Everything You Need To Know About Going On Safari

Taking a trip to Africa on safari is something that is on every traveler’s bucket list. Having the chance to see the big five in the wild is a dream come true for many of us. No matter how many nature programs you have watched, you can never prepare for how amazing the real thing will be.

Of all the places in the world, the African Savannah has to be one of the most exciting (and daunting) to visit. There are plenty of beautiful areas to explore and lots of wildlife to see, including elephants, rhinos, and lions. The opportunity to get close to these animals in their natural habitat is a once in a lifetime experience. So when it comes to planning your trip, it’s crucial that you get it right.

The key to successful safari trip planning is preparation. The more research you do beforehand, the better. Going on safari will probably be something that you only do once, so it’s important that you take your time when planning your trip.

For some inspiration and trip planning ideas, have a read of these handy tips, below:

Pick a good group to go with

one of the most important things when planning a trip is choosing the right travel buddies. Finding that perfect mix of people to go on safari with is crucial. Plus, travelling as part of a group often makes trips more affordable, as you can split the cost.

Look for people that have the same type of personality as you, as well as a sense of adventure. If you have friends you have travelled with before and got on well with, consider inviting them along. If you end up going with people who you don’t get on with, it can ruin the experience. So choosing the right people to travel with is incredibly important.

Choose the best type of safari

When it comes to experiencing the African Savannah, there are many options. From tailor made safaris to authentic walking tours, how you choose to see the Savannah is up to you.

If you are someone who loves the great outdoors, a camping safari could be perfect for you, as this allows you to be as close to nature as possible. If, however, you are the type of person who likes their home comforts, a driven safari might be a better option. By day, you can explore, and by night you can relax in a beautiful hotel.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you have to plan your safari through a travel company. Just like you can go solo on any trip, the same applies with safaris. All you need to do is hire a jeep and plan a route, and you can take yourself on an independent safari. That being said, from a safety perspective, it’s important that you know the dos and don’ts and be aware of any potential dangers. If you plan on going on safari without a guide, make sure to check out http://go.safaridrive.com – a fantastic resource.

Where should you go?

Africa is a big place, with many fantastic areas suitable for wildlife watching. When it comes to choosing where to go, make sure to take your time and do your research properly. The most popular destination for safaris is Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. This is seen as the best place for getting up close and personal with various wild animals.

Pick the perfect time to visit

The best time to go on safari is during the dry season, which spans from June until October. However, it’s important to realise that our summer is Africa’s winter. So it will get chilly, especially on early morning excursions.

If there is one time of year that you shouldn’t visit, it’s during April and May, as this is the main rainy season. The weather can be so bad that roads become impassable, and many campsites close.

Going on safari is something that many people dream of doing – it’s the ultimate goal for most travellers. If you are heading off on a safari trip, make sure to plan properly. There’s a lot more to preparing for a trip to the Savannah than there is for a regular trip, and it’s important that you realise that.

*This post contains affiliate links.