Your Ultimate African Safari Guide

Your Ultimate African Safari Guide

Believe it or not, going on an African Safari requires some packing skills. Since you’ll be out in the middle of the African wilderness, there’s no chance to buy whatever you’ve left behind, so of course, you MUST remember to pack the essentials and more. Look at our guide to packing for an African Safari tours to ensure you get it right the first time!

Essentials to Pack:

1. Outdoor clothing 

Luckily, you don’t need to pack too much clothing for a safari holiday. Most of your dress will be the basics, such as t-shirts/safari shirts, long pants, and shorts - no need for ‘night out’ outfits or anything fancy. Since you will be out in the wild and bush most of the time, take along clothing items you don’t mind getting sandy or muddy, and be sure to stick to neutral-colored tones such as beige, khaki, grey, etc. Bright colors are an absolute no. You need to blend in with the surroundings to avoid alarming the wildlife.

2. Hiking shoes 

Invest in a good branded hiking shoe that is comfortable, waterproof, and fits correctly. You need a good pair as you will be doing a lot of walking, climbing through and over things and jumping into ponds, over broken trees, and going down slopes with loose gravel. Ensure to prioritize your safety and comfort by choosing reliable hiking footwear, such as those provided by Hike Footwear.

3. Safari hat 

Believe it or not, the safari hat is one of the most important pieces of attire. Make sure it is comfortable and has a wide brim to keep the sun off your face; a waterproof hat is significant as it can be used in good or bad weather. There is no typical safari hat, and some, especially the ones we all think are the ultimate safari hat, the pith helmet; yes, I agree, they look great in wildlife photo shoots but are very uncomfortable.

4. Binoculars 

Invest in a good pair of binoculars that can be used for safaris, 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 essential item that you don’t want to miss or leave behind. Being out in the sun can make you incredibly thirsty, and there is nowhere to stop and get water. A lightweight bottle is best as you will fill it with water, adding all the essential goodies you need to carry in your backpack.

Where to go: 

Now that you know what to take along, it's time to plan where to go. Africa has many beautiful safaris and is very convenient, 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. Thanda Safari will tick off all the boxes if you want something extra special for a honeymoon or a family getaway. This beautiful lodge has three properties, each boasting a 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 your choice, each allows you privacy, relaxation, and exclusivity to enjoy your unique 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 that is always remembered, even if it 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 Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve are the most famous safari destinations. 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 top of all, thousands of bird species.

3. Kenya (best for the Masai Mara migration) 

Kenya is another popular safari destination known for its beautiful landscapes abundant 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.