Are you dreaming of going on a safari in East Africa? Do you want to see the amazing wildlife, landscapes and cultures of this region? If so, you are not alone. Safari is one of the most popular and rewarding travel experiences in the world. But if you are new to safari, you might have some questions and doubts about how to plan and prepare for your trip. Don’t worry, we are here to help you. let us guide you through the basics of safari in East Africa and give you some tips and advice to make your adventure unforgettable.
What is safari?
Safari is a Swahili word that means “journey”. It refers to the activity of exploring the natural environment and observing the wildlife of Africa. Safari can be done in different ways, such as by vehicle, on foot, by boat, by balloon, or even by horseback. Safari can also be combined with other activities, such as cultural visits, hiking, camping, or relaxing at the beach.
Why go on safari in East Africa?
East Africa is one of the best destinations for safari in the world. It has a rich diversity of ecosystems, habitats and species, and some of the most iconic wildlife attractions, such as the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra in Tanzania and Kenya, the gorillas and chimpanzees of Uganda and Rwanda, the hyneas and cheetahs of Ethiopia and Somalia. East Africa also has a fascinating history and culture, with influences from Arab, Indian, European and African civilizations. You can learn about the traditions and customs of the Maasai, Ankole, the Swahili, and many other ethnic groups.
How to choose where to go on safari in East Africa?
There are many factors to consider when choosing where to go on safari in East Africa. Some of them are:
- Your budget: Safari can be expensive or affordable depending on your preferences and expectations. You can choose between luxury lodges, mid-range camps, or budget tents. You can also opt for all-inclusive packages or self-drive tours.
- Your time: Safari can be short or long depending on your availability and interests. You can spend a few days or a few weeks exploring different parks and reserves. You can also combine safari with other destinations or activities in East Africa or beyond.
- Your season: Safari can be done all year round in East Africa, but some seasons are better than others depending on what you want to see and do. For example, if you want to witness the Great Migration, you should go between July and October when the animals cross the Mara River. If you want to see baby animals, you should go between December and March when most species give birth. If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices, you should go during the low season between April and June or November.
- Your interests: Safari can be tailored to your personal interests and passions. You can focus on specific animals or groups of animals, such as big cats, primates, birds, reptiles, etc. You can also choose parks and reserves that offer different experiences or activities, such as night drives, walking safaris, boat safaris, balloon safaris, etc.
How to prepare for safari in East Africa?
Once you have decided where to go on safari in East Africa, you need to prepare for your trip. Some of the things you need to do are:
- Book your flights: You can fly directly to some of the major cities in East Africa, such as Nairobi (Kenya), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Entebbe (Uganda), Kigali (Rwanda), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), or Mogadishu (Somalia). Alternatively, you can fly via other hubs in Africa or Europe. You can also book domestic flights or charter flights to reach some of the remote parks and reserves.
- Get your visa: Depending on your nationality and destination, you may need a visa to enter East Africa. You can apply for a visa online or at the embassy before your trip or get a visa on arrival at the airport. You may also need a yellow fever certificate if you are coming from or transiting through a country with risk of yellow fever.
- Get your vaccinations: You should consult your doctor or travel clinic before your trip to get advice on what vaccinations you need for East Africa. Some of the recommended vaccinations are hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, rabies, meningitis, and malaria prophylaxis.
- Pack your bags: You should pack light and smart for your safari in East Africa. You should bring comfortable clothes that are suitable for the climate and activities you will do. You should also bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera, and a flashlight. You should avoid bright colors and camouflage patterns that may attract or scare the animals. You should also check the luggage allowance and restrictions of your airlines and safari operators.
- Learn about the wildlife: You should do some research before your trip to learn about the wildlife you will see on safari in East Africa. You should familiarize yourself with the names, characteristics, behaviors, and habitats of the animals. You should also learn about the conservation status and threats of the wildlife. You can read books, watch documentaries, or use apps and websites to enhance your knowledge and appreciation of the wildlife.
- What to expect on safari in East Africa?
- Once you are ready for your safari in East Africa, you can expect to have an amazing and unforgettable experience. You can expect to:
- See a variety of animals: You can see hundreds of different species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects on safari in East Africa. You can see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), as well as other predators (cheetah, hyena, wild dog, etc.), herbivores (giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, antelope, etc.), primates (gorilla, chimpanzee, monkey, etc.), and many more. You can also see rare and endangered animals, such as the black rhino, the mountain gorilla, the African wild dog, and the pangolin.
- Enjoy beautiful scenery: You can enjoy stunning scenery on safari in East Africa. You can see vast savannas, lush forests, dramatic mountains, sparkling lakes, and majestic rivers. You can also see natural wonders, such as the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti Plains, the River Nile and the Great Rift Valley.
- Experience different cultures: You can experience different cultures on safari in East Africa. You can meet and interact with local people who live near or within the parks and reserves. You can learn about their history, language, religion, art, music, and cuisine. You can also participate in their activities, such as dancing, singing, crafting, farming, or herding. You can also visit their villages, schools, markets or sacred sites.
- Have fun and adventure: You can have fun and adventure on safari in East Africa. You can do various activities that suit your taste and mood. You can relax and enjoy the views from your lodge or camp. You can go for game drives at different times of the day or night. You can go for walking safaris or bush walks with a guide and a ranger. You can go for boat safaris or canoeing on the rivers or lakes. You can go for balloon safaris or helicopter rides over the landscapes. You can also go for hiking or climbing on the mountains or hills.
- Polish your Swahili language skills: You never know when you might need to say “Hakuna Matata”
- In a Nutshell;
- Safari in East Africa is a dream come true for many travelers. It is a unique and memorable way to explore and appreciate the natural beauty and diversity of this region. It is also a rewarding and enriching way to learn and experience different cultures and lifestyles. If you are new to safari, we hope have given you some useful information and tips to help you plan and prepare for your trip. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below. We would love to hear from you. And if you have already been on safari in East Africa, please share your stories and experiences with us and other readers. I’m sure we would all love to hear from you too. Happy travels! from Hospitable Africa Tours, “The Way to Explore Africa”.
