3. Safari hat
Believe it or not, the safari hat is one of the most important pieces of attire. Make sure that it is comfortable and has a wide brim to keep the sun off your face, a waterproof hat is great as this can then be utilized in good or bad weather. There is no typical safari hat and some especially the ones we all think is the ultimate safari hat, the pith helmet, yes, agreed they look great in wildlife photo shoots, but they are very uncomfortable.
4. Binoculars
Invest in a good pair of binoculars which can be used for safaris or birdwatching etc. You don’t want to be out in the wild and miss the chance of seeing a rare wild dog out in the long grass because you’ve forgotten your binoculars.
5. Water bottle
This is, of course, another very important item that you don’t want to miss or leave behind. Out in the sun can make you extremely thirsty and there is nowhere around for you to stop and get water. A lightweight bottle is best as you will fill it with water which will add up with all the essential goodies you need to carry in your backpack.
Where to go:
Now that you have an idea of what you need to take along its time to plan where to go. Africa has many beautiful safaris and are very convenient as they are close to other tourist destinations such as Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal. Here are a few that could be of interest to you:
1. Thanda Safari
Thanda Safari, a private game reserve in KZN is a luxurious award-winning safari lodge. Whether you are looking for something extra special for a honeymoon or a family getaway, Thanda Safari will tick off all the boxes for you. This beautiful lodge has three properties, each boasting their own unique design, personal charm, and ambiance. Thanda has nine luxurious bush suites, a tented camp with one grand deluxe tent and fourteen smaller, but oh-so-beautiful tents. No matter the choice you make each allow you privacy, relaxation, and exclusivity to enjoy your own special safari experience. ‘Thanda’ in isiZulu means “love” and once you have experienced the love of Thanda Safari it will remain in your heart forever.
2. Botswana
Botswana is an African safari never to be forgotten even if it is one that is more expensive than most. Botswana is known as the ‘gem’ of Africa, and with its natural beauty, it’s easy to understand why. Botswana boasts the largest inland delta in the world, the Okavango Delta. The two most popular safari destinations are the Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve. The Okavango Delta is blessed with a large number of wildlife such as buffalo, elephant, crocodile, hippopotamus, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, rhinoceros, buffalo, wild dogs and to top if all, thousands of bird species.
3. Kenya (best for the Masai Mara migration)
Kenya is another popular safari destination known for beautiful landscapes, the abundance of wildlife and Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa. Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya is known for the Great Mammal Migration which usually takes place from July to October, making it the most popular time of the year for tourists wanting to experience herds of wildebeest crossing back and forth across the Mara River.