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