Going on an South African safari, what to know

Exploring the wilds of Africa is on many bucket lists, and a safari is the ultimate way to do just that. With an abundance of stunning wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, an African safari can make for a truly unforgettable experience.

African Wildlife Large Desk Mat

Here’s a look at all you need to know to get started planning the perfect safari trip.

One of the first steps in planning an African safari is choosing a destination. Decide which countries you'd like to visit and what attractions and activities you'd most like to experience during your trip. Do you want to see the Great Migration in the Serengeti? Visit Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda or Uganda? Or, perhaps you'd like to glimpse a pride of lions on the savannas of Kenya? You’ll also need to consider when to travel.

Different parks and regions are favored at different times of the year depending on the location and animal migratory patterns. Weather conditions should also be taken into account when choosing a destination and the season for a safari. The second step is selecting an operator for the safari. You want to make sure the tour operator is reliable and knowledgeable. Be sure to research ratings, read reviews and consult with your travel agent or specialty safari outfitter.

When selecting your tour guide and operators, look for professional qualifications, as well as references from past trips. The third step is to begin planning all the details of your trip. This includes arranging flights and accommodations, deciding on the type of vehicle and mode of transport, selecting meals and drinks, and creating a budget. There are several different options when it comes to African safari lodging, ranging from tented camps to luxury lodges, so be sure to consider what will best suit your tastes and needs.

Finally, you’ll want to make sure you are prepared for the safari itself. If you’re headed for a cross-country or multi-day trip, bring plenty of water, snacks, and other provisions. Additionally, be sure to pack any medication and first aid supplies you may need, as well as sunscreen and insect repellant. Bring a full-length mirrorless camera or DSLR to capture all the amazing wildlife you'll be lucky enough to see. Your phone might be ok for the average shot, but low light which happens often on trips like this, can not always come out great on these kinds of cameras. that is where a larger camera with more technology comes into play.

Make sure you bring plenty of memory cards, lenses and batteries for your camera, along with binoculars for observing birds, fish and other animals. An African safari is a unique and exciting way to explore some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. By following the steps outlined above, you'll be ready to embark on your own safari adventure. For those who have already gone on an African safari, and enjoyed it so much that they want to return over and over, you are welcome at anytime to do just that. share your favorite memories with us and let us know what you enjoyed the most, regardless of country you visited. For those looking for a gift of going on a safari, we have created a unique set of designs with the slogan I would rather be on an African safari, and can be found on a wide variety of gifts through our stores page. You can also view our products page for more options