What I wish I knew before my first Safari!

Enlightening for first-timers, or gently reminding regular safari goers

Rebecca
Rebecca
Africa Specialist
Published on
04 Dec 2017
Updated on
28 Apr 2025
Segera Lodge Biplane

There are some things that are only obvious once you’ve been told, or indeed remembered. This short article is about what I wish I knew before my first safari. It may be enlightening for safari first-timers or just a gentle reminder of some fun facts to avoid being caught out.


Kicheche Bush Camp Bush Walk
Kicheche Bush Camp Guided Walk

Hot and Cold

Safari days can be long days, generally ranging from sunrise to sunset. This means serious temperature fluctuations. Layering up is the way forward, bringing a bag to put them in when you unravel as the sun rays get stronger and vice versa come sun down. Footwear can be difficult to decide upon for some people, but hiking boots (with flip flops in your bag) suit almost all safari activities.

Madikwe Lelapa Lodge Arrival
Madikwe Lelapa Lodge Arrival

Dollar Bills

Yes, you can take out money at the airports, however, having a stash of one dollar bills or small change local currency will be warmly received as tips and makes you feel in control and comfortable from the moment you step off the plane.

Kicheche Mara Camp Sundownder
Kicheche Mara Sundowner Golden Glow

Sun Protection

The sun is not necessarily any different in Africa, but your excitement searching for and watching the wildlife passing by, means you’ll undoubtedly not notice the damage it can cause your exposed skin. Finding a sunscreen you like, with insect repellent would be even better, and putting this on first thing in the morning will mean you don’t need to worry about the sun when it soon rises. A common side-effect of anti-malaria tablets is a higher risk of sunburn so be particularly careful if you are taking them. With sunscreen at hand, before you know it, you’ll develop a golden glow.

Cheetahs In The Serengeti
Cheetah Plains open 4x4

Bouncy, Windy Game Drives

Standing up in specially-designed 4x4 vehicles is exhilarating and not to be missed. It does, however, come with the risk of losing your hat if you don’t choose one that can be tightened or fits nice and snug. Equally, sitting at the back of the vehicles on especially bouncy tracks can be lots of fun, but for the ladies out there, I recommend wearing a jog bra and thinking of it as part of the adventure!

Boy Swimming
So fresh and so clean

Keeping Fresh!

Whilst all lodges will offer the chance to have your clothes laundered, they do not offer the same for your smalls. Bring enough with you to last the duration, or simply pack some clothes soap and take advantage of the strong sun to dry them out naturally.

Spice
Spices to take home

Shopping Space

With so many beautiful creative arts, crafts and exotic curio shops and markets, you’ll surely end up agreeing to take more home than originally planned. Packing soft bags and leaving some extra space in your luggage will make your life a whole lot easier.

For more inspiration, take a look at our 26 favourite safari holidays, our best African honeymoon ideas or our top family safari holidays.

To arrange your safari holiday, call our friendly team of experts on 01768 603 715 who'd be happy to help.

Enquire-Button.png#asset:116423

Start Planning Your Dream Safari

Speak To Our Experts Today

Call 888 445-2912
or
Head shot cape maclear for bio

Marc

Travel Expert

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024