Here you are. You have just decided to take a safari in South Africa and can't wait to set off, leaving the city behind and losing yourself in the bush looking for wildlife. But be careful and curb your enthusiasm a while making sure that everything is under control for a flawless trip.
Here is some useful advice on how to prepare for a safari in South Africa, when to go and what to pack as well as which park or reserve to choose according to your needs and expectations. And don't forget that you may even not manage to see all of the Big Five, but our local travel experts and guides are available to give you the best tips!
Prices: the costs of a safari in South Africa
First of all, the national parks are not cheap, including more than one in your itinerary makes the experience more interesting, but it will of coures increase the price.
The costs vary also according to the accommodation chosen: in South African national parks you can find luxury lodges, but if you want to save money you can opt for camping, giving up on some comfort but getting closer to the great African nature.
The last factor to be taken into consideration is the high season. Summer is the most crowded period: seasons are reversed if compared to US and Europe, so the South African summer corresponds to the European winter, more or less from December to March. In this period the costs of services may be higher.
The best time to go on safari in South Africa
When to go to South Africa? The climate is mild and sunny all year round, even in winter, so there is no best period. If you wish to spot wildlife though, the best period is the winter or the spring, from June to October, when the vegetation is less abundant and it is easier to view animals coming out in the open to search for food, which is more scarce in winter.
The summer, from December to February, boasts richer vegetation, which may hide the game.
Vaccinations
Before leaving for South Africa, if you plan to cross the areas of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and northern KwaZulu-Natal, consider that cholera is widespread, even in Kruger Park and Wetlands. Make sure you contact your doctor and provide anti-malarial prophylaxis.
Vaccination against yellow fever is not mandatory, unless you travel first to countries where the disease is present, even for a short airport layover. Subject to medical advice, vaccines against diphtheria and tetanus, viral hepatitis A, viral hepatitis B, typhoid fever, polio, rabies are also recommended. Make sure you purchase a complete health insurance before leaving.
Contact your family doctor or a proper vaccination center at least eight weeks before departure, especially if you travel with young kids, old people, disabled people or pregnant women.
Where to go: national parks and private reserves
There about 300 national parks and private reserves in South Africa where you can go on safari, boasting a rich and varied landscape, from savanna to forests and deserts. You will be really spoilt for choice!
You can join a group tour, staying in luxury lodges or camping, or you can create a tailormade private tour with the help of local travel experts who can give you the best advice for you depending on your expectations.
Kruger National Park is the most famous and popular park for a safari. Extremely wide and large (it is one of the largest in Africa), it really offers plenty of chance to view the Big Five, with types of accommodations for every budget, from five-star tented camps to simpler lodges, both for couples and big families. The park, being so famous, is often crowded during high season and, due to the great distances to cover, you need to wake up at dawn to go game viewing,
Other famous safari parks include Addo Elephant Park, especially famous for the elephants and for being malaria-free, or Hluhluwe-iMfolozi in Zululand, where you can view wildlife and relax on the beautiful beaches of the Elephant Coast or follow interesting trekking routes.
Isimangaliso Wetland Park features several types of landscapes, from marshes to forests, and offers the chance to try many outdoor activities, such as snorkeling and whale watching. Families can opt for malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park, boasting several kinds of kid-friendly accommodations.
The private reserves are an alternative to parks, but access is more expensive. Moreover, they tend to provide more comfortable and luxurious services, but if you love adventure and you are looking for close contact with the wild African bush, they are not the right choice for you. Nevertheless, it is not necessary to cover great distances to spot wildlife, unlike the great parks, and you generally avoid the tourist crowds. The most famous private reserves are Sabi Sand and Mala Mala near Kruger Park.
What to pack
Well, now that you have decided where and when to go, you just have to pack your bags. Yes, but what is one supposed to bring? First of all, a jumper and light jacket: game viewing often starts at dawn and it's quite cold. Then bring good compact binoculars, a videocamera and a camera to capture wildlife.
Also remember to pack T-shirts, a pocket rain jacket, comfortable trekking shoes (better if they cover up to the ankles), a small first aid kit and batteries in case of blackout. Bring sunscreen, cap and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. If you visit Kruger, bring a good moquito repellent.
During a safari it is always better to wear clothes in neutral colors, for example khaki, to blend in with the environment and not scare animals.
As always before a trip, bring credit card, plug adaptor and copies of your identity documents and driving license in case of loss.
Finally, do not forget you swimsuit: even on a safari, you may have the chance for a good swim!
