Take An Unforgettable African Wildlife Safari

An African wildlife safari should be on every bucket list. Lovers of wildlife, and especially lovers of photography, will consider the safari a spectacular experience which will create memories for a lifetime. Wildlife safaris in Africa can be pricey and require a lot of planning, so we’ve compiled some tips to help you get started.

Passports and Health Concerns

In order to visit Africa, you’ll need a passport that will still be valid for at least six months after your visit. It will need to contain at least two facing pages for stamps. Some countries may also require a visa for US citizens, so be sure to check out the US Department of State’s website for information.

You will also want to check the Centers for Disease Control to find out if any shots are required or if there are any health concerns which may affect your trip.

Luggage Requirements

After you land in Africa, you’ll most likely take a smaller plane to reach the more distant areas where you’ll enjoy your safari. There may be strict luggage requirements on weight and size that you’ll need to adhere to. If you are packing photography gear, make sure that you don’t pack too much and get hit with a fine or even bumped off your flight.

Many camps offer free daily laundry service, so that can help you pack light, but be sure to double check amenities and never make assumptions!

Sunscreen and Brimmed Hat

Your African adventure will require a high SPF sunscreen and a hat with a wide brim… Unless you want to get burned to a crisp! Don’t forget to dab sunscreen on your ears and cover the back of your neck.

Layered Clothing

Temperatures can vary from the gorgeous early morning sunrise to the mid-day, so you’ll want to dress smart and pack layers.

Tips are Expected

Each person in your group should be tipping your guide daily, somewhere in the realm of $15 to $25. Tour guides work hard and put a massive amount of effort into making your experience worthwhile for little pay. Most camps will also have a box in the main area for tipping the rest of the staff as a whole, which they will split evenly.

Tips are not the place to try to slash your safari budget. It’s disrespectful and offensive to the people who work hard to make your trip happen.

Photography Gear

If you are into photography, there are some essentials you’ll want to make sure you bring along. Extra memory cards, backup devices, a long lens to shoot animals in the distance and a sturdy bag for your gear.