What to Know Before Going on an African Safari

The only time most people will see lions, elephants, or giraffes is at a zoo, but those willing to make a once-in-a-lifetime journey can encounter these magnificent animals right in their own natural habitats on an African safari. Experiencing this thrill is a bucket-list goal for many, but if you’ve never ventured to the Mother Continent before, you may have plenty of questions about what exactly it takes to get there. From customs and border control to vaccinations and proper packing for camp life, here’s what to know before your first African safari.

Secure the proper documentation

A United States passport is a must for visiting most countries, but some countries also require additional considerations, like entry visas and other documentation. Also note that many countries require a passport valid for at least six months past your trip return date.

Kenya, among the most popular safari destinations on the continent, requires an electronic visa applied for and issued in advance of arrival, while neighboring Tanzania allows for visa-on-arrival payments at several airports and land crossings, but not all. South Africa does not require a visa from U.S. passport holders if visiting for 90 days or less. Additional documentation, including proof of onward travel in the form of a return flight ticket, may be required by some destinations, too.

As all nations are different and requirements can change at any time, it’s helpful to consult resources like African Travel’s Sherpa tool, which outlines known requirements tailored to your point of origin and destination. This is a great tool to use during your early planning phase, but always verify with the Department of State’s International Travel page when finalizing plans—and long before heading to the airport.

Know the required vaccines

In addition to passport and visa mandates, you may be required to also have certain vaccinations before arriving to some African countries. Keep in mind that these vaccines are not considered effective until a period of several days to up to two weeks after injection, depending on the vaccine. As a result, you must receive your injections well before arrival.

African Travel’s Sherpa tool also provides vaccine guidance, but turn to CDC Travel for comprehensive guides to all recommended and required vaccines, by country. Travel doctors and travel vaccination clinics can generally provide these as well, but it’s wise to know exactly what you need before showing up to your appointment. Some of these are essentially retail businesses that might try to sell you more vaccines than are actually required. And they’re not cheap.

Finally, keep in mind that preventive treatment against some diseases, like malaria, can require a regimen of pills taken before departure and throughout your entire trip, so be prepared to follow these schedules carefully. Also, pack any medicines in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost or delayed.

Use cards more than cash

In popular safari countries, credit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and at safari camps. They’re also safer to carry than large amounts of cash, so pay with credit as often as possible. If you do need cash for things like souvenirs from local villages or markets, consider withdrawing a modest amount from an airport ATM upon arrival rather than visiting exchange agencies, which typically charge high fees and are not always trustworthy—or open when you need them.

Get travel insurance

Travel insurance is a great idea for any trip, but especially wise for African safaris. In addition to protecting your considerable financial investment, you’ll also want easy access to emergency medical care while glamping in the wilderness (without the risk of a million-dollar bill afterward). Travel insurance is affordable and effective—and it provides peace of mind.

Pack like a pro

Less is more when packing for safari. You’ll want light luggage filled with lightweight clothing. Always check temperatures before departing, but you can generally count on days ranging from warm to very hot year-round throughout most safari-rich countries. The sun is strong here, so long sleeves, pants, and hats in breathable fabrics are best for skin protection, and sunscreen is a must. Nighttime game drives are often chilly, even in summer, so bring warmer clothes to layer up for these adventures.

Plan your time wisely

It’s a long air journey to Africa, and safari game drives can begin at sunrise, so try to schedule a day of rest between arrival and your first day on safari. You don’t want to feel like a jet-lagged zombie during your first excursion.

A few days at a safari camp is more than enough to spot most of the wildlife offered there. If you have a week to spend on the continent, plan three nights each at two different camps, ideally in diverse regions. If you have more time, aim for additional camps and/or countries rather than spending a week in one place.

Preparing for an African safari takes time and research, but this journey of a lifetime is well worth every step.