- I've been to more than 30 safaris in South Africa, and I've seen first-timers make common mistakes.
- Don't forget to bring a bug spray, sunscreen, long-sleeve shirts, and a jacket.
I've spent most of my adult life in South Africa, and one thing I never tire of is safari trips. I've been on more than 30 safaris, ranging from trips with no-frills accommodations to ones with all-inclusive private lodges.
But no matter where you go, there are always the first-timers who stick out like a sore thumb. And if you want to make the most of your safari adventure, it's good to know the dos and don'ts.
Here are a few things to steer clear of during your first safari.
Calling it a safari
Yep, I'm a hypocrite. Safari is really a term that is only used by international visitors.
It's been popularized by the tourism industry, probably because "safari" sounds nicer than saying we're going to "the bush," which most locals use.
In this case, "bush" is actually a shortening of the term "bushveld," a particular ecoregion of Southern Africa, and encompasses all the main game reserves.
Speaking of game, you should also know that the actual drives to look for wildlife are named "game drives." The game, in this case, just refers to the wildlife.
Not packing appropriate attire
Many falsely assume a trip to Africa will just be really hot.
We have more than our fair share of dry, sunny weather, but if you're visiting outside summer — and especially during June or July — you must go to the bush with a warm coat.
Early morning and evening game drives can be seriously chilly on the trucks without protection from the wind or cold air.
On the other end of the spectrum, you need to take the African sun seriously. Even during winter, it's warm and dry during the day. In summer, it can be sweltering.
Not all game vehicles have a roof, so make sure to pack at least one shirt that's lightweight and long-sleeved. At the very least, bring a shirt that has capped sleeves so your shoulders are covered.
And bring a hat, too.
Wearing all khaki
We get it; you don't want to scare the animals.
Nobody is suggesting you turn up in a hot-pink jumpsuit, but an entire khaki outfit is unnecessary unless you're doing bush walks. If you're doing walks, then go ahead and don khaki, olive green, and brown.
If you're doing regular game drives, most comfortable clothing is fine as long as you don't arrive in a luminous green jacket. Turning up dressed like the game ranger will immediately let everyone know you're a newbie.
Getting caught without sunscreen and bug spray
Bring all the sun gear you need: sunglasses, after-sun care, and plenty of sunblock.
Most lodges will provide bug spray, but it's always a good idea to bring your own bottle just in case. The mosquitoes in the bush are fierce, and there are all kinds of little midges and flies and other insects around, too.
Forgoing private reserves
Booking a trip to the bush can be seriously overwhelming, with a sea of information and endless options to suit all kinds of budgets.
Many first-time visitors to South Africa choose the easiest option and go to Kruger Park or Pilanesberg. There's absolutely nothing wrong with these options, and Kruger, in particular, is very popular with locals.
But if I were visiting for my first (or potentially only) safari experience, I'd choose a private game reserve instead.
Because national parks are open to the public, they can also get pretty crowded — especially if there's a great animal sighting. Private reserves are usually only accessible to a small number of lodges, and many of them limit the number of vehicles allowed at a sighting.
Plus, private game reserves have qualified game rangers who are a wealth of knowledge.
Chasing only the big game
It's pretty reasonable to want to tick off the Big Five — lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino — but don't let that deter you from enjoying the smaller sightings, too.
If you engage your game ranger, they'll often be able to tell you fascinating stories about local trees or plants and facts about zebras, giraffes, or birds.
And maybe you'll get really lucky and see animals that really get locals' hearts racing. Consider yourself lucky if you see a cheetah, wild dog, honey badger, pangolin, or caracal.
They may not be as well known as the Big Five, but they're generally much rarer sightings.
Skipping recommended malaria tablets
One huge draw of South African safaris is that many of them take place in malaria-free areas. But if you visit a reserve where malaria pills are recommended, don't dismiss the suggestion.
Although the pills can have side effects for some people, they're certainly not as severe as malaria itself.
If your lodge recommends you take them, heed their advice. If you're traveling with young kids, be sure to double-check whether your dream bush lodge is in a malarial area before you book.
Not devoting enough time to safari
Us Johannesburg dwellers often pop to the bush for a weekend or long weekend.
But if you're visiting from distant shores, I recommend you spend a decent amount of time looking for the Big Five. And yes, I still say that even though I know how great Cape Town and the Winelands are.
Four or five days should be enough time to see incredible wildlife without your schedule feeling too packed.
Plus, being patient is really the only guarantee of seeing anything in the bush. So, if you haven't seen anything in a few hours, try not to get frustrated. Just sit back and enjoy the scenery.
The bush has its own clock, and it always rewards those who wait.