The Safari Advisor
Leopards of South Africa
What to Pack
Safari Providers and Travel Agencies
- Ngwe Safari (http://www.travelafricansafari.com)
- &Beyond (formerly CCAfrica, www.andbeyond.com)
- Desert and Delta Safaris (www.desertdelta.com)
- The Africa Guide (http://www.africaguide.com/travel/aff/show_page.php?aid=403&grp=1&id=2)
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- Choose a safari destination: South Africa has outstanding wildlife viewing in Sabi Sand, Botswana in the Okavango Delta and Chobe, Namibia in Etosha and East Africa in the Serengeti and Masai Mara.
- Decide if you'd rather do a self-drive or private game reserve safari. Self-drives in South Africa are easy and worthwhile in locations such as Kruger or Pilanesberg, and you'll likely save money on accommodations.
- Private game reserves, though expensive, guarantee more sightings and rangers provide instant knowledge. Safari vehicles can go off-road, adding excitement, more intimate game-viewing experiences and better opportunities for photography.
- Determine when you want to go. The winter months (June-October), when vegetation has died back and animals are more easily sighted, are considered best. Other seasons have their pluses, such as plants flowering and birds migrating.
- If your budget stretches only so far, consider visiting lodges during shoulder or low seasons. You'll often save big, with little sacrifice in the overall experience.
- If time is short, try to do at least 3 nights at a safari lodge.
- If you have more time, try several lodges within your selected destination that offer different habitats and, consequently, different animals or concentrations of animals. For example, if you have 6 nights, arrange for 2 nights in each of three different lodges.
- Decide on your lodges. Lodges will ordinarily offer cottages/chalets (some with plunge pools) or luxury tents (with king bed and en-suite bathroom).
Pack light, especially if you do fly-in safaris which often require soft-sided bags. Clothes should be informal, comfortable and neutral in color (beige, grey, khaki). Long pants and long-sleeved shirts help protect from mosquitos at night. Bring sunglasses, a hat with a wide brim, insect repellent, sun block, and antimalarial drugs as needed.