8 Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Safari

The dream of going on an African safari has fascinated travelers for centuries. It’s a seductive proposition: being far from home and discovering nature in its purest state. Plan your trip right and you might just be lucky enough to witness a great herd migration or a real-life lion kill. But beginners, beware: It’s no coincidence that safari derives from the Swahili word for “journey.” This isn’t a long weekend in the Caribbean where you can pack a bikini and call it a day—to execute a safari demands significant planning. Don’t fret; it’s hardly an insurmountable feat. Here, a selection of first-timer mistakes to avoid when you finally decide to take the safari plunge.

Dressing Improperly for the ClimateAs much as Americans might believe that all of Africa looks like the savanna from The Lion King, the continent is actually about one-fourth larger than all of North America and, as such, features countless microclimates, from humid jungle to arid salt pans. If you’re on a gorilla trek at Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, for instance, you might be surprised to find yourself in cool, damp forest—not unlike hiking through Maine in the fall. Nothing will ruin your experience faster than the discomfort of being improperly attired, so make sure to research what to wear for your trip.

Forgetting to Bring CashTipping is the rule, not the exception, in Africa, so it’s best to factor this into the cost of your trip. ATMs are few and far between, so make sure to carry cash before leaving home. Plan to give $10 to $20 to each guide per day (from your entire group), as well as about $5 per person per day to your lodge’s staff to cover the service.

Oohing and Aahing Your Way Through the Game DriveAfter all the work that goes into planning your trip, flying halfway across the world, and waking up early for your game drive, there isn’t anything quite like the thrill of seeing your first pride of lions or family of elephants. But please, express yourself with a little composure. Squealing with delight is only going to startle the animals and irritate your fellow travelers.

Going Nuts on the GearThe biggest mistake that newcomers make, according to Volcanoes Safaris founder Praveen Moman, is packing too much stuff: “Some guests arrive with stacks of the latest high-performance equipment and clothing from top-gear labels, which requires several porters to carry to their room. And as they have so much kit, they can’t find what they need!” A few outfits and some extra layers are truly all you will need—but make sure to ask your tour operator for tips.

Messing Around With Malaria PillsMalaria is still very much a serious issue in Africa and responsible for about 400,000 deaths per year. Before your trip, visit your physician and ask for some anti-malaria pills. There are two main types: Lariam, which is fantastically cheap and need only be taken once per week, but has been known to cause some pretty psychedelic side effects like hallucinations and night terrors, and Malarone, which avoids the strange side effects but is significantly more expensive and needs to be taken daily. Pick your poison.

Forgetting Your HatA good topper is going to do more than quench your thirst for Out of Africa vibes—it’s going to keep the sun out your face and dust out of your hair, especially in desert climates. Consider something rugged from Filson or Patagonia, or invest in one you wouldn’t mind wearing at home, as well, like a covetable fedora from Gigi Burris.

Getting Too TipsySomething the first-timer might not realize about a safari is that the whole experience is basically one long bender. Game drives typically end with “sundowners”—a sort of en plein air happy hour—and at mealtimes the booze flows freely. Asking your driver to pull over so you can relieve yourself in the bush is not a dignifying experience. And a 5:00 a.m. wake-up call to catch the sunrise is going to hurt that much more if you’re pairing it with a nasty hangover. Drink responsibly.

OverschedulingIn addition to game drives, your lodge will certainly offer a range of other activities such as village visits, spa treatments, music performances, and the like. Give yourself permission to skip an activity or two. Find a scenic place to sit, enjoy some quiet alone time, and drink in all the magic of this adventure.