What to expect when you go on a safari

Going on safari is an incredible experience, one that I personally cannot get enough of. The more I go, the more I want to go. It is also unlike any other holiday you may have been on and it is therefore helpful to know what to expect when going on your first safari.

1. Early wake-up calls and late evenings

Expect to be woken up before sunrise, while it is still dark. Game viewing is best around dawn and dusk because the nocturnal animals are out at that time. Sleeping soon after dinner is a good strategy to wake up early but if you’re still tired, you can catch 40 winks around midday, between game drives.

2. Close proximity to wild animals

You will be in an open vehicle with wild animals in close proximity.  Sometimes they walk so near to  your game vehicle that you can touch them – but don’t unless you have a death wish. As long as you remain quiet and don’t aggravate them you should be fine. When you return in the evenings, it can be pitch black in the bush, with only the stars above you. It is best not to let your imagination run wild. Many safari lodges do not allow children under a certain age on game drives for these reasons.

3. Do not leave the vehicle

It is important to be quiet and stay seated – with all your limbs – in the game vehicle.  You are not permitted to leave the vehicle without your ranger’s permission. As obvious as this may seem, many game rangers will tell you stories about tourists wanting to get off vehicles to take better photos, and selfies with the wildlife (seriously!).

4. No toilets in the wild

Game drives are usually 3 hours or longer. The longest one I’ve ever been on was 5 hours. During this time, you will be out in the wild with no toilets. Go to the toilet before you leave, and drink minimally before and during the game drive, unless you don’t mind answering the call of nature behind a bush or a tree. Your guide will show you to the lava – tree (lavatory).

Be warned though, I have heard tales of guests being approached by lions and other animals while doing this. If this ever happens to you, stand your ground and do not run -even though that may be your first instinct. Running is a sure way to get the lion to chase you.

5. You will stop for drinks

On morning game drives, you will stop for a tea/coffee break with some cookies or sandwiches. On evening game drives, cold drinks are offered with snacks, like crisp, dried fruit and biltong. This is a good opportunity to talk to the ranger and your fellow guests. Occasionally, on extremely exciting game drives, the ranger may forgo this break in order to maximize the game-viewing experience.

6. Safari guides can be very entertaining

Safari guides, game rangers or field guides – whatever they may call them – usually have a lot of experience and can tell you the most fascinating stories about their encounters with wildlife. Speak to them. A good question to start off with is “What was the most interesting/dangerous experience you’ve had in the bush?” They are usually quite happy to start talking about this. It may be difficult to get them to stop though…

7. You will not see the Big Five on every game drive

Some days you may see a lot of animals and birds, and other days barely anything. There are no guarantees in the wild. When your ranger starts spending 20 minutes talking about a tree you’ve just seen, then you can expect a quiet drive. If you see rhinos, do not geo tag the locations. This helps poachers to find them. (The Big 5 refers to the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino).

White Rhino

8. Game drives can get bumpy

Expect a lot of bumping and bouncing around because the roads are untarred. Game rangers refer to this as the African massage at no extra charge.

9. Game drives can get cold

No matter how hot it was at the camp, game drives can get quite chilly in the early mornings and late evenings – because you are travelling in an open Landrover at a fair amount of speed. Always carry a jacket.

10. What to take with

Your safari packing list should include neutral coloured clothes and comfortable shoes, long trousers to avoid being bitten by insects, and a hat, a jacket. and sunscreen for sun protection. And do not forget your camera, your binoculars and some safari books to get you in safari mode.

If you’re going to a malaria region, consult with your doctor or pharmacist beforehand.

Once you’re back at the camp, you can relax and enjoy the luxurious surroundings. You will be waited on hand and foot and will be fed gourmet meals until you feel like bursting. There isn’t anything quite like it.

Can’t get enough of wildlife. Here are 30 Bucket List Animal & Wildlife Experiences .

See the best Big 5 game reserves near Johannesburg.

Need a place to stay while you enjoy South African wildlife? Here are some amazing private safari lodges to visit in South Africa.

Limpopo

Kingfisher Villa

Kapama River Lodge 

Tintswalo Family Camp

Letamo at Qwabi Private Game Reserve

Mhondoro Game Lodge

Tintswalo Lapalala

Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway

Safari Plains

Mabula Lodge

North West Province

Last Word Madikwe

Molori Safari Lodge

Tau Game Lodge 

Morukuru Family

Madikwe Safari Lodge

Jaci’s Safari Lodge

Mpumalanga

Jock Safari Lodge

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

Kwazulu Natal

Thanda Safari Lodge

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge 

Eastern Cape

Hlosi Game Lodge

Would you like to go on a safari ? Do you have any safari tips? Please do share them in the comments below.

Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.