Things to Know Before Your Safari

The Best Safaris Aren’t in Cape Town

While you can visit excellent private game reserves in the Western Cape, the region isn’t the natural habitat of the Big Five. If seeing lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo is at the top of your bucket list, I’d recommend travelling to regions like Kruger National Park, Greater Kruger, or other reserves in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, or the Eastern Cape for a more authentic safari experience.

Book a Guided Game Drive

If it’s your first safari, I highly recommend joining a guided game drive. Experienced guides know how to track animals, understand their behaviour, and can often spot wildlife you’d completely miss on your own. I’ve learnt so much from guides over the years, and every safari becomes richer when someone explains what you’re seeing.

Kruger National Park Is Bigger Than You Think

Many first-time visitors underestimate just how vast Kruger is. At nearly 20,000 km², it’s about the size of Slovenia, roughly twice the size of Jamaica, or larger than some entire countries. Driving from one end of the park to the other takes around 10 hours without stopping, so don’t expect to “see Kruger” in a single day. Choose one region and explore it well rather than trying to cover too much ground.

Dress Neutral

Neutral colours like khaki, olive, brown, beige, and green are ideal for safari because they blend into the natural surroundings. Avoid bright colours and neon clothing, which can stand out in the bush, and try to skip camouflage clothing, as it’s associated with military uniforms in some African countries.

Game drives usually start before sunrise when it can be surprisingly cold, even in summer. I always dress in layers—a warm jacket or fleece for the early morning, with lighter clothing underneath as temperatures rise later in the day.

⏰ Early Starts Are Worth It

The alarm clock might feel cruel, but sunrise is one of the best times to be in the bush. Animals are generally most active during the cooler hours of the morning and late afternoon, giving you a much better chance of memorable sightings than during the heat of the day.