Safari Tips for First-Time Visitors to South Africa

It is an unforgettable experience as you plan a first time safari adventure in South Africa full of anticipation, wonder and excitement. The idea to see the Big five of Africa in their natural habitat, to explore big game reserves and feel the sheer beauty of nature is something that fascinates the thoughts of every traveler. Nevertheless, first-time safarists may find it hard to arrange a safari. What to carry and what to leave behind, finding the most suitable parks as well as the local customs are just a few things to consider before you are on your way to this amazing trip. We have prepared an ultimate guide to the first-time visitor to South Africa by creating our professional safari advice on how to maximize your trip to South Africa.

South Africa is a very diverse safari destination in the world. It provides a fantastic combination of luxury lodges, and adventure camps as well as breathtaking wildlife tours that could fit all kinds of travelers. Be it going to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, or discovering the green landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal, and even going to the privately owned reserves of the Sabi Sands, this guide will take you through all that you need to know. Through proper guidance and a lot of planning, your safari would be one of the most rewarding and enriching moments of your life. It is time to explore the safari tips that are absolutely necessary when going on a first South Africa safari that will take your breath away.

Here are the Safari Tips for First-Time Visitors to South Africa

1. The selection of the appropriate Safari Destination

South Africa has a very big number of national parks and private game reserves each having its own charm and wildlife. Depending on the destination, your experience might differ greatly. The Kruger National Park is usually the first choice to the first-time visitor. It is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and has extraordinary number of animals including the Big Five that is the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.

Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape, Pilanesberg National Park around Johannesburg and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal are other places worth visiting. In case you like more intimate experience, there are more luxurious accommodations, guided drives, and close animals in such private reserves as Sabi Sands, Timbavati, and Phinda Game Reserve.

Booking your adventure, one may take into consideration professional South Africa Safari Packages offered by the well-known proposers such as gokite travel that may assist you in planning your itinerary based on your preferences and budget. The correct place will determine your general safari experience and therefore you should take time to research on what park can best fit your travel style.

2. The best time to go to South Africa on a Safari

The timing is important in delivering a superb experience during a safari. The seasons of South Africa are in the opposite to those of the northern hemisphere, the summer period is between the months of November and March and winter is between May and August. The dry winters are usually termed as the best period of the year to view wildlife since most of the animals congregate in the water areas and the land cover is thin and this facilitates easier sightseeing.

But in case you are into birdwatching the summer is the best time of the year, as migratory species abound during this time of the year. The green scenery makes the best backdrops to photography as well.

Prior to making your reservation, research on the seasonal changes in every region since rainfall and temperatures vary in various parts of the country. As an example, Kruger has hot and humid summers and wet winters in the Western Cape. Scheduling your trips based on the most favorable times of the year to view wildlife would mean that you are going to enjoy your adventure.

3. Safari Packing Checklist

One of the most valuable South Africa safari tips that must be packed by first-time visitors is packing smart. You will spend a lot of time outside and, therefore, the appropriate outfits can make a significant difference in your comfort and enjoyment.

Clothing:

Wear neutral colored clothes like khaki, beige or olive green in order to become part of the environment. Do not use bright colors, camouflage patterns (which can be limited). Bring lightweight breathable clothes to use on the daytime and some warm clothes in case of an early or evening drive since the weather might become quite chilly.

Footwear:

A walking shoe or a pair of walking boots is a must, particularly when you are going to the bush on your safari. Sandal, or flip-flops will be in demand as well when you are not busy in the lodge.

Accessories:

Carry a hat with wide rims, sun glasses, sunscreens and insect repellants. High quality camera with additional memory cards and batteries, and a decent pair of binoculars are necessities to be able to record gorgeous wildlife scenes.

Documents & Health:

Remember to bring your passport, travel insurance and any necessary vaccination certificates. Never forget to confirm with your touring company or health department on any prescribed medicine particularly malaria-infested places.

4. Learning Safari Etiquette

The essence of the real safari is to respect nature and wildlife. Among the best South Africa safari tips is how to behave in a safari.

• Be silent when making a game drive: Screaming may spook animals and spoil the experience of other people.

• Do not get up or lean out of vehicles: It may alter the form of the vehicle, which seems to be dangerous to the animals.

• Take the advice of your guide: Your guide has the best idea of what to do and what the animals will do, you should always listen to the guide.

• Do not litter: Be a part of saving the beautiful environment by not leaving any impression.

• Do not take flash photography: It is likely to scare animals, especially night ones.

With such rules, you will not only keep yourself safe but also be part of the wildlife conservation and respect of local communities.

5. The health and safety precautions are to be observed

When organizing your safari, safety should be one of the priorities. The medical facilities in South Africa are properly equipped, however, some of the safari locations are remote where preparation is of essence.

Prophylactic drugs should be used against malaria, so make sure to consult your doctor when you are going to places where malaria exists. Wear long-sleeved clothes and apply insect repellent at night to reduce the number of bites by the mosquitoes. Ensure that you have a detailed travel insurance that encompasses medical emergencies, evacuation and cancellation of trip.

The safety of wildlife is also important. Always get your car before being instructed by your guide and ensure that you are always at safe distance with the animals. It is important to remember that they are wild animals and their space is to be respected therefore making sure that you are safe as well as they are.

6. How to Take Pics of the Best Safari Photos

South African safari is a place with endless possibilities of beautiful photography. As a way of maximization, consider some of the techniques.

• zoom in: The animals may be distant, and a tele lens will allow one to make close shots and see the animals clearly.

• Shoot at golden hours: The best and most dramatic and beautiful photos are best made in the early morning and in the afternoon.

• Be patient: It is the most beautiful shots that are sometimes made after the wait.

• Always have your camera with you: Wildlife is also unpredictable, meaning that you should always be ready when such an event occurs.

When you book with gokite travel, their South Africa Safari Packages usually include guided tours with itineraries that allow photography therefore you will make those once-in-a-life shots.

7. The Dilemma of Self-Drive and Guided Safaris

You can go in South Africa on a self-drive safari or on a guided safari. The two are different in their experiences.

Self-Drive Safari:

Good as a stand-alone traveler who likes to be flexible and adventurous. You have the possibility to explore yourself, pause as you choose and as much time as you want to spend seeing wildlife. Kruger national park ranks among the most preferable places to do self drives because it has well marked roads and other facilities.

Guided Safari:

Perfect to first time visitors. The professional guides give an extensive background of information on animal behavior, ecosystems and photography. They are familiar with the best places where you can have sightseeing and keep you safe during the trip.

South Africa is an ideal safari destination especially to those who have never experienced one before because guided tours are the most rewarding option in South Africa Safari Packages.

8. Appreciating Local Culture and Communities

In addition to the wildlife, the people of South Africa are also an important component of the experience. A lot of lodges and reserves are also situated near villages, and the visitors are usually asked to explore their tradition, diet, and arts. Respecting the local traditions and aiding community-based tourism projects contribute to the sustainability development.

During communication with locals, it is important to inquire before taking photos, dress decently, and communicate with sincere interest and respect. Buying local arts and crafts and investing in lodges that are run by people of the community are excellent methods of returning to the people that conserve these magnificent areas.

9. The Responsible and Sustainable Safari Travel

Sustainable tourism is gaining significance. When selecting your safari operator, consider the ones who are practicing sustainability, utilization of solar power, reduction of plastic waste and conservation efforts. Lots of the personal reserves in South Africa utilize the income of the tourism in the protection of the wildlife and community improvement.

Being a responsible traveler is one of the most valuable tips that should be included in the list of South Africa safari tips. Do not feed the animals, do not break the rules of the park, and whenever you can, visit the place where your accommodation is eco-friendly. Your actions will have a great impact on preserving the biodiversity of South Africa to the future generation.

10. What to expect in a normal day in the safari

An average safari day has a schedule based on the patterns of animal activities. Mornings are generally early with a pre- dawn wake-up call and breakfast which is light before departing to the first game drive. The cold weather facilitates animal migration thus it is a good season to make sightings.

After morning drive you get back to the camp and have brunch and relax. Afternoons are usually dedicated to resting or other optional activity that may include nature walks or spa treatments. You will later go on an evening game drive, which is usually topped with sundowners, a popular safari activity where tourism guests have a drink as they watch the sunset.

The day is completed by dinner under the stars which is accompanied by storytelling, local music or a discussion of what was seen during the day. The knowledge of this routine will enable you to be ready both psychologically and physically to go on a safari.

Conclusion

Traveling to South Africa on a safari is not just a holiday but a metamorphic experience of going deep into nature. South Africa is a destination to every traveler who will find a lifetime adventure in South Africa with its breathtaking landscapes, unbelievable biodiversity, and friendly people. These are the key tips to a safari in South Africa and by adhering to them, you would be able to make your first safari equal parts easy, safe and highly enriching. You could be either in wonder at the pride of lions on the move, elephants bathing in the river, or staring at the stars of the African wilderness but all this will leave you amazed at this amazing land.

To have a smooth and memorable adventure, you can visit the South Africa Safari Packages listed on the gokite travel, one of the renowned travel agents. They offer tailor-made services that prevent no taste with luxury lodges and affordable tours. Also, a few things to keep in mind are that the secret of a successful safari is preparation and respect: pack carefully, be patient and open your heart to every moment. South Africa is waiting with its wilderness and limitless adventure. These safari tips to South Africa mean you will have the Africa magic of a lifetime.