Your Safari Shopping Lists

For many people, the most exciting part of planning for their next vacation is going on a shopping spree to purchase everything they need for their trip. While this is an important part of preparing for every vacation, it is particularly crucial for a safari. It requires different equipment than you would need for a standard holiday.

If you want to make sure you’re able to have fun on your safari, it’s important to get an idea the items that you need to purchase before you leave for your trip. Here is a brief safari shopping list that you can use to be certain your choosing the clothing and equipment you need for your vacation.

Start with Luggage

When you’re shopping for your vacation, the best place to start is with your luggage. Unlike a typical vacation, where all you’ll need is a suitcase, there are very specific forms of luggage that you will need for a successful safari.

When you’re traveling around Africa, you will typically do so by plane, which means you need luggage that’s easily transported. Choose soft luggage that will be lightweight and will allow you to carry your clothes and other items with minimal effort.

You should also make sure that you’re investing in a backpack that will let you carry the items you’ll use every day on your safari, including your camera and its charger.

Pick Your Clothing

In addition to the right luggage, your safari shopping list needs to include clothing that will help you stay comfortable while you’re on your trip. Picking the right clothing, in fact, is perhaps the most important thing you can do to make your safari vacation a success.

First, you want to make sure that your clothing will help you blend into the environment, which is why you need to pick clothes that have neutral colors. Second, you should make sure that the clothing you plan to wear during the day will help you stay cool. Even in winter, the daytime temperatures in Africa can be very hot. Thirdly, you need evening clothes to keep you warm if you’re traveling during the winter. This should include sleeping close.

Finally, you need to purchase suitable footwear. Make sure that you purchase comfortable hiking boots that you won’t mind wearing all day, as well as a few thick pairs of socks.

Choosing Your Accessories

Luggage and clothing are the main items you will need to purchase for your trip, but you should also consider buying a few accessories that will make your safari safer and more fun.

First and foremost, you need a pair of sunglasses that will effectively protect your eyes from the bright African sunlight. Because it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated on safari, you should think about bringing along a stainless-steel water bottle or flask. Since you’ll often be viewing animals and other sights from a distance, you may also want to buy some binoculars.

If you make sure to purchase all these items on your safari shopping list and book your vacation correctly, you should be able to have an exciting trip that you’ll fully enjoy.

Vehicles You May Ride in on African Safari

If you’re planning on taking an African safari, then you’re probably interested in learning everything that you can about your upcoming trip. While there are a lot of issues you need to be aware of before your safari, one of the most important is the different options for transportation that you can choose.

Modes of transportation on safari can include vehicles both large and small, as well as travel on foot. Learning about a few common African safari vehicles will help you plan your trip so that you have the best time possible. Here are a few of the most common African safari vehicles that you could choose and advice for planning convenient transportation for your safari holiday.

Trucks for Overlanding

The most common vehicle that you will encounter on safari is an overlanding truck. These are very large vehicles that have been specifically designed to handle the tough driving conditions that are common on African safari, including river crossings and poorly paved roads.

Overland trucks can range widely in size, with some vehicles capable of carrying 12 passengers and others able to accommodate as many as 44. Seats in these trucks will be raised and there are large windows on both sides of the vehicle so that you have a full view of the gorgeous scenery. If you want to fill your safari with as many sights and sounds as possible, then an overland truck is your top transportation option.

Benefits of Microbuses

If you’re going on a smaller group safari and don’t plan on traveling through tough terrain, then an adapted micro bus is the perfect safari vehicle. These buses can comfortably seat between six to ten passengers, and there are a variety of features that make for convenient, comfortable transportation.

Many of these budgets, for instance, have large windows that are perfect for sightseeing or picture taking. When a micro bus has been outfitted specifically for safari, it will include a variety of features, including a GPS system, a suspension that provides for a smooth ride, and an air conditioning system that will keep you cool in the African heat. There may also cooler boxes so that you can take food and safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher or first aid kit.

Game Viewing Vehicles

Travelers that are planning on visiting a game park during their African safari will usually ride in a game viewing vehicle. These vehicles have been designed to give safari goers the best game viewing experience possible, and will ensure that you are able to clearly see the exotic plant and animal life in the game park.

Many game viewing vehicles are completely open, meaning without windows, so that you will have an unobstructed view while driving through the game park. However, because they are open, these vehicles are meant only for short drives. If you go for a ride in a game viewing vehicle, make sure to protect yourself from the elements with the proper clothing and equipment, such as wide brimmed hat and sunscreen.

Before you book your African safari, think about the type of vehicle you may use for transportation and you’re sure to have a great trip.

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui

How to Budget for Your African Safari

If you’ve never been on an African safari, then you should seriously consider this option for your next vacation. A safari is one of the most memorable trips you will take in your entire life, allowing you to experience exotic plant and animal life that you won’t see anywhere else in the world.

Like most vacations, the key to making the most out of your African safari is having a rock solid budget that will help you choose the activities you’re interested in the most. Plan your perfect African safari budget so that you can take advantage of all the sights, sounds, and activities possible on your trip.

Picking Your Travel Season

The most important issue to consider when you’re developing your safari budget is the season in which you plan to travel. There are both high and low seasons in Africa, which will directly impact the costs of your trip.

For instance, because it is cooler, the low season generally provides better rates. In addition, many popular locations, such as the Kruger National Park, are much drier during the low season, meaning you won’t have to worry about being rained out while game viewing.

Before booking your trip, research the high and low seasons for the areas of Africa you plan to visit so that you can take advantage of the best rates and weather.

Booking Your Flight

Generally, the most expensive portion of your African safari budget will be booking your flight. Flying to Africa means booking at least one international flight, and possibly many more, which can eat a large portion of your travel budget. In order to control costs, many travelers try to fly during the off-season and take advantage of available specials. While this can be a smart decision, flight specials also include inconvenient travel times and multiple layovers.

Another factor to consider when booking trips is how many domestic flights you will need to take within African. Domestic flights in Africa can be very expensive, meaning that the more flights you take, the larger budget you will need. If available, and if you’re up to the challenge, you might consider the self-driving options between destinations in Africa. Although this will extend your traveling time, it can also drastically reduce your costs.

Purchasing Travel Insurance

If you’re going on an African safari, then you should be aware of the fact that you will need to purchase travel insurance. If you book your flight with your credit card, it’s possible that your baking institution will offer you travel insurance.

While having travel insurance is of the utmost importance, it can also add to the costs of your trip, expanding your budget. Buying as cheap a policy as possible can be tempting, but you should be sure your travel insurance covers the right items. A few of the things you need to make sure your travel insurance covers includes the cost of medical treatments, medical evacuations, loss of baggage, and tour cancellations.

Take some time to plan your African safari budget and you’ll be able to book an affordable trip that includes a range of exciting activities and comfortable, convenient transportation.

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui

Making Your Safari a Once in a Lifetime Trip

If you’re looking for an exciting trip to an exotic location, there is no better choice than going on an African safari. For many people, booking an African safari is a lifelong dream, and when this dream is finally fulfilled, it’s common to be overwhelmed by the experience.

There is so much to see and do on a safari that you may worry you’ll miss out on something, making your vacation much more stressful than it needs to be. Fortunately, making the most out of your safari isn’t as difficult as you might think, especially if you plan ahead. Here are a few tips to help you make your African safari a once in a lifetime vacation, and advice for easily planning your next trip.

Research and Preparation

An African safari is unlike any other vacation you’ve ever taken, which is why it’s common for travelers to be intimidated by the process of planning their safari. This means that the best way to make the most out of your safari is to search and make preparations well before your departure date.

Once you have the itinerary and pre-departure information for your safari, review this information until you know it backwards and forwards. Committing these items to memory will help you feel prepared when it’s time to leave for your trip. Next, you should be sure to research your destination. Find out the season when you will be arriving so that you can know what clothes and equipment to pack.

If you start prepping for your vacation early enough, you’ll be able to overcome any pre-trip jitters.

Plan for Optional Activities

When you’re booking your African safari, you should have the option to sign up for a variety of extra activities. If you want your trip to be as memorable and fun as possible, you should register for as many of these activities as you can. The optional activities available on safari can help you maximize your fun and ensure that you won’t miss out on excitement while on your safari.

Pack Your Technology

A mistake that many people make when going on safari is leaving their electronics behind. While it’s understandable you may want to unplug for a bit while on your trip, certain electronic devices can be invaluable.

For example, driving between locations on safari can be very time consuming, and having your electronics can help keep you entertained. Also, if your smartphone has a quality camera, it can be much easier to use your phone for photographs instead of packing bulky camera equipment.

Be Flexible

Perhaps the best way to make the most out of your African safari is to keep an open mind. Even the most well-planned vacation can run into roadblocks, so it’s very easy for a complex trip like a safari to not go as you might expect. Keeping a flexible attitude will ensure that you have a great time on your safari, regardless of the circumstances of your trip. If you expect to have fun on your trip, then you will.

With the right attitude and a little planning, you can easily book an African safari that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui

Why You Should Go on a Safari in Winter

Contrary to what you might think, winter is one of the best times of the year to go on vacation. By taking a trip during the cooler months, you can break up the dreary winter season with a fun and exciting getaway, particularly if you make your next trip a winter safari.

Going on a safari is an exciting experience, regardless of the time of the year, but it is particularly memorable when your safari is also a winter vacation. Find out why a winter safari is your best choice for a vacation, and learn how you can easily plan your trip with help from a trusted company.

Cooler Temperatures

Although summer can be a great time to go on a safari, you will also have to deal with extremely high temperatures that can become dangerous if you’re not adequately prepared. For instance, summer temperatures in Africa are typically between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, if not higher.

Conversely, when you visit Africa in winter, you will experience much more comfortable temperatures, typically in the mid- to high-70s. With these temperatures, you can stay out in nature much longer and will have a more enjoyable experience. However, you should be sure to pack warm clothing, as the nighttime temperatures can get downright chilly.

Stay Dry

Many people plan safaris during the summer months to see as many exotic animals as possible. While this makes sense, popular tourist regions of Africa, such as Kruger, experience their rainy season during the summer. This means your safari adventures have a high probability of being washed out if you visit during the summer.

By booking your safari for the winter season, you will be able to avoid the wettest months of the year. Additionally, if you time your vacation correctly, you should still be able to see the breathtaking animal life for which Africa is known. Staying dry and having a great time is much easier when you go on a safari during the winter months.

Increased Safety

There are several hazards that you need to avoid on your African safari, including serious diseases like malaria. During the summer months in Africa, the mosquito population explodes, bringing an increased risk of malaria and other diseases transmitted by these insects.

Once the weather turns drier and cooler in certain regions of Africa, the number of mosquitoes drops substantially, meaning your trip will be much more enjoyable and with a lower risk of contracting malaria. If you want to make sure that your African safari is as safe as possible, consider booking a trip during the winter.

Beat the Crowds

One of the most frustrating aspects of vacationing in a popular destination is having to fight the crowds. A great reason to plan your African safari during winter is that the peak travel season will be over, meaning you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery and wildlife without having to navigate around large groups of tourists. Traveling during the winter season means having a much more relaxed vacation because you won’t have to deal with other vacationers.

Book your African safari during the winter if you want a cold weather getaway packed with thrills.

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui

2018 Safari Travel Trends

If you’re interested in a one of a kind vacation that will provide lifelong memories, there’s almost no better choice than going on an African safari. Going on a safari means being able to experience exotic wildlife in one of the most beautiful locations in the entire world. However, if you’re like most travelers, you want to be certain that your trip is as fun-filled as possible, which means you need to learn about a few of the hottest safari trends.

Here are a few African safari trends for 2018 that you need to know about so that you and your family can plan the most exciting holiday possible.

Immersion Travel

While on vacation, many travelers want a touristy experience where they can enjoy staying in a lush hotel and see all of the most popular sites. However, if you want your trip to be as memorable as possible, then the best safari trend for you is immersion travel.

Immersion travel, as you might expect from its name, is a type of vacation where you immerse yourself in a culture, learning about longheld traditions and connecting with the local people. Unlike typical vacations, immersion travel allows you to have a rich and rewarding trip that you’re sure to remember for the rest of your life.

Whole Family Safaris

A vacation is the perfect opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life so you can finally spend time with your family. If you’ve been thinking about taking an African safari as a family vacation, you should consider going on a multigenerational safari, one of the hottest trends for this year.

On a multi-generational safari, grandparents, parents and children/grandchildren can enjoy a unique vacationing experience. You can even choose a safari that is tailored to the exact needs of your family, whether you want an experience focused on your children or a trip that has something for all ages.

Adventure Safaris

If you’re like many people interested in going on a safari, then you want to be certain that your trip is as thrilling as possible. If so, then the ideal safari trend for you is going on an adventure safari. With an adventure safari, your trip will be filled with pulse pounding excitement, providing the getaway that you need and deserve.

When planning an adventure safari, you can match your activities to your skill level, ensuring that you have a great time while staying safe. Whether you choose a walking safari tour or a forest hike, an adventure safari is a great choice for thrill seekers everywhere.

Personalized Safaris

If you’re the type of traveler that marches to the beat of their own drum, then the top safari trend for you is going on a personalized safari. With a personalized safari, you’ll be able to pick the activities that interest you the most, ensuring a trip that you’ll remember fondly for the rest of your life. If you want a vacation that is tailor made for you, then a personalized safari is a great choice.

Think about the trends that best match your tastes, and you’ll be able to go on a thrilling African safari that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Meta: Here are a few African safari trends for 2017 that you need to know about so that you and your family can plan the most exciting holiday possible.

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui