| Going on an African Safari is a great way to | | | | matter what time of year, the sun is scorching |
| spend a vacation because it exposes you to the | | | | during the day. Make sure you bring a |
| great wonders of its land like the sights and | | | | broad-spectrum high SPF sunscreen for you face |
| wildlife and also to its rich culture and people. | | | | and body. Also bring along lip balm. Take |
| However, preparing for such an adventure can | | | | advantage of any kind of sun protection like hats, |
| really be stressful because there are a lot of | | | | sunglasses, scarves, bandanas and clothes with |
| things to take into consideration, especially if you | | | | tighter weaves such as cotton shirts to block out |
| are from a cold country or aren't used to | | | | the sun's rays. |
| traveling. Below are a few tips to help you travel | | | | An essential part of every African Safari, or any |
| smart and light. The very first thing you should do | | | | trip, is taking care of your health. There are |
| is learn as much about African Safaris as you can. | | | | certain precautions you are encouraged to take |
| This is not to spoil the fun but to prepare you for | | | | before leaving for Africa. It is always a good idea |
| possible problems you may encounter there. | | | | to visit your doctor and have a full medical |
| Learn about your route, the climate and other | | | | work-up. Visit your dentist too. Remember to |
| physical conditions, the current political situations | | | | have prescriptions filled in with enough to last the |
| and most especially the safety measures | | | | trip and back. You can also take prophylactic |
| imposed. This information will be the center of | | | | medication or vaccines against any infectious |
| your preparation. | | | | diseases that are endemic in the countries you will |
| It is very important to keep your luggage as light | | | | be visiting. Also check the drinking water supply. If |
| as possible because you will be moving around | | | | you are unsure of the drinking water or you have |
| constantly. Choose clothing based on the weather | | | | a sensitive stomach, bring a lot of bottled water |
| conditions. Don't assume that because Africa is | | | | or water purifying tablets. Since dehydration is |
| hot, you'll only bring short-sleeved tops and shorts. | | | | almost inevitable because of the heat, make sure |
| Bring a good number of protective clothing as well | | | | to bring a lot of re-hydration tablets. Plus, you can |
| like long-sleeved shirts and pants to keep out the | | | | never go wrong with a first-aid kit. Have one |
| sun during the day and the cold and bugs at night. | | | | stacked with bug repellants, analgesics, |
| Bringing clothes with neutral colors will help you | | | | antipyretics, anti-diarrhea meds, antiseptics, gauze, |
| blend in with the surroundings and keep you cool | | | | cotton balls and elastic bandages. Be sure that |
| which is important when you go wildlife watching. | | | | you insurance coverage is adequate in case you |
| Also, when passing by the larger African cities, it | | | | become sick or injured during you trip. And finally, |
| is always nice to bring dressier clothes as long as | | | | do not forget to bring your camera!!! If you have |
| they are light. Be sure to pack a solid pair of | | | | a digital camera, make sure you bring a lot of |
| walking shoes. Most travelers will recommend | | | | rechargeable batteries and the charger. Bring along |
| broken-in shoes over brand new ones. Bring along | | | | extra memory cards too just in case you |
| face towels and cotton socks. | | | | become shutter-happy. Enjoy! It's an African |
| On an African Safari, or any trip to Africa, it is | | | | Safari! |
| crucial that you are armed with sun protection. No | | | | |