A Beginners Guide to Safari

Going on safari is one of the most exciting ways to experience nature and a classic. Early morning light, wide open landscapes, the brush and heat, and the chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat, without zoos or cages. But if you’re interested in a safari, it’s normal to feel unsure about where to begin. So we’ll be getting into what a safari consists of, which countries are best, and when to go. Read on for more.

The word safari actually comes from the Swahili word for journey or trip. Today, and for over 100 years, the term has been adopted across many languages. A safari generally refers to a guided experience or tours focused on observing wildlife in their natural habitats. Though only recently again has the meaning changed. Now these excursions mean photographic or observational. Whereas over 70+ years ago it generally included to hunt big game.

Different regions offer different styles:

• African safaris often involve open vehicle game drives across savannahs and grasslands, with the chance to see elephants, lions, and giraffes. This is the most commonly referenced.
• Asian safaris (India, Sri Lanka) mainly take place in forests or national parks, with the opportunity to see animals like tigers, leopards(if you’re lucky), and elephants.
• South American safaris mainly in Brazil’s Pantanal, centred around wetlands and river systems, with jaguars, caimans and birdlife.

Wherever the destination, safaris will mean long days outdoors. Practical clothing choices will make your trip much more comfortable. Breathable fabrics, moisture wicking layers, insect-repellent clothes and lightweight travel trousers should all be considered.

There is a broad range of safari types, spanning across different seasons. The majority, though, are hot and dry, involving long days outdoors, starting early, and arriving back at your facilities very late. There’s a host of clothing features that would benefit your safari trip. Lightweight and breathable fabrics, moisture wicking, anti-odour, anti-insect and sun protection should all be considered. It’s common to go in what’s considered neutral colours, meaning khakis, browns or anything that blends in.

We offer some practical options when it comes to these hot, dry and insect prone excursions. Our Nosilife anti-insect clothing range protects against biting insects along with all those features mentioned above.

Ultimately, there are endless different ways you can spend your time. If you’re reading up on safaris, then it means you’ve narrowed your options down to spending time in nature, exploring, getting away from the hustle & bustle of towns and cities(at least for a little while) or just doing something exciting. So, for all of the other excursions out into nature, why choose safari?

• Experiencing Nature: Seeing wildlife in its natural environment is very exciting, especially seeing ‘big game’ animals.
• Photo Opportunities: The only place to see these animals in their natural habitat is to go there. There's a broad landscape, savannahs, jungles and even swamps. These all make excellent photo opportunities, which will earn a place on the mantlepiece.
• Learning From Guides: It’s inevitable you’ll learn something new on safari. Many travellers enjoy hearing about local ecosystems and conservation efforts. But you’ll likely also hear some safari stories, local folklore and more.

Africa is the origin of safari and is still the world’s most iconic safari region. Though there are also other excellent options across Asia and South America, too. I’ve listed some of the best-known and good starting points for safari below.

That being said, a great way to choose your destination, and this applies to any trip abroad, is by how safe the destination is. So I’d start by saying check each country's official government travel guidance to see if you’ll be comfortable and safe travelling there.

Kenya - Famous for the Masai Mara, big cats, and classic savannah scenery. A standard choice for first timers.

Tanzania - Home to the Serengeti and the Great Migration(between Kenya & Tanzania), one of the world’s most epic wildlife events.

South Africa - Kruger National Park is known for accessibility and infrastructure. It is considered a good starting point with a slightly lower cost.

Beyond Africa

• India: renowned for tiger safaris in parks like Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh.
• Sri Lanka: excellent for leopards, elephants, and birdlife.
• Brazil: The Pantanal is one of the best places in the world to see jaguars.
• Canada, Greenland, Norway: You could always try an arctic safari if you prefer the cold. Polar bears, whales, arctic foxes and more would be the focus here.

The best time depends on the destination and what you’re planning to see. Each safari is hundreds or thousands of miles apart, with their own distinct dry and wet seasons, which dictate wildlife movement, visibility and the weather.

• Dry seasons normally mean thinner vegetation, which results in animals gathering around water sources. A great opportunity to see all types of animals in short trips. Anti-insect clothing would be put to good use near watering holes.
• Wet seasons results in healthier flora and more lush landscapes, migratory birds, and potentially less visitors. Waterproof jackets and trousers would be effective for any rain showers.

Research in detail where you plan to go and when is best for that specific region.

A safari doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you understand the basics, what a safari is, where to go, and the types of experiences available, planning becomes far more fun.