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The Zambezi River in Zimbabwe
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The African Safari (102)Join us as we demystify the African safari experience--from the different types available to when to go, what to pack, and what they'll cost.
Deconstruct: Printable Safari Planning Essentials
Sample itinerary, week 1
Sample itinerary, week 2
Packing checklist
What to Know Before You Go:
- In general, it's best to go on safari during the African winter--from June through September.
- Bottled water is readily available in most parts of Africa and is safe to drink.
- Most doctors recommend being vaccinated against yellow fever. Malaria immunization is only necessary if you're going to be in an area where you're likely to be exposed.
- It's best to pack a handful of versatile outfits you can wash and wear several times during your safari.
- Butterfield & Robinson suggests travelers break in their walking shoes before departing on their trip.
Choosing Your Safari:
- A typical safari in the four main safari regions (West Africa, Southern Africa, South Africa and East Africa) lasts 16-21 days, including the 3-4 day travel time from the US.
- Safaris fall into one of three basic categories: lodge safari, permanent tented safari and mobile safari.
- Some other safari types include mountain climbing and fly-in safaris.
- Cost is influenced by where you stay, duration of stay, when you go and what you do.
Interacting With Animals:
- Most game drives happen in the morning because humans have a slight advantage over animals that have been up all night feeding.
- Where you stay and how often you go out game viewing will influence what you see, but a good guide can considerably improve your chances.
- Guides are experts in animal behavior, and trackers are experts at finding them.
Staying Safe:
- If you must venture outside your room or campground at night, ask your guide for an escort.
Capturing it all on Film:
- Pack two extra camera batteries.
- Take 12-15 rolls of film; 8-10 rolls of 400 speed, 4-6 rolls of 200 (for mid-day), and one roll of 1000 for action shots.
How to Tip:
- Tip guides $5-$10 per day and porters $2-$5 per day.
- Camp staff should be tipped $3-$5 per day to be split among them.
Contact Information:
Ulusaba Game Reserve
www.ulusaba.com
Chikwenya Wilderness Safari
Contact: Jeanie Warren
3 Autumn Road
Rivonia, South Africa
PO Box 5219
Rivonia, 2128, South Africa
011-27-11-257-5094
jeanie@wilderness.co.za
Abercrombie & Kent, Inc.
1520 Kensington Road, Suite 212
Oak Brook, IL 60523-2141
800-323-7308
For brochures only, call 800-757-5884
www.abercrombiekent.com
Resources:
US State Department website - http://travel.state.gov
The Green Hills of Africa
by Ernest Hemingway
Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa
by Audrey Salkeld
Lonely Planet South Africa
Lonely Planet West Africa
Lonely Planet East Africa
For more information: Search keyword(s) Africa, safari, photography tips, game viewing
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