The Ultimate Guide to Plan your East African Safari

Once the coronavirus pandemic comes to its end, travel lovers will once again be able to visit mesmerising locations, and enjoy exciting and unique experiences! East Africa is home to pristine beaches, spectacular safari parks, breathtaking mountains, and lush green vegetation. Tourists can not only observe a variety of extraordinary flora and fauna, but also have amazing adventures and experiences! Here is a guide to your trip!

• WHEN TO GO

The best time to visit this gorgeous region is during the winter months of June to October, when wildlife viewing and bird watching is excellent, and trips are not interrupted by rain or stormy weather.

• SAFETY

The region is fairly safe, but there are some precautions that everyone must take; avoid attracting too much attention, book facilities and tours with reliable companies only, keep valuables and belongings safe, do not travel alone at night, and try not to visit areas that seem shady or unsafe.

• WHAT TO PACK

Tourists should pack all necessary items, such as binoculars, torch, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, sunglasses, a plug adapter, batteries, necessary medication, power bank, a sleeping bag (for camping trips), a flask, and a camera. Baggage should be light-weight and medium sized soft duffel bags are recommended as they take up less space and are easy to store.

• WHAT TO WEAR

When planning a safari, it is essential to pack the right clothes. One should wear neutral colors that do not get dirty and avoid too much attention. A jacket or scarf should be packed, to protect from cold. Comfortable shoes are a blessing, as they make walking and exploring easier!

• FOOD

The cuisine has influences of Arabic, Portugese, Indian, and Turkish, styles. The food contains spices such as cardamom, turmeric, cloves, lemongrass, cumin, vanilla, garlic, ginger, and pepper. Drinks such as ginger tea, and sugarcane juice are popular. People can try rice dishes such as pulao and biryani, and seafood such as prawns, and calamari. Tourists can eat foods such as octopus curry, Ugali, chapati, plantain soup, date nut bread, coconut bean soup, grilled beef (Nyama Choma) and kebabs!

• TOP SAFARI LOCATIONS
  • MAASAI MARA

The Maasai Mara in Kenya is home to animals such as elephants, gazelles, leopards, buffaloes, monkeys, warthogs, wildebeests, crocodiles, dik-diks, lions, rhinos, zebras, baboons, and mongooses! The area has scenic views and is best for game viewing and wildlife watching. Visitors can also enjoy a cultural tour to a nearby village to meet the local Maasai people!

1. • ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

Arusha is one of the most spectacular regions in Tanzania, and is known for its amazing wildlife and birds, including species such as flamingos, parrots, herons, geese, crowned eagles, woodpeckers, elephants, gazelles, hyenas, zebras, monkeys, wildebeests, warthogs, hippos, and bushbucks! Visitors can climb the magnificent Mount Meru, hike up Tulusia Hill, enjoy canoeing at Momella Lake, or have a picnic at the Chemeka Hot Springs!

1. • SERENGETI

The vast plains of the Serengeti are home to creatures such as leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, zebras, elephants, gazelles, wildebeests, giraffes, hippos, and monkeys! The rivers are an excellent spot to watch the wildlife. One can also witness the Great Migration of around two million wildebeests!

• LANGUAGE

Many people, especially in the urban and frequently visited areas, know English, but it is not a bad idea to learn a few words and phrases of the local language, Swahili, especially for visiting remote and secluded areas.

• LOCALS

Locals are friendly and often helpful. However, one should not quickly trust anyone, to avoid getting scammed or facing a fraud.

• ADVENTURES
  • WALKING SAFARI

Walking safaris allow visitors to explore the area on foot, giving them a more authentic experience. While this may be very exhausting, it is also one of the most fun filled ways of enjoying a safari!

1. • CAMPING

Staying at camping sites in safari parks is a unique and exciting way of exploring the area. Many sites provide a comfortable, and luxurious place to stay in, where visitors can gain a closer insight into the region.

1. • HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE

An interesting way to explore the Serengeti is to book a hot air balloon ride, which allows visitors to enjoy a birds eye view of the region, and view the amazing wildlife from an extraordinary point of view!

• OTHER TIPS
  1. To avoid getting sick, try to eat warm food, and avoid foods that you are not used to, and might be allergic to.
  2. Try to drink only bottled or filtered water.
  3. When booking any facilities or experiences, one must ensure that the company is reliable and safe.
  4. To prepare for a crisis, tourists should share their itinerary with a trusted contact so they can be found if the need arises.
  5. Tourists should know emergency contact numbers, such as the local police, and the ambulance service of the area.