ere in a dry river !ed a!out +'m from the lodge.
I had a sic'ening feeling in the pit of my stomach #hen I heard this. I could almost
read the headlines in the international press. ;lephants are fantastic creatures and are
normally tolerant of people in a game drive vehicle if approached respectfully.
%o#ever" they can !e very aggressive to#ards people on foot.
I raced off in my 3andover" radioing the other guides for assistance in finding her and
headed to the place #here she had !een seen last. Than'fully she hadn(t reached the
elephants 5in fact she #asn(t even a#are they #ere not far a#ay6. I felt rather li'e a
mother #hose son or daughter goes missing and is instantly fearing the #orst" only to
see them return home una#ares of the panic they had caused" having )ust gone off to
play some#here #ithout telling anyone. Still as my mother used to say Oall(s #ell that
ends #ell" !ut don(t do it againP.
We al#ays repeat the advice a!ove to our safari guests" most of #hich is !asically
common sense. I #ould say ho#ever that the instruction to stand still if you come
across an animal on foot" is pro!a!ly the hardest to do. The phenomenon 'no#n as
fight or flight syndrome is part of human nature i.e. stand and fight or run a#ay. 1ne
thing for certain is that if you run a#ay then you ta'e on the mantle of a prey species
that #ill !e recogniBed !y any predator. So don(t run.
1f&course it is very unli'ely that you #ill come across dangerous animals on foot
accompanied !y a guide. /nless li'e my Californian friend a!ove" you go off
#andering on your o#n8
ot to la!or the point" !ut #e offer safety advice" !ecause #ith all the precautions and
planning that #e have" situations can occur" after all you #ill !e in #ild Africa. But to
put some context to it" I live and #or' in the African !ush and can count on one hand
the dangerous encounters I have had over the years. There have !een a fe# times
#hen I have needed to shoulder my rifle as a precaution 5to !e ready6" !ut I have
never found it necessary to shoot.
1ne occasion comes to mind #hen the flight instinct #as too much for one of my
guests after #e came across a rhino on foot. Initially everyone stood still as I
instructed. We #ere in a relatively safe position some fifty meters from the rhino #ith
the #ind in our faces" so I #asn(t unduly concerned. I #as happy to agree to stay for a
short #hile #hen the guest in $uestion #hispered to me that he #ould li'e to ta'e
some photographs.
That #as perfectly normal and I didn(t give it any extra thought" until he s#itched his
camera on.
I(m not sure #hat model of digital camera he #as using" !ut as he s#itched it on a
loud tune 5I thin' it #as a digital version of the 2entertainer(6 played as the camera
started up.
1ur rhino clearly #asn(t a music lover" !ecause she span around aggressively 5rhino
have exceptional hearing if poor eyesight6" #hich in turn startled my guest" #ho ran
for it. Straight past his #ife and me as fast as his legs could carry him. The rhino did
exactly the same and ran in the opposite direction.
%is #ife and I #ere left #atching a rhino(s rear end disappearing in one direction and
her hus!ands in the other. We eventually found him puffing and panting a!out M..
meters a#ay. I made no comment as in my line of #or' I find it !est to say little on
these occasions. %o#ever his #ife on the other hand didn(t let him off so lightly" and
teased him a!out it the entire #ay !ac' to the lodge. To !e fair to him" he did see the
funny side of her teasing and #e had a good laugh a!out it over lunch.
"ow can I impro$e my being able to spot wildlife?
%ere are some tips that #ill help you maximiBe your #ildlife vie#ing successes<
=o #ith a guide. =uides #ill often !e in radio contact #ith each other" so if one spots
a lion 'ill or #hatever they can let your party 'no# so you get to see it too. A guide is
also useful in identifying species. ;ven if you carry a nice guide!oo'" it can !e
difficult to tell the difference !et#een a female sa!le and an impala #hen they are
running.
The !est time to spot game is at da#n and dus'. At midday the sun is hot and most
animals prefer to siesta under the shade of a tree" usually far from the trac's you7re
driving on.
0no# #here to loo'. 3oo' up in the trees if you #ant to spot a leopard" loo' in rivers
if you #ant to see crocodiles 5especially in patches of reeds6 and #atch out for
steaming dung heaps to give you a good indication ho# close you might !e to an
elephant.
Gultures circling" #ith others sat in a tree !elo#" usually means there is a carcass there
and #hatever 'illed it 5pro!a!ly 3ions6 are still there.
Bring !inoculars. =ame par's are often !igger than some small ;uropean countries
and the animals are #earing camouflage.
9on(t try to spot the outline of the #hole animal" !ut glance around fre$uently at
distance. :ou are loo'ing for a change in form. That in time #ill register almost
su!consciously as you $uic'ly scan an area. That may !e legs seen under a !ush" an
ear or tail flic' over high grass" or a strange form in a tree.
Sound is of 'ey importance and is pro!a!ly the most underused sense" at least at the
start of their safari. Animal and !irdcalls tell a story and #e encourage our guests to
get to 'no# #hat at least some of those calls mean. For example the vervet mon'ey
has specific alarm calls for a predator on the ground 5possi!ly leopard6 or a predator
in a tree 5possi!ly sna'e6. They are very easy to understand and give us clues as to
#here a leopard may!e" !ecause they #ill !e telling us.
1n the first day of our safaris #e offer our guests the chance ta'e part in #hat #e call
our !ush experience exercise. It is fun activity that is designed to $uic'ly heighten
your !ush senses" #hich have more li'ely than not" !een dulled !y ur!an living.
We ta'e a #al' in the !ush" #here I sit my guests separately on a roc' or fallen tree
and offer them a !lindfold" hearing defenders and gloves to #ear. The idea !eing to
close do#n three of the main senses" leaving the focus on smell.
1f&course #e are on hand to ma'e sure everyone is safe and can relax and en)oy
rea#a'ening their senses.
The smells of the !ush can tell us a lot a!out #hat has !een happening" !ut are too
often over loo'ed or missed all together. To give you a great example. If one can
smell popcorn #hen #al'ing along a game trail. It(s not that some enterprising person
has opened a popcorn stand near!y" !ut that a female leopard in estrous has scent
mar'ed a !ush. As someone #ho studies leopards it(s al#ays a #elcome and exciting
smell" that lets us 'no# that one of our female leopards is ready to mate.
Any#ay !ac' to our !ush experience exercise. After an initial ten minutes #here the
only sense used #as smell" #e then remove the gloves" giving fol's the opportunity to
focus on touch.
Then ten minutes later #e ta'e off the ear defenders and it normally at this point that
!ush suddenly comes alive for most people. Still #ithout vision" the sounds of the
!ush are amplified and much clearer allo#ing you to focus on a myriad of calls and
noises.
3ast" #e remove the !lindfold. It(s a strange thing !ut #hen #e remove the !lindfold
most people $uic'ly loo' around to orientate themselves and then )ust as $uic'ly
close their eyes again. ;n)oying using their ears.
1f&course this isn(t a compulsory activity" !ut has proved very popular. =uests can
$uic'ly !lo# a#ay the co!#e!s and have a head start on en)oying all aspects of
nature.
The $uestion I am most as'ed a!out our !ush senses activity is #here does it
originate. It is actually something that I #as taught #hen I #as training to trac'
animals many years ago. *y instructor started me out #ith this and other similar
tric's to heighten the use of my senses. ;ven though I had #rongly imagined that
trac'ing #as )ust a!out loo'ing for sign. I #as #rong and soon learned that a trac'er
needs to use all his or her senses.
Self dri$e ad$ice
If you(re feeling confident" then a self drive safari can provide the traveler #ith a lot
of additional freedom and choices" although it is al#ays !est to have a #ell&planned
route mapped out in advance" #ith lodging or accommodation !oo'ed and paid for
prior to travel.
%iring a car in Africa is as the same as most other places in the #orld. :ou can !oo' a
car online #ith all of the ma)or operators. :ou can then choose the route and !oo'
accommodation to suit your poc'et and travel plans !y revie#ing the hundreds on
accommodation providers availa!le from =uest %ouses to five star game lodges.
%ere are a couple of !asic tips for driving in Africa<
Stic' to the main roads
The main high#ays are generally good $uality !ut some minor roads are riddled #ith
potholes or may )ust !e dirt roads. Proceed #ith caution.
Al#ays stay in your car #hen driving in a game par'.
1nly get out at designated places and follo# the rules that #ill !e posted.
9on7t stand up or stic' anything out of the car.
0eep your #indo#s up. If you are in a car #ith #indo#s" it7s !etter to 'eep them
closed.
Chec' up on the driving rules and la#s" as there may #ell !e some differences to #hat
you are used to. Stic' to the speed limits and #atch for variations on any road.
I #ould advise against giving a lift to anyone #ho you do not 'no#. %itch hi'ing is
very common in Africa and you are li'ely to see many fol's #anting a lift.
Finally !e prepared to !e stopped !y the traffic police" either for a random chec' or
for an alleged speeding offence. This is a common event in Africa and sadly I should
mention that there is a small minority of unscrupulous traffic police #ho are loo'ing
for a cash payment" #hich is illegal. *any traffic officers are polite and understanding
of foreign travellers driving in their country" !ut sadly not all. *y advice is that under
no circumstances should you ma'e any 2on the spot( cash payments" as these are
!ri!es. >ather state that you are prepared to go to the police station and ma'e payment
of any speeding fine or other minor traffic offence. If the officer is croo'ed then
he?she #ill !ac' do#n at that point and if not then you(ll have a fine to pay.
Also note that motor#ay tolls and petrol stations often do not accept foreign credit or
de!it cards. :ou #ill need to pay in cash.
"ow much should I tip?
*any people as' a!out tipping on safari. Cash tips are normally given in the local
currency.
*ost camps allo# tipping !y credit card if you prefer not to carry cash" !ut it7s #ise to
chec' this in advance.
These figures represent suggested minimum amounts<
If you receive exceptional service" a greater tip is al#ays appreciated8
"angers# e$uivalent of K+. per guest per day in a shared vehicle. At least dou!le that
amount per guest in a private vehicle.
Trackers $ butlers $ valets# KM per guest per day.
%eneral staff fund for cleaners& cooks& waiters& etc.!# KM per guest per day.
All tips are normally given at the end of your stay. ;nvelopes for tips can normally !e
found either in your suite7s stationery set or in the camp lounge. Include a personal
than'&you note for your ranger and trac'er along #ith the tip4 it(s a #onderful #ay to
than' them for the 'ey contri!ution they ma'e to your safari experience and is al#ays
deeply appreciated.
If you7re returning to a camp and 'no# the ranger or trac'er personally" a personal gift
for him or his family is a lovely gesture. If you7d li'e to give a gift to the camp staff" a
foot!all 5soccer !all6 and pump #ill !e very #elcome" as many people in South Africa
are foot!all&craBy.
What is safari style?
There is a certain theme or style associated #ith the #ord" #hich includes 'ha'i
clothing" !elted !ush )ac'ets" !ush hats" and animal s'in patterns & li'e printed
leopard7s s'in. There is also a term of safari chic that follo#ed the film Out of 'frica.
This not only included clothing !ut also interior design and architecture.
I have to !e honest and anyone #ho meets me #ill no dou!t vouch for this" !ut for me
ma'ing sure that one is loo'ing stylish in the !ush ta'es second place to practicality.
So yes 'ha'i is a good neutral color" #hich helps one to !lend into the !ush" !ut to !e
honest any neutral color" has the same effect. A hat is very important to prevent
sun!urn. The picture !elo# sho#s me chec'ing a leopard(s access point on the fence
line #ith one of our young rangers. Practical !ut can hardly !e called stylish.
"ow can I support conser$ation or the local community?
By simply coming to Africa on safari you are contri!uting to#ards conservation as
you are !ringing in funds and #ith that a local realiBation that #e must conserve and
preserve the #ilderness areas to maintain the tourism industry. So #herever you
choose to travel in Africa and #hoever you choose to travel #ith" a very !ig than'
you.
*oreover if you #ould li'e to maximiBe that contri!ution then choose a tour operator
that supports one or more conservation pro)ects. There are plenty that do and in that
#ay more of your money #ill !e channeled into conservation. :ou can even select a
company that supports a pro)ect or species that is close to your heart. In that #ay you
#in t#ice over.
If you feel that you #ould li'e to !e involved #ith a particular cause or conservation
pro)ect then there are many #ays that you can do that. The most o!vious of&course
!eing to donate funds and I(m sure the pro)ect #ill !e only too 'een to facilitate that
donation. %aving said that" you can also help any pro)ect !y raising a#areness and
spreading the #ord a!out them #hen you get !ac' home. This later point is something
that I encourage our guests to do.
We operate a safari company #ith the aim of providing an authentic safari experience"
!ut also to raise funds for our #or' #ith leopards and other large predators. 1ur ethos
is one of inviting our guests to !e part of the family. 0ic' off your shoes" relax and !e
at home. That family ethos doesn(t end #hen you fly !ac' home. We #ant our guests
to !ecome part of our glo!al family" helping the cause of protecting free roaming
predators. After all #ho could !e !etter am!assadors for our conservation pro)ect than
people #ho have !een there and seen it in action.
Conservation is a !road term that has many aspects" one of #hich 5that is important to
us6" is to support local rural schools. There go the future conservationist of Africa and
it is very important that they learn a!out all the aspects of conservation at an early
age. To do that first #e need to ensure they have the infrastructure and support to
create a good learning environment. 1ne part of our schools support pro)ect is to !uild
school 'itchens so that the 'ids can get at least one good meal a day. After all no one
feels li'e learning #hen they are hungry.
All good tour operators have community support programs that you can support" so
!efore you leave home" as' your safari operator ho# you can help. For example rural
schools are nearly al#ays in need or pens" pencils etc. :ou may #ell have children
#ho have outgro#n clothes" !oo's" sports e$uipment" dvd(s or #hatever that #ould
!e put to great use in Africa.
We have !een very fortunate #ith our guests ma'ing donations and sending over all
sorts of goodies for the schools #e support. It(s hum!ling to see ho# people #ant to
help. Although #e do sometimes come unstuc' as a result of their generosityUThere
#as an occasion recently #hen a lady #ho had !een on safari #ith us and 'ne# that I
#ould !e in the /0 )ust !efore Christmas" as'ed to meet me as she had some
2goodies( for a school #e support.
We stay in touch #ith all our guests and so #e arranged to meet her at a motor#ay
service station as #e travelled to see family. When #e(re in the /0 #e tend to hire a
small even compact car" #hich on this occasion #as a !ig mista'e. Alarm !ells started
to ring #hen I she as'ed #hat siBe car did #e have.
Wal'ing out into the car par' #e sa# that she had a small van full of 2goodies( for us
to collect. %o# on earth #e shoe horned it all into our compact little hire car" I #ill
never 'no#. Although my #ife Carol did spend the rest of the )ourney #ith her nose
pushed against the #indscreen.
ext #e had to arrange to fly it all !ac' to Africa. And here I can(t praise enough
British Air#ays and Girgin Atlantic #ho al#ays agree to fly donated 2goodies( out to
Africa free of charge" #hich is a!solutely #onderful.
What makes your safaris different?
Please forgive my indulgence in promoting my o#n safari company here. 1n Trac'
Safaris means more to me that )ust a commercial venture" it is the conduit !y #hich
#e help to support our conservation and community #or' as #ell as providing a
uni$ue and exciting African adventure for our safari guests.
But to go !ac' to the $uestion 5#hich is something I am as'ed fre$uently6" I suppose
the !est thing is to explain #hy #e formed 1n Trac' safaris and then #hat #e actually
do.
When my #ife and I had the idea to form a safari company and help to raise money
for conservation" #e had already en)oyed many standard African Safaris ourselves.
While en)oya!le" #e found that #e #ere al#ays left #anting something more than
simply !eing sho#n animals and nice accommodation. 1f&course #e #anted !oth
those things" !ut also to go a little further. We #anted to !rea' through the tourist
rhetoric and get to 'no# the real African !ush.
And so #e formed 1n Trac' Safaris to do exactly that....
We specialiBe in #ildlife conservation safaris to Africa in support of #ildlife
conservation. We prefer small groups of less then six persons. This means that #e can
offer a personal service and flexi!ility to cater for any specific re$uirements and needs
that you may have. Whether your preference is )ust general #ildlife or something
more specific" or if you #ould li'e to visit one of our community pro)ects" or !e hands
on or sit !ac' and let us ta'e the strain" #hatever you prefer #e7ll do our !est to
provide.
;veryone hopes to see the infamous !ig five #hen on safari 5>hino" ;lephant" 3ion"
3eopard and Buffalo6" and of&course soa' up the atmosphere" sights and sounds of
Africa. We aim to provide all those things 5mother nature permitting6" !ut more than
that" #e #ant you to gain an insight into the real African !ush. For example" to
understand #hat a leopard trac' loo's li'e and ho# it is )ust li'e a fingerprint" or #hat
the !ar'ing noise you heard during the night meant 5alarm call of a !ush !uc'" #ho
'no#s a predator is around6.
And even more" #e provide opportunities for you to !e involved #ith our #or' in
conservation and particularly #ith 3eopards. *eet and !e involved #ith
conservationists" help to set trail cameras to monitor the nightly happenings" or )ust
simply ta'e time to sit vie#ing an ;lephant understanding its !ehavior and the herd
dynamics.
1f&course a safari #ouldn(t !e a safari #ithout en)oying the $uality accommodation
and fantastic venues that are included in each of our tours.
We #ill !e #aiting for you on arrival in Africa" #e don7t use a third party transit
service" you #ill !e met !y one of our safari team and your safari starts then. 9on7t
#orry a!out the time of your arrival" #e #ill meet you at any time or date to suit you"
it7s all part of the service. This gives you flexi!ility to find the !est flight deal.
We 'no# that its important to !e a!le to plan your safari costs and avoid any hidden
extras. Iuite simply" #e don7t !elieve in hidden extras" #here possi!le #e provide an
all&inclusive price and any additions to that one off price are clearly sho#n on your
itinerary.
3et us 'no# #hat you #ant from your Safari and together #e can ma'e your time
#ith us an experience that #ill provide memories to last a lifetime.
Foot 'ote
I hope the information provided has !een helpful" !ut if there are any further
$uestions you have or advice that I can offer" then please feel free to fire a#ay. *y
#ife Carol deals #ith all en$uires" so please send her an email
mailto<carolVontrac'safaris.co.u' and she(ll get an ans#er !ac' to you asap. I hope
you #ill visit Africa on Safari and en)oy this magical continent. If you decide to visit
us" all the !etter.
Will Fox
C;1" 1n Trac' Safaris
###.ontrac'safaris.co.u'
Fello# of the >oyal =eographical Society