This is ones first time experiencing an African safari and this is a very exciting opportunity to see the animals at their natural environment. It is important to prepare so as to make the adventure to be fun and free of hitches. This is a true guide stating every bit, right from choosing a destination to carrying fundamental equipment matters. This paper will therefore look into the details of an organized safari trip and what would be required to make any trip a success and also what prevents this from happening. These tips include how to plan for the trip, what to pack for the trip, and what to expect during the trip to enable you have the best experience of the trip without compromising on your safety.
Planning Your First Safari
Choosing the Right Safari Destination
Choosing the best destination for your safari is however the first step towards your safari experience. There are many safari destinations throughout Africa and each of them has it is own unique qualities. Favourite places include Kenya and Tanzanias Maasai Mara, Tanzanias Serengite, and South Africas Kruger Park. Every place has the right time of the year with regard to the fauna and the flora. It is advisable to take preference in identifying a destination that heads the kind of safari adventure you desire then go for research on that location.
Selecting the Best Time for Your Safari
It is important that a safari is well timed. It is therefore important to know when the best time to visit depending on the area of interest is and what one wants to achieve whilst on the tour. In many parts of the world the dry season is favored by the fact that water attracts animals so they are sighted easily. For example, in Kenya, the activities that are majorly done during the dry seasons include the great migration. On the other hand, the wet season may be more colorful with lots of vegetation and the crowds are few, though animals can be tricky to locate. Before planning for a safari, analyze the climatic conditions and fauna and flora activities in the intended destination in order to arrive at the right season for the safari. Stemming from that, the best times to plan for are those that will offer the best chances towards seeing amazing wildlife action.
What to Pack for an African Safari
Essential Clothing and Gear
Clothing appropriately is very important to guarantee the comfort as well as security in the safari. Select simple and loose-fitting clothes of earthy colours so as to avoid disturbing insect colonies too much by blending in. Such manufactures as long sleeved shirts and trousers can protect skin from burning or mosquito attack. A hat with a broad brim, sun glasses and lotion are very important in cases of sun bare skin. When thinking of game drives, binoculars and an enhanced camera with zoom lens should be packed to avoid coming close with the animals. It is also advised that each of you pack a pair of solid and comfortable shoes for the walking safaris and or any other extra activity. You should carry along with you a pair of binoculars and zoom lenses camera to help you capture a nice view of the wildlife.
Health and Safety Items
Safety comes first when going for a safari. Remember to carry an array of medications that typically run reaction of a travelers tummy and head, non-prescription anti-biotics, and insect repellent creams. Malaria is rampant in most of the safari destinations therefore it is advisable to seek medical advice as regarding the necessary precautions to take. Bring insect spray for mosquitoes, ants and most other flying and crawling insects. Others are toiletries including hand washing allowances such as hand sanitizers and body related apparatus including tissues where such facilities are scarce. Bring anything else that may be required such as immunizations and insurance that will cater for the events on the safari. Ensuring that one takes a lot of water during the trip and ensuring that ones hygiene is kept will go a long way in ensuring that one has the best of the safari.
Understanding Safari Etiquette and Safety
Following Safari Guidelines and Rules
Safari etiquette is therefore very important so as to avoid any harm or inconveniences to yourself and the animals. You should always obey what your guide tells you as they know the behavior of animals and the land they inhabit. During the game drive, it is required to stay in the car without standing unless the guide persuades you otherwise. For aesthetics and conservation purposes, noise should not be made and excessive or sudden movement should also not be made as it can scare animals and flash photography should not be used. The visitor should also avoid over stepping his/her footprint, and strictly observe tracks and vantage areas to lessen interference on the ecosystem as well as reduction of disturbance to wild life. By adhering to the above specified rules you are safeguarding the conservation of the animals as well as their natural environment while at the same time promoting yourself and other tourists safe and fruitful safari encounters.
Safety Tips for Wildlife Encounters
When it comes to spotting animals you will have observed that encountering them is one of the most exciting things to do when in a safari, but do it with caution and respect for the animals. Do not approach animals with this disease at all, even if they look sleepy or indifferent to the presence of a human being. Except in the case where they are really hungry, never try to feed or touch wild animals because they usually act in a much unpredicted manner.
Conclusion
Safari is not an experience that you get to come across repetitively in your lifetime and it presents you the closest encounter that one can have with the natural world. If you want to be ready for an uneventful and great trip on your wild African savannah, you should follow the rules of the road and get some tips. The American Southwest must remain protected for future generations so, preserving wildlife and cooperating with communities of people is very important. The first African safari is always special and with the right attitude and preparation you will find yourself being in awe of the experience and the lessons that will be imprinted on your mind for a lifetime.
