5 Things You should Know before Booking a Safari
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Over the last few decades, we have made it our mission to explore the great outdoors and immerse ourselves within the world of safari. We have taken photos of some of the most incredible animals on the planet, we have been able to drive around the wilderness and camp in some of the most amazing lodges and campsites in the world, and we have enjoyed every second of it.
Because of this, we hope to inspire even more people to get themselves out into the wild to enjoy the animals and the scenery of a safari - but there are a few things you should know before booking a safari. There are 5 things, in fact!
You have an option
Did you know that you have an option when it comes to booking a safari? Over the course of our travels we have experienced self-drive and guided safaris. Self-drive safaris are perfect for those who want to be fully immersed in the wild and those who have a bit more experience and confidence under their belt.
Yet, if you’re looking for an epic safari that will allow you check out some of the greatest wildlife in the world without the hassle, tailor-made safari holidays will provide you with all of the information you could possibly need.
It’s not a zoo or a theme park
One of the biggest things to remember when planning a safari holiday is that you’re not visiting a zoo or a theme park. You’re not standing on the outside of a cage or poking a window with a gorilla inside of it. Instead, you are in the wild, and you are surrounded by wild animals who aren’t used to being surrounded by humans.
Because of this, it’s important to note that you won’t get the chance to get up close and personal with them or be able to touch noses through a pane of glass. You’ll need to keep your distance and allow them to be wild animals.
You have to be prepared
A safari holiday is not like your average holiday. You’re not going to be lazing on the beach, you’re not going to be exploring a city, and you’re definitely not going to be horseback riding through the desert. You have to be prepared for a safari holiday, and much of this comes from your packing.
You don’t need beach towels, you don’t need attraction tickets, and you don’t need reigns. What you do need is the correct clothing and the correct equipment. It’s important to wear strong walking boots, and take all of the photography equipment you need to capture that perfect moment.
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There is no guarantee
You’ve paid for a safari holiday and planned for months - you've chosen to go to Namibia for a self-drive safari, or maybe to Zambia for a walking safari, so you’re guaranteed to see the ‘Big Five,’ right? Well, not quite.
The appeal of a safari is that you are engrossed in the wild and that you are as close as you possibly can to animals in their natural habitat. Yet, you could drive around for hours and not see one elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, or a buffalo. This is the risk you take if you go on safari, but it will just spur you on to return at a later date and complete your mission.
It’s all about the timing
Many people don’t realise that booking a safari isn’t as easy as picking a tour and entering your card details. When you book your safari is also very important. This is because there are certain times of the year when you are more likely to see the animals out and about.
In South Africa, the peak safari season is between May and October as this is the winter dry season. Because the water is scarce and the earth is dry, there are more animals searching the area for watering holes. This means more and more animals are contained in one place.
It’s essential that you know these things before booking a safari, but do you have any more tips for those looking to book the experience of a lifetime? Let us know in the comments!
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