- Bring comfortable clothing and gear up for your outing in the bush. Don’t forget your insect repellent, a good torch, sunblock and a hat, a pair of binoculars, and your latest camera model!

- Pay your entrance fee and keep your permit with you at all times.

Serengeti Fees...

- Take as many pictures as you want and experience the peace and calmness of the African bush.

- Enjoy the wildlife and Africa’s exquisite sunset with a cup of tea, biscuits or a nice cold beer.

Allowed activities: guided game drives and walks, camping (only in designated areas) and/or mountain bike trails (not in big 5 areas).

Don’ts

- Pet free zone. Pets are not allowed inside any African national park as they may interact, harm (or get harmed) by the local fauna.

- Gun free zone. For obvious reasons, guns are also forbidden. The only people who are allowed a gun are the local guides and some of the staff.

- Don’t interplay with wild animals. NB: Touching the game is prohibited!

- Do not feed the game (as they may get sick). Feeding wild animals also establishes a dependency cycle and this is definitely not how things ought to be.

Ironic, isn't it?!

- Only drive on allowed roads.

- Hanging out of vehicles/unattended walks are forbidden. Inadvertent tourists are looking for trouble!

- Overnight stays are only allowed in designated areas (camping areas, lodges, etc.).

- Overspeeding is not accepted. In most national parks, the allowed speed is between 30 and 50 km/h max. In some instances (on tarred roads for example), travel speed may reach 60-65 kph.

- National parks have strict opening/closing hours. Make sure you leave the park entry before dark.

Ngorongoro Gate Entry Times.

- Keep your noise levels low at all times (especially at night). Noise is a nuisance to both guests and animals.

- Drunken behavior is not tolerated, and alcohol may not be consumed in public areas nor in your private vehicle.

- What you see in a national park must remain that way. In other words, removing firewood or disrupting the flora are an absolute no no.

- Smoking/making fire is prohibited.

- Do not litter.

SANParks Rules and Regulations Illustrated (VIDEO)

“Thanks for visiting and enjoy your stay!”

“the safari guides’ salary ranges anywhere from 10,000 tsh (Tanzanian Shillings) to 40 USD per day. Is there any ‘standard’ salary for safari guide drivers?”

While I ain’t no expert in the domain, I did a little research and thought I’d have a go at the question.

Here’s my version of the story, and I’ve tried to include some of the key variables to take into account when looking at the topic:

1. Standard of Living + Cost of Living

With the majority of African people living with barely a dollar a day (or even less), salaries are often aligned in terms of the local economy. Practically speaking, if you apply for a job in Tanzania or South Africa, the difference in pay check can be quite drastic.

In countries like Kenya or Tanzania for instance, it is not unusual to find game rangers making as little as $50-60 a month. While I am not aware of official rates for South African guides, I would assume their wages to be at least 5-10 times as much.

2. How Much Money are You Worth?

As previously stated, salaries can vary quite a bit. At the end of the day, it also depends on how much you think you‘re worth! Are you worth $1000 per month, $2000 per month maybe? What’s the minimum amount of money you’d be ready to work for?

Or, in other words, how much work would you be ready to put into the job for the amount of money you’d like to receive? Remember that you fix the rules, as long as they feel realistic to you (and ultimately to the potential employer).

3. Qualifications

How qualified are you as a safari guide? Do you know your birds and animals right? Do you have interesting stories to tell your guests? How about your sense of humor? How good is your English? These skills are highly regarded when a potential employer is skimming through your CV.

Other aspects that may boost your overall value to safari employers:

- Driving skills. Very obvious you might say, but you’d be surprised as to how many so-called “safari guides” can successfully utilize the “4 x 4″ lever.

- Mechanical skills. Imagine this: you break down right in the middle of a pride of lions. What next?

- Bush navigation (and orientation) + survival skills.

- Dangerous game/rifle handling.

- Eyesight and general abilities at animal spotting/animal tracking.

- Communication and facilitation skills.

- First aid knowledge and assistance.

- Dealing with guests.

- Photographic skills and binocular usage.

4. Tipping

Tipping is another aspect of the deal not to be neglected. In some instances, the standard salary is pretty low ($200-500 per month), but safari guides can make a substantial amount of extra cash through tipping.

If you’re a great safari guide with lots of interesting stories and jokes to tell your clients, I’m pretty sure you can earn a decent wage.

Be charismatic, be yourself, and the rest should follow!

How much of a tip can you expect from your guests?

The real question to ask is rather: Did I really do my very best to ensure that my clients had a pleasant and enjoyable time? Did I adapt my objectives to the guest’s needs and interests? If the answer is yes, then you should get rewarded and rightfully so. If not, don’t despair: you’ll sure get luckier next time!

5. Overall Package/Lifestyle

Lastly, you should think of your wage as an overall package. What are some of the advantages that you might get with the job offer at stake?

Do you get a standard salary alone, or do you get a relatively low wage + free accommodation + free food + wonderful lifestyle, get to live in and experience beautiful scenery every day, et cetera?

In some instances, the offer may seem unattractive at first, but in the end (when you really think about it), it becomes clear that you are making the right choice.

Enjoy!

Animal-Related

- Animal names in African languages (DOWNLOAD)

- Animal checklist (DOWNLOAD)

- Fun animal riddles

- Fastest animals in Africa

- Most venomous African snakes

- Most elegant antelope species

- Typical safari bird species

- Africa’s deadliest creatures?

- Weirdest creatures in Africa?

- Coolest-looking creatures

- Fun “bum” beauty contest

Books

- Safari tips ebook (DOWNLOAD)

- Safari guides I personally recommend (BUY)

Culture

- African languages basics

- Swahili greetings

- Typical South African expressions

Equipment

- Camera equipment suggestions

- Best safari binoculars?

- How to clean your equipment – the problem of dust

Overlanding

- Planning your overland

- Items to bring

- Most beautiful overland spots?

Packing

- Packing list essentials

- How to pack clever

- Choice of luggage

- Clothing

Screensavers

- Animal screensaver for PC & Mac (DOWNLOAD)

Sounds

- Most popular safari sounds

Tips

- Animal spotting and game viewing

- Mosquito precautions

- 8 Essential safari tips

As summer approaches, thousands of people will plan vacations to Africa, with a majority of them hoping to see majestic creatures like lions, elephants, and gazelles in their natural habitat. However, an increase in tourism means that the welfare of these animals could also be compromised.

To help ensure a safe and sustainable safari, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has compiled the following tips:

1. Research a safari company’s background before reserving a trip: Some tourism outfitters cater specifically to guests seeking a photo safari, while others specialize in hunting trips. Make sure an outfitter employs trained guides and/or naturalists who know the local rules. Many companies in the region offer tours led by inexperienced individuals who lack the necessary knowledge to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience which doesn’t harm animals.

2. Find a safari company that supports local community initiatives: Some companies will utilize a portion of their profits to support local programs, such as wildlife protection in community-owned conservancies, animal conservation outreach and education development, while also providing employment opportunities to community members.

3. Follow all park rules: Safaris provide a rare chance for tourists to get up close and personal with wild animals in their natural habitats. However, with this opportunity comes a great amount of responsibility. Off-road and reckless driving, herding, speeding, or noise pollution from safari vehicles could disturb or even spook the wildlife, putting everyone in the vicinity in danger.

4. Don’t be a part of the problem: In the wild, even the smallest piece of litter could negatively impact the entire ecosystem of a region, so visitors must remain extremely diligent throughout their trip. Additionally, it is important that tourists buy local souvenirs and confirm that trinkets are not made from animal parts or indigenous wood.

5. Don’t turn a blind eye: Report any violation to the relevant wildlife authorities, such as park or reserve rangers, conservation managers, a trusted local organization, or lodge management. Remember, animal mistreatment is bad for tourism and reflects poorly on the community, so it is important to voice concerns, respectfully, to the appropriate authorities.

Upon returning home from your trip, a follow-up letter to your country’s embassy may help to reinforce your overall concern and prompt additional action.

The Kalahari Desert is no exception. However, you will notice that the Bushmen people (also known as the San people), have found a great way to adapt to the harsh environment.

In order to find water in the Kalahari Desert, they use a specific root called the “bi! bulb”. “Bi!”, in bushman language means “milk”, and the bi! bulb is often referred to as the milk root.

Enjoy!

You’ve read all the advice you can handle (perhaps even my post on how to pack clever for your African bush adventure!) but when it comes down to the line, you still have no idea whether your favourite sweater is going to be a help or a hindrance, if you should pack jeans, how many pairs of socks is enough and what on earth to expect once you are out in the wilds.

What to wear on safari is something of a conundrum, the answer to which is entirely dependent on whether you are a complete slave to fashion and worry constantly about your appearance, or whether you don’t care if your trousers absolutely match your shirt and if your shoes co-ordinate properly with your camera bag.

So, in a bid to help sort the wheat from the chaff when it comes to safari style, I am going to take a look at what I believe to be the ultimate safari wardrobe which won’t break the scales at the airport!

First off, let me say that I have seen virtually EVERY take on both the best, and worst dressed safarigoers, including the most practical and impractical safari gear going.

From haute couture animal prints hot off the Milan catwalk, Prada stilletos getting stuck in between the slats of wooden decks and $300 silk scarves ripped to shreds by thorn bushes to Victoria’s Secret lingerie being pilfered by baboons and draped for all to see high in the branches of an acacia tree, I can tell you tales of complete wardrobe disasters, but, happily, some equally good success stories.

OK. So – what constitutes a great safari wardrobe to suit every possible incident, occasion and event? Well, for me it’s one which you can afford to lose. Or at the very least have ruined!

Lesson No 1 in safari style is to NEVER take your best clothes into the bush. If I find a pair of shorts, or trousers, or a top I love and know that it would break my heart to have it ruined on safari, I usually buy two – one for best and one for the bush.

And if the item comes in different colours, I buy the range! This way, over the years, I have acquired what I call my “bush stalwarts” – clothes which come everywhere with me, which can be teamed together to create practical, and yet stylish outfits.

The basic colour range is simple: khaki, beige, white and brown (or variations thereof!). I avoid black and blue during the day because they attract tsetse flies but do occasionally take these colours for evening wear, when the tsetse’s have gone to bed!

Lesson No 2 is learning how many of each item you will need. I always go with four of the basics - four pairs of shorts, four pairs of cut-off pants, four string vests, four T-shirts, four pairs of long pants, four button-through shirts (two of which are long-sleeved), four sets of underwear, four pairs of socks… you get the drift I am sure!

When I travel in winter, or during the colder months of the year, I add to this scenario two lightweight long-sleeve T shirts and two knitted sweaters, plus two fleeces or warm jackets, thermal long-johns, gloves, scarf and a beanie.

I ALWAYS pack a swimsuit (because even in the winter, it’s usually warm enough to suntan during the day and sometimes even swim) and a couple of sarongs/kikoys. This is a fairly unisex wardrobe, which works for guys as well as gals!

Lesson No 3 concerns footwear. In the heat of the summer I pack two pairs of “bush slops” – flip flops (thongs) which are heavy-duty, waterproof and good enough to handle walking in light bush for game drives, two or three pairs of fashion flip-flops for around camp and evening meals and a pair of good walking shoes (Merrells) for walking safaris.

In the winter I replace the walking shoes with walking boots and add a pair of lightweight faux-fur lined “trendy” flat boots for evening wear.

Accessorize – that’s the key to Lesson No 4 – for guys this means very little, but for girls – it’s the difference between a good safari wardrobe and a bad one. Two or three lightweight coloured scarves and/or wraps are a must in my safari bag.

Usually they have beadwork or applique of some description on them and can be used to dress up even the most conservative safari outfit to add a dash of glamor to evening meals. Team them up with a couple of great “ethnic” bead necklaces and ear-rings.

Hats are essential on safari, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be fun. I have a couple of lightweight, floppy straw sun-hats which are great for tiger fishing as well as the usual peak baseball-style caps.

Lesson No 5 is all about quality. Everything I take into the bush with me has stood the test of time, the rigours of hand-washing and bumping and grinding in the back of a safari vehicle halfway across Africa.

So it’s important to check your clothes before you pack to make sure they can be hand-washed, aren’t going to fall apart the first time you wear them and are not likely to fade too drastically when hung in the sun to dry.

Most of the high-street fashion chains carry good quality fashionable clothing which will stand up to the average safari conditions, avoiding the need to go to specialist outfitters and camping/outdoor stores where things tend to cost a lot more.

And, of course, the big brands like Jeep (a personal favourite because their clothes are practical, hard-wearing and pretty at the same time) and Cat always have some great wardrobe “must haves”.

Finally, Lesson No 6 concerns white. Do you take white clothes into the bush with you? Hell yes. As long as you don’t expect them to remain white for long, and can accept the fact that no matter where you wear it, white is an impractical colour, it’s more or less a bush essential in my book because it reflects sunlight, keeps you cool and goes with everything.

Everyone says don’t wear white on a safari vehicle – but let me tell you that I always have done, and have seen some incredible things while doing so!

Here, natural surroundings span as far as the eye can see, wildlife flourishes, and cultural and historical elements penetrate the atmosphere. There is nothing more inspiring than immersing your family into a natural environment that provides new sights, smells, sounds, and experiences.

As we rely more and more heavily on technology to fuel our minds and entertain us, we lose sight of each other and the world’s most powerful stimulations, found in only one place—nature. There is no television program, video game, website, or movie that can bring you and your family closer together and to exotic wildlife, indigenous cultures, and ground-breaking history than the real Africa.

Explore the fundamentals of family bonding as you venture halfway across the world to discover a new outlook on life and family.

Below are some ways to ensure that everyone in the family has the best time possible in Africa—the stress-free way:

Create Your Itinerary Together: Each family member should have a say in the itinerary of the trip. Getting the children involved in the process is a great way to prepare them for the trip and enable them to feel a part of the decision making. It’s also a great way to ensure everyone is happy and looking forward to the trip.

Mix it Up: When you’re creating your itinerary with your safari consultant, be sure to bring some variety to the vacation. Children can sometimes get bored if they’re repeating the same activity each day. If you’re going to be in South Africa, we suggest you spend time in Kruger National Park to go on safari, then travel to the Cape to see the city, museums, Dutch-inspired villages, and end your trip with the pristine beaches of South Africa.

Use a Private Safari Guide: A private safari guide gives your family the flexibility of having all your experiences focus primarily on your interests. Children can feel a sense of comfort with the guide and ask questions during the entire safari.

Whether you want to witness lion cubs as they playful paw each other, spend the morning tracking a pack of wild dogs, or ride with a herd of zebra or elephant, you may spend as much time viewing as you’d like with a private guide. On the other hand, if you’re participating in a group safari, the other guests may have already seen these sights and want to move on quickly to other experiences. You’re also not able to interact with the guide as much as when you’re on a private safari since other group participants might be asking the guide lots of questions.

Bring Journals: Before leaving for your trip, create or purchase journals for family members who want to participate in savoring experiences through words or drawing pictures of the wildlife they see. This activity facilitates creativity and encourages sharing and conversation with the whole family.

Give everyone a camera: Another way to make the kids feel involved in the trip is to provide each one with a camera (whether it’s digital, disposable, or kid-friendly). Then, when you arrive home from your trip, you can place all of your family photos into a photo album that everyone has contributed to. Your photo album can then serve as a coffee table book that will keep your guests entertained for hours!

Create a scavenger hunt for the kids: Before leaving for your trip to Africa, design a scavenger hunt for your children to take part in while on safari. For example, you could create a booklet with photographs of various African animals on each page with a little checkbox next to each photo. When your child is on safari and spots the animal or plant depicted in the photograph, they can check the box. This is a great way to get children engaged in safari and provide them with a goal for the trip.

Would you love to take your family on a South Africa family safari?

While they are not 100 % efficient (no such medicine is), anti-malarial tablets are highly recommended for travellers exploring regions at risk.

Prophylactic malaria medicines are usually taken a few days to a week before departure, throughout the trip, and 1-4 weeks after travel as the malaria parasites could still be in one’s blood.

Malarone anti-malarial tablets in a box of 12!

Generally speaking, there are two types of anti-malarial medicines on the market: Mefloquine (such as Lariam or Mefaquin) and Atovaquone/Proguanil (like Malarone). Please consult your doctor beforehand as such products may cause severe and permanent side effects.

For sensitive people, a good alternative is Doxycycline. NB: Doxycycline makes you sunburn easily, so you should wear a hat, long sleeves and sunscreen whenever you are in outside daylight.

Rule Number 2: Use Mosquito Repellent

A good mosquito repellent is compulsory between 6 PM and 6 AM. Apply the product to the skin (around neck, arms, legs and ankles), and to clothing for best protection.

What is a good mosquito repellent?

The best mosquito repellent is a product that contains at least 20 % of DEET, the most active ingredient in insect repellents.

This particular example of mosquito repellent contains 30 % of DEET!

Effective alternatives to DEET oils include Citriodiol, nature’s most effective insect repellent (produced from eucalyptus Citriodora oil), Citronella or Picaridin. The latter is believed to be more pleasant to use, it is relatively odourless, and has a gentle, clean feel to it.

Rule Number 3: Sleep with a Mosquito Net

Sleeping with a mosquito net is also a great way to prevent mosquito bites, although it can be quite annoying when the insects get trapped underneath your apparel. To further your chances of a good night sleep, spray your net with Permethrin.

Rule Number 4: Wear Long Sleeves and Pants After Dark

Try to “camouflage” yourself at both dusk and dawn, when the nasty little creatures are most active.

Also wear neutral colours (light-coloured clothing), as dark colours tend to attract the insects.

Rule Number 5: Control your Diet

Do you have a sweet tooth? Because mosquitoes are very fond of sugar, their major fuel for energy and flight. In other words, people with higher sugar intake will arguably be more prone to mosquito bites.

Mosquito going for the bite: a "refreshful" treat!

Might be a good excuse to start a little “regime” and avoid some of those cakes and yummy pastries! Most sweet rolls contain yeast that, once exuded through the pores, alters one’s smell. Mosquitoes can pick up those odors from miles away!

Other Useful Tips

• Switch off unnecessary lighting, as mosquitoes are attracted to it.

• Use mosquito coils under your bed or dining table to repel the insects. Mosquito coils are highly effective (despite their somewhat uninviting smell), and can last as much as 8 hours.

• Don’t use too much perfume, deodorant or after-shave. Mosquitoes are more attracted to it than anyone else around you!

Did You Know? Interesting Mosquito-Related Facts

• Mosquitoes can literally “smell” your blood from as far as 50 m away.

• Only the female mosquito feeds on human blood, which contains protein used by the insect to lay its eggs. Consequently, only female specimens transmit the malaria disease.

• A common misconception states that “mosquitoes can transmit the HIV virus”, yet this is not true. In fact, HIV cannot survive in the mosquito.

• Presently, over 350-500 million cases of malaria are being reported each year, out of which over 1 million are deadly.

Photograph courtesy of Olarro Lodge in Kenya

Imagine if your parents took you on a safari adventure during your adolescent years. Perhaps your life might have taken a different path as you decided what you wanted to be when you grew up. Or, maybe you would have a different outlook on life than you do today. Not to mention, the joyful and unique memories of safari and adventure you would have shared with your parents and siblings—memories that would never fade.

So why not offer your children this wonderful opportunity to explore the historical and cultural riches of Africa and bond as a family in one of the most spectacular destinations on earth?

There is no doubt that a family trip to Africa is one of the most magnificent ways to create family memories, and discover uncharted territory together. Everything Africa has to offer facilitates expansion of the imagination and creativity that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

What benefit is there to experience Africa at a young age?

As a child, your view on the world is much different than that of an adult. Not only do children have a lack of responsibilities and a sense of innocence, but they also have an infinite imagination that primarily contributes to their outlook on life and the world. Showing them at a young age that there are people and areas of the world that are much different from what they know at home is an invaluable way to open their minds and illustrate that not all people and societies are alike.

Some of the most rewarding nuggets of knowledge a child can take away from Africa are lessons in conservation efforts—both environmentally and socially. Although they might not understand the complexity of these situations, they can learn about the importance of wildlife and its impact on the world and its people.

Photograph courtesy of Royal Madikwe in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

Also, children who visit Africa can share their experiences, photos, souvenirs, and discoveries with others their age and introduce those children to Africa and educate them on their visit. There is nothing more powerful than sharing meaningful experiences with your peers and encouraging them to open their minds to new discoveries, people, and cultures.

What activities can my children participate in if my spouse and I want to do something on our own?

Parents can enjoy a day at the spa or on safari while the little ones experience an array of extraordinary and safe activities such as cultural expeditions with the native Sans Bushmen, educational bush walks with the local Maasai, recreational activities, arts and crafts, and more. During cultural expeditions—depending on where your lodge is located—your children will have the opportunity to learn from the native tribes about local cultural traditions and lifestyles, animal tracking techniques, survival techniques, and environmentally-conscious practices.

Arts and crafts programs at many of the lodges allow children to express their creativity and interpret Africa into art through their own eyes. These activities are excellent ways for children to create their own souvenirs and express their unique outlook on Africa.

Some lodges also offer professional babysitters, who will watch the children wherever you wish, whether it’s in the comfort of your suite, in the entertainment room, or by the pool.

Are there age requirements at accommodations throughout Africa?

Although many accommodations do specify age requirements, there are various hotels and lodges throughout Eastern and Southern Africa that do not have any age limitations. Some of the accommodations that do not have age restrictions and specialize in catering to families include Singita’s Castleton Camp in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Olarro Lodge in Kenya, The Mala Mala Camp at Sabi Sands, The Cape Grace in Cape Town, Royal Madikwe in Madikwe Game Reserve, and many more.

The camps that do have age requirements often request that children be a minimum of 8 to 12 years of age. There are also some lodges and hotels that don’t have age requirements for accommodations but do have age limitations for participating in safari game drives. Some lodges and hotels even allow children to stay for free.