An African Safari is a bucket list experience for many people! And rightfully so.
Nothing quite compares to being surrounded by a herd of elephants roaming free in the wild. Or finding the path to your villa blocked by a dazzle of zebras!
Get ready to make incredible memories and capture some of your best travel photos yet.
Here’s 7 things to keep in mind before you go…
1. Be Prepared For All Kinds of Weather
Pack your sunscreen, umbrellas, mittens, rain ponchos, scarves, warm layers… you name it!
Afternoons are obviously quite hot in Africa. But most game drives happen in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler. Because that’s when the animals are the most active. They don’t want to fry in the hot sun either! And early mornings and evenings can get surprisingly cold, especially in South Africa.
So dress in layers.
You’ll most likely be driving for hours in a Jeep with no roof. We got caught in some serious rain. So be prepared. The game drives won’t be fun if you’re freezing cold.
The reserve provided us with ponchos but gloves, hats and a very warm coat made all the difference!
2. Expect Early Mornings
Most game drives begin at 5am or 6am.
So set your alarm! Typically breakfast is served around 10am after your morning drive.
The evening drives usually start around 4pm.
The animals are most active in the morning and at night. And the lighting is the best during these hours anyway. So your photos will turn out great! Photographing the wildlife at golden hour is a real treat.
And you’ll get to see sunrise and sunset each day!
3. Invest in a Zoom Lens
An African Safari is the perfect time to up your photography game!
Rare sightings
Some animals are difficult to spot and you may only catch them at a distance. It’s worthwhile to come prepared with the right gear.
I shot with my Canon 80D and the zoom lens that came in this kit.
I also love to travel with a LensPen to easily clean the inevitable dust that will collect on the lens during a safari!
Zoom Lens
LensPen
My Camera
4. Spend the Night on the Reserve
Most safari locations offer day trips. You can spend the night elsewhere and just show up for the safari drives. But if you do that, you’ll miss out on half the fun!
Whether you’d rather rough it by camping or treat yourself to a villa stay- the safari parks have a lot to offer besides just the game drives.
Luxury Villas
If a villa is more your style, you can unwind after a chilly morning drive with a cup of coffee in your heated bed… Read a book by the fireplace. And be sure to check out the incredibly scenic view from your balcony. Keep your eyes peeled for animals!
Some parks offer camping
If camping is more your style, get ready to hear the sounds of Africa lull you to sleep. A hyena laughing. A lion roaring.
5. Dress in Neutrals
When trying to spot wildlife, it’s best to blend in as much as possible.
Leave your loud colored clothing with busy prints at home! Think khaki, green, brown and olive. White will show the dust and dirt quickly.
Shop before you go
Ladies, if you’re looking for some new safari clothes- Amazon sells a number of cute and affordable rompers I wore during my time at Gondwana Game Reserve. You can shop the one pictured below here.
But I also loved this brown pantsuit. It was great for layering!
6. Protect Your Gear
As mentioned before, the weather can be all over the place. And you want to make sure your gear is protected! Especially your camera.
I suggest investing in a quality camera bag. My personal favorite is from Amazon. It is made of durable, water-repellent canvas. And it comes with an extra rain cover for added protection! You can shop it here.
7. Take Pictures But Don’t Forget To Simply Enjoy Your Surroundings
It’s not everyday we get to go on a safari. And while capturing images of Africa is highly rewarding for any photographer, be sure to set down the camera and really soak in the experience from time to time.
Double rainbows, beautiful sunsets, dazzling sunrises and unforgettable landscapes are just a fraction of what awaits you.
It’s easy to get caught up behind your gear. But don’t let it distract you from the magic happening right before your eyes.
Planning a trip to South Africa? Be sure to stop at Boulder Beach to swim with the penguins!
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