Tips, Tricks, and Packing for Your African Safari

(424 Reviews)
99% Recommended

Pam MacIntyre

Maple Grove, MN

Australia & New Zealand Specialist

New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...

New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?

I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.

The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!

Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!

Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!

Australia

Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.

While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.

And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.

Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.

Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.

Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!     

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Pam MacIntyre

Can Be Reached At

1-763-231-8893

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Tips, Tricks, and Packing for Your African Safari

My safari with Central Holidays took me to both the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the experience!

That said, preparing for my safari was unlike any vacation I’ve had in my 26 years. I’ll admit, I was a bit anxious about the trip, but not for the reasons you might think. Packing was my biggest source of stress—I imagined heading to a super hot destination and ended up overpacking for the heat. However, once I arrived, I quickly learned how to better prepare for a trip like this, and I’m excited to share those insights with you.

Based on what I learned along the way, here are some helpful tips, tricks, and packing advice to get you ready for your own safari adventure: 

Packing and Travel Tips:

• Camera: I recommend considering bringing a high-quality camera to capture all the epic moments. One option to think about is the Nikon CoolPix with at least a 60x zoom (fixed lens). While you won’t be able to change lenses, it’s perfect for wildlife shots, offers great photo quality from a distance, and has the added benefit of being a fairly compact camera. While I was able to get some decent photos with my camera phone, there were definitely shots my cell phone couldn’t compete with.


• Backpack: Bring a small backpack for the game drives to carry essentials to keep hands free.


• Safari Clothing: Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics. It’s best to bring layers, especially for game drives in the morning and evening. To blend with your surroundings, wear colors like greens, tans, browns, and khaki. Avoid white, cream, and light colors that show dirt and dust, as well as bright colors like yellow and neon. Also, avoid dark blue and black, as they attract bugs. Red is discouraged because it is said to be feared by lions, due to its association with the Maasai, who traditionally wear red while hunting lions as part of their coming-of-age rituals.


• Swimsuit: While not all properties will have a swimming pool, it's best to bring one, as there’s a good chance one or more of your resorts may have one.


• Binoculars: A must-have for spotting wildlife at a distance.


• Safari Hat & Fanny Pack: A hat for sun protection and a small fanny pack for carrying your phone and small items are essential.


• Comfortable Footwear: Both sturdy shoes and sandals are necessary for walking and game drives.


• Rain Gear: It can rain unexpectedly, so be sure to bring waterproof gear.


• Motion Medicine: The roads can be bumpy, so bring some motion sickness meds if needed.


• Insect Repellent & Sunscreen: Best to bring these from home so you're prepared and avoid high costs or not finding the products you prefer.


• Small Charger: You’ll be using your phone and camera a lot, so an extra charger is essential to keep your devices powered.


• Bring the right adapters and converters

Money and Currency:

• USD Accepted in both Kenya and Tanzania, but make sure your bills are newer as some places only accept newer currency.


• Credit Card Fees: Be aware that credit card charges may incur a 5% fee. Consult your credit card company or bank for detailed info on all potential fees before you travel.


• Local Gifts: Have enough cash for local souvenirs/gifts. Some vendors may not accept cards.


• Tips/Tip Boxes: For Guides, Staff, Drivers, etc.

On the Safari:

• Wildlife Photography: While it’s amazing to take photos, don’t forget to occasionally put down the camera and take in the incredible views with your own eyes—those mental snapshots are priceless.


• Masai Mara to Serengeti Flight: During the flight, you may see elephants, wildebeest, hippos, and antelope. It’s a beautiful aerial view!


• Maasai Photos: If you take a photo of a Maasai tribal member, be prepared to give a small tip. Not doing so can be seen as inconsiderate.


• Game Drive Etiquette: Enjoy the wildlife, but always be respectful and avoid disturbing animals during the drives.

Health and Safety:

• Water: Always use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Keep your mouth shut during showers to avoid swallowing local water.  Bring a refillable water bottle.


• Laundry Service: It’s very inexpensive, so pack light and leave room for local treasures!


• Safe Your Valuables: When in camps, lock up your valuables and food. Monkeys otherwise may love to visit your tent, and they might take something if left out.

Other Tips:

• Multiple Copies of Your Visa: Especially for Tanzania, it’s a good idea to have a few copies.


• Sunglasses: The sun can be intense, so don’t forget to pack sunglasses.


• WiFi: WiFi can be spotty on safari, but that’s part of the charm! Embrace it and make memories around the campfire. 


• Border Photos: Do not take photos at border crossing stations, as doing so could result in the permanent confiscation of your camera.


• Small Planes: Some charter flights are very small (12-20 pax), so it’s a tight squeeze, but the view is worth it!

Let's work together to plan your dream safari, ensuring you fully experience and appreciate all the incredible wonders that Africa has to offer!