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Safaris are my specialty!! View my Safari Planning page here and email me at kellie@adventurelust.travel to start bringing your safari dreams to life!

if you’re still deciding whether a safari is for you… just… you just have to do it. if you can only go on one trip in your life, go on this one. if you’re choosing between 5 all inclusive beach vacations for the next 5 years or one safari, do the safari. i promise it will be one of the most special experiences of your entire life.

i could focus my travels around one thing and one thing only, it would be this. safari means “journey” in Swahili and i love that. it’s a journey for the soul. nothing compares. there’s nothing like being around those animals in the wild. africa just captures your heart a little differently. ahh my heart is too tingly thinking about it. i can’t wait for you guys to experience it!!! 🐘🦒🦏🦁🦛🐆✨.

onto the tips — let me know any questions you have and i’ll update with any missing information!

Choosing Your Safari

i have done a self-drive, budget safari, luxury safari with tons of wildlife, and luxury safari with minimal wildlife. each has its perks and each is very different.

a safari can vary based on your budget, needs, interests, time of year, etc etc. I’ve been fortunate to have made some amazing connections in the safari space and can do my best to set you up with the best safari, for the best budget, with my Adventurelust Trip Planning service.

Where To Go

Safari destinations are very unique and each offers something amazing! Time of year, budget, and priorities all play a factor on where you should go on safari — email me at kellie@adventurelust.travel to find where is best for you! Here are some general guidelines:

South Africa: Super easy access, gorgeous lodges, and next-level hospitality.
Tanzania: Epic landscapes, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and of course, the Great Migration.
Kenya: Pretty much the same as Tanzania—email me, and I'll help you decide which is right for you!
Botswana: The Okavango Delta—think stunning scenery, pure wilderness, exclusive, intimate, and top-tier safari experiences.
Namibia: Salt pans, desert vibes, and surreal landscapes that'll blow your mind.
Uganda or Rwanda: Gorilla trekking, anyone? This is where it happens!

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, November 2017.

What To Pack

Gear

binocs are the unsung heroes of safari gear. i will never forget getting to look directly into that leopard’s amber eyes as it sat in the tree. also very cool for seeing birds and of course any animals far away. i love to play tracker so i love binocs.
obviously camera/phone
portable charger, just in case the power goes out
depending on your safari style, you may need camping gear etc

Clothing

wear neutrals for these reasons:
- bright colours may present a threat or even unfamiliarity to the animals that may deter them from approaching. even if you wear white, which is a “follow-me” sign on animals like kudu and giraffes, it can alarm the animals. wear beige, tan, or greens to camouflage into your natural surroundings
- some regions of africa have tetse flies that are attracted to blue and black
- to look the safari part, duh.
definitely bring warm layers, the temp can vary drastically from day to night!
a hat with a strap/one that is tight to your head, as it will fly off on game drives.
footwear:
- if you’re doing driving safaris, footwear doesn’t matter. i literally wore flip flops and would slide ‘em off on the drive.
- walking safaris obviously require a more sturdy shoe

Supplies

sunscreen
high deet bug repellent

Medications

visit your travel doctor beforehand to see what vaccinations you need for your chosen destination. if you’re going to need malaria tablets, opt for the expensive ones — can’t put a price tag on avoiding night terrors ;)

If you want a more comprehensive list on what i pack for a long trip, check out my blog here.

What To Expect

expect early mornings. wildlife are most active at sunrise and sunset. then you can probably nap during the day.
these are wild animals; no sighting is guaranteed. do not put too much hype on the Big 5 or any specific species. appreciate everything — my favourite birds are the queleas because they look like they’re twinkling in the sky, and seeing these just felt so authentically Africa to me. look for the little things.
the animals will come right up to your car but they aren’t inclined to hurt you. most animals are scared of you, or they are accustomed to the safari vehicle and consider it a part of the landscape. also your guides know the warning signs and will never put you in danger.
i don’t want to spoil any surprises but… sundowners. are. the. best. give me a glass of bubbly on the savanna to an African sunset with a chance of leopard and i’m a happy camper.
a good safari guide makes ALL the difference. make sure you’ve done your research and are setting yourself up for success — Adventurelust can help!
for the most part, even though you’re out in the African bush, you can expect working facilities, Wi-Fi, and regular standards of cleanliness. if you’re on a luxury safari you can expect a LOT MORE than that. my budget safari was a little less. so know what you’re signing up for and embrace it either way :)
don’t forget, no matter what happens: #TIA, baby. This. Is. Africa.

ya this was my face pretty much the whole time.

What to know for your first African safari