If you’ve got a serious case of wanderlust, then a safari in Africa may well be a dream trip for you. A safari can be an incredible adventure, as well as an amazing way to some fascinating and beautiful animals up close in their natural habitats. If you’re planning a safari, it’s always a good idea to learn some practical tips before you go, so you can enjoy your adventure in safety and comfort. Here are some of the best tips you won’t find in the guidebook.
Break in the right shoes
Pack shoes with hard rubber soles. If you’re bush trekking, you need a sturdy shoe with a hard rubber sole to protect you from thorns. You should wear your shoes in for about a month before you go so you know they’ll comfortable to wear for hours on your feet on rough terrain.
Treat blisters properly
Blisters can be a disaster for a walking based trip, but they don’t have to be. If you do get a blister, don’t pop it. Popping the blister will cause the top layer of skin to rub off, leaving the sensitive new skin exposed. Instead, pierce a threaded needle through one side of the blister and out the other.
Pull the needle through until only the thread is in the blister. Cut the thread so a ‘whisker’ of it remains on either side of the blister. The liquid will drain out slowly via the thread, letting the new skin harden underneath.
Don’t buy a black camera bag
If you’re booking Kenya safari tours, you will obviously want to take a lot of photographs. Remember your camera will need protection from the dust and heat. A roll-top, waterproof bag is best for your camera, but don’t choose black. Black can cause your equipment to heat up, so choose a lighter shade. Wrap your camera in a spare t-shirt to keep the dust off it when you’re driving, and pack a shower cap to protect it from the rain.
Pack clothes in the right colors and fabrics
Your clothes should help you to remain unseen while you’re on safari, to give you the best chance of seeing the animals. Many people choose white to keep cool, but this stands out to most animals. Instead, try to match your clothing to the natural surroundings. For savanna, choose darker greens. In drier areas, brown and khaki work well.
Your clothing should also help you to keep cool. Many guidebooks will recommend cotton as an ideal fabric for safari. Cotton still works, but there are now new fabrics that will be more comfortable in the heat. You want a fabric that will react well to your body heating and cooling.
Check the labels of clothes for terms like ‘moisture-wicking’, which will help sweat to leave the body faster, keeping you much cooler. Clothes designed for exercising or activities like walking may work well. Another good trick is to wet a hat or a light scarf.
What do you think of these four safari tips? Do you have any of your own?
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