Super Safari Commandments

Super Safari Commandments

Wow, a safari vacation, huh? Well done, but do you have what it takes or even know how to have a memorable safari no matter where in Africa you go?

If you're a first-time visitor to Africa and you have no idea what to anticipate or how to pack for the trip of a lifetime, consider yourself lucky, because I'm about to share some advice with you.

Don't let the media's portrayal of Africa as a land of poverty and famine put you off; you might have the adventure of a lifetime here.

Oh, and you should probably put aside any mental pictures of Tarzan being constantly attacked by creatures in Africa. Most of the Tarzan episodes were recorded in southern California, and the show's creator never even went to Africa.

Don't toss out what I'm about to tell you; it could prove to be quite helpful. I assure you that reading it will be a good decision.

I've dubbed this list "the Ten Commandments," and I think it covers ten essential considerations for each safari goer.

First of all, you must never leave your camera at home.

This may seem like common sense to those who always bring their cameras with them.

Or, for those of us who spent a little fortune on cameras that feature a plethora of features we have yet to master, this would be an example of why we shelled out so much cash.

But what about those of us who, for whatever reason, aren't great photographers? Maybe you've never snapped a picture before, and the closest thing you've ever come to a camera was the 2-megapixel one built into your phone.

I think the best camera for a safari is a 35mm model with auto-exposure and interchangeable lenses. In order to get the best shots of animals and birds, a zoom lens is essential. All camera and flash units should have spare batteries brought along.

Adhere to the second commandment and study the tongue of your neighbor.

Most of Africa uses either English or French as its official language, but some countries also have their own national languages.

Simply put, this is the language most people in the area will be fluent in. Although most people in Kenya and Tanzania are fluent in English, you may occasionally come across those who only speak Swahili. Learn some simple phrases in the native tongue.

You'll quickly learn that using even a small amount of the local language can have a big impact.

Pronunciation key: say "a" like "father," "e" like "bed," "I" like "tin," "o" like "or," and "u" like "truth."

A collection of useful Swahili phrases and words for travelers to East Africa

• General
• Hello! Jambo!
• Hey, how are things going? Habari?
• All is well; everything is fine; everything is fine. Bad Mbaya Nzuri.
• I appreciate it very much. Tafadhali, I beg you: asante sana
• Farewell, Kwaheri
• Welcome!/Nearby Danger! Karibu Hatari
• Dear Rafiki, Your Friend
• Oh, I'm sorry, Samahani, Pole
• Please pardon me, Samahani.

Third Commandment: Never drink the water straight from the tap.

Don't waste your time with tap water. Most hotels and tent camps sell bottled water. Throughout the safari, you'll find lodges and campgrounds where you can buy soda, beer, and other refreshments. This is due to the fact that throughout most of Africa, drinking water straight from the tap isn't a great idea.

Be aware of what you're wearing.

You should bring comfortable summer clothing that can be washed and dried quickly.

Tourists typically wear earth tones like olive green and tan when visiting safaris. These items are great for a wildlife drive since they keep you cool, hide the inevitable safari dust, and blend in with the scenery. The best strategy for dealing with the cool morning and evening weather is to dress in layers. The availability of laundry services means that one can always have access to clean garments. Since much of the safari will be spent in the vehicle, hiking boots are unnecessary, but tennis shoes or desert boots are fine. Even in the evening, the fashion in Africa is relaxed and comfortable.

You will be exposed to the sun for long periods of time, and sunburns happen quickly at these elevations. You won't need to bring a safari hat because we provide one free of charge to all of our guests. Bring your swimwear and a towel, as many of the homes feature gorgeous pools.

Review your pre-safari preparations.

So, what exactly is included in a safari checklist?

You should consider bringing along these things, as they will prove essential throughout your safari.

• A conveniently sized alarm clock for vacations
• Power is 220 volts, thus you'll need a converter or adapter. To compensate for the wide variety of electrical sockets abroad, bring a set of adapters.
• Extra batteries for your electronics and photography equipment
• Portable currency conversion calculator
• Materials for making and developing photographs
• Cosmetics like chapstick and moisturizer
• Directory of Correspondents
• Wear a head covering, like a hat, visor, or scarf.
• spray containing 20 percent DEET to ward off mosquitoes
• The Keys: An Extra Set of Luggage Locks
• Bar soap for washing clothes
• The drug you take, whether it is prescribed or purchased over-the-counter,
• The original and a photocopy of your passport, together with traveler's checks, credit cards, a driver's license, and a passport, are all necessities.
• Take notes with a pen and paper.
• If you need them, prescription glasses (and a copy of your prescription)
• Instructional Resources
• Sunglasses (two pairs in case one is lost or misplaced) (two pairs in case one is misplaced or lost.)
• Sunscreen
• Using wet towels and tissues
• Personal hygiene items

The sixth commandment is: "Always put your credit cards to good use."

In the larger cities of most African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar, you'll find widespread acceptance of American Express, Diners Club, Visa, and MasterCard.

Your driver will also serve as a mentor and instructor.

If you're taking a guided safari, your driver is also a certified guide who will brief you, answer your questions, and provide you with insider knowledge to make the most of your experience. Each one is a seasoned expert who communicates fluently in many languages (including the native tongues) and has extensive knowledge of the natural and cultural landscapes you'll encounter on your journey.

Take good care of your possessions.

You should use the same level of common sense and care that you would at home in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, or anywhere else. Leave no valuables in the hotel room, including cash, jewelry, or traveler's checks. Lodges and motels typically feature safe deposit boxes for guests to use.

Bear in mind the importance of valid passports and visas.

Passports must be valid for at least 60 days following the last day of travel before departure from Africa.

Make sure you have insurance.

Those who plan to travel abroad should protect themselves financially by purchasing travel medical insurance. Purchase a trip cancellation insurance policy. Obviously, you'll want to safeguard your safari investment.

Lastly, I could title this Commandment 11, but that doesn't feel quite right, so I'll just call it the Bonus Commandment.

Du must master the art of bargaining.

Most tourists to Africa are not accustomed to haggling over prices. It is customary to haggle in Africa, especially when purchasing trinkets and mementos outside of large shopping centers and supermarkets. Bargaining is integral to daily life in Africa. I have said it many times before, and I will say it again and again until nobody is left unsold. Each time you pay the "special price," it becomes more difficult for future customers to negotiate a lower price.