Timing is key
Other than getting that picture-perfect photo of the amazing African wildlife with a backdrop of the rising sun, there are high chances of spotting wildlife in the morning which is why it is crucial to wake up early.
Though the word “morning” might mean 10 am to some, wildlife viewing kind of morning is around 6 30 am – 7 am.
In the morning, wild animals are the most active hence moving closer to places where they can be spotted easily other than in the afternoon where they’re all taking shelter from the scorching sun.
And it’s for this reason that most game drives are during the morning hours and in the evening.
So get your day’s equipment ready the day before and if you’re not an early bird, turn on the morning alarm clock to witness the magical African wildlife unfold.
Be alert
One of the important tips for an African safari for first-timers is to always be on the lookout while game-driving.
Safaris are absolutely different from zoos which means that you can drive a long journey without seeing the big fives.
Though some animals are pretty easy to see without even trying, big cats like lions, Leopards, are Cheetahs can be hard to spot.
So as you drive along, look outside vividly not to miss anything. This is actually why it can be sometimes challenging to do a game drive alone since you have to drive and also spot the animals.
It’s always better to have someone with you or better yet hire a tour company which will make spotting animals easier.
Because when you miss seeing one, chances are that someone else in the touring car has seen it, and guides are usually more skilled at spotting the big cats.
Make use of the tour guide
Another tip for an African safari is to ask a lot of questions. If you’ve booked a game drive with a tour company, the tour guide assigned to you is there to answer all your questions.
So ask away and remember that there is nothing like a dumb question.
The only way you will get the most out of your trip is to be inquisitive as much as possible as that’s how you will learn about the African animals and the wild in general.
You can ask about the behaviors of some animals, what the guides think about them – literally anything you want to know and the guides are knowledgeable enough to give you answers.
Try to also be friendly with the guides as that will make them closer to you — something that will encourage them to share even beyond just the animals.
If you’re doing a self-drive, you can ask the lodge or campsite’s staff where you’re staying for anything you might want to know.
You can ask them where there are higher chance of seeing the big five at a certain time of the day or the best loops to take and they will be happy to give you answers.
Don’t be in a rush
Africa boasts one of the most beautiful wildlife if not the best in the world and it would be a shame to rush through it during a game drive.
There is so much to see and different safaris will treat you to a different kind of landscape that you ought to appreciate.
When you spot animals, park your car, or ask your guide to stop to admire the animals. You might just get lucky to see some of the spectacular scenes if you take your time.
Whether it is seeing animals mating, fighting, or a lion chasing down its prey, all this can happen if you take your time to fully enjoy the safari.
However, taking your time doesn’t mean ”hogging” the animals for hours. If you were the first one to see a big cat and your car is right near it, don’t spend 2 hours there. Move on so that others can also enjoy it.
Keep safe and take lots of photos
An African safari is truly an amazing experience but it can also present a number of dangers if you’re not careful.
First of all, you’re in the habitat of wild animals which means that doing something that makes them feel threatened can lead them into attacking you.
So while enjoying the wild, make sure that you adhere to the park rules to stay safe. Some of the tips for staying safe on a safari include;
- Do not leave the marked-out game paths if you’re self-driving.
- Follow all the rules mentioned above.
- Roll up the car windows if the wild animals are so close to your vehicle.
- Walk away slowly if approached by an animal during a walking safari.
- Carry a first aid kit for any emergencies that may arise.