Top 5 tips for staying safe and comfortable on safari
At Kusini Safaris, we get asked a lot of questions from first-time and seasoned travellers alike about staying safe on safari. Your safety and comfort whilst on safari is our number one priority and we will never compromise on this. You will be very well looked after. Here are our top five things you can do to make sure your experience is the best and safest it can be!
1. Bring your Medication and Get your Vaccinations
Consult a medical practitioner before travelling to talk about vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis, and take their advice on what is necessary. Ensure you have all your personal medication (including malaria prophylaxis) and a small personal medical kit can come in handy. Remember, usually you need to start taking your prophylaxis before you leave. Please tell us about any medical conditions which may affect your comfort whilst on safari prior to travelling.
2. Get Comprehensive Travel and Medical Insurance
Our safaris include emergency medical evacuation. This will get you to a hospital in case of emergency but will not cover any medical expenses you have in-country. This should be the major element of your travel insurance policy, which can also cover things like lost baggage, missed connections, cancellations and lost personal items. (You must take out cancellation cover on booking your safari if you want that to be covered). It’s not expensive and you can get it through work, your credit card or any number of places. We insist on it.
3. Check the Weather and Consult our Packing List
Have a look at our packing list here to see what you need to bring. You will be far more comfortable on safari if you are well-prepared and appropriately attired! When people read about the strict 15kg luggage limit on bush planes, the first thing they think about leaving behind is sweaters and jackets. Don’t do this! Especially in the winter months (June-August) and the rainy season (December-April), it can get chilly and wet. Remember most of the camps we use are very open by design and you’ll be out on the back of an open game viewer most mornings. Dress respectfully in coastal towns and villages, covering shoulders and knees. Bring some long sleeves and trousers for the evenings to keep off the mosquitos. It will also get (potentially very) hot! Don’t forget your sunhat and sunglasses and of course sunscreen. Respect the sun and drink plenty of water.
4. Looking After You and Your Things
We book our luxury safaris end to end, and we handle everything in between. This is not an internet package deal where you turn up and no one’s there, or the hotel doesn’t know who you are. We are with you all the way. When you emerge into the arrivals hall there will be a nice friendly person with your name on a big signboard who will look after you. We’d recommend a money belt for your passports, cash and cards. Keep your valuables on you when moving from place to place, don’t pack valuables like expensive cameras in your hold luggage. Most lodges and resorts have safes in the rooms.
5. Listen to Your Guide!
Yes, there are wild animals on safari. No, they do not want to jump in the vehicle with you. But they are still wild animals. Your guide is a professional, with a deep understanding of these animals and their behaviour, sometimes even as individuals. They know what they are doing so listen to them and do as they say at all times!