African Safari Tips: 9 Things to Know Before You Go

Planning an African safari is exciting, and a little overwhelming if it’s your first time. These African safari tips cover what our Nairobi-based team tells every guest before they travel: when to go, where to go, what to pack, how to stay healthy, and what to expect on the ground.

1. Best Times to Visit

The best wildlife viewing in East Africa is in the dry seasons, January to March and June to October. Vegetation is thinner and animals gather around water, making them easier to see and photograph.

To see the Great Migration’s dramatic river crossings in the Masai Mara and northern Serengeti, travel between July and October. The green seasons (April to May and November to December) bring lush landscapes, newborn animals, fewer visitors and lower rates.

2. Choosing Your Destination

• Kenya: the Masai Mara, Amboseli’s elephants beneath Kilimanjaro and the Great Migration.
• Tanzania: the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and the baobabs of Tarangire.
• Uganda and Rwanda: mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in misty forests.
• Southern Africa: Big Five safaris near Kruger, the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls.

3. What to Pack

Pack light, neutral-coloured clothes (khaki, beige, olive) that you can layer. Avoid bright colours, and avoid dark blue and black, which attract tsetse flies. Long sleeves and trousers protect you from the sun and insects.

• Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and strong sunscreen
• Insect repellent and a small torch or headlamp
• Binoculars, one pair per person if you can
• For gorilla trekking: waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves and a rain jacket

4. Health and Travel Documents

See your doctor or a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before you travel for advice on vaccinations and anti-malaria medication. A yellow fever certificate may be required, especially if you travel between East African countries. Drink only bottled or purified water, which good lodges provide, and bring a small first-aid kit with any personal medication.

Check the latest entry rules before you fly, including Kenya’s ETA and travel insurance requirements and Tanzania’s health surveillance form.

5. Photography Tips

Bring a camera with a good zoom lens (at least 200mm) to photograph wildlife from a distance, and a beanbag or monopod to steady it on game drives. Pack spare memory cards and batteries, as charging can be limited in remote camps, and a dust-proof bag for your equipment.

The golden hours of early morning and late afternoon give the best light, and that’s when animals are most active.

6. Weather and Climate

Many safari areas sit at high altitude, so even on the equator, early mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cool. Pack a warm fleece or jacket for game drives. Days can be hot, so wear layers you can remove, and use sun protection even when it’s cloudy.

7. Money and Tipping

US dollars are widely accepted. Bring recent, undamaged notes, as older or torn notes are often refused, plus small denominations for tips and purchases.

Tipping is customary on safari. As a guide, allow about USD 10–15 per day for your driver-guide, USD 5–10 per day for camp staff, and USD 10–20 for your gorilla trekking guide. Many lodges also have a communal tip box.

8. Cultural Etiquette

Always ask before photographing people, especially in villages and markets; some communities may ask for a small fee. Dress modestly in towns and villages. A few words of Swahili, like Jambo (hello) and Asante (thank you), are always appreciated.

9. Food and Dining

Lodges and camps serve international dishes, often with local flavours, and can cater for vegetarian and special diets if you tell us in advance. Meals follow the game drive schedule: an early breakfast around 6 am, lunch at camp or as a picnic, and dinner after the evening drive.

Frequently Asked Questions