Popular Questions
We know that travelling to a new country can be daunting. So, we have put together a few of the most frequently asked questions from our online community.
If visitors to Africa take the necessary precautions, whether self-planning or making use of a reputable safari operator, the continent is generally a safe travel destination. It is advisable to check with the visitor’s home country if any travel advisories have been issued for the intended destination.
The word ‘safari’ in Swahili means a journey and originated from the Arabic adjective ‘safar’, also meaning journey. An African safari usually encompasses game viewing (guided or self-drive) and walking excursions in national parks or private game reserves, visiting historical sites and experiencing the local culture.
It is wise to get familiar with the ‘ABC’ of malaria prevention when embarking on a safari to Africa:
Awareness: be aware of the risk (low, moderate, high) of the intended destination.
Bite prevention: avoid getting bitten by applying the appropriate repellent to the skin and clothes.
Chemoprophylaxis: seek advice from a doctor on the proper use of malaria prophylaxis.
Diagnosis: seek medical intervention if flu-like symptoms should present itself within seven to 10 days after visiting a malaria area.
Effective: if diagnosed with malaria, it is important to get the appropriate treatment.
A large percentage of the wages of staff one will encounter on safari in Africa, is comprised of tips. When and how much to give is usually depending on the budget of each traveller and instead of the level of service received. A general rule is that staff members in a managerial position don’t receive tips while the back-of-house staff (housekeeping, kitchen, maintenance) and front-of-house staff (guides, trackers, waiters) can be compensated for services rendered.
The type of camera needed for a safari to Africa is dependent on the main objective of the trip. If one has opted for a photographic safari to the continent, one or two digital SLR cameras with the appropriate lenses (wide angle for landscape; telephoto zoom for animals in the distance) should be packed. If it is a general safari excursion, travellers can use anything from a smartphone with a built-in camera, a small ‘point-and-shoot’ camera, or a mid-level digital camera.
Binoculars are an essential item to bring along on a safari to Africa. The exact type is dependant on the reason for the trip. For serious birders, for instance, a pair at the higher end of the price scale is advisable. For those travelling on a budget, there are some good options with technological advances catering for this part of the market.
Why Wild Safari Guide
Our Vision
To create a world-class collection of national and safari parks and reserves—connecting travellers to the heart of Africa. We believe your traveller experience starts here.
our commitment
Our Mission
To promote and empower our hosts and travellers with a curated collection of national and safari parks and reserves that represent responsible tourism and offer an unforgettable experience in the African Wilderness.
FOR OUR TRAVELLERS
Before you depart
If you are planning a safari holiday to Africa, you’ve come to the right place. Wild Safari Guide is an online platform created by travellers for travellers and is dedicated to providing you with everything you need to know when researching your holiday destination.
Our mission is to encourage travellers to discover and explore Africa and we are dedicated to making the planning and research part of it as exciting and easy as possible. These travel tips and frequently asked questions will help you in the process.
Africa offers an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors. Every destination on our list has something for any discerning traveller. From natural phenomena like the Great Migration—starting in the Serengeti National Park of Tanzania—to observing the rare tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, wildlife experiences are everywhere. For off-the-beaten-track adventures, the mist-shrouded mountains of the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda offer an experience unlike any before.
Check out all our destinations here.
The continent boasts approximately 30,000 kilometres of glittering coastline, which may come as a surprise to some. Along with the impressive stretches of white sandy shores comes countless beaches for an unbelievable seaside holiday in Africa. From the beaches of Cape Town and Mozambique to the Bazaruto Archipelagos and the island of Zanzibar, travellers can choose from a long list of beach destinations combined with wild and wonderful experiences.
Check out our Top 10 Beach Destinations in Africa.
This is a very popular question. Travellers can rest assured there is a safari holiday to suit every budget. While some African destinations remain high on the price range, others provide a fun and cost-effective alternative. South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya are fantastic destinations that offer budget-friendly options for safari-goers. Travellers should keep in mind that package deals are not necessarily cheaper. However, a do-it-yourselfer isn’t always affordable either—or possible in some areas. Another thing to think about is the more privacy you opt for, the more expensive the holiday becomes.
Here are 7 Things to Think About When Planning a Safari
When planning your safari holiday to one of Africa’s wonderful destinations, it’s always important to choose a reputable tour operator/travel agent—should you opt for this route. Most safari experiences are accompanied by qualified guides with years of experience under their belts and a unique understanding of the free-roaming wildlife within a park, lodge, or reserve. Travellers should always remain alert and follow the instructions of the guide—as he/she will avoid any situation that could be dangerous.
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