| An African Safari sounds like the holiday of a lifetime, | | | | must as well as a large hat and sunglasses. Your |
| in fact, for many, it's been a life changing experience. | | | | clothing should also be such that it reflects the sun's |
| Preparation is the key to enjoying an African Safari | | | | rays. |
| and if you think it's just a matter of loading up your | | | | 5. If you are on any type of medication make sure |
| bags and heading across to this mighty continent | | | | you have an ample supply. Better still, schedule a |
| then think again. | | | | doctor's appointment before you leave and get a |
| For first time safari travellers the pitfalls are | | | | check-up. This also applies to dental and chiropractic |
| numerous. If you book a safari tour under the | | | | care. |
| watchful eye of seasoned and experienced tour | | | | 6. Include an ample supply of bug repellant. As |
| operators then you'll be made aware of what | | | | mentioned earlier, mosquitoes can be a real problem |
| preparation needs to take place before you even | | | | and repellant, while not totally guaranteed, will give |
| board your flight. However, if you intend on going | | | | you a great chance of avoiding unnecessary |
| solo, then you need to read the rest of this article. | | | | mosquito or fly bites. Get information on the areas |
| Why Is Preparation For Safari In Africa So Important | | | | you are travelling to and take particular note if |
| Africa has a volatile and political past. There are | | | | malaria is a factor in those areas. A medical kit of |
| hotspots you should avoid. By researching your | | | | some description should also be included in your |
| intended destination you'll give yourself the best | | | | luggage. |
| chance of avoiding trouble. Safety should be your | | | | 7. Tablets to combat dehydration are a must. Also, |
| utmost consideration but an African Safari can also | | | | be wary of drinking the local water unless you have |
| be a physically demading experience. | | | | the all clear that it's safe from respected local |
| What To Take On Safari | | | | authorities. To avoid any possible contamination, stick |
| Here is a checklist of things you should consider | | | | to drinking bottled water. |
| before you leave your country and during your trip. | | | | 8. One of the best pieces of advice I received was |
| 1. Travelling light is essential when heading off on | | | | to get to know the lay of the land...particularly the |
| safari in Africa. Light clothing is preferred however, | | | | road system in the countries you visit. You'll cut |
| you'll also need to pack at least one or two clothing | | | | down the risk of car accident by understanding |
| items which will protect you against the cold. | | | | specific road rules. They will vary from country to |
| 2. The clothing you pack should also be protective | | | | country. |
| such as long sleeve shirts and pants. Why? Because | | | | 9. Be careful not to have all your valuables on you at |
| in most cases, you'll be spending extra time in the | | | | the one time especially if you are travelling through |
| sun and mosquitoes can be a problem particularly | | | | populated areas. Split you valuables up and place |
| around dusk. Also, include colors which are likely to | | | | them in different locations within your reach that only |
| blend in with the surroundings such as greens and | | | | you know. Never discuss your financial situation with |
| tans. | | | | total strangers! |
| 3. Include a good pair of walking shoes. Here's a tip; | | | | It may sound like there is a lot of due diligence to |
| two weeks before you are due to leave, buy a pair | | | | perform both before and after an African Safari but |
| of walking shoes and "break them in" so to speak. | | | | in reality, it's just common sense. Remember, travel |
| You'll be doing a good deal of walking and by taking | | | | light but travel smart and when you get home, you'll |
| the "newness" out of the shoes, you'll cut down the | | | | have many wonderful stories to relate to friends and |
| incidence of blisters on your feet. | | | | family about your African Safari experience! |
| 4. Include ample sun protection. Quality sunscreen is a | | | | |