What Is Most Important On Safari?
January 27, 2010 by Johan Knols
Filed under Safari Tips
Maybe not what you would expect!
Most people would probably say ‘wildlife’. During my years as a lodge manager and a professional guide, I have come to think different and here is my list:
- A proper bed
Waking up rested is the most important thing during your safari, even if all the next points fail. If you have to sleep on a mattress that makes your back arch like a hammock, you will definitely not enjoy the next day. Also bear in mind that a lot of beds in Africa are (very) short, so enquire if your bed will have a foot-board (for those that need to stick their feet out). - Decent food
Nothing that makes people more grumpy than food that they don’t like. I am not necessarily speaking about enormous walking buffets, but just plain healthy and tasty food. The fact that your dietary requirements are fulfilled is also a great bonus. - A guide that you can understand
Nothing against guides with a native accent. It is however important that you don’t stop asking questions out of embarrassment. I mean asking 4 times what a guide means can be a bit weird. - A vehicle that does not break down
Do I have to say more? Pushing the bastard back home is not really an option and the best way to fail point 7. is when your vehicle decides it had enough and dusk is upon you. - Game, yes it helps!
Be warned. Going on a safari does not mean that you are going to see (spectacular) game. Oh yes, you will see your antelope species, but other than that everything should be regarded as an extra. But seeing good wildlife will certainly increase the fun of your trip. Let your guide know if you don’t want to see lions that are already surrounded by 10 other vehicles. It might be better to come back later. - Pleasant fellow travelers
The bigger your group or accommodation, the bigger the chance of running into an **s-hole. Unfortunately you can’t avoid it unless you book a private mobile safari or rent a complete lodge for yourself. - A feeling of security
Dealing with fear on safari is no fun and you should be open about it if it happens to you. Let the one(s) in charge know so something can be done about your state of mind. - Getting attention
Without a doubt we all love some attention. Whether it is about our jobs, where we are from or why we are on safari, attention is nice. Don’t be intimidated by the ones with the biggest mouth. You paid the same and should get the same. - Your health
If point 1. and 2. are fine, you will be there for 90%. The remaining 10% have to do with the fact if enough water is available during your trip and whether mosquito nets are provided. If you are in good hands your hosts will also see signs when something goes wrong. - A feeling of freedom
I have seen guides that would look each other up during a sundowner, with the result that all of a sudden 15 people meet in the middle of nowhere. If you are the type that wants to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the African bush, ask your guide for a quite spot for your evening drinks. If you are really a die-hard, even ask him to switch of that irritating radio.
What do YOU think is the most important aspect of a safari?
Not a bad list. I guess the bed is a little lower on the list for me. I am so exhausted each night that I sleep soundly.
What I noticed was the absence of ’super luxury’ on this list. I have always thought that many safari lodges/companies over emphasize the luxury element … maybe to overcome the fear of ‘roughing it’ for the rich traveler. For me a good leader or guide (who you can understand), solid meal at dinner, trustworthy vehicle are way up on the list. As a photographer, I want to be in the company of other experienced photographers and I want guides that have worked with photographers before. … I could probably write a lot more … and I think you have motivated me to write an article in the near future on my site about this subject.
Hello Buddy,
Make sure you post the link to your article here once it is finished. ‘Super luxury’ is not on the list cause it is not a pre-requisite to have an awesome safari. The rest (in my opinion) is.
Thanks for commenting.
Game viewing with a private vehicle and an experienced guide /tracker.
Hi Ken,
Would that be more important to you than sleeping on a crappy bed and eating sub-standard food? I guess if your guide excels in his job, you get forgiving about other minor stuff, the list was written with the average safari in mind though.
Johan,
Most certainly, if I need good food I go to a decent restaurant, when you are tired after a hard day’s viewing any bed will do.
I must confess to be becoming extremely biased against the ridiculous levels of luxury being offered by some lodges, who needs to have a copper bath in a desert?
My sole ourpose in going on safari is to view game and hopefully get some good images, unfortunately luxury is forced on you in private concessions, which generally are the areas where the best game viewing can be found.
I am with Ken on this. Never understood the idea of nicer appointments in the bush that I have when on holidays by the ocean. For me, It doesn’t have to be a quality bed as much as it is nice to have accommodations that are clean. I don’t mind the occasional insect, but I don’t want bugs in the bed or dirty towels/sheets.
I’d like to add, FLEXIBILITY to Ken’s valid points. The worst thing on safari is a regimented operation. Ofcourse, 100% agree to Ken’s point of private vehicle, experienced guide and most definitely TRACKING HELPS (where permitted, outside national parks).
Some regimented operations are strict as to when they go out on drive, time they return (in private areas) and endless do’s and dont’s……….. as mentioned what’s the purpose of a bath tub or a Spa in the middle of the bush?
In my opinion, the more luxury added – then the more regimented safaris move towards …….
Safaris thesedays are not cheap – so, stuff like comfortable bed, decent food etc etc., is a minimum requirement. No one expects gourmet food – fresh, healthy, wholesome is appreciated. What’s not appreciated is repetitive menus and being force fed at other times.
Hari, you made a very valid point here. I definitely should have added FLEXIBILITY. I agree that nothing is worse than watching something interesting and noticing that the guide wants to rush back because he will get shat upon for being late. The customer is the boss with all the money he pays for his safari and not lodge management!
I forgot flexibility, this is why I have a private vehicle, although this sometimes does not work. At one particularly highly thought of lodge in the Tuli block, we asked to go out an hour earlier in the morning and we were brought back an hour earlier and then had to wait for breakfast until everybody else came back, everything there was totally regimented absolutely dreadful!
Ken, Hari:
You both hit the nail on the head there. Great flexibility and no schedules. If my favourite animal in the world happened to be a baboon (it is not…) I would like to spend hours watching them and not be ruled by a guide who says “Take your pictures, can we move on now”? That of course means you have to make allowances for other people on the vehicle who would rather spend hours watching elephants… And I would hate being rushed back so the camp guide can have a rest and you can have brunch. Give me some rusks while I watch my beloved baboons.
This is an advantage of mobile safaris over lodge safaris. And a private safari over sharing a vehicle with people who do not enjoy baboons.
However, even in lodges, people tend not to take advantage of what is offered (in small print). You know those information packets placed in your accomodation? Take the time to read them. Many people complain about having to rush back for brunch at 10am, and then the next time they are “let out again” is at 4.30 after tea. Meanwhile relax around the pool, read a book, take a siesta?
No. That’s not what they came to Africa for but suits the camp schedule. In all camps I do read the fine print, and have advised many clients they had the option, for example, of ordering a packed lunch, heading out in the early morning, and spending the whole day in the bush. Is not that what they would most enjoy? Of course, I became very unpopular with all the camp guides…
In any camp, mobile (my choice), lodge, luxury lodge (I do so love my inside bath, outside bath, inside bed, outside bed, teak from diminishing forests, 18 course meals, wildlife videos, furniture from Bali) you have a choice. You have paid good money, and INSIST on seeing your beloved baboons.
It is up to the client to break through rigid shedules (as far as I am aware, guides are not airline pilots who have to be carefully rested before their next job?) and not be cowed into fretting beside pools or hanging about their tents.
Hi Pieter,
Thanks for your tip about the small print that I support wholeheartedly!
Pieter,
The readers should not assume that we torture the guides. Often, we stay out longer only if there is something interesting……. if there is, we just stay put in the one spot. No unnecessary driving around to search and track for something that’s not there …….. Ofcourse, on quiet days happy to return for brunch etc etc.,
Also, usually start heading back to camp when the sun goes down. Don’t really do night drives. Point being, the guides do get a rest …….. I think we really do have to take their well being into consideration and ensure that they have stuff to eat etc etc., and pre-plan all these aspects.
” luxury lodge (I do so love my inside bath, outside bath, inside bed, outside bed, teak from diminishing forests, 18 course meals, wildlife videos, furniture from Bali) ”
Is this a description of an “Eco Lodge” in Botswana? Really funny!
Where’s the aircon and wireless internet access, seriously these are available in some camps, apparently for their customers who are “importanT
Hi Ken,
Very valid point you are making.
I have enjoyed this debate. it has led to my posting a variation at my site (http://www.chobesafari.com/trip-tips/the-debate-what-is-most-important-on-safari.html).
From my feeling and the above debate, I rate flexibility as number 2. I have also added one which is crucial to photographers on safari – comfort in the knowledge of your equipment. While aimed at photo enthusiast, it is important to any travelers and any gear – whether your torch or your binoculars.
Regards, Buddy
I so enjoyed reading the article about whats important during a safari, and all the comments. After being a wildlife guide in Tanzania myself for many years, and now running my own safari operation, its useful to hear what others think. I guess luxury means different things for different people. For some it means access to the modern world, dressing up for dinner and big rooms. For me it means easy access to the wildlife and close to nature. Prefer a comfortable tent (with a nice bed) way before a big lodge with lots of people.
Hello Susanne,
It is really nice to see that for people working in the industry, being close to wildlife and nature is the most important thing. This also guarantees quality for our guests. Thanks for commenting!