10 Common Mistakes First-Time Safari Travellers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
1. Overpacking You don’t need multiple outfit changes for each day. Pack light, practical clothing that’s easy to wash and dry. Majny lodges offer laundry services. Overpacking makes travel harder and can increase costs on small charter flights.
2. Choosing the Wrong Safari Season Your experience depends heavily on timing. For example, the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania happens at specific months, while dry seasons are best for game viewing. Research your destination’s wildlife patterns before booking.
3. Ignoring Luggage Restrictions If your itinerary includes bush flights, soft bags are often required, and weight limits can be strict. Ignoring this can lead to extra charges or delays. Always check luggage rules before packing.
5. Skipping Travel Insurance Unexpected events can happen, from missed flights to medical emergencies. Travel insurance protects you from high costs and disruptions. Always confirm it covers safari destinations and activities.
6. Focusing Only on the Big Five Many first-timers expect to see only lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo. This can make you overlook equally fascinating species like wild dogs, cheetahs, or rare birds. Keep your expectations broad.
7. Underestimating Early Start's Morning game drives often start before sunrise, when animals are most active. Skipping these reduces your chances of seeing key wildlife activity. Adjust your sleep schedule to get the most out of each day.
8. Forgetting Sun and Insect Protection Even in cooler seasons, sun exposure can be intense. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Also, pack insect repellent, especially in areas with mosquitoes.
9. Not Respecting Wildlife Distance Getting too close can stress animals and put you at risk. Follow your guide’s instructions at all times. Use zoom lenses for photography instead of moving closer.
Avoiding these mistakes can make your safari smoother, safer, and more rewarding. Grayton Expeditions specialises in tailoring trips to match what you want to see and experience, while handling the logistics that first-timers often overlook.
Ready to plan your safari the right way? Contact Grayton Expeditions today to start your booking.
