Essential Safari Tips
Preparation is key to making the most of your safari experience. Here is our expert advice gathered over 20 years of African adventures.
What to Wear
Pack neutral colours — khaki, beige, olive, and brown. Avoid white (shows dirt), black (attracts tsetse flies), and bright colours that may disturb wildlife. Layers are essential as mornings and evenings can be very cool even in summer.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season (typically May–October) offers the best game viewing. The wet season brings lush greenery and newborn animals, but can make roads difficult. The Great Migration peaks July–September in Kenya's Masai Mara.
Health and Vaccinations
Visit a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure. Recommended vaccinations often include Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever (for some countries), and tetanus. Anti-malarial medication is strongly advised for most safari destinations.
Photography Tips
Use a camera with a good zoom lens (200mm minimum, 400mm ideal). The "golden hours" of early morning and late afternoon provide the best light and highest animal activity. Always keep your camera accessible in the vehicle.
Packing Light
Many safari camps have strict baggage weight limits (typically 15kg / 33lbs) due to small aircraft transfers. Use a soft-sided bag rather than a rigid suitcase. Pack quick-dry fabrics and keep your kit minimal but purposeful.
Sun Protection
The African sun is intense, even in cooler months. Use SPF 50 sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and carry UV-protective sunglasses. Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially when out on game drives.
Money and Tipping
US dollars, British pounds, and euros are widely accepted across Africa. ATMs are available in major cities but rare in safari areas. Tipping your guide and camp staff is customary — allow approximately $10–15 USD per person per day for guides.
Responsible Wildlife Viewing
Always follow your guide's instructions. Never stand up in the vehicle, feed animals, or make loud noises. Respect minimum approach distances. Remember: you are a guest in the animals' home. Responsible behaviour protects both wildlife and travellers.
Power and Connectivity
Remote safari camps may have limited electricity — often only during certain hours. Bring a universal adaptor and a portable power bank. Mobile signal is frequently absent; embrace the disconnect as part of the experience.
Safari Packing Checklist
| Category | Items | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | Neutral-coloured shirts, lightweight trousers, fleece jacket, swimwear | Avoid bright or dark colours |
| Footwear | Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, light ankle boots | Break in boots before travel |
| Sun Protection | SPF 50 sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, UV sunglasses | Reapply every 2 hours |
| Health | Anti-malarials, insect repellent (DEET 50%), first aid kit, hand sanitiser | Consult GP 6–8 weeks before travel |
| Technology | Camera with zoom lens, spare batteries, memory cards, power bank, universal adaptor | 15kg luggage limit on light aircraft |
| Documents | Passport, visa documents, travel insurance, vaccination certificates, booking confirmations | Keep digital copies in cloud storage |
| Optional | Binoculars (8x42 recommended), wildlife field guide, headtorch | Binoculars transform the experience |
When to Go: Kenya & Tanzania
Game viewing quality varies by season. Here is our guide to the best months for East Africa.