(101 things to know when you go) ON SAFARI IN AFRICA. Patrick Brakspear
would like to share the many wildlife experiences with their children – especially when the children are a little older (8 to 12 years) and able to fully appreciate going on a game drive or walk. To this end it may be an idea to request a private vehicle if it appears that the camp, or your travel agent, has not already considered this. This way you are not infringing upon other guests and can return to camp when the children have ‘had enough’.
Age restrictions on activities
You will certainly encounter age restrictions on some safari activities. As you might expect, not all safari activities are open to children of all ages, for example, gorilla trekking and white-water rafting have a minimum age of 15 years (essentially an issue of safety). Walking is another that can vary according to the camp/lodge’s discretion (and may relate to the prevalence, or otherwise, of dangerous game). You may need to exercise your parental discretion when it comes to activities like walking, and canoeing or mokoros for that matter – this is an area of personal preference (and apprehension tolerance). Some camps/lodges may allow child participation, that does not automatically mean it is OK (or safe) - that decision is yours (as a parent).
If you have teenagers, a few planned adrenalin-inducing safari activities may be just what is needed to keep them focused (and enjoying themselves).
Pregnant Women (flying in small planes)
First of all, let me just say that the medical profession 'recommends that pregnant women do not to fly in an unpressurized small plane. There are concerns that women and their babies may not receive enough oxygen during non-pressurized flights'.
That said , many charter companies in Africa that use small, unpressurised aircraft have introduced some simple guidelines as follows:
From 0-22 weeks: pregnant women will be allowed to fly as long as they have not experienced any complications during this phase of their pregnancy.
From 22-32 weeks: pregnant women allowed to fly only with a doctor's note (and this assumes that they have had no complications to date).
If you are pregnant when going on safari, it is important that you advise your travel agent of this so that they can advise the various camps/lodges and charter companies and get clarification on how they view this.
Tips for solo travellers
Travelling alone in Africa can present some challenges but should by no means be allowed to discourage you. Here are some tips to help with your planning:
Be aware that most hotels, lodges and safari camps charge an additional single supplement fee on top of their standard rate. This is to compensate for the effective loss of the other bed in the room that you will occupy. When a property has only a dozen rooms/tents or less, this is understandable (and common practice in the industry).There a couple of strategies for avoiding the single supplements mentioned above - firstly, look to join small touring groups where there is the opportunity to share with a like-minded traveller or those tours that do not charge a single supplement at all. Alternatively, look to travel in the green or shoulder seasons where many camps and lodges waive the single supplement to encourage bookings. Speak to your Africa Travel Specialist about the options.
You should note that although most inter-camp flights/transfers are sold on a seat-in-plane basis and so are just like booking a normal A to B flight anywhere, but do be aware that in some instances there is a 'minimum of '2 pax' stipulation - just be aware.
Travelling alone does not mean being alone on safari! Although many of the lodges are small, personal and intimate all meals and afternoon tea are generally a communal affair, ensuring that you will interact with other guests and seldom left at a table alone. At the end of the day most guests will gravitate to the camp fire and this is also a good place to interact with others.
Activities are also shared with other guests, and it is here where you are most likely to strike up some friendships. Most game drive vehicles will take from 6 to 9 guests, a small enough number so that you don’t feel swamped by other people, but big enough to have plenty of socialising.
Don't forget too, that you will be with like-minded people from around the world - interesting people, with an adventurous spirit - just like you. My bet is you will make lifelong friends on safari.
"Safaris—at least this safari—was different from other vacations. When we said goodbye to Mr. Mokopi and Mr. Seredile, we all had tears in our eyes. I think it was less that we were sad to leave than that we were leaving something of ourselves behind." - Losing Connection and Finding Civilization (Ralph Gardner Jr. on safari in northern Botswana)
What to pack for your safari
You've waited months for your safari to finally come around…now you have to decide what you should take, what clothes to pack…and how to fit it all in. Here are a few tips:
Clothes and toiletries
Hello! Of course you’re not going to forget clothes – duh! But are you taking the right clothes…and are you within those weight restrictions your travel agent told you about for those light aircraft flights?
Most international airlines will restrict your check-in luggage to around 20 to 30kgs (44 to 66lbs), but if your safari itinerary includes any light aircraft flights then this can mean as little as 12 to 15 kgs (sometimes including your hand luggage!).
Don’t panic! Remember, a same-day laundry service is usually available in most safari camps and lodges. This means you do NOT need a change of clothes for each day you are on safari! The exception will be for mobile tented safaris where it is often difficult, due the mobile nature, to offer a laundry service. It may also be possible to leave a bag with the charter company, or person meeting you, for the duration of the safari portion – ask your travel agent.
Generally speaking, casual, comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year when on safari. Whilst you may elect to start a completely new safari ‘wardrobe’ it is really not necessary to look like an extra on the set of Out of Africa! Apart from selecting reasonably neutral or ‘non-bright’ coloured clothing, safari-wear is generally casual and practical. Be sure you take clothes that you feel comfortable in – especially when it comes to your walking/hiking boots. The newer quick-drying fabrics, shirts with ventilation and trousers that convert into shorts are all worth considering.
Wearing clothes in layers is the most practical way to cope with fluctuating day/night temperatures and cool evenings whilst on safari. As the day warms up you can peel off another layer, then as it begins to cool toward evening, so they can go back on. A T-shirt, shirt or blouse (long sleeves help to protect from the sun and mosquitoes), plus a fleece or warm jacket along with a pair of safari trousers (those that zip off at the knees are very handy too), shoes (or boots) and socks should about complete the ensemble. Don’t forget that shirts with collars are far better for protecting the back of your neck from the sun. Always be careful to ‘cover up’ around the camp fire in the evenings to avoid mosquitoes (trousers and long sleeves).
Ask your travel agent (or get onto the internet) and find out what the weather will be like where you are going – you may not need any serious cold weather gear at all (and that will really help with the luggage limit!). Alternatively, if you are going anywhere in winter where the temperature drops dramatically when the sun goes down you may need gloves, a scarf, a thick jacket and a beanie! I mean it! Places like Hwange, Okavango, Linyanti and even Kruger are freezing in the early morning and late evening during the winter months (June through August), and this is magnified by a significant wind-chill factor once on the back of an open game-drive vehicle. Most camps will provide blankets and/or a warm poncho-style covering - but don’t count