5 Ways to Prepare for an African Safari
You’ve booked your safari, the plan is set. Your imagination is running wild picturing all the sights you’ll see and memories you’ll make on your upcoming adventure. But before you actually arrive and experience the joys of your trip, remember to check a few things off your list so that you can fully enjoy your experience once you arrive.
1. Comply With Travel Requirements
When was the last time you checked when your passport is expiring? It’s a good idea to have at least six months left on your passport when you travel. In fact, some countries will not approve a visa without that stipulation covered.
Speaking of visas, depending on which country (or countries) you’re visiting, you may need to apply for one in advance. While a few don’t require visitor visas and others allow you to purchase them on arrival, most need to be done online and take anywhere from a week to 10 days to be approved.
Are you updated on all the vaccinations required for entering the country? Many require a COVID-19 vaccine or a negative PCR test within 24 hours of flying. Others expect you to have a yellow fever vaccination depending on which country you’re traveling from.
Check out our country profiles for resources on the different requirements and let us know if you have any other questions!
2. Look up the Weather and Pack Accordingly
Many assume that Africa is hot all the time, but that is not always the case. It’s a massive continent (over three times as large as the United States), and therefore has a varying climate that can be significantly different from country to country — or even region to region.
Although Sub-Saharan Africa is generally more moderate (it rarely goes below freezing in most locations), it’s important for you to be prepared for a range of weather possibilities. Kenya in July, for example, can get as low as the upper 50s, especially during your early morning game drives. Certain seasons may be especially rainy, while others may have a range of weather throughout a single day.
The best advice for packing is to bring layers. Take a look at our packing list for additional help!
3. Learn a Few Phrases in the Local Language
Although definitely not necessary to survive, even just a hello or a thank you in the local language can go a long way in helping you connect with the culture. Your guides and the staff will know English fluently, but can also be great resources for learning new phrases in their local languages. If you come with one or two under your belt, you’ll be well on your way to endearing yourself to the people you’ll be interacting with.
4. Nurture Your Spirit of Adventure
We will do our part to make sure that every destination you visit is spectacular. Your only job is to enjoy the experience.
What are you worried about? What might keep you from being fully present as you go on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Think about these things before you depart. Process any anxieties or fears so that once you arrive you’re ready to dive in and drink up all an African safari has to offer. Fostering a spirit of adventure may be the most important way that you can prepare for your safari.
Here is some inspiration to get you in an adventurous mood!
