African Safaris Guide

Category: Travel Tips

  • Books to Take on an African Safari

    I don’t like taking books when I travel. They add a lot of weight to my luggage and I’m usually having too much fun to open a book anyway. So I normally just take my Kindle, which I rarely end up opening either.

    When traveling to Southern Africa though, things change. My day pack is filled with books, and it’s heavy. But we’re always glad we did.

    Here is a list of our recommendations for what books to take on an African Safari: (This only applies to Southern Africa: Namibia, Botswana and South Africa).

    Watching Wildlife Guides

    Watching Wildlife Southern Africa by Lonely Planet

    This is a great guide, not just for planning your first trip but for consulting while on the road. It has the most comprehensive information about where and when to see all your favorite African animals, from mammals and birds to reptiles and marine life.

    The book is organized by different sections.

    •  Nature in Southern Africa: a little introduction to Southern Africa’s natural history.
    •  Wildlife Watching: general tips about finding wildlife. Also tips about how to get there and some photography advice.
    •  Habitats: Introduction to the habitats of Southern Africa, including savannas, grasslands, mountains, and deserts.
    •  Parks and Places: Countries and parks of Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia)
    •  Wildlife Gallery: Animal guide with photos and information about the best places to see each species.

    If you only want to take one book, this is the one to consider. Our copy shown here is the 2001 edition. A newer 2009 edition is also available.

    Mammal Guides of Southern Africa

    We normally take two, which may be overkill, but we have a hard time leaving either of these two behind because we are hardcore mammal-lovers.

    1) The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon

    Comprehensive guide and valuable identification tool. Each species comes with text regarding measurements, recognition, habitat, food, and status. They also include distribution maps and illustrations. Some descriptions also include information about behavior, seasonal adaptations, and genealogy.

    Sometimes it is not very clear if an illustration goes with the text above or below it, making it a somewhat imperfect identification guide. However, it is still the most comprehensive African mammal field guide we’ve come across.

    I also recommend that when visiting a South African national park, you pick up the official park map which includes several pages of animal illustrations at the back. These show the mammal species that occur within the park and will help you narrow down your choices quickly.

    Once you’ve successfully identified the species, move on to the next book…

    2) The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes

    This is a great guide once you have identified the animal. Over 550 pages of behavioral information as well as species’ traits, distribution, ecology, social organization and activity. This book is really useful to decipher the behaviors you are watching, whether they be social, agonistic, anti-predator, sexual, or parent/offspring behavior.

    I love this book. It is great to learn about the wildlife we are watching and it is great entertainment while we are waiting for animals to turn up at a waterhole.

    There are no photographs in the book, just illustrations, but these are excellent and depict a wide range of fascinating behaviors.

    The only downside is that this book is now 20 years old. I was shopping for a newer edition and when I found it I was disappointed to learn that the only thing that had changed was the cover.  It seems to me that so much wildlife research has been done in the past two decades that this book really deserves an update.

    But it is still my favorite.

    Bird Guides of Southern Africa

    Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey, and Warwick Tarboton

    This is a truly excellent bird identification guide. The illustrations are on par with the great Sibley guide of North America and they depict a range of plumage variations (such as differences in gender, age, or region.) This comprehensive list includes each of the 900 plus species which occur in Southern Africa.

    A brief description and range map appear conveniently on the same page as each illustration. This description is aimed almost entirely at helping the reader identify the species and to point out similar species with which they might easily be confused.

    What you won’t find is extensive behavioral, feeding, or breeding information about species. This book is designed to help you figure out who you’re looking at, and it does that well. One of my favorite features is the Quick Reference which appears inside the front and back covers. It shows illustrations of approximately 120 commonly-sighted birds that are representative of their group, and a page number where to find them.

    Signs, Tracks, and Poo

    Signs of the Wild by Clive Walker

    This little book is great for people interested in the tracks and droppings of Southern Africa’s mammals.

    For each species, the author includes a distribution map within Southern Africa, as well as a description of the animal, its diet, and its faeces. But most useful are the life-size illustrations of the animal’s tracks, as well as photos and illustrations of their poops. Many species also include a handy illustration of the skull.

    The only drawback to this book is that no birds, reptiles, amphibians or invertebrates are included.

    Scatalog by Kevin Murray

    This is my latest acquisition. I actually got it in the Johannesburg airport on the way back from our last trip to South Africa. Even though we were leaving, I just had to get it. This is the guide that I would like to have published.

    As the title says, this is a catalog of scats, a guide to poo. This little book is fascinating (if you like poop, like me). There are 40 pages full of photos of droppings, most at life size, the rest with a scale so you know how big they really are. Each species includes a brief written explanation as well. This is a nice, small, light guide and is easy to carry along in your pocket.

    What I really like about this guide is that it covers mammals as well as some birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Now you’ll know what termite poo looks like.

    Before you Go on a Safari

    Get your hands on Cry of the Kalahari by Mark and Delia Owens.

    It’s the true story of two young zoologists who in the early 70′s set off for Botswana to live in the Kalahari (did I tell you the Kalahari is my favorite place on Earth?)

    If you’ve ever dreamed of living in pure wilderness surrounded by amazing wildlife, you’ll get hooked on Cry of the Kalahari.

    It is one of my favorite books of all time.

    Planning your Safari

    When it comes to planning your safari, we recommend you consult Africa’s Finest. It is a guide to the most responsible and sustainable destinations and lodges in Africa. It is also a beautiful work of art born out of a love for nature.

    The foreword, written by  WWF‘s CEO Mornè du Plessis, states, “That is the real message of Africa’s Finest, that those operations that follow sustainable and renewable tourism models and partnerships, will be the ones that secure a future for the wildlife, the extraordinary cultures and people living in or around game reserves, as well as the very land on which all this depends“.

    Good news! Get it before the 1st of July 2013 and get a 40% discount, so if I were you I would buy it now.

    What About My Kindle?

    I still take my kindle wherever I go. I have downloaded the ebook versions of each of the country guides we need, just in case. But I admit I hate having to search for anything in a country guide on my kindle. It is a pain. And don’t even ask me to try and find something using a town map in one of these digital guides. The resolution is generally poor and the images are often divided up so much that they become unusable. I would love to take a paper version the way I used to, but since our other books take up so much weight, we have to prioritize. And the above list always makes it with us to Africa.

  • Guide to Choosing the Right African Safari Clothes

    When you’re planning a safari to any destination in Africa, you have to also plan for what to wear. Regarding the activities you wish to do while visiting different landscapes, you should mind so much about the weather conditions and then bring suitable clothing. Safari regions like East and Central Africa experience equatorial climate with both dry and rainy seasons every year. Choosing to do your safari in a dry season for instance does not mean there will be no rainfall. That’s it is important for tourists to choose the right clothing with the help of our tips.

    Dress in neutral colors

    Most safari guides recommend wearing colors that blend with African wilderness environment. This is especially so when you’re going for game viewing, jungle trekking or nature walks. Most visitors wear khakis and neutral colors like green and olive not to scare away wildlife and increase chances of spotting animals. Absolutely wearing bright colors such as red you risk missing out some sightings since animals will notice and shy away into the bush.

    Material to choose for your safari clothing

    Cotton and sometimes hand-made fabrics tend to be durable as it with shirts and pants. Whichever you material you prefer to wear, the most important thing is to check the weather conditions. You can easily determine to bring quick drying materials if you were traveling during the rainy season. No need to worry about the dirty clothes, some lodges offer laundry services and you can tell them to wash for you.

    For instance during dry seasons in Eastern Africa especially Kenya and Tanzania, light clothing is recommended for game viewing drives because the savannah is hot and dry.

    In comparison to jungle safaris like gorilla trekking which takes place in tropical forests of Uganda, Rwanda and DRC, where a lot rainfall and wet weather require visitors to wear warm layers.

    Protective safari clothing

    If you never get sick of the hot African sun, then there’s something else worth to prepare for. Eastern Africa destinations have lots of harmful insects especially mosquitoes which cause malaria as well as other. Rainfall is also unpredictable regardless of the seasons.

    It could be a rain jacket, scarf, sunglasses and hat, depending on weather conditions and type of activities. For instance during game drive safaris and nature walks in the bush, it is very vital to protect your skin. You many experience harmful insects or thorny bushes while on hiking safari. When you wear light weight long pants and long sleeved shirts that cover up your legs and arms, you’re better off and safe. You would only wear shorts when you’re off the bush.

    Hat, scarf and sunglasses

    Besides the insects, there’s also hot sunshine which comes with dust and wind. While hats are very helpful for sun protection, sunglasses too are useful during wind. Scarf also helps to keep your neck warm during cold weather in the tropical forested areas like central Africa. It is also used to wipe camera lenses.

    Shoes to wear on a safari

    Depending on the safari you’re doing, for instance adventures through the jungle such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking through thick forests require strong hiking boots. Try to get boots that can protect the ankle borne and are waterproof as well. However, if you were just visiting a city or beach, you may not put on the same foot wear.

    To balance what to wear for different safaris, you don’t have to pack loads of shoes. You need at least a pair of boots and sandals to wear while at your lodge as well as relieve you from boots. The only exception of not putting off your hiking boots would be if you were camping in the middle of the national park.

    Consider clothing that works in different environments

    While on a safari, you’ll not spend all the time in the bush looking for animals. So you have got to pack variety of clothing options. Your feeling may be to wear short pants, vests or open shoes when you’re at the lodge. You may also want to visit cultural tourism sites and clothing you wear for that cultural trip cannot be same for jungle trekking.

    Multipurpose

    When packing for your safari, select items that serve many uses. This is especially if you’re adventuring into the wilderness and travelling around a lot than staying in one place. In that case let’s consider backpacks for outdoor adventures. They are much better and convenient to carry, toss around in vehicles or maneuver through crowded places than a suitcase would do.

    Durability

    Before you buy any of your travel clothing gears, it is important to select quality items if you’re going on an African safari for the first time. New clothing recommended for style and fashion but if you trust second hand clothes, they are suitable for activities like jungle treks. Also consider the notion that your clothing will not wear out or fade with a single wash only after one trip.

    Pack light

    Your main aim is to avoid heavy bags when you only pack useful items for your safari. some dirt free travelers do not like recycling clothes and the idea of packing light to them would mean leaving off essential clothing. But you know heavy bags can be a burden and inconveniencing. Before you select or buy items first consider how much weight and space they take.

  • 5 Eco Friendly Tips For your African Safari

    People travel for a variety of reasons, but I think the underlying desire to see unfamiliar places, discover the natural beauty of the world and to breathe the fresh air of the outdoors is shared among all of them.

    People travel to Africa largely for the wildlife, exceptionally diverse landscapes and the richness of ancient cultures. Humans that live according to the tune of the earth and extraordinary animals, that have paced the surface of this continent for thousands of years, are sought after by travellers, wanderers and adventurers. We have a responsibility to play as the role of ‘caretakers’ if we wish to cherish the role of ‘admirers’ for years to come. Luckily, for the roamers out there, there are plenty of opportunities for us to make sure that for whatever reason we are travelling, we are doing what we can to protect and conserve.

    1. For those embarking on culinary journeys

    Some people travel purely for the pleasure of eating, and commit to a taste-bud discovery of the world. Aside from the fact that organic, additive-free food is far healthier for you, its production also requires local input. Make sure that the places in which you choose to eat employ local suppliers, enabling you to rest assured that you are contributing to the people whose land you have journeyed to see. A good indication of an eco-savvy kitchen is the use of a compost heap, a sustainable and conservative use of water and efficient waste disposal. As with most delicious dishes, an accompanying good wine often rounds off the experience perfectly. Consider varieties that are bottled in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) canisters, which use 50% less packaging energy than glass, and, in bulk, reduce negative shipment effects by 25% due to their reduced size and weight.

    1. For those jet-setting on business

    If you’ve got an appreciation for city flavour, make use of local transport, which in Africa may be a rickshaw. Even better, hire a bicycle or stretch those legs and walk when possible.  There are few better ways to spruce up for the day than to drink in the scenes of a foreign city. Choose your accommodation based on its environmental ethics. Hot water bottles instead of electric blankets, water-saving fixtures, energy-efficient lighting and recycling disposals are among the modest changes to look out for. Make use of coffee mugs or flasks and reusable water bottles so as to eliminate the use of paper and plastic drinking vessels. Bear in mind that your own preparation for travel has a great effect too. So pack light and reduce the weight of your carbon footprint… literally.

    1. For those seeking a destination wedding

    A wedding is traditionally the extravagant, symbolic step into a life shared with one’s soul mate and showcases what that shared life will represent. Travelling to a beautiful destination is romantic and memorable, and often it incorporates local flair. For a spectacular arrival, indulge in a fairy tale horse-drawn carriage or even a tandem bicycle. Consider  flowers grown locally and requiring little water: succulents and bamboo are eco-friendly and present beautiful alternatives to exotic blooms. Biodegradable confetti, such as dried rose petals and birdseed, puts a unique spin on one’s departure from the venue.

    1. For those heading off on honeymoon

    This is bound to be one of the most romantic times in one’s life, and it is fair to assume that those heading to Africa in search of this romance are seeking nature, the outdoors, quiet nights and starry skies. Opt for solar-powered lodges, country style bucket showers and, of course, candlelight. Everlasting soy candles are aromatic and ambient, while hypnotically demonstrating renewable energy.

    1. For those on quests of self-discovery

    On a journey of discovery and cultural indulgence, one could agree that this is the perfect time to partake in community uplift. Help plant trees in Kenya, where reforestation is working wonders for local prosperity. Provide your manual labour in exchange for food and accommodation and enrich your soul with education about sustainability, the environment, creating awareness and making a change. Wildlife capture and data collection help sustain animal populations in game reserves; an activity that would attract the adventurous, single traveller. A keen photographer can dedicate their efforts to local eco-initiatives, photographing and reviewing various projects and movements working towards a greener future for Africa.

    Find out more about greener getaway destinations with  Experience Africa Safaris.

  • How to Prepare Yourself for the Perfect East African Safari

    There’s no better continent to view wildlife in their natural habitats than Africa. After all, where else in the world can you come to face with mountain gorillas than Uganda, Rwanda and DRC or witness the wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania.

    For most travelers the decision to visit your favorite premier safari destinations, there’s a lot to plan for your trip.

    There are varied habitats ranging from tropical forests, classic open savannahs, swamps, rivers and lakes, high altitude mountains like Kilimanjaro and Rwenzori as well as semi-arid and desert dunes. Whether the most part of your safari is to be doing daily excursions, or visit cities and local communities for cultural encounters, you need to prepare yourself.

    Get travel insurance

    You are visiting a secure and safe destination but you’re not sure of the uncertainties that come with adventure safaris. Whether you want to relax on beach or undertake adventures like gorilla trekking and mountaineering. You need an all-inclusive travel insurance to cover up whatever activity you shall do as well as emergency situations like accidents.

    Most tour operators highly recommend travel insurance for the entire trip days. When traveling to Africa come along with your credit cards. Make currency exchanges since you may be required to make payments in local currency or US dollars.

    Choose an organized tour

    Planning African safari with a tour operator is flexible way to get everything you desire. Before you travel, there’s need to inquire about the destination activities, transportation, meals, lodgings and availability of wildlife viewing permits. You can base from your home country pre-book and confirm your African safari including air tickets. By the time you arrive on time, everything would be already arranged as you wish to relax after a flight and begin comfortable trip the next day.

    For travelers who don’t enjoy being in a company of others, consider having solo trips. You may travel with a group during transfers but for the sake of your special interests.

    Book in advance

    When you book early you get enough time to arrange essential items of your safari such as visa, passport, permits, accommodation and things to pack. For instance a visa must be applied for at least 3 months ahead of date you are visiting a particular country. During peak seasons, many tourists are traveling which make prices high as well lead to low availability of space in lodges. But when you book in advance, budget choices are still many and you won’t pay highly.

    If you’re traveling with children, mind so much about accommodation that runs special programs for kids. While few areas in East African safari places such as Uganda and Kenya have high risk of malaria than in South Africa, they have bright setups for kids. On that note, there are activities like gorilla trekking where children below 15 years are not allowed.

    What to pack

    Understanding what to pack for a long day drive or trekking through tropical rainforest is the strength of your trip. It creates a difference between a disappointing and successful safari.

    Not all safaris are similar, depending on the place you’re visiting. The idea is to be weather ready and pack light, flexible clothing and equipment. For most active wildlife viewing adventures, you wake up before sunrise or you are still in the bush during afternoon and late evening drives. The weather is still cold or winds and hot sun tend to alternate whether it is a wet or dry season. Thus make sure to have a backpack that you can access anything you want while on a trip. You’ll quickly get extra layers, rain jackets when it showers or feels cold or a sun hat when the sun is too hot. It is also important to have hiking boots, socks, and a pair of long pants, long sleeved shirts so that your body is covered up.

    Take useful accessories including camera and extra batteries, lenses, memory cards and binoculars. Game drives and boat cruises offer closer views of animals for your greater shots. But binoculars will also help you to spot animals that keep away from the safari vehicles and more importantly for any bird watching trip. Take a notebook or dairy as well to write about your experiences and create lasting memories.

    If you wish to visit the beach, bring a swimming costume, short pants and sandals.

    Sun protection

    Most Africa safari destinations experience intense hot sun even during rainy season. Take sunscreen, hat along with lip balm. Traveling long distances tend to cause heat and dust to make you feel dry. Even if you happen to use air conditioned vehicles, you’ll still use jeep or land lovers while in the bush which does not have.

    Prepare for your health

    When your safari is fully booked, check with a doctor to get any immunizations you may need.

    Mostly every travel visiting any destination in East and Central Africa must have a yellow fever vaccination card. So come with proof. You may also vaccinate against hepatitis B and tetanus.

    Most destinations in Africa have a risk of malaria infection. To avoid mosquito bites carry anti-malarial tabs and mosquito repellants while on a safari.

    Even though lodges are comfortable places with fresh food, you may be exposed to harmful bacteria and suffer from stomach upsets. So it is important to have a first Aid kit. It should include healthy packs of medications as well as anti-bacterial wipes. Toiletries can help you when you want to ease yourself off in the bush.

    Note, however, preparing for health depends on the disease and epidemic outbreaks. You must check with embassies and consultants to know the situation in the country you’re visiting.

    Be security cautious

    Africa is known to have friendly people including locals, safari guides, rangers and staff at the lodges. These try to give their best for a memorable visitor experience. However, be aware of the theft and crime issues in most cities. Though not directed at tourists, sometimes showing off valuables or moving at night in isolated places can attract thugs.

    Also be aware of the gender issues especially same sex couples. Many African countries are fighting homosexuality, so keep your acts out of public. Local people as well as laws are still traditional and will be harsh at any awkward act by foreigners. The same applies to ways of dressing. Unlike in cities where women can dress short clothes but in rural villages, it is still moderate and decent.

    You may not see all the animals

    The truth about safaris, you’re not guaranteed to see every animal as expected. Some animals are active during morning or evening while others at night. Guides and rangers understand that much and tell you to take optional or do as many activities as you can. Viewing wildlife is popular with day game drive safaris from where you can see elephants, lions, buffalos. During day, you might miss to see nocturnal animals like leopards, bush babies or night jars, you can opt for night game drives.