If you are planning on visiting Africa, then a safari is an absolute must-have experience. Whether you want to bond with your family, enjoy the incredible wildlife, or escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you’ll find what you crave on an East African safari.
So, all the planning is done; you’ve planned your safari at the right time of the year, with the right people, and you’ve enlisted the help of experienced travel agents to create a customized safari experience. However, to truly maximize this incredible opportunity and ensure it’s a trip you’ll cherish forever, here are 6 essential tips to follow:
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Build a relationship with your guide
Your safari guide is the single most important person on your trip. They are extremely friendly and knowledgeable, and you’re key to unlocking the secrets of the bush. To make the most of their expertise, engage with them as much as you can. Ask questions about wildlife, the ecosystem, and even their personal journey or life in the area. When you establish a good rapport, any barriers will drop. Your guide will go out of their way, offering deeper insights and taking you to special spots to give you the best, most personal experience possible.
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Embrace everything and go with the flow
You might have a picture in your mind of how your safari will play out, but like all great adventures, the East African bush can throw up curveballs, from a sudden downpour to a missed sighting. Embrace these unexpected moments. The ability to go with the flow and be flexible often leads to the most unique and powerful experiences. Sometimes, the detours or unexpected downtime become the best stories!
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Be curious
When you’re on safari, be curious about everything, not just the big five. Ask about interesting-looking trees, strange sounds, or the smaller creatures like insects and birds. This curiosity will allow you to share your guide’s incredible knowledge and truly understand the depth and complexity of the safari experience. An appreciation for the whole ecosystem, not just the lions, will make your adventure amazingly rich.
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Take some time alone
A great safari isn’t just about rushing around trying to catch sight of the next animal. Make sure to schedule in time to really soak up the wilderness around you in silence. If you can, have a cup of coffee alone outside your tent or on your balcony in the morning, or pause for a sundowner drink in the bush. This dedicated time allows you to breathe in the sounds and smells of Africa, creating deep, personal, and beautiful memories.
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Put the camera down
Understandably, you’ll want to take hundreds of photographs. Your camera is a powerful tool, but sometimes, it can be a barrier to fully experiencing the moment. You risk seeing the wilderness only through a lens. So, make a conscious effort to put it down from time to time. Allow yourself to watch a spectacular sunset or a herd of elephants grazing, no screen, no barrier, and just soak in the experience with your own eyes.
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Communicate any concerns you may have
Safaris take place in a wild, unfamiliar environment. While it promises to be one of the greatest experiences of your life, feeling safe and comfortable is essential. If you have any concerns, whether it’s about noise at night, a planned activity, or anything impacting your enjoyment, tell your guide or camp manager immediately. They are trained to address these issues and can make changes to ensure you feel safer and happier and can focus on enjoying the adventure.
Get the most out of your safari experience with Let’s Go Travel
At Let’s Go Travel Uniglobe, our team is made up of safari enthusiasts who are passionate about wildlife, conservation, and ensuring that our customers have the most exciting East African adventure possible. We take pride in handling all the details so you can focus on these tips and maximize your time in the bush.
To find out more about our customized safari itineraries, contact us at +254 722 331 899 or email info@letsgosafari.com.