Traveling on a safari can be a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, but there are some mistakes that can ruin your time and cost you money. To help you have the best possible safari, here are 10 Things to Avoid on Safari: Don’t Make These Costly Mistakes! These tips will help you make the most of your safari without any of the common pitfalls.
1) Wearing the Wrong Clothes
When you’re planning a safari trip, it’s essential to think about the right clothes to bring. Many people underestimate the need for appropriate clothing and end up wearing something that isn’t suitable for the conditions.
Not only can this make your experience less enjoyable, but it can also be dangerous in certain situations. Different regions have different weather conditions, so you’ll want to make sure that you bring the right clothes.
First, you should choose breathable, lightweight fabrics that will keep you cool in hot climates. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are also important as they can help protect you from sunburn and insect bites.
It’s also important to wear shoes or sandals with good grip and arch support, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. A hat is also a must-have as it will help keep the sun out of your eyes and protect your head from heat exhaustion.
Finally, don’t forget to bring along a light waterproof jacket in case of rain or chilly evenings. Taking the time to plan and pack the right clothes for your safari trip can help make the experience more enjoyable and comfortable for everyone.
2) Not Wearing Sunscreen
One of the most important things to do before going on a safari is to make sure you have all the necessary sun protection. It is essential that you wear sunscreen at all times, even if you are in the shade or have a hat and sunglasses on. Not wearing sunscreen can lead to sunburns, which can be incredibly painful and can put you at risk of getting skin cancer. Additionally, the sun’s rays can be very damaging to your eyes, so wearing UV protection sunglasses is also important.
To protect your skin while on a safari, make sure you bring a high-quality sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Choose a waterproof sunscreen, if possible, as it will last longer when you are sweating or in contact with water. Additionally, it’s best to choose a broad spectrum sunscreen, which will provide coverage from both UVA and UVB rays. Remember to apply sunscreen regularly throughout the day – at least every two hours – and reapply after swimming or excessive sweating.
3) Not Respecting the Animals
When going on a safari, it’s important to remember that you are entering the animals’ natural habitat. As such, it’s important to show respect to the animals and treat them with kindness. That means not making loud noises or sudden movements that could startle them or cause them to become aggressive. Respect their boundaries and stay away from nesting areas or areas where they may be hunting or resting. It’s also important to remain in your vehicle, as getting out can be both dangerous and illegal in some areas. Above all, respect the animals and their habitats, and be conscious of your actions so that you don’t have a negative impact on their environment.
4) Not Staying hydrated
Staying hydrated is a key part of having a successful and enjoyable safari. The African heat can be intense and often unpredictable, so it’s important to make sure you’re keeping yourself hydrated. Carry around plenty of water in bottles and remember to drink regularly throughout the day. You should also bring electrolyte drinks with you, such as Gatorade or Powerade, to replace the salts and minerals that you may have lost from sweating too much. Make sure you take extra supplies with you in case you run out of fluids on your journey. Not staying hydrated can lead to tiredness, dehydration and can even be dangerous.
5) Not listening to the Guides
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when going on a safari is not listening to the guides. As experienced professionals, they are there to help you and ensure your safety while exploring the wilds. They know where the best areas to find animals, how to navigate the terrain, and what’s safe and what’s not.
Always pay attention to your guide, follow their instructions, and never wander off on your own. Not only can this be dangerous for yourself but also for the animals around you. Even if you think you have seen something in the distance, never attempt to approach it as this can cause serious disruption in their natural habitat.
Your guide is also there to provide you with interesting facts about the wildlife and plants that inhabit the area. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience and instead use it as an opportunity to learn more about the amazing creatures that live in the African bush.
6) Getting too Close to the Animals
When going on a safari, it’s important to remember that you are in the animals’ habitat. You must respect their space and be aware of the potential danger that comes with getting too close. Although it may be tempting to get a better look at the animals or take a selfie with them, this can be very dangerous.
It is important to remember that wild animals have sharp instincts and can attack if they feel threatened. Approaching an animal too closely can also disrupt their natural behavior and cause them stress. In some cases, it can even lead to an injury to yourself or the animal. It is always best to observe from a safe distance, as designated by your tour guide.
In addition to this, it is illegal in many places to get too close to wildlife and can result in fines or imprisonment. Make sure to follow the rules established by your tour company to avoid any legal issues.
Your safari will be more enjoyable if you observe animals from a respectful distance and remember to respect their space. By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your safari experience is both safe and enjoyable.
7) Not Being Prepared for the Weather
Weather on safari can change quickly and unexpectedly, so it is important to be prepared for any situation. The best way to do this is by bringing layers of clothing, such as a light jacket or sweater, that can be added or removed depending on the temperature. It is also a good idea to bring a hat or other protective headgear, sunglasses, and sunscreen. In addition, always bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during your safari.
At night, temperatures can drop significantly so it is important to bring appropriate clothing such as gloves and long pants. If you are traveling in the wet season, it is a good idea to bring a rain jacket and waterproof shoes. Lastly, make sure you check the weather forecast before embarking on your safari so that you can plan accordingly.
By being prepared for any weather situation, you can ensure that your safari is an enjoyable and safe experience.
8) Bringing valuables
When you go on safari, it’s important to leave any and all valuables at home. The risk of loss, theft or damage is high when you’re out in the wilderness. Make sure you leave your laptop, jewelry and other expensive items behind. Even if you plan to stay in a secure location, it’s best not to bring anything that could put a damper on your vacation if it were lost or stolen. If you do need to bring items like a camera or phone, make sure to keep them in a secure place. It’s also advisable to take out travel insurance so you’re covered in case of any losses.
9) Not Knowing What to Expect
One of the most common mistakes people make when going on safari is not knowing what to expect. While some aspects of a safari experience may be obvious, such as the animals you will encounter, there are other details that can be easily overlooked. Things like the terrain, the climate, the vegetation, the safety protocols, and even the wildlife viewing etiquette can all be vastly different from what you may expect.
The best way to avoid this mistake is to do your research before heading out. Talk to experienced safari goers, read reviews and travel blogs, and find out as much as you can about the region you will be visiting. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for any eventuality and make sure you get the most out of your safari experience.
10) Not having travel insurance
One of the most important things to remember when going on a safari is to purchase travel insurance. Although it may seem like an unnecessary expense, it’s a necessary part of the adventure and can save you a lot of trouble if something were to go wrong. Travel insurance will cover medical bills, lost or stolen items, and other unexpected expenses that may occur while on your trip. Make sure you research different policies and choose one that will provide the best coverage for the activities you’ll be taking part in. Without proper travel insurance, you could end up with large unexpected bills if something were to happen. It’s best to be prepared for any kind of situation so you can enjoy your safari with peace of mind.
I hope you will be much better prepared on your next safari tour.
