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