101 Tips for Safari in South Africa

Before You Go Tips for Safari

1. Book your safari 9-12 months in advance for best availability at top lodges.
2. Read up on your destination’s rules, recommended vaccinations and health precautions.
3. Arrange comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage.
4. Get in required or recommended vaccinations 4-6 weeks prior.
5. Request necessary visas for international travelers well in advance.
6. Pack neutrally colored lightweight, long sleeve shirts and pants to wear.
7. Bring binoculars, a zoom lens camera, hat, and sunglasses in your carry-on.
8. Get appropriate malaria prevention medication if required for your safari destination.
9. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from return date.
10. Have a travel adapter and voltage converter for electronics as needed.

What to Pack Tips for Safari

11. Pack lightweight, neutral toned clothing in breathable fabrics.
12. Bring layers for cool early morning and evenings on safari drives.
13. Include a waterproof rain jacket and travel umbrellas just in case.
14. Have comfortable walking/hiking shoes for adventures outside vehicles.
15. Don’t forget hats, scarves and sunscreen for sun protection.
16. Pack just travel size toiletries to conserve luggage space.
17. Remember chargers, batteries, memory cards for cameras.
18. Carry snacks or energy bars for long days on game drives.
19. Bring a headlamp, flashlight, and binoculars in your carry-on bag.
20. Have a medical kit with mosquito spray, medication and basic first aid items.

On Arrival Tips for Safari

21. Confirm all your arrival details and transfers with your safari operator.
22. Keep valuables concealed, don’t wear flashy jewelry, and stay alert in airports.
23. Exchange money at the airport to have local currency for tips, souvenirs, etc.
24. Keep an inconspicuous bag or backpack on you for essentials needed during excursions.
25. Meet your guide and go over the full itinerary and any questions you have.
26. Reconfirm timing for all drives, meals and activities scheduled during your stay.
27. Have the lodge or camp request mosquito netting around your bed if it’s not already in place.
28. Set an alarm to take any required malaria medication at the same time daily.
29. Drink plenty of bottled water and avoid any tap water to stay hydrated and healthy.
30. Inform your guide of any medical conditions or injuries so they can support you if needed.

Safari Activity Tips

31. Opt for early morning and evening safari drive times when animals are most active.
32. Dress in neutral colors and limit perfumes/colognes so as not to startle wildlife.
33. Follow all instructions from your guide and stay quiet when close to animals.
34. Keep cameras handy with the right settings and lenses for wildlife photography on drives.
35. Remember to put silencers on cell phones and set to vibrate only so noises don’t disturb animals.
36. Use binoculars to spot smaller animals and birds hidden in trees from a distance.
37. Take advantage of opportunities to book walking safaris to experience the bush on foot.
38. Consider night drives to see the nocturnal animals like big cats out hunting.
39. Have a checklist of animals and birds you hope to spot and check them off as you go.
40. Sit in different seats in the safari vehicle on various drives for best viewing advantage.

Wildlife Viewing Tips for Safari

41. Always keep at least 15-20 meters distance from any wildlife sightings.
42. Never get out of the vehicle except at designated spots as an extra safety measure.
43. Watch animal behaviors like sniffing and looking around to gauge if they feel uneasy or agitated.
44. Look for fresh paw prints and droppings as clues that big cats have passed through recently.
45. Check watering holes early and late when predators are likely nearby thirsty prey animals.
46. Notice interactions like buffalo protecting young from lions or hyenas from wild dogs that tell stories.
47. Be patient for that perfect shot of animals moving – continue looking through your lens to capture key moments.
48. Have camera setting pre-adjusted and ready to avoid scrambling and missing prime opportunities.
49. Allow young cubs like lions and cheetahs to rest undisturbed during midday when spotted napping.
50. Keep eyes peeled on branches and in trees where leopards like to stash fresh kills.

Taking Great Safari Photos

51. Use the fastest shutter speed possible to freeze animal movements.
52. Opt for continuous burst mode shooting to capture action sequences.
53. Prefocus on a likely spot before the animal appears there to be ready quicker.
54. Get down to animal eye level when possible for more engaging wildlife portraits.
55. Include some habitat or scenery around the animal too, not just tight shots.
56. Take advantage of interesting lighting like golden hour at dusk or dawn for glowing images.
57. Consider converting images to black and white for an artistic aging effect.
58. Adjust camera settings manually based on lighting conditions.
59. Use a monopod or bean bag out the vehicle roof to stabilize long lenses.
60. Approach animals cautiously if on foot for photos to not startle them.

Lodging and Dining Tips

61. Book a room or lodge with views of the watering hole or river from your patio or balcony.
62. Request to dine outdoors under the stars for memorable meal settings.
63. Have the chef prepare a romantic private dinner in the bush or on your veranda if possible.
64. Take a midday break to enjoy lunch and the lodge’s pool, spa or common areas between drives.
65. Dine after evening drives to discuss sightings and stories from the day with others.
66. Savor favorite local foods like biltong, boerewors, and malva pudding on menus.
67. Sample local beer, wine and spirits – like Amarula – to immerse in flavors.
68. Opt for coffee, tea or hot chocolate to warm up on chilly early morning drives.
69. Have the lodge or camp pack breakfast or snacks if you’ll miss mealtimes.
70. Share photos and details to help the lodge improve – feedback is a gift.

During Downtime at the Lodge

71. Book a spa treatment after game drives to unwind and rejuvenate.
72. Browse souvenirs and gifts made by local artisans. Shop local!
73. Replenish water, charge devices, check emails to stay connected during free time.
74. Sit with a cocktail on outdoor deck areas perfect for reading, napping, and bird watching.
75. Schedule visits to community initiatives or schools to support local groups.
76. Journal safari experiences – record animal sightings, feelings, funny moments.
77. Play board games, cards or pool with other lodge guests in common areas.
78. Follow up with lodge staff on ways you can provide feedback or reviews.
79. Inquire about capabilities to charge devices, access WiFi, make calls.
80. Visit the on site eco-center, museum or conservation programs on the reserve.

On Departure Tips

81. Reconfirm pick up times for all departing transfers and flights.
82. Pack all provided toiletries to donate to local community organizations.
83. Tip both your guide and any trackers generously for excellent service.
84. Ask for business cards and email addresses to provide feedback later if you forgot any details.
85. Share photos taken with staff to show your appreciation.
86. Purchase last minute gifts and souvenirs from on-site shops.
87. Get contact details to provide reviews on tour operator sites and TripAdvisor.
88. Take a photo with your safari guide and tracker to look back fondly on.
89. Give hugs and handshakes, express your gratitude sincerely.
90. Spend time relaxing instead of waiting around for departure if you have extra time.

General Health and Safety Tips for Safari

91. Listen to all instructions from your safari guide and tracker. They are experts on remaining safe.
92. Always wear provided seatbelts in vehicles and avoid any sudden movements to stay secure.
93. Keep hands and arms inside vehicle at all times and do not stand up through the roof.
94. Don’t hike alone – always stay with your assigned guide if walking in the bush.
95. Carry a first aid kit, whistle, flashlight, cell phone, water – stay prepared.
96. Never approach, feed or interact with wild animals no matter how safe and calm they appear.
97. Caution children to stay seated, quiet and not tap on windows during sightings.
98. Drink bottled water only, avoid raw fruits/veggies and ice to prevent illness.
99. Wear bug spray and sleep under provided mosquito nets to prevent malaria.
100. Purchase evacuation insurance with medical transport in case of emergency.
101. Stay hydrated! The African sun is intense so drink plenty of water all day.

Happy and safe travels on your South African safari adventures!