Last Updated on March 30, 2023 by Augustine Tours
Are you planning your first African safari? In this post, I share my top African safari tips to keep in mind as you plan your trip. Everyone who has been on a Wildlife African Safari will never forget the feeling they had on their wildebeest migration or gorilla trekking safari.
On your second or third time in Africa, you will get used to the feeling and you will start getting into more detailed wildlife or cultural tour experiences. Some call it custom-made trips.
A lot will change after spending some time in the game drives, walking, and driving through Africa’s wilderness. I have planned and been on safaris in every country in East Africa. So, I will share my tips with the first African safari-goers. Here’s then my prime guide on African safaris.
First-Time Safari Goer Tip #1: Inquire about the best time to go
Yes, first thing first. You will need to learn and inquire about the best time to go on an African Safari. Although Africa’s wildlife is present all year, there are seasons that most ideal for wildlife watching. This is why you should investigate the best time to go on a safari in the specific African destination you intend to visit.
In most cases, you can go on an East African trip any time of the year. Gorilla trekking for instance is possible any time while going for a wildebeest migration safari requires you to find out the best season, generally June to October.
The season you visit can enhance or challenge your travel experience. Going during the rainy season allows you to find animals relatively easily since they are mostly concealed but it may challenge your mobility because of the unpaved and muddy roads. If you don’t mind challenging yourself, any time of year is perfect for you.
First-Time Safari Goer Tip #2: Don’t shout!
Visiting animals in their natural habitat can draw overwhelming excitement. Always keep in mind you are in wildlife territory. Nobody would want guests to yell in their houses. It may be tempting to yell out to the animals in the wild, but this is a definite no-no on a safari.
The excitement is hard to contain. For obvious reasons, shouting can startle the animals and may cause them to run away or become aggressive. A terrified animal will always defend itself. It doesn’t matter if you are in a vehicle or not. Animal behaviors are unpredictable. An African Safari is an event where humans are just visitors to the homes of animals. So the hosts( animals) may expect us to behave accordingly.
This tip applies to both the “big five” which can be extremely deadly, and the primates.
In a few words, loud noises can disrupt the smoothness of the long-awaited African safari experience. So, maintaining your voice down and observing the animals from a distance recommended by park rangers is just the best way to enjoy the ride.
First-Time Safari Goer Tip #3: Dress For the Jungle( Savannah)
Making animals notice unusual colors isn’t something you want to do! When you go on an African safari, you should wear lightweight, comfortable clothing in neutral colors. Safari goers converge on wearing Khaki, beige, gray, or olive green which in all aspects are good choices.
Safari clothing is designed to be comfortable, blend in with the environment, and withstand the elements and colors of the African jungle. Go for lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, and breathable synthetics. Depending on the season you book your African safari, select items that can be layered, so you can adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.
If you are traveling for a summer safari, you might also want to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Whatever season you go, make sure you wear closed-toe shoes. If you plan on going on some bush walks, I recommend bringing a good pair of safari boots with you.
First-Time Safari Goer Tip #4: Get a good Camera taking great photos
In some cases, you will get a few meters closer to the giant mountain Gorillas, but it may not be the same for the “big five”. Capturing a good photo of a lion or tiger will require a camera with a telephoto lens. When going on an African safari, it is recommended to bring a good camera.
Consider also choosing a camera that is lightweight and easy to carry, as your safari can be anything between a few and long hours. If you are a wildlife photographer, you know the best equipment you need for great safari shots.
Now that you have a good camera, you should take as many photos as you can. If you see a zebra from the first steps you get to the park, don’t expect to see a herd of zebras when you move further. A good chance might not come twice. So, take many photos for you to filter when you will finish your safari.
First-Time Safari Goer Tip #5: Wake Up Early
Take a cup of hot coffee(tea) at the crack of dawn to get ready for the safari. If you are not a morning person, this is something you’ll have to get used to for a great African safari experience.
You will realize that animals are most active in the morning and evening because it is hot for them to move about during the day. It makes sense to include two game drives in your wildlife safari package, a morning and evening game drive.
The evening game drives start in the afternoon at around 4:00 pm. Your day will be concluded with a refreshing dinner.
First-Time Safari Goer Tip #6: Enjoy the Sunset Views
An African safari is attached to diverse unforgettable memories. Concluding a safari day with a magnificent sunset and a drink is one of them. In summer, African sunsets offer some of the most stunning views, with brilliant colors in the sky. Watching the sun go down over the savannah, desert, or coast, with the wind blowing and the sound of animals in the distance, is a truly magical experience.
Some argue that African sunsets are another experience of the safari. They provide a sense of peace, tranquility, and awe, as the colors of the sky change from orange and pink to deep purple. Whether you’re out in the wild or in a city, a sunset in Africa is a special moment that will be remembered for a long time.
Get a drink while reflecting on your safari day, and watching the beautiful sunsets. Don’t forget to take pictures!!!
First-Time Safari Goer Tip #7: Enjoy The Wildlife and Nature
Nobody will argue that Africa isn’t the most magnificent wildlife destination in the world, if not the greatest. But the African travel experience isn’t limited to wildlife viewing. There are beautiful green hills worth photographing.
Yep, there is so much to see and enjoy. Tailor-made or group safaris will expose you to a variety of landscapes that your camera will be tempted to capture. When you see an animal, ask your tour guide to stop and observe it and take as many photos as you can…. You will need to filter the best shots.
A chance of seeing gorillas mating or a lion pursuing its prey won’t probably come twice.
First-Time Safari Goer Tip #8: See the beautiful Birds!
An African safari isn’t all about wildlife viewing. There are thousands of different birds and species. Some are visually attractive, and others have wonderful calls. What a nice wake-up call listening to a bird singing at the crack of dawn.
Birding in an African safari is another component making your trip an exciting and rewarding experience. When discussing your safari or tour itinerary, check if there are options for a birding tour. In most parks, you can see hundreds of species of birds in their natural habitat, including many that are difficult to find in the wild.
From brightly colored hornbills to huge vultures and tiny kingfishers, the variety of birds on the continent is diverse and unique. To make the most of your safari for birding, it’s best to travel with an experienced guide who can lead you to the best birding spots and help you identify the different species. Yes, it’s worth your time.
Nyungwe National Park is one of the most popular birding destinations in Rwanda, here is a wildlife Rwanda tour that offers an opportunity to see birds.
First-Time Safari Goer Tip #9: Follow the Safari Rules and Instructions
Every wildlife activity has a set of regulations to observe. Some of them are clearly marked and posted at the entrance of the park. Some regulations are for your personal protection, while some are for the safety of wild creatures. You are entering a wildlife zone, so knowing the rules of the territory is just something you need to be aware of.
No rule is simple. Park rangers are trained to know the animal behavior for a smooth safari experience. Seeing a gorilla beating its chest is just fantastic to watch, which can arouse your excitement leading you to try the same game. Just don’t try here but at home!
Among the safari guidelines to observe here are the top 10 rules:
- Always listen to your guide’s directions.
- When seeing animals, move gently and cautiously.
- Make no loud noises or sudden movements.
- Do not toss anything into the car and keep to the authorized location.
- Avoid feeding or interacting with wildlife.
- Be mindful of the environment and take all trash with you.
- Avoid wearing perfumes or scents that may attract animals.
- Maintain a safe distance from any wildlife.
- Do not deviate from tracks or trails and stay on specified routes.
- Do not approach the animals to obtain a better view or image.
First-Time Safari Goer Tip #10: Ask Questions
It might sound like a simple tip but great. Don’t be afraid of asking many questions. Here is an advantage of going on an African safari with a tour company. You will have an experienced tour guide assigned to you happy to answer any questions you may have.
If you need a more in-depth safari, opt for a tailor-made tour as opposed to scheduled group tours….
