What to expect on a safari?

A safari is a fascinating experience. The distance, length of the trip, organisation and costs often make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

That's why it's important to know what to expect on a safari and how to organise yourself to get the most out of it.

 1. It's best to be an early riser: in the savannah, animals are active from the first rays of sunlight. They take advantage of the morning warmth to drink and search for food. It is advisable to set off on safari at 5.30 a.m. if you want to see animals active and on the move. Around 10 a.m., the heat becomes overwhelming and the wild animals, zebras and elephants go to rest in the shade of trees and bushes. Setting off again around 4.30 p.m. is ideal for enjoying the cooler temperatures and, for photographers, the golden light of dusk.

 2. Don't go with a wish list of animals you want to see. On a safari, nature decides which animals will show themselves and what they will (or will not) do. Often, visitors in a hurry are determined to see a leopard or a giraffe. Needless to say, they don't find them.

 3. Alone in the middle of nature. It is important to distinguish between private reserves and national parks. The former, which are more expensive, have fewer visitors, so you are more likely to be able to drive around the savannah almost alone. However, these reserves are often smaller than national parks.

The latter, on the other hand, attract a large number of visitors, and you may quickly find yourself with a dozen cars around a few lions. Or even a hundred during major events such as the great migrations in northern Tanzania.

 4. Your accommodation will determine your experience. It may seem like a good idea to stay outside a national park for obvious cost reasons. But think again. Accessing a national park takes time, as you have to fill out administrative forms and pay the entrance fees. This leaves you with only a few hours to visit the park at a fast pace. It is therefore recommended to stay inside the parks, which often offer a wide range of prices and, in some cases, even camping sites.

 5. Smartphone or professional camera? It's up to you to decide based on your preferences and budget. A smartphone offers more flexibility between photos and videos, as well as greater connectivity. However, image quality and zoom capability are much better on a camera (you can judge for yourself from my photos).

Be careful with your equipment, though. Vibrations, dust and heat put a lot of strain on devices. Many safari vehicles are equipped with electrical outlets, allowing you to recharge your batteries on the go.

But it's best to have enough spare batteries and memory cards. And don't drop your smartphone out of the car window in front of lions (true story).

For any further information on organising and experiencing safaris, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Translated with DeepL.com