Common First-Time Mistakes

1. Overpacking

Nearly all domestic flights in Kenya limit your luggage allowance to 33 lbs, and that is for ALL your gear: bag, backpack, purse...

I recommend taking 4-5 t-shirts, 3 pairs pants (maybe 1 pr shorts), a long sleeve shirt, undergarments, fleece/jacket and rain gear. Plus any camera gear. Keep in mind that most camps offer same-day laundry service. Skip items like shampoo and other toiletries that will be available at the camp, and forego things like hair dryers and curling irons.

Tip: Weigh your luggage before leaving home and off-load anything that isn't really necessary.

2. Expecting non-stop action

Don't worry, you will see lots of animals! But there will be slow times, too. And the more remote areas may make your guide work that much harder. Be patient, and know that things can turn exciting at a moment's notice!

3. Only focusing on the Big 5

From birds to bugs, flowers to frogs, there is so much to see on safari! Yes, the Big 5 are definitely a draw, and something that most first-timers hope - and maybe expect - to see, but that's not all there is. Take time time to explore your environment. Ask your guide to show you unusual sightings and explain them. One of my favorite things is dung beetles! They are miraculous!

4. Not asking questions

You truly have a walking encyclopedia of the bush at your fingertips in your guide and tracker. Most times, they've grown up in the bush and know the animals, birds, plants, trees, you name it! They can recognize paw prints, and what direction they are headed, how many there were, whether that line is from a snake or an elephant dragging his trunk... you name it. Remarkable!

5. Booking too short of a trip

You'll no doubt hear that you can do a safari in 6 days. And yes, you can. But should you? Is that the best use of your time and money?

For many people, this may be the only safari you'll ever take. Don't rush, or you'll miss the beauty of being in the wild, with nature at your feet.

I recommend at least 3-4 nights per camp, and ideally 3 different locations on a trip. That might look like 3 entirely different areas of the country, of possibly 2 safari camps plus a trip to the coast for beach time. But remember, you're not just ticking off a checklist and going home. This is so much more, and you need time to fully embrace the moment.

6. Trying to do too many locations

Along the same lines, many scheduled group itineraries have you moving camps every 2 days. People often underestimate the travel time between camps, then having to pack and unpack every 2 days makes for a rushed trip, never allowing you to really settle into a locations.

7. Choosing a camp based on price alone

Generally speaking, if you look for the cheapest option, you're least likely to have the best experience, as again, generally speaking, 'you get what you pay for.' Conversely, don't expect that the most expensive lodge will be the best. Look through my recommendations here and look for what makes the most sense to you and your budget.

Likewise, watch out for generalizations from travel agents who make sweeping claims. I once had one say that 'all guides are good for photography these days' and that is categorically untrue. I've had all sorts of experiences with guides unfamiliar with the needs of photographers. And a friend once had one of her worst experiences with a guide from a preeminent lodge in South Africa. So watch for things that sound too good to be true.

And btw, if you need a recommendation for a local outfitter that I trust without hesitation, please reach out! Jan@offgalavanting.com