Mistakes to avoid on a safari vacation : Your first safari should be everything you’ve dreamed of, but if you don’t pay attention to the little things, it could cost you. You don’t want to ruin a great safari by forgetting something important. A safari is an adventure, and like any other trip, it’s important to be ready. Here is an expert’s guide to what not to do on a Kenya safari vacation.
Inadequate research and preparation.
Compare the safari deals offered by different companies and choose the one that works best for you. If you don’t like big groups, choose something smaller and more personal. If you want to save time, you can fly between camps in Africa instead of a vehicle. Examine data such as the number of tourists per safari vehicle on wildlife drives.
You get what you pay for, so don’t skimp on comfort. You need to be able to sleep well, eat well, and take a nice hot shower, or else you’ll be unhappy.
On a trek in the countryside, the food will be healthy, but don’t expect gourmet food. You’ll be surprised at what you can cook over a campfire, though.
Food is flown in or taken on long car trips over land to lodges and camps that are already set up. If you have special dietary needs, please notify your tour guide in advance so that necessary arrangements can be made.
Not Being Prepared.
Don’t pack too much, because you can only bring so much with you on safari. Instead, bring light, easy-to-wear clothes that can be worn while cycling (not all camps have washing facilities). Khaki or neutral-colored clothes work well.
Make sure you pack for the season. You’ll be in the southern hemisphere, where the evenings and nights are the coolest during the last few months of winter, so bring a wool cap, jumper and jacket.
In malaria areas, you should cover any exposed skin (especially your wrists and legs) at sunset and wear long-sleeved cotton shirts and trousers. During the hot, wet summer months, mosquitoes are most busy. Malaria repellent is available at some sites, but you should always bring your own.
Don’t forget to bring a good pair of walking shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, eye drops for people who wear contact lenses to help with dust, a waterproof jacket if you’re going during the wet season, a torch, a camera and cleaning kit, and, of course, a good pair of binoculars.
Dehydrate.
Unless you live in a hot place, the days will be much hotter than you are used to. You will lose water quickly and become thirsty. Tea, coffee, and wine may taste good, but they don’t help you stay hydrated. Instead, drink a lot of water to stay awake, avoid headaches, and enjoy all the things you do every day. On Kenya safaris and in hotels and camps, you can get free bottled water.
Don’t miss out on activities.
You will miss out if you don’t try to take part in events that are planned. Pay attention to everything that goes on. The best times to see wildlife are at sunrise and dusk. When it’s cooler in the morning and late afternoon, that’s when animals are most busy.
Sunrise and sunset are the best times to do things on a safari, so if you want to see the most animals, you have to get up early and join in.
You can make up for getting up early by taking a nap after lunch. During the adventure safari, you will often be given snacks and drinks, so you won’t go hungry.
Carry enough supplies.
In the country parts of a safari, there are no shops: There may be a few basic items at the camp, but you should bring more and keep track of where you can stock up. Don’t forget to bring extra film or memory cards for your camera.
Wearing perfume.
Animals in the bush have very good powers of smell, and they can smell things from far away. Animals are more likely to be scared of smells that are strong or strange, like perfume. They won’t go to places that smell nice, which makes it harder to find them. Also, animals may be more violent when they smell something strange. Leave the perfume at home to be safe.
Not purchasing travel insurance.
When you travel, anything can happen, and the chances go up when you go on a Kenya safari. While no one anticipates sickness, sprains, or infected bug bites, they can occur. If something important comes up right before your safari and you have to cancel, or if something happens while you are away, you want to make sure you get paid. Look into trip insurance that covers everything.
Feeding or calling the animals.
The national park or a national reserve is not a zoo, to say it again. Keep yourself safe and don’t put other travelers or people who will come after you in danger. Never feed or call animals while on vacation. Be still and watch.
