Q&A: Answers To The 20 Most-Asked Safari Questions

Q&A: Answers To The 20 Most-Asked Safari Questions

Your first African safari is exciting, and it naturally raises plenty of questions. When should you book? What should you pack? How long are the game drives, and what happens if you need the toilet in the middle of the bush? Our safari specialists hear these questions every day of the week, so we have gathered the 20 most common ones in one place.

Whether you are dreaming of a Big Five safari in South Africa, a Kenyan safari in the Masai Mara or a Tanzanian safari across the Serengeti, these answers will help you plan with confidence. If you would like a deeper introduction, start with our guide to your first safari in Africa. Then read on for the practical details.

Planning your safari

1. How far in advance should I book a safari?

It is best to book a safari 6–12 months in advance, especially if you are travelling during peak safari season. Popular lodges and camps can fill up quickly, and the most sought-after properties often sell out first. Browse our African safari holidays to see what is available.

2. What other destinations or activities can I combine with a safari?

You can combine a safari with lots of different experiences, depending on where you are travelling. Popular options include:

• Cities: exploring Nairobi or Cape Town
• Beaches: relaxing in Zanzibar or on Kenya's coast. See our safari and beach holidays
• Natural wonders: visiting Victoria Falls
• Wildlife encounters: gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda

3. Do I need vaccinations or malaria medication?

Most destinations require or recommend certain vaccinations, and malaria medication is recommended for certain areas. Check with your GP or travel clinic well before your trip. If you would rather avoid anti-malarial tablets, take a look at our guide to malaria-free safari destinations. We also recommend taking out travel insurance before you go.

4. How many days do I need for a safari?

At Africa Travel we always say that a safari usually works well with 3–7 days. 

4–5 days gives you enough time for several game drives without becoming too tiring, but if you want to visit several parks or combine your safari with other activities, you may want a longer trip. For inspiration, see our 3-night safari in the Masai Mara or the 3-night safari in the Kruger.

5. What is the best time of year to go on safari?

This depends on the country and what you want to see. In many parts of Southern and Eastern Africa, the dry season is popular because animals are easier to spot around water sources and there is less vegetation. However, the wet (green) season can offer fewer tourists, greener scenery and excellent opportunities for birding and seeing young animals. Read our green season safari guide, or find out where and when to go in Kenya. Speak to the experts at Africa Travel to discuss the best time for your trip.

What to pack and bring

6. What clothes should I pack for a safari?

Pack lightweight, comfortable and breathable clothing. Neutral colours such as beige, brown, green and khaki are best. Africa Travel provides full packing list suggestions. Start with our guides on what to wear on safari and what to pack for your African safari holiday.

7. Is it safe to drink the water?

In many safari lodges, bottled or filtered drinking water is provided. Your guide or camp manager will confirm what is available at your property.

8. Should I bring my own binoculars?

Yes, binoculars are essential. You will often be scanning for that elusive leopard, or spot something in the distance that you cannot get any closer to. Your own pair is vital for these moments. It can be very frustrating not to be able to join in, and even more annoying when you have to pass your binoculars to someone else!

9. Are toiletries included?

Basic amenities such as soap, shampoo and body lotion are usually supplied by most camps. We still suggest bringing your own personal items:

• Moisturising cream and lip balm
• Strong insect repellent for body application
• High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher is recommended)
• Anti-histamine cream and tablets if you suffer from allergies
• Anti-nausea tablets if you suffer from motion sickness
• Malaria tablets (if applicable)
• Tissues and wet wipes

10. What is the baggage allowance for light aircraft flights?

Soft bags are the norm on small aircraft. The maximum dimensions are normally 25 cm wide x 30 cm high x 62 cm long, and weight limits vary from 15 kg to 20 kg per person, including hand luggage and camera equipment. The baggage compartments on small aircraft are only 25 cm high, so pilots must be able to manipulate the bags into place.

On safari: game drives and camp life

11. How long are the game drives?

A typical game drive lasts between 2–4 hours, although longer drives can take 5–6 hours or more. Many safari lodges have an early-morning and a late-afternoon drive, when animals are often more active. The length can vary depending on the location and how far you have to travel to find wildlife.

12. What is a typical day on safari?

Safaris are planned around the times when you are most likely to see wildlife. Early morning, late afternoon and night game drives are the best ways to see animals at their most active. Be prepared for your regular schedule to adjust to the rhythms of Africa and her many creatures. For a closer look, read about a typical day on a walking safari. Please note that night game drives are not permitted in some National Parks.

13. What do you do between game drives?

This is your time to relax and enjoy camp: lounge by the pool, review your photos, enjoy a spa treatment or simply have a nap. For the more active, many camps offer bush walks with professional guides; these are a great way to experience the bush up close. Bird watching can be particularly good on a walk, and you have time to notice the smaller insects and animals you might miss on a game drive. See our favourite walking safaris, and speak to the specialists at Africa Travel to book the property that best suits your needs.

14. How many people are normally in a safari vehicle?

It depends entirely on the camp. Most vehicles seat 8–10 guests. Many camps have moved to smaller 6-seater vehicles so that every guest has a window seat.

15. What happens if you need the toilet during a game drive?

On longer game drives, your guide will normally stop at a safe location where you can use a basic bush toilet or go behind some cover. Always follow your guide's instructions though.

16. Are there insects and unwanted creepy crawlies?

Don't worry too much if you find the odd spider, frog, grasshopper or other insect inside your accommodation - you have come to spend time in the great outdoors. Every effort is made in the design of safari camps to keep them out, but it shouldn't come as a surprise to find the odd visitor. It is perfectly fine to ask a member of staff to remove them.

Health, gifts and tipping

17. What happens if I fall ill?

All camps have a basic medical kit as standard: plasters, aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen, Imodium, antiseptic cream and so on. Certain medicines are not readily available in some areas so if you take personal medication, carry a good supply in your hand luggage. Safari lodges all have satellite links to the outside world, so if required, medical assistance is normally available.

18. Can I bring gifts for children at local schools?

Gifts for local schoolchildren are appreciated. Most lodges and safari operators are involved in community support projects and rely on donations from their guests to help improve facilities at local schools and clinics. This is by no means expected, but any support is gratefully accepted.

19. What are the suggested tipping amounts?

Tipping in Africa, whilst not compulsory, often makes a substantial contribution to ensuring that people working in the service industry earn a living wage. It should be done on merit, for good service, and nobody should feel obliged to tip for poor service. These figures are averages. If you receive exceptional service, a greater tip is always appreciated.

Africa Travel recommends tipping your guide directly and using the gratuity box in the main area for general camp staff. You only need to tip once, at the end of your stay.

20. Is there anything else I should bring?

In addition to good-quality sunglasses and a sturdy pair of closed shoes for walking, bring an open mind, a sense of humour and a willingness to be amazed. Africa won't let you down.

Ready to plan your safari? Talk to Africa Travel

Reading about safari is one thing, but planning it is another. Our specialists have first-hand knowledge of the lodges, camps and guides across Africa. They can match you with the right destination, the right season and the right budget, whether you want a Kenya safari, a South Africa safari, a family safari or a honeymoon in Africa.

Contact Africa Travel today to start planning your tailor-made African holiday. You can also read more about us or browse our FAQs.