10 things nobody told you when you go on Safari
1. Insects / Bugs / Little friends 🐞 🦎 : You are going to the wild. And by definition the wild is full of life. Yes there will be insects and "bugs" and little friends you will find around.
On bush walk 🐜 The ants might climb you up and try to bite your ankles while you are exploring the bush on foot. You should wear ankle boots and long pants to reduce the damage and avoid dark socks, it attracts them more.
Within the car 🪲 there will be insects flying around especially in summer: flies, mosquitoes, beetles you name them. Beware of tiny flying insects getting in your eyes while driving. You can spray natural repellents on yourself to help a little but simply expect it, that is part of the game.
In your room 🦎 it is not 100% sealed and they also enjoy some fresh air and your fan or aircon. You have a Mosquito net around the bed use it. No they won't come inside it, yes you will sleep just fine. No they don't want to attack you they are most likely super scared of you.
Yes you might find really big crickets or Praying Mantis or lizards especially in your bathroom. That is more frequent when your room has been vacant for a few days. Just anticipate and look for it calmly in the daylight so you don't jump scare while brushing your teeth at night. Keep the door and windows closed especially when you are leaving the room because that's an open invitation. And if that Lizard is really big and too scary for you to escort it out just call reception they will handle it for you.
2. Electricity ⚡️ : Safari goes with being remote. And when you are remote most of the time you rely on your own resources. Not all lodges have constant electricity and some of them run solely on generators. At night they can switch off the generator leaving you with no electricity while you sleep.
Not a big deal technically but if this is when you intend to recharge your devices you would be surprised to have flat batteries in the morning. Come prepared and pack a strong power bank to anticipate any issue. Charge your backups during the day as much as you can and generally get in the habits of not being lazy and charge your phone / power bank / laptop because you never know... later might not have power. It's Africa you never know if a thunderstorm is going to create a surge.
3. The Early Wake-Up Calls Are Non-Negotiable 😴 : Wildlife is most active with fresh temperatures which means at the crack of dawn and at dusk, so you will start your day before sunrise. Be ready for 4:30 AM wake-up calls, but trust me, the magical golden-hour sightings are worth it! you will tune yourself to the rythm of the Wild, early morning and early nights. At after your first day you will actually love it. By 9am you will feel like you already had quite a chunk of the day. By the way anyone offering you a 9am Safari is just banking on you, predators and active wildlife occurs with fresh temperatures not in bright hot sunlight. If you expect to see the essence of the Savanna you will be on the wild clock!
4. You Might Not See All the Big Five 🦒 :While safaris are incredible, nature doesn’t follow a script. Even in well-populated parks, seeing all the Big Five in one trip isn’t guaranteed. Safari is not all about the Big Five it's also about rarest sightings and smaller animals. Be prepared to appreciate the smaller wonders too, birds, insects, unique scenes and plant life. Some rare scenes might occur the essence is to experience the unknown! Who knows what you will encounter!
During the wet season the roads can be extra muddy, and you can get stuck. This adds to the adventure, be aware if if you’re prone to motion sickness bring your ginger tablets.
7. The Wildlife Doesn’t Always Stay at a Distance 🐘 : You might find animals surprisingly close to your vehicle or lodge. Lions sleepig on the road or elephants making a traffic jam the road are thrilling. Keep calm and respect boundaries and follow safety guidelines. It might not go exactly as you planned and you might fulfil a childhood dream getting a close interraction. Never the less they kind of do what they want and they can be curious. Be patient you are a visitor they are the residents so let's be nice guests.
8. Silence is Golden 🤫 : Quiet is essential on safari, especially when approaching animals. Guides will often remind you to whisper or stay completely silent to avoid disturbing wildlife. The stillness makes the experience even more special. Get in the habit of containing your excitement and not to shout and laugh out loud when encountering wildlife.
9. You’ll Spend More Time Waiting Than You Think ⏳ : Patience is key. Spotting wildlife can sometimes take hours, and tracking elusive species such as leopards involves long stretches of waiting. The thrill of the eventual sighting, however, is unmatched. So yes you might drive for hours in the dust and not see anything. Nothing is on demand and this is what makes the encounter such a reward. Your patience will be tested and days will go by and never be the same.
10. Wi-Fi and Phone Signals Are Limited 🛜 : Many lodges and camps have little to no internet access, especially in remote areas. Use this time to disconnect, enjoy nature, and immerse yourself in the experience without distractions. You lodge will usually have wifi at reception for sure but the savanna is out of any signal most of the time.
Embarking on a safari is more than just a trip; it’s an adventure into the heart of the wild, full of surprises, challenges, and unforgettable moments. While it’s not always picture-perfect, it’s the unpredictability and raw beauty that make it so special. Embrace the unexpected, stay curious, and let the wilderness remind you of life’s simple wonders. After all, the magic of a safari lies in its ability to connect us with nature in the most profound and inspiring ways. 🌍🐾
