10 Tips for What to Expect on Safari
Going on safari is one of those experiences that changes how you see the world. From the first early morning game drive to your last sunset toast in the bush, every day brings something unexpected and unforgettable. But while the magic feels effortless once you’re there, safaris come with their own rhythm — and a few things that might surprise first-time travelers. Here are my top tips to help you know what to expect, what to pack, and how to make the most of your time in the wild.
Jabulani Safari, South Africa
Safari Vocabulary 101
Before you head into the bush, it helps to know a few words you’ll hear often while on safari.
Bush: The term for the wild, untamed landscapes where safaris take place. You’ll hear phrases like “heading into the bush” or “out in the bush” — it simply means being out in nature, away from towns and cities.
Game Drive: Your daily safari outing in a 4x4 vehicle with a professional driver-guide — and sometimes an additional tracker. Vehicles may be open-air or partially enclosed depending on the region and season, but the experience is always immersive and designed for optimal wildlife viewing.
Sundowner: A safari tradition you’ll quickly fall in love with — cocktails (or mocktails) at sunset, often set up in a scenic spot out in the bush.
Boma: An outdoor dining area, typically circular with a central fire, where guests gather for dinner, storytelling, and stargazing. The word boma originates from Swahili and historically referred to an enclosure or livestock corral — today, it’s come to symbolize gathering, safety, and community.
Big Five: The five most famous (and once most difficult to hunt) animals in Africa — lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and Cape buffalo. Spotting all five during your trip is a true highlight.
Tusker: A term for a rare, mature male elephant with exceptionally long tusks that can sometimes brush the ground. These giants are a symbol of both age and genetic strength, and seeing one in the wild is an extraordinary privilege.
Tracker: The skilled local expert who reads the land — footprints, sounds, even broken branches — to help your guide locate wildlife.
Concession: A privately managed area that borders a national park. Staying here allows for special experiences like night drives or walking safaris, with fewer vehicles and more flexibility.
Bush Plane: A small aircraft (typically 8–16 seats) used to reach remote safari camps. It’s an adventure in itself and often provides stunning aerial views of the wilderness below.
Wake-Up Call: This isn’t your typical hotel phone ring — expect a soft knock on your tent flap and a friendly voice delivering fresh coffee, tea, and biscuits to help you greet the day before your early morning game drive.
Watering Hole: A natural gathering point for animals — and one of the best spots to quietly watch wildlife in action.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
1. Wildlife Encounters Are Always Unpredictable
One of the most exciting parts of safari life is that no two drives are ever the same. While you’ll often enjoy remarkably close viewing, sightings can never be guaranteed — and that’s part of the adventure. Your guides and trackers are experts at reading the land and maximizing your chances, but the best moments happen organically, when nature decides to reveal itself.
Nimali Mara, Tanzania
2. Prepare to Be a Morning Person
Game drives typically start before sunrise when animals are most active. You’ll head out early, return mid-morning for breakfast and rest, then venture back out around 4 p.m. for an evening drive. Expect dinner under the stars afterward — and some of the best sleep you’ve ever had.
3. Embrace the Sundowner Tradition
Each afternoon drive wraps up with a sundowner — a safari happy hour set against the golden light of the bush. Your guide will find a scenic spot, set up drinks and snacks, and give you a moment to soak it all in. It’s the perfect way to end the day.
4. Pack Light and Smart
If your itinerary includes bush flights, you’ll need soft-sided luggage and typically can’t exceed 40 pounds per person. Most camps offer daily laundry service (often hand-washed and air-dried), so you can pack less. Choose lightweight, neutral-colored clothing that layers easily and dries quickly.
African Bush Camps, Botswana
5. Meals May Be Shared — or Private, If You Prefer
At many safari camps, meals are served family-style, with guides joining you to share stories and insights about the day. It’s a wonderful chance to connect and learn more about the local culture. However, most luxury camps are happy to arrange private dining if you prefer a quieter or more romantic experience. At lunch you’ll often have stunning views!
6. Stay a Little Longer
Aim for at least three nights per camp to settle into the rhythm of the bush. Each area has its own landscapes and wildlife, so staying longer — or visiting multiple regions — gives you a more well-rounded experience while minimizing unnecessary travel.
7. Plan Ahead for Health and Safety
Depending on where you’re traveling, certain vaccinations or malaria medication may be recommended. I’ll help guide you on what to discuss with your travel health professional and when to schedule those appointments so you’re fully prepared well before departure.
8. Be Ready for Bush Planes
Reaching remote camps often involves a short flight on a small 8–16 seat bush plane. It’s part of the adventure — and offers incredible views — but can be bumpy depending on weather. The luggage limits exist for safety and balance, so it’s worth planning your packing carefully.
9. Expect an Unfenced Experience
Most safari camps are open to wildlife, meaning animals can roam through freely. Before sunrise and after dark, a staff member will escort you to and from your room. It’s perfectly safe when you follow your guide’s instructions — and adds to the sense of being truly immersed in nature.
10. Dress for Comfort and Climate
Safari style is all about practicality. Mornings can be chilly, afternoons warm, and evenings cool again — so layers are your best friend. Neutral tones (khaki, olive, beige) help you blend into the environment and avoid attracting insects like tsetse flies. Skip dark colors and pack a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes.
Bonus Tip: Slow Travel Wins
If you can, spend two weeks or more on safari. Not only does this reduce your overall carbon footprint, but it also gives you time to relax, connect with your guides, and see the ecosystem change day by day.
South Africa
Planning Your First Safari?
A few quick planning tips to make it seamless:
Travel in shoulder season for fewer crowds and excellent value.
Stay in a private concession for night drives, walking safaris, and a more exclusive feel.
Add a city stay — Cape Town, Kigali, or Nairobi — for culture, cuisine, and contrast.
Don’t shy away from camps — most offer luxury comforts like running water, heated showers, solar power, and farm-to-table dining.
Best Destinations for First-Timers
South Africa – Easy to combine with other experiences (like Cape Town or the Winelands), excellent infrastructure, and malaria-free reserves make it perfect for a first safari.
Kenya – The classic safari experience, from the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara to rich cultural encounters with the Maasai and Samburu communities.
Cape Town & Table Mountain, South Africa
Best for Safari Veterans
Botswana – Known for exclusive, low-impact camps and remote waterways of the Okavango Delta. Ideal for those seeking privacy and a truly wild atmosphere.
Namibia – Vast, otherworldly landscapes and desert-adapted wildlife offer a completely different kind of safari — quiet, reflective, and visually stunning.
Zambia – The birthplace of the walking safari, where expert guides lead you through the bush on foot. Authentic, adventurous, and deeply connected to the land.
African Bush Camps, Botswana
Ready to Plan Your Safari?
Every safari is unique — the right destination, time of year, and lodge can completely shape your experience. Whether you’re dreaming of your first trip to Africa or returning for a deeper exploration, I’ll help you design a journey that’s seamless, sustainable, and perfectly tailored to you.
