Nine mistakes to avoid on your safari holiday

Remember your specs

For contact lens wearers, a safari is the perfect time to swap your lenses for glasses. While you might not feel as fashionable, the dusty conditions on a safari can quickly cause eye irritation, making glasses the smarter and more comfortable option during your daytime adventures. Instead, reserve your contacts for dinner and drinks in the evening when the dust has settled.
 

Don’t go without full phone storage

You’ll definitely want to snap a thousand photos of the incredible wildlife, and yes, that includes dozens of shots of the same animal from every angle. But nothing kills the excitement faster than seeing that dreaded ‘Storage is Full’ message right when the perfect shot presents itself. Before your trip, clear out your phone or camera to make space for your new safari memories.
 

Lions walking past the safari jeep

Manage your expectations

‘Patience is a virtue’ has never rung so true when it comes to a safari. You’re stepping into the natural world at its finest, where Mother Nature calls the shots, and her timing is often unpredictable. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t catch some of the wildlife you want to see straight away; safaris are all about the thrill of the unexpected. Embrace the journey and you’ll spot some breathtaking sights when the time is right – they’ll be well worth the wait.
 

Don’t scrimp on the experience

If you’re curious about how much a safari holiday will cost, the truth is that it varies. However, if there’s one trip worth splurging on, it’s a safari. While many operators advertise budget-friendly options, these often come at the expense of key experiences. To make your safari truly unforgettable, be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. Invest in a quality experience—you’ll be rewarded with a journey that’s well worth the extra cost.
 

Avoid overloading your itinerary

Make no mistake, a safari holiday can be exhausting! With early mornings and late nights, the adventure quickly catches up with you. To remain perky and in good spirits, it’s crucial to schedule some downtime. Plan rest days to recharge, especially if you are travelling in between multiple locations.
 

Zebras in the savannah

Don’t forget your portable charger

You’ll likely snap countless photos of the zebra herd within the first 30 minutes of your safari, and by the time you spot a lion, your phone battery might be running pretty low. Given the long hours spent in a vehicle, a portable charger is an absolute must to keep your phone powered up. Trust us, you won’t want to miss capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments because your phone ran out of juice.
 

Pack appropriately

Wondering what to wear on safari? You might assume it’s warm all the time, but temperatures drop during early mornings and late evenings. Be sure to pack layers to stay cosy when the chill sets in. And when it comes to colours, stick to neutral tones—think beige, grey, brown or natural greens. Bright colours will make you stand out, which is exactly what you don’t want when you're surrounded by some of the world’s most incredible wildlife!
 

Don’t try to book everything yourself

A safari holiday is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and planning it can be logistically complex. Beyond flights and accommodation, you’ll need to consider transfers, tours, operators and more. Thankfully, we’ve got our very own safari experts on hand to help you craft a seamless trip. Explore our Safari to Serenity tour, or if you're seeking something more bespoke, submit an enquiry to speak with one of our safari specialists. Let us handle the details so you can focus on the adventure of a lifetime!
 

Elephants at the watering hole

And finally…. Remember to take it all in!

It’s the 21st century – we’ve all got the tendency to become absorbed in our phones instead of our surroundings. While capturing memories of your safari is important, don’t let the camera lens be your only view. Step away from the screen and truly immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery around you. Take in the sights, sounds and moments firsthand—those are the experiences that will stay with you forever.
 

If you’re ready to chat about your safari holiday, including the dos, don’ts and ‘definitelys’, call 0203 318 5983 or submit an online enquiry form today to speak to our specialists.