5 Essential Ingredients for an Unforgettable Safari...2016/08/05 · various destinations will have different facilities and things to do. Some may not have an abundance of wildlife

5 Essential Ingredients for an Unforgettable Safari

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Copyright © 2016 – Michaël Theys.

http://africafreak.com

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You may not distribute this report in any way. You may not sell it, or reprint any part of it without written consent from the author, except for the inclusion

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Table of Contents

Who is Michaël Theys? ........................................................................................................................ 6

INGREDIENT #1: CLARITY (AND PEACE OF MIND)! .................................................................. 10 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................................. 11 Destination ....................................................................................................................................................... 12 The Best Time to Visit .................................................................................................................................. 14 Travel Documents ......................................................................................................................................... 15 Packing .............................................................................................................................................................. 17 Activities ........................................................................................................................................................... 20 Interests ............................................................................................................................................................ 24 The Animals (and Where to Find Them) ............................................................................................... 25

INGREDIENT #2: MORE VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY! .................................................................. 27 The All Inclusive Formula ........................................................................................................................... 28 Camping ............................................................................................................................................................. 29 The Bed and Breakfast Formula ............................................................................................................... 32 Fees: Resident vs. Foreigner ...................................................................................................................... 32 High vs. Low Season ...................................................................................................................................... 34 Transport .......................................................................................................................................................... 35

INGREDIENT #3: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED! ............................................................................. 36 Wake Up VERY Early ..................................................................................................................................... 36 Keep Quiet ........................................................................................................................................................ 38 Be Patient.......................................................................................................................................................... 38 Scan the Horizon ............................................................................................................................................ 39 Talk to Your Guide ......................................................................................................................................... 41

INGREDIENT #4: PREVENTIVE HEALTH MEASURES! ................................................................ 42 1. Anti-Malarial Tablets ............................................................................................................................... 42 2. Mosquito Repellent .................................................................................................................................. 43 3. Mosquito Net ............................................................................................................................................... 45 4. Long Sleeves and Pants After Dark ..................................................................................................... 45 5. Diet Control ................................................................................................................................................. 46 Other Useful Tips ........................................................................................................................................... 47 Did You Know? ................................................................................................................................................ 47

INGREDIENT #5: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION! ........................................................................ 49





“Everything in Africa bites, but the safari bug is worst of all.”

* Brian Jackman

ome travel experiences are delightful. Others bring discomfort.

It's not too difficult to distinguish between them, as we all know

what brings us pleasure and what doesn't. It goes without saying

that we are naturally inclined to seek what brings us the former.

Nevertheless, it is often the experiences that force you out of your

comfort zone that introduce you to something astonishing. Which in

the end, proves to be spiritually rewarding.

I feel fortunate that I have found something truly unique: I have

discovered an experience that is not only delightful to the core, but

also a rare opportunity for self-growth.

Africa is the most incredible continent on Earth. It inspires and

rewards like no other. From its exotic plains and safaris, to its

abundant wildlife and culture, nowhere else can compare.

S





You may be wondering what you can learn from this guide. I

welcome your expectations!

Within these honest pages you will find valuable insight that I hope

inspires you to find yourself in Africa.

Just like I did.

I will give you some friendly advice. I’ll give you some tips on how to

prepare for your trip, and how to make the most of it.

I’ll also give you some pointers on how to save some money along

the way.

While I’m at it, I’ll even teach you some basic Swahili!

I was incredibly excited writing this guide. But my excitement is

short-lived if nobody reads it. So I welcome you to delve into this

advice and discover the Africa that responds to your travel reverie.





Who is Michaël Theys?

am a blogger and Internet

entrepreneur from Belgium. I

am also the proud founder of

Africa Freak. I fell into Africa’s

“magic potion,” so to speak, when I

was a little boy!

I’ve had the chance to live and

travel across the African continent for over 23 years. As a result, I

am perhaps one of the greatest Africa “Freak” enthusiast on the

World Wide Web. My travel ventures have taken me to various

countries. So far, I have lived in Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia,

South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

More recently, I embarked on a 58-day/13 500 km expedition

traversing 8 African nations. It was an unbelievable journey that

took me from Nairobi all the way down to Cape Town.

I





When I am not overseas, I work on AfricaFreak.com, a place for

Africa enthusiasts. At Africa Freak we come together and share our

great stories about the marvellous continent that is Africa.

My long-term goal is to literally “revolutionise” the way people

create, share, and discover content pertaining to Africa on the

Internet. The purpose of our platform is to cultivate content that

reflects the true beauty and complexity of both Africa and its people.

Do you feel like being a part of the dream?

We currently have openings on Africa Freak for more contributors.

If you feel that your work is compelling, or that you have an

interesting vocation or lifestyle, we’d like to offer you the

opportunity of joining our team.

We are looking to connect, support, and engage everyone who lives

in or has a stake in Africa, to create the definitive home for African

news and culture on the web. Our goal applies especially to

individuals and experts (whether they’re from Africa or not), and

Africa-based businesses.




http://africafreak.com/contribute



Even if none of the above applies to you, but you do happen to be

interested in Africa, we’d like to reach out to you as well.

Life is too short not to follow your dreams. By this point, you have

just seen a glimpse of mine.

The journey is long. But it is also remarkably exciting. As a man with

great faith, I believe that both faith and perseverance are the key

ingredients to success in life!

With faith, you can aim for the stars. With faith, you can move

mountains.

As Dr. Martin Luther King puts it: “Take the first step in faith. You

don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.” Those

are some words of wisdom to meditate on…

Please do not hesitate to send me a mail for any questions that you

might have. I’d be glad to help! I am here as a loyal “rafiki” (friend)!

Enjoy the eBook! And “karibuni” (welcome),

Michaël Theys



mailto:[email protected]



Let’s Connect!

Website: AfricaFreak.com

Twitter: twitter.com/AfricaFreak

Facebook Page: facebook.com/AfricaFreak

Email:

[email protected]




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mailto:[email protected]



INGREDIENT #1:

CLARITY (AND PEACE OF MIND)!

Define Your Purpose & Plan Effectively

frican safaris are a great way to disconnect from the rest of the

world. They take you away from work and responsibilities.

They take you away from time. They immerse you in a new realm

and a rhythm that's defined by nature. And by reading this guide it

seems that you're planning to make this dream a reality. You’re

taking your suitcase, sunglasses, and binoculars to explore some of

Africa’s best safari destinations.

GREAT IDEA!

Believe me, you have made the right choice! I've been going on safari

for decades and I still can't get enough of it. If you’re looking for

unforgettable moments and a unique adventure… well, the answer

is awaiting you in Africa.

A





Going on an African safari is an enriching experience. All at once it's

an idyllic experience marked by seclusion and serenity. You will

relax, completely. It's also the complete adventure, continually

marked with surprise and unforgettable journeys. Then there's the

connection to nature and the wild that is forever inspiring.

Before embarking on your trip and getting deep into Africa, here are

some important things to consider.

Purpose

What is it that you are truly looking for in Africa? Are you an “animal

freak” (just like me), or do you see yourself as a bird enthusiast? Is

your idea of safari hanging in a swimming pool and watching

elephants? Or spending 12 hours bumping around the bush looking

for lions? Or perhaps all of the above? Before going further you need

to define the purpose of your holiday.

Is it to discover what Mother Nature has to offer, or relaxing in a

private hot tub overlooking the plains? Or, would you simply like to

go on a sundowner cruise on Lake Kariba?





Be specific and determine what you’re looking for… There are plenty

of specialist safaris out there and more than enough diversity to

satisfy everyone's interests.

Once your desires are clear, you can start looking at selecting the

right destination! Not everywhere in Africa is the same. Indeed,

various destinations will have different facilities and things to do.

Some may not have an abundance of wildlife. But they might have

other advantages, such as a stunning location, walking trails, and

exciting activities not found elsewhere.

In other words… DO your homework, pack up your bags, and get

ready for the experience.

What are you waiting for? It’s time to go on a safari...

Destination

Africa is a huge continent with an infinite amount of choice when it

comes to safari destinations. While it is true that Western Africa has

some options available, the regions I’m most familiar with are





Eastern and Southern Africa. These two are the ones that are most

renowned for abundant wildlife.

They are a paradise for adventurers, an outdoor heaven, and

perhaps the most extraordinary places on Earth!

If you are in love with the idea of safari and the savannah, I highly

recommend that you visit these countries:

Tanzania

Kenya

South Africa

Zimbabwe

Zambia

Botswana

Namibia

Uganda

My top 3? If I had to choose, Tanzania would be first, followed

closely by South Africa and Kenya.





The Best Time to Visit

The best time of the year for safaris is during the dry season. Indeed,

in the rainy season, water and food are plentiful. Animals tend to be

more dispersed throughout the parks and game reserves. Also, grass

is much longer in some areas, making it more difficult to spot the

wildlife. So not only does wildlife travel far and wide, it has many

more places to hide. In contrast, animals must congregate around

the permanent water holes during the dry season. So in these

months it's easy to find an abundance of wildlife.

For East African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, ideal times

for game viewing include the periods of December to March, and

from June to late September/early October. It is especially during

the latest months of the year that one can experience the Great

Annual Wildebeest Migration–where almost two million animals

gather and move together across the plains of the Serengeti and

Maasai Mara National Parks! I’ve had the chance to witness this

spectacle: it’s absolutely breathtaking! Truly a once in a lifetime

experience!





In Southern Africa, the most suitable times to visit are during the

winter months from May to August, and the hot spring months in

September and October. Temperatures are usually mild during the

day, while a little cooler on early mornings and in the late afternoon.

Travel Documents

There are a few travel documents you must carry along with you.

Firstly, you will need a valid passport. Make sure it does not expire

within 6 months of your departure date and that it has sufficient





pages. Most African countries require two blank pages or more. So

that's four blank pages if you're visiting two countries. Lastly, don’t

forget to check visa requirements and bring a Yellow Fever

vaccination certificate if required.

Most countries require a single-entry visa. In Kenya for instance, it

costs about $50 (pricing may change over time). So make sure you

do a little research before leaving your country.

As far as vaccinations are concerned, requirements vary from

country to country. I'm not a doctor. If I were you I’d consult a

specialist for legitimate advice. Here’s a list of inoculations that are

usually recommended:





Yellow fever

Diphtheria

Typhoid

Hepatitis A

Lastly: make sure you ALWAYS have your passport at hand, and a

medical insurance policy to cover possible (albeit unlikely)

emergencies.

Packing

I don’t know about you, but I just LOVE to pack for a trip!

Here’s my ‘take away’ list:





A suitcase; ideally strong squashable luggage (duffel bags are

perfect).

Your passport and certificate of vaccination (oops… almost forgot

the plane tickets).

A wide-brimmed safari hat (perhaps a “Rogue” safari hat for the

ultimate safari freak), sunscreen lotion, and a pair of sunglasses.

Mosquito repellent (very important). In some cases, you may be

advised to take prescription medicine to prevent malaria (i.e.

Malarone or Lariam).

Good binoculars to spot your favourite animals (I recommend

10x50 for best viewing).





A camera and spare batteries (100-300 mm lens ideally; 35 mm

for portraits, landscapes, etc.).

A few jerseys. (Yes, even in Africa. Early mornings and late evenings

can be chilly, especially in Southern Africa.) Bring some long sleeve

safari shirts as well.

Zip-off safari trousers (saves you luggage space and they're highly

practical when it gets warm).

A torch to prevent lucky/unlucky encounters with wildlife in the

night (or for toilet emergencies in the bush!).

Books and travel guides. My personal favourites include:

Signs of the Wild by Clive Walker.

The Safari Companion by Richard D. Estes.

Birds of Southern Africa by Sinclair, Hockey, and Tarboton.

A Swiss army knife. These always come in handy, especially in the

bush (don’t take them in your carry-on luggage or it will be

confiscated by security).



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VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: Oh yes, don’t forget your “eagle eyes,” so

to speak, to spot what Mother Nature has on offer. An open heart is

also a must! And finally, remember to bring some patience and

respect, as wildlife doesn't like loud noise.

Activities

Lodges and camps typically have three main activities: game drives,

walks, and night drives. Night drives in particular are more popular

in Southern Africa as they're not permitted in many East African

destinations. Some places may also offer sundowner cruises or even

horseback safaris, though the latter primarily operate outside major

parks, as they are less prone to potentially dangerous animal

encounters. Drives can take around 2-3 hours (depending on the

chosen formula/safari highlights for the day) but could also

continue all day long.

Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for game

viewing as it is cooler. Therefore, conditions are better for the

optimal game viewing experience. During the scorching middle of

the day, animals tend to rest under a tree or hide in the thickets.

They're being lazy and aren't at their enchanting best. So this is a





time to also take a siesta and rest. Or, perhaps you’d fancy a plunge

in a swimming pool? The choice is yours.

Game drives:

These drives are with a guide or ranger in open jeeps (most

common in Southern Africa), or minibuses (more popular in East

Africa, due to the tsetse flies). Be ready to wake up bright and head

out as dawn is just piercing the sky. And make sure you wear a

jersey or a blanket during the early hours! The second prime time is

from mid-afternoon until sunset, when the mammals come out in

the cooler ambiance.





My personal favourite is the night drive formula. You’re able to see

nocturnal animals such as the elusive leopard, African genets and

civets, hyenas, porcupines, and much much more. Some parks have

almost 100 mammals and many of them are nocturnal. It’s such a

unique experience, especially when they allow you use the spotlight

to scan through the night, looking for every sign or movement in the

plains, from a shiny eye or an unusual noise. It's like detective work

at its finest.

Walks:

To say that safari walks are interesting would be an

understatement! An armed guide walks you through the bush to

experience a primitive side of nature. In some places, you're guided

by a barefooted indigenous animal tracker that can follow every

little clue.





You will learn about animal tracks, droppings, and both the fauna

and flora of the African savanna (especially trees and their values).

While the wildlife experience might not be as worthwhile in terms of

animal sightings (you can't cover as much distance as a game drive),

the learning experience itself and the exotic birds you’ll encounter

make it totally worth it. Plus, you can only appreciate the size of

animals when you're sharing the ground level.

It’s an experience that should be on your Africa bucket list.

Sundowner/Boat cruises:

This is the way to go if you’re looking for a close encounter with

hippos or crocodiles. You’re also going to have the chance to view





animals that come down to the river for a drink. After all, everything

from lions to tiny antelopes has to come and drink. There will be

ample opportunities to take some fantastic photos… For instance,

the aquatic bird life that thrives around the riverine area is always a

rich exotic sight.

Interests

In most cases, professional guides will ask you what your main

interests are before taking you on a walk or drive. If not, make sure

that you tell them what you’re aching to discover. Whether you’re





looking for the big five or a specific animal or bird species, your

guides should be more than happy to help realize your ambitions.

However, you must know that national parks are not zoos. You

never know in advance what you’re going to see! In my opinion, this

is the most exciting characteristic of safaris. Some days are fruitful,

while others are surprising and you might not see exactly what you

hoped for. With that said, you’re often rewarded for your efforts and

patience when you least expect it.

Never get discouraged! Have faith and be open to possibilities. The

odds will eventually turn in your favour, especially on a longer

safari.

The Animals (and Where to Find Them)

While there are no definite locations for finding specific animals, it is

possible to associate certain animals with specific biomes. For

instance: grazers live in grasslands, browsers in Miombo woodlands,

and predators in open savannahs (although they can hunt

everywhere).





If you’re searching for kudu, you’re unlikely to find them in open

regions. This type of antelope is typically found in bushy areas

where food is plentiful and they can pick leaves from the small trees.

Similarly, giraffes love Acacia territory. Leopards on the other hand

are more likely to be seen up in a tree or in rocky areas (koppies).

© Bruce Levick





INGREDIENT #2:

MORE VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!

Specify What You Want & Budget Accordingly

nfortunately, many people associate safaris with exorbitant

prices and see it as a vacation that's financially out of reach.

You’ll be pleased to know this is not always the case! In the end, it all

comes down to what you’re looking for.

If you envision a safari as a place with luxurious rooms, satellite

television, air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, exotic cuisine, and

your own fireplace, you may need to review your priorities. If it's

too big, too beautiful, or too luxurious… it's consequently going to

hit your wallet hard (and you might not want to go down that road)!

However, if you’re content with common restroom facilities, decent

food, and a small bungalow or safari tent, there’s no reason why you

can’t find something to suit your needs for an affordable rate.

U





Remember that you’ll be staying in a stunning location. This alone

makes the price worth it. And while it's great to stay in the lap of

luxury, the main part of the experience is the wildlife and game

viewing, and that's very similar regardless of your accommodation

choice.

The All Inclusive Formula

The well-known “all in” formula means that everything is included

in your package: from air flights (if applicable) to park entries,

accommodation, game activities, and meals. Additional costs may

apply for drinks and any other extra activities around the lodge,

which include night drives, boat trips, and guided walks. But then

again, they might even be part of the deal. In general, you shouldn't

need much to spend after buying your safari package.

Prices will vary from place to place. To give you a general idea,

typical daily activities cost anywhere from $20-50 pp (higher prices

in top safari destinations).





Camping

Camping is simply the best way to sleep in the African bush!

Lodges will often have two areas: one with bungalows/rooms, and

another with campsites or tents. The second option is by far the

most cost-effective (unless you are looking at “Luxury Camping”, but

we won’t go into that here). Prices are reasonable, where you’ll only

pay a small fee of as little as $5-15 per day to put up your tent and

be able to use the ablutions.





Additionally, another advantage of camping is that you’ll be

inherently closer to nature. Especially at night, when nocturnal

animals roam by your tent, or when bizarre sounds haunt your

sleep. Your most common visitors at night will be sneaky hyenas

and common bush babies. Moreover, it is not unusual to hear lion

calls from a distance.

I’ve personally experienced some interesting events on various

occasions. One time, there was a huge bull elephant right outside my

tent window. It was such an intense feeling… Besides being exciting,

it was also a little INTIMIDATING! You could hear this

tremendous animal smashing branches and crunching its food with

a ravenous appetite… I was praying he wouldn’t suddenly decide to

play with my tent!

Luckily, as you can tell, I’m still alive and well! I imagine that you

might be figuratively jumping up and down on your seat as you read

these sentences, but don’t worry. Many facilities are fenced off, and

if not, they are guarded by armed men (quite often Maasai warriors

in East Africa).

The only downside to camping is that it demands more organisation

and effort. For example, you will have to take your own camping



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equipment with you. In some cases however, equipment may be

provided at the camp itself. You will need to bring your own

groceries, though some facilities have their own shops (i.e. inside

Kruger National Park; Skukuza). You’ll also have to cook your own

food (eating at the restaurant is an option), and drive your own car

in the game area.

Regarding food, pay attention because this part is VERY important.

Be on the look out for baboons and vervet monkeys that have a

tendency to come and steal some of your belongings for themselves.

Never leave anything lying around! There’s a good chance that what

you leave misplaced will be gone in an instant…





The Bed and Breakfast Formula

One alternative to camping inside the park is to stay in the vicinity of

the reserve. It's not as unique an experience without the wildlife

roaming around (I prefer to stay inside the park given the option),

but it could be a sensible choice if you're on a tight budget.

Usually, there are a number of options available, ranging from

hotels, to hostels and guesthouses. Some hotels even have an

impressive view overlooking the reserve itself, which is a great

bonus as it gives you a flavour of the bush.

You get a room and a breakfast (and what a breakfast indeed…

yummy), at a reasonable price (from $30 upwards per person). And

there's still a little scent of the wild to keep you interested.

Fees: Resident vs. Foreigner

As you might expect, tourists are charged more than the locals to

enter a conservation area. In most places the price difference is

significant. For instance, park entrances might be as low as $2 for a





resident and as high as $100 for a foreigner. A place like Ngorongoro

Crater in Tanzania charges $80 per person and $200 per vehicle!

A personal tip: If you’re on safari with friends who happen to be

residents, sometimes it’s possible for you to enter as a local and pay

the resident fee. Stay in the car, remain quiet, and let your pals do

the talking.





It’s not always successful, but it’s worth a shot!

High vs. Low Season

Summer/dry season months are peak season for tourists and safari

attractions in East Africa. In Southern Africa, peak season is during

the cooler drier winter months. Make sure that you have your

reservations prepared well in advance, as places are often fully

booked months beforehand. In South Africa for instance, some areas

of the Kruger are reserved up to a year in advance.

If you’re looking for a cheaper safari, try to plan your trip during the

low season when the game viewing isn't as good.

But “not quite as good” is a relative term. Whenever you visit, a

safari is a magical experience. I’ve experienced incredible sightings

on many occasions during the rainy season or tropical summer

months. In the dry season, wildlife must congregate around

waterholes, which makes it easier to spot. But that doesn't mean it

disappears during the rest of the year. It's still around. You just need

to look a little harder. In some places of East Africa, when it really





rains, dirt roads become impassable and some of the facilities are

forced to close down.

Transport

Driving your own vehicle or renting a car for safari might be the

cheapest available option, especially in Southern Africa. Park roads

are well indicated and it’s possible to buy local maps at the entrance.

However self-driving is not always possible. In private game

reserves and certain nature reserves, you can only go on safari with

cars provided by the lodge or park.





INGREDIENT #3:

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!

And How to Maximize Your Game Viewing Chances

safari spent in the African savannah enchants you with

wonderful sights and unforgettable experiences. Here are just

a few rules and some advice that should improve your game viewing

chances…

Wake Up VERY Early

This is absolutely rule number one. I know it might sound strange,

especially while you’re on a holiday, but out in the bush you'll need

to be rising before dawn. Early mornings and late afternoons are

simply the best times of the day to encounter wild animals. At noon,

the sun is at its hottest and animals tend to hide under the thickets,

minimizing your chances for game viewing. Even when you do see

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them, they're usually lounging around doing nothing or sleeping

because it's too hot.

A typical safari game drive begins at around 5:30 AM (6-ish for the

lazy ones), and lasts around 2-3 hours. Make sure you wear warm

clothing, as mornings can be quite chilly when you're in an open

safari vehicle.

Afternoon game drives usually start at 3/4 PM and last until after

sunset. Exactly how long will depend on the safari highlights that

day. Some lodges offer night drives which is a huge attraction and

opportunity to spot the nocturnal world of the savannah.

Large-spotted genet in the fork of a tree





Don’t worry: you will have plenty of time to rest in the afternoon

between the safari activities. When in Rome, you do as the Romans

and when in the savannah you do as the animals... so siestas are

encouraged during the heat of the day.

Keep Quiet

While animals are somewhat habituated to the noise of car engines,

they will run away if you are too loud. Remember to stay calm and

be discreet. A single shout or shriek might scare the animal away… If

you stay silent however, then the animal might be inquisitive and

get closer.

Be Patient

Unlike zoos, national parks and African game reserves are wild

areas where animals roam freely. In other words: do not expect to

see lions, rhinos, and elephants every square kilometre. You may

drive for an hour without seeing anything exceptional, perhaps just

a few impala or warthog. But don't worry. When you do see the





famous animals the sighting is elevated, because these are truly wild

mammals in their wild habitat.

Do not panic if you haven't seen the big five on your first game drive.

Persistence is key: it’s usually when you least expect it that you will

bump into the most exciting sightings. Remember to EXPECT THE

UNEXPECTED... Something wonderful and unforgettable will

definitely occur.

Scan the Horizon

Open your eyes, and connect with the African bush. And if your eyes

aren’t good enough, a good pair of binoculars is always handy. Stop

often to scan the horizon; even if it feels like you can’t see a single

noteworthy animal at first sight.

Remember that many animals blend in with their surroundings. If

you’re patient (and quiet), something will happen and someone's

camouflage will be betrayed.

By being slow and patient I have spotted lions on several occasions.





Be attentive to small details around you. Look for unusual

movements among the trees, or strange shadows in the open. Listen

for any awkward sounds. Look for everything and anything.

Sometimes, your imagination might play tricks on you (“It’s a LION…

oops, nope. Only another rock.”). But it will also reward you with

some exquisite findings. Even the smallest creatures, such as

chameleons, dung beetles, snakes, or tree iguanas are a delight to

watch.





Talk to Your Guide

If you are on a guided safari, spend some time chatting with your

guide prior to departure. Don’t forget to ask questions about the

area. There’s no shame in being curious about what can be expected

from the game drive. Based on your guide’s responses, tell him what

you’d like to see.

What are your interests? Are you an animal lover, a cat lover, or a

birder? Let the guide know what your expectations are and the

revered sights you'd love to see.

Be specific! The more specific you are, the better your chances of

being satisfied with what you encounter and discover.

This way, your guide will take you to designated areas where you’re

more likely to see what interests you most.

Let’s say that you’re a huge cheetah fan. If your safari guide is truly

an expert (which I’m sure he will be), then he’ll concentrate his

efforts in taking you to areas that are most suitable for cheetahs,

such as plains and open grasslands. I am not saying that you can





only find these cats in those habitats, but the game drive will

provide a higher probability of finding them.

INGREDIENT #4:

PREVENTIVE HEALTH MEASURES!

Or How to Prevent Mosquito Bites

hile I don't suppose to make any health decisions for anyone,

here are five easy things you can do that make a difference on

safari. When it comes to health, it’s prudent to do what you can to

prevent the worst, even if it happens to be unlikely.

1. Anti-Malarial Tablets

I actually prefer not to take antimalarial medication. I'm not a fan of

these medications and try to avoid them as it's difficult to keep taking it

for prolonged periods. But I'm definitely not going to advise that you do

the same.

W





Contracting malaria has deadly consequences and you should get

recommendations from your doctor. Antimalarial tablets are especially

recommended for anyone on their first trip to Africa. Not everywhere in

Africa carries a malaria risk. Unfortunately, almost all the main safari

destinations do.

No antimalarial medication is 100% effective and there is no

vaccination. There's generally three types of antimalarial medication and

they must be taken throughout the trip, plus a week or so before and

after the trip. Again, your doctor will advise.

Malarone (atovaquone / proguanil) is a daily medication widely regarded

as having the least side effects; it's also the most expensive. Doxycycline

is a daily medication that is widely taken but some suffer side effects

such as sun sensitivity and migraines. Mefloquine / Lariam is only taken

weekly but a higher proportion of people suffer from its side effects.

2. Mosquito Repellent

A good mosquito repellent is compulsory between dusk and dawn,

and the hours of transition between night and day. Apply mosquito





repellent to your skin and pay attention to your ankles, wrists, and

feet.

You may be wondering: what is a good mosquito repellent?

The best mosquito repellent is a product that contains at least 20%

of DEET, the most active ingredient in insect repellents.

Effective alternatives to DEET oils include Citriodiol, nature’s most

effective insect repellent (produced from eucalyptus Citriodora oil),

Citronella, or Picaridin. The latter is believed to be the most pleasant





to use. Picaridin is relatively odourless, and it has a gentle and clean

feel to it.

3. Mosquito Net

Sleeping inside a mosquito net is the greatest way to prevent

mosquito bites. To further your chances of a good night’s sleep,

spray your net with Permethrin.

“If you think you are too small to be effective, you

have never been in bed with a mosquito.”

* Betty Reese

4. Long Sleeves and Pants After Dark

Try to camouflage yourself at both dusk and dawn, when the little

creatures are most active. Wear neutral colours (light-coloured

clothing) if you can. Dark colours have a tendency to attract the

insects.





5. Diet Control

Do you have a sweet tooth? Because mosquitoes are extremely fond

of sugar, their preferred nutrient source for energy. They need sugar

to fly.

Knowing this fact, you can probably guess that people with a higher

sugar intake in their diet are arguably more prone to mosquito bites.

The reason I have used the word “arguably” is because there are

plenty of theories on the subject. A friend of mine actually believes

the opposite. His opinion is worth noting:

“Mosquitoes are not attracted by what we eat. It is the way that

bacteria break down emissions from our pores. So-called ‘old sweat’

(with lots of bacteria) is highly attractive to mosquitoes. Therefore

tourists can eat as much sugar as they’d like to.”

So this might be the good excuse you’ve been waiting for to start

avoiding some of the cakes and yummy pastries! Most sweet rolls

contain yeast that, once exuded through the pores, alters one’s

scent. Mosquitoes are able to smell these odours from miles away!

One smell they don't like is tonic water. There's a chemical that





disagrees with them. Which is why all the colonial administrators

drank so much gin and tonic.

Other Useful Tips

Switch off unnecessary lighting, as mosquitoes are attracted to

it.

Use mosquito coils under your bed or dining table to repel

insects. Despite their somewhat uninviting smell, mosquito

coils are highly effective and can last for as much as 8 hours.

Do not abuse the use of perfume, deodorant, or after-shave.

Mosquitoes are more attracted to these things than anyone

else around you!

Did You Know?

Here are some interesting mosquito facts for you.





Mosquitoes are able to catch the scent of your blood from as far

as 50 meters away.

Only the female mosquito feeds on human blood, which

contains proteins that the insect requires to lay its eggs.

Consequently, only female specimens transmit the malaria

disease.

A common misconception is that mosquitoes can transmit the

HIV virus. It’s simply not true. In fact, the HIV virus cannot

survive in the mosquito.





Presently, over 350-500 million cases of malaria are reported

each year, where over 1 million of these cases are deadly

(WHO figures).

INGREDIENT #5:

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION!

Learn Some Basic Swahili & Make Some Local Friends

hile on safari, it's respectful and enjoyable to communicate

with locals in their own language. Here’s a list of terms and

expressions you may want to learn before venturing to East Africa…

W





Jambo/Hujambo – Hello.

Habari/Habari gani – How are you?

Habari yako – What’s your news?

Nzuri – Fine.

Nzuri tu – Just fine.

Nzuri sana – Very well.

Jina lako nani – What is your name?

Jina langu ni – My name is…

Habari za asubuhi – Good morning.

Habari za mchana – Good afternoon.

Habari za jioni – Good evening.

Asante – Thank you.

Asante sana – Thank you very much.

Hodi – Anyone in? “Before entering a house” (as you

approach).

Karibu – Welcome/Come in/Enter.

Kwaheri – Goodbye/Bye.

Kwaheri ni – Goodbye (many).

Safari njema – Safe travels/Have a good trip.

Lala salama – Sleep well.

Unakwenda wapi – Where are you going?

Unatoka wapi – Where are you from?

Ndiyo – Yes.





Hapana – No.

Sijui – I don’t know.

Kidogo – A little.

Tafadhali – Please.

Hakuna matata/Hakuna wasiwasi – No problem/No worries

(like in the “Lion King” song ).

“The biggest lesson from Africa was that life’s joys come mostly from relationships and friendships, not from material things. I saw time and again how much fun Africans had with their families and friends and on the

sports fields; they laughed all the time.”

* Andrew Shue





Thank you for

your attention & “safari njema”! I

hope to chat with you again soon…

