Safari Planning Guide

8/2/2019 Safari Planning Guide

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By Will FoxWill Fox has guided hundreds of people on Safaris in Africa. He runs On Track safaris to helpsupport INGWE – Leopard Research, a project he established to conserve free roamingleopards in South Africa.

Will has compiled this safari-planning guide giving answers to the most frequent questions heis asked by people who are considering taking a safari.

w w w . o n t r a c k s a f a r i s . c o . u k

African Safari Planning



African Safari PlanningIssue 2

Tips on Planning your African Safari

ByWilliam Fox



All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or

transmitted, in any form or by any means without prior permission of the author, nor otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is

published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.



Forward

Having guided hundreds of people on safari in the African bush, I figured that it wasworth compiling a safari-planning guide that hopefully provides some answers to thequestions that I am most frequently asked by people who are considering an Africansafari. I’ve based this book on the most common questions that I have been askedover the years. After all what better a reference point could one have than thequestions that have been asked by others who were planning an African Safari.

In putting together the second edition of this safari-planning guide, my aim is not onlyto update the information provided but also add more detailed answers to some of the

particular questions that I have been asked since African safari planning was first published. I’ve also added a few comments of my own and stories from safaris, whichI hope you’ll enjoy.

My love of Africa started on my first visit in 1980. In turn that lead to my becominginvolved with African wildlife conservation, moving from the UK to South Africa andsubsequently starting my own safari company - On Track Safaris.

On Track Safaris aims to raise money for our work in conservation, as I believe thattourism and conservation must work hand in hand. Without one there can’t be theother.But it is not my aim for this guidebook to be a sales brochure for my safaris, butrather to provide you with sufficient information to make a reasoned decision whenchoosing your African Safari.

William Fox



What is a Safari?

Sounds a simple question, but it’s a good one.Safari is the Swahili name for ‘journey’. It has become synonymous with adventureand the discovery of wildlife and habitats of Africa. When one thinks of a safari onethinks of Africa and wildlife, the bush, rustic but high quality lodges etc.

In the early part of the twentieth century an African Safari tended to be seen as anexpensive trip reserved for the rich and famous, which added to its glamour andmystique. Of-course air travel opened up Africa so that a safari became much moreaffordable, but thankfully some of the magic surrounding a safari to wild Africa is

still there.Safaris have evolved from the days when the name safari was synonymous withhunting animals through to today when the majority of visitors take their shots with acamera. But that evolution continues and we are now moving into an era whenvisitors quite understandably, want more than just to be shown animals and enjoyingstylish bush lodges. Of-course those things are key elements of any safari butmoreover modern safaris also provide opportunities for guests to ‘experience Africa’,to understand the real conservation issues and in many cases get involved withconservation; as well as having opportunities to spend time understanding animal

behaviors and learning bush skills. For example on a recent safari we came across a

lone lioness that and had clearly been fighting. My guests were naturally keen to learnmore about what had happened to her and so we suspended our normal game driveand both guests and guides spent most of that day reading the signs and using our

bush knowledge. And so the story unfolded.

A dominant male from a northern pride had travelled south looking for someadventure (as lions do), on finding our female he had lured her away from her pride tomate with her. However, t he females from the northern pride didn't approve and camesouth looking for their male! On finding the two new lovers together they let our lioness know they weren’t impressed in the least, and gave her quite a hiding.

Now stranded on her own, our lioness was frequently and desperately calling for her pride, who had drifted further south hunting Buffalo and out of range for her calls.

By moving between both prides of lions and our stranded female we were able toestablish exactly what had happened. And by involving our guests in understandingthe tracks we saw, indeed appreciating their help with tracking and listening to thelion calls and other animal behavior, we were able to follow the stranded lioness untilshe was thankfully reunited with her own pride later that day.

But what a day we had had, experiencing all the factors that contributed to a great lionstory and a great day on safari.



What kinds of Safari are there?

A safari can be undertaken in many ways - from the DIY self-drive right through to anexclusive luxury ‘fly-in’ safari. When you are planning your safari, there are anumber of things you need to consider, which I will cover later. However as far as thetype of safari goes, then your choice should be directed by the wildlife you want tosee, the time of year you wish to visit, your preferred accommodation and of-coursewhat you can afford to pay. The most popular safari is undoubtedly a fully guidedsafari tour, which should provide the best value for money and moreover safariexperience.

Essentially, there are four basic types of Safari:• Self drive tour • Guided safari tour (taking in several different locations),• Reserve/lodge safari (based on one particular reserve or lodge)• Bush and beach safari (normally two center break, mixing time in the African

bush with a beach resort holiday).

I’ve given a brief description of each safari type below. Just jump down to the optionyou prefer:

Self Drive Tour You can arrange a self-drive safari tour and essentially ‘do it your self’. Mix andmatch the types of accommodation, game viewing and recreation that you prefer.There are plenty of accommodation websites and guidebooks that providedescriptions and booking options and of-course the Trip Advisor website should havereviews of accommodation venues. Some National Parks such as the Kruger Park inSouth Africa are open to the general public allowing you to drive the myriad of roadslooking for animals.However it would be churlish of me not to inject a word of caution. Unless you haveexperience in driving in Africa then please consider the safety aspects of driving in

Africa and the likely hidden extra costs. The self-drive option requires an element of local knowledge to ensure yours and your passengers’ safety and can end up being



more expensive when compared to a fully guided safari tour. But more importantly,you are likely to miss out on the information, tips, local knowledge and visits to out of

public reach places, which a tour operator and local guides provide.However, self drive does give you the freedom to do your own thing and even changeyour itinerary as you go. I have added some driving tips in a later chapter if you areinterested in self-drive.

Guided Safari Tour My recommendation to everyone considering a safari is to take a guided tour. Of-course I would say that, after all I own and mange a safari company. But that is notthe main reason that I recommend a guided tour. This form of safari provides the bestoverall value coupled with the best safari experience. There are hundreds of tours and

packages available online and I’m sure the choice is daunting and may even beoverwhelming.

As a good place to start, I would recommend you visit the Responsible Travelwebsite, which is a referral site for many types of holidays including safaris. Thosecompanies that advertise on the RT website have demonstrated that they operate in aresponsible and sustainable manner and as such are worthy of consideration. Not onlythat but the site also provides independent customer reviews on each safari they list,which offers some assurance as to the quality that you should expect.

My advice is to opt for a tour that provides high quality game viewing, uniqueaccommodation and caters for small intimate groups accompanied by a quality guide.I also feel that it is worthwhile selecting a tour operator with good conversationcredentials who demonstrates a social conscience. As I said earlier tourism andconservation need to go hand in hand. Each needs the other to survive. If we are tomaintain and sustain what is left of the wilderness for future generations, then tourismmust help fund conservation, so look for companies who do this. I have not met asafari guest yet who does not want to support conservation and also help theunderprivileged communities that often rely on support from tourists visiting their country.

My preference is not for the large coach type tours, but there are many of this form of tour available and they can be a relatively cheap option. They normally cater for largegroups and move between a number of hotels and lodges or reserves, coveringcomparatively large areas. In my local town, on any given lunchtime, several coachesstop to allow their passengers time to take a café lunch, before heading off again to agame reserve. The bedraggled and somewhat bewildered are shown where to eat

before being herded back onto their coach. It’s not my style, but as I said it can be aslightly cheaper option that taking a small group safari.We limit our safari groups to between two and six people, which allows for personalservice.One other tip. If you can, then ensure your tour minimizes road travel and hotel staysin favor of bush lodges and more time spent in the bush with nature. After you don’tcome on safari to gaze out of a coach window..



Having an experienced guide is essential for any safari and is a great way for you tolearn about all the elements of nature. But most importantly it’s often the only way tosee something, simply because trained guides know what to look for and will spotthings that you may never see. As well as all the ‘big and fury’ animals that we allwant to see, they’ll notice very small creatures, like a chameleon or a dung beetle, andat other times they’ll see things that are far off, hidden by trees.

When choosing your safari it’s important to make sure that all the essential elementsassociated with the trip are included in the quoted price. Check that the groundtransportation, accommodation, meals, excursions, guide/driver and transfers are allincluded. Some operators complicate the issue with a very low cost for a bare-bonessafari, which ends up costing you a lot more once you add in all the extras that you’llneed to cover when you arrive. My advice is to stick with a reputable safari operator that offers an inclusive deal with no hidden costs.

Reserve or Lodge based SafariIdeal if you prefer to stay and enjoy one location. This form of safari is usually for



less than seven days as beyond that things can become a little repetitive if you stay inone place. Again you can choose to self drive to a lodge, however this means thatyour hire car would remain in the lodge car park unused for most of your stay and assuch its is often better to fly in to a local airport and arrange a pick up by your lodge.

Beach and Bush Safari Normally a fourteen-day package with seven days spent on a guided safari and seven

days at a beach resort. However the distances between safari venues and the beachcan make this a more expensive tour than a stand-alone bush safari.

It’s interesting to note that many of our guests take the view that they can easily find a beach holiday relatively cheaply elsewhere in the world. If they are coming to Africathey prefer to maximize their safari experience while in the country. I have to say thatthese conversations often happen after a day game viewing in an open land rover,followed by a sumptuous dinner with coffee taken sitting around the fire listening tothe sounds of the nighttime bush and recounting tales from the day. To be fair, giventhe surroundings, that conversation is a little one sided.

Where should I go for the best Safari experience?

This is a very difficult question to answer and one that could be a book in itself. Thereare literally hundreds of great locations throughout Africa. But at the risk of offendingmany great places, I have chosen three locations (marked in red on the map below)that in my view are the best places to go for a safari.

South Africa – The Kruger National Park Botswana – The Okavango DeltaKenya - The Maasai Mara



South AfricaSouth Africa is my preferred venue for a safari. The countries infrastructure providesease of transportation, the climate is good for safari all year and most important of allthe variety of game viewing and scenery is spectacular.South Africa is relatively easy to get to in that there are frequent international flightsto Johannesburg from most countries of the world. Johannesburg OR Tambo airportwas upgraded significantly as part of the 2010 soccer world cup and now provides allof the services and facilities that one expects from a large modern airport.

South Africa boasts many fine game viewing areas, but if it is a wildlife safari thatyour looking for, then my advice is to find a tour that includes at least some time inthe LowVeld i.e. the area around the Kruger National Park, where you will also findthe Sabi Sands Reserve, Thorny Bush Reserve and a number of other wildlifereserves.



This region provides the best opportunities for wildlife game viewing throughout theyear and has a variety of venues for you to choose from. There are daily flights to andfrom the LowVeld area from Johannesburg airport, flight time around one hour.

Many safari operators transfer to the LowVeld by vehicle, as the road network to thewilderness areas is very good. Not only that, but it is often a preferable option tohanging around at the airport waiting for an internal flight for several hours, or havingto stay overnight at an airport hotel, especially if you have just endured a long-haulflight from your home to Johannesburg.

In our case, we meet our guests at Johannesburg airport and transfer straight away by

safari vehicle to our home reserve. That means that we’re normally enjoying our firstgame drive before most transfer flights have arrived in the LowVeld. Most peopleagree that is a much better way to spend your first day.

When visiting South Africa, it is often advisable to look for tours or venues thatinclude cultural and conservation elements as well as game viewing. In that way theoverall experience is more fulfilling.

If you have a choice, it’s definitely worth opting for some accommodation venues thathave luxury tents, simply because you’ll hear and see more. And if you think ‘tent’means ‘sleeping bag on the ground don’t worry, safari tents are usually what one can

only describe as luxurious.



South Africa also has plenty of small, private wildlife reserves where you can see a lotof animals in a short amount of time. These private game reserves normally havecomfortable, even luxurious accommodation with lodges that also have swimming

pools and provide an All Inclusive daily itinerary.South Africa (and moreover Johannesburg) also provides a good hub from which toadd an extra couple of days whale watching near Cape Town or even a visit to theVictoria Falls.From July through to November some excellent whale watching can be found on thesouthern coast of Africa. Flights to Cape Town from Johannesburg (approximatelytwo hours) run almost every hour making it easy to enjoy some time whale watchingat the beginning or the end of your wildlife safari.

Alternatively, if you would like to add a trip to the Victoria Falls then there are dailyflights to Livingston (Zambia) taking just one hour forty five mins. As with whalewatching it is easy to include a few days at the Falls as part of your safari, either

before or after your wildlife safari to the Low Veld.

Why choose South Africa?Well, there are several good reasons to choose South Africa when thinking of anAfrican holiday.Here are some things you may not know – South Africa is a country with the highest

bio-diversity of any country in Africa, and ranks amongst the most bio-diversecountries in the world behind Brazil and Indonesia. There are species of plants and

animals that are found nowhere else on the planet, and beautiful scenery to go alongwith them.South Africa has an infrastructure unlike any other part of Africa, which makesgetting around quite a lot easier than in the rest of the continent.There are several climactic zones too, offering vastly different holiday optionsdepending on what it is you’re looking for.South Africa is also fondly called the Rainbow Nation, which shows its humandiversity as a county that supports all cultures. There are 11 official languages and notone true South African stereotype. The climate makes it an all round visitingdestination, similar to that in Queensland, enabling a sports-mad culture to prosper.

Botswana



Northern Botswana has some great game viewing opportunities. There are severalgame reserves one can visit in northern Botswana, with the world famous OkavangoDelta being the most popular. To many people Botswana is not as visually stunning asother safari locations, however the remoteness and large concentrations of wildlifeeasily compensates.

To get to the Okavango delta you will first need to fly from your home country to

Johannesburg (South Africa) and then take a flight to Maun Airport in Botswana. Youwill then transfer to a light aircraft for the final leg to the delta where you will be picked up by 4x4 vehicle for the short leg to your bush lodge.It is possible to stay outside of the delta area and take day trips into the delta from thesurrounding lodges, however that somewhat diminishes the experience. The extracosts of staying at a lodge in the delta are well worth it and will hopefully leave youwith treasured memories that will never be forgotten.

Planning when to go to the Okavango Delta should take into account the seasonalnature of the area. June to August is high water season with the best opportunities for viewing game from boat or canoe. Many animals migrate to the delta at this time andthe resulting game viewing plus the mild, dry and largely mosquito-free winter climate make this period the best time to visit the Okavango Delta.Hot and dry September and October are also good months to visit as thirsty animalsare concentrated in enormous numbers on its fringes (the Moremi Game Reserve is

particularly rewarding at this time). While November to April is the rainy summer season.

Kenya/TanzaniaI have combined Kenya and Tanzania as the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Maasia Mara(Kenya) form part of the same eco-system.I will focus on the Maasia Mara in Kenya as it is probably the most famous of the twoand more easily accessible.

The access point to Kenya is Nairobi Wilson Airport and the Masai Mara is accessible by a ninety-minute flight from Nairobi. You will land on one of the small Maraairstrips, and from there transfer by car to your particular lodge or camp. Flying to theMaasai Mara is the quickest option. It is more expensive than travelling from Nairobi

by vehicle, but given the distance and road conditions is well worth the extra cost.

The Maasai Mara is situated in southwest Kenya and is famous for the abundance of lion, the Great Wildebeest Migration and the Maasai people, well known for their distinctive custom and dress. It is without a doubt one of Africa’s most famous safaridestinations.

The world-renowned wildebeest migration is in July to October, making this the besttime to see this incredible movement of animals. Although please note that it is notguaranteed that the wildebeest will get to Maasai Mara. Also, December to Februaryare great times to visit as it is dryer, however the wildebeest and a lot of the zebra willmoved on to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania by then.

In contrast to a Southern African safari, game drives are taken in closed vehicles or mini buses with opening roofs, as opposed to the open game drive Landover or jeepstyle vehicles used elsewhere. In my view this does diminish your game viewing

experience somewhat but nevertheless you are likely to see some wonderful gamespecies.



The not so good news is that for the past several years Kenya has been a dumpingground for cheap European tour groups, which in my view have reduced the quality of the safari experience. However this is changing with Kenyan tour operators andhotel/lodge/camp owners pulling out all the stops to revive their once thrivingindustry. One word of warning, be careful and try to avoid the large lodge / minibussafaris.

Are there any age restrictions?

Some safari tours do have age restrictions for children. If you are travelling withchildren under 12, then talk this through with a safari tour operator who will be ableto shape your safari to cater for your family.

Certain lodges and campsites also have age limits. If you're making your ownreservations, double check to make sure children are allowed to stay at thelodge/campsite and what the age-limit may be on game drives.My view (and I may be wandering off track a little here) is that children should bewelcomed on safari and be involved as much as possible. What greater adventure for a child than a safari.

In our case, we love to see families on safari but we naturally do not to mix a familywith small children in with a small group safari that may include couples or singletravellers. We’d rather offer exclusive family safari packages to cater for theindividual needs of both kids and mum and dad.

An African safari can be a liberating adventure for kids. I fondly remember a family joining us on safari last year made up of mum, dad, eleven year old son and grandma.At the very start of the safari, I was quite concerned about the young boy, whoseemed to be totally stressed out about being in Africa. I’m not sure what he had seenon TV or heard perhaps from his friends, but he imagined that there was danger around every corner. On his first night he sat at dinner terrified by a couple of mothsthat were attracted to the paraffin lamps that hung around the stoop of our lodge.I won’t bore you with the details but towards the end of the safari he had transformedcompletely and was running around the lawn barefoot, was climbing trees and was



even becoming proficient at target shooting with an air rifle. He returned homeconfidant yet respectful of nature and the bush, much to the amazement of his mumand with much pride from his father. As with all of our safari guests they start asclients and very soon become friends. They have kept in touch since returning homeand I’m pleased to hear how the young guy has joined his local scout troop and iscontinuing on with a newfound passion for nature.

At the other end of the scale, I’m often asked if there is an upper age restriction. Andthe answer is of-course a resounding NO. Given there are no serious medicalconditions then all are very welcome. Most safari operators will tailor each day’sactivities to suit their clients and if we need to slow down a little, then this is Africaand that is very easy to do. We have had some wonderful seniors on safari with usover the years. From the elderly lady who had been with the British Colonial service

back in the day. Before travelling, she rang us to ask what was the dress code for dinner and when she was on safari entertained us with wonderful stories of her time asa teacher in colonial Africa just after the Second World War. To the eighty-four yearsyoung lady who could dance the night away after dinner and still be bright eyed andraring to go at 5:30 the next morning. She wore out two of my young rangers whoneeded to work in shifts just to keep up with her. When she arrived back at home after her safari, she sent me a photograph taken the same week of her grinning from ear toear while sat on the handlebars of her sons’ motorbike. That in itself would have beenquite something, but the motorbike was going around the wall of death at a fair ground at the time!

When is the best time to go on Safari?

This is probably the most frequently asked question. My advice is to focus on thereason that you are going on safari i.e. to see wildlife.Different seasons offer different game viewing opportunities.It’s important to remember that if you live in the Northern hemisphere you’ll be usedto summer being between June – August and hopefully being warm and dry. Whereasthose are the winter months in Southern Africa, and tend to be pleasantly cooler anddry.Summers in Southern Africa are Dec – Feb and are warmer (often very warm if youare not used to it) and rainstorms can occur.The dry season is the most optimal season to see animals. With less standing water around, the water holes attract a wide variety of animals. This makes it easy for you tofind and view wildlife. The dry season also means the vegetation has thinned out.

The prime safari areas are best visited from June through October when the weather iscooler and dry, and moreover the bush isn’t so dense allowing you to see further.Having said that, a good guide will take into account the weather, availability of water and a number of other natural factors to find you great game sightings. So if youwould prefer to visit at other times, then please ensure you have an experienced guide.

If I were to pick a time of year NOT to visit (and its only a personal choice) it would be during the Christmas period i.e. late December and early January. That is when thetemperatures can often reach 40+ and the game lodges are very busy and prices are ata premium.



Is Safari dangerous?

Every safari has an element of danger, that's what makes it exciting. Nature isunpredictable and you will be getting relatively close to dangerous animals. Here youare reliant on your guides’ ability. He or she will understand animal behavior andknow when it is a good time to say view Lions from an open vehicle and when it istime to move away. For example, the flick of an ear or swish of the tail may not meanmuch to you, but to your guide will understand what these things mean and actaccordingly. The bottom line is that you are on safari to relax and enjoy viewingwildlife and it is your guides’ job to find that wildlife in a considerate manner thatkeeps guest and animals safe.Most safari operators and guides at the various lodges and game reserves will stress

basic precautions you need to take while game viewing. Stick to your guides’ adviceand all should be well. I have listed some of the basic safety guidelines that we tellour guests later in this book.

Wherever you go on safari, you will be asked to sign an indemnity form to indemnifythe safari operator or lodge against your being hurt or traumatized resulting from anevent that wasn’t directly their fault. Some year ago that indemnity form was verysimple and comprised a few lines only. However in the modern day with lawyers ever eager to sue companies, the indemnity forms now need to list all the hazards that youmay (and probably won’t ever) encounter, which is more an indication of the realitiesof operating in the modern world then anything else.Here is an example of the type of wording you might expect to see on an indemnityform:I do hereby warrant and acknowledge:That my general health is good and there is nothing that renders me unfit to undertakea Safari.

That there will not always be protection in the form of fences building and vehicles inwhich to take cover and that exposure to one or more of the following potentiallydangerous animals such as lion, hyena, buffalo, rhinoceros, leopard, hippo, buck,warthog, bush pig, wildebeest as well as poisonous snakes, spiders, insects and plantsand other natural hazards may occur whilst on safari that rivers and dams may contain

bilharzias and sickness may result upon entry or consumption of such waters.That I am aware of the hazards and distribution of malaria in Southern Africa.That I am aware of the potential dangers of exposure to sun - directly or indirectly -and that serious sunburn may result from unprotected exposure.

Do I need insurance?

The simple answer is yes you will need travel insurance. I figure that comes as nosurprise to anyone. A wildlife safari will normally fall under general travel insurance,

but it’s worth checking that is the case before buying your cover.

What about Malaria?

Malaria occurs in varying degrees throughout sub Saharan Africa and is spread bymosquitos. There are Malaria free areas and the risks alter from season to season. For example the hot wet summer months tend to be the worst time for mosquitos,



especially around dawn and dusk.

Your doctor will be able to advise on antimalarial pills (prophylactics), but the bestform of protection is the simplest, don’t get bitten by mosquitos. Use an insectrepellant on any exposed skin and wear long sleeved shirts and trousers at dawn anddusk. You’ll often see even the toughest game ranger dressed in the obligatory khakishorts; quickly spraying his/her legs and arms before an evening game drive,

especially during the peak season (December and January). Most lodges providemosquito nets around your bed for use at night. As well as looking romantic, theyhelp you relax and enjoy a restful sleep without need to worry about Mosquitos.

How can I keep the cost down?

I have to be honest and say that this amongst the first question that I would ask. But Iam from Yorkshire in the UK and the inhabitants of that fine county do have a certainreputation for lets say ‘finding the best value’. However there are ways that you canmake your safari cheaper without cheapening your safari.

Travel to Africa in the off-season (Feb – May). Conventional safari wisdom says thatthe dry season is the best time to go on safari. It's when the animals congregate aroundwaterholes and the grass is short, i.e. better game viewing opportunities. But if you goon a small safari tour to private game reserves with a great guide then you will havean incredible safari in any ‘off –season’, and that is when you can find somediscounted safaris.

Go with a friend or a group. You can really cut the costs of a safari and retain all the benefits, if you travel with friends. We always offer discounts to groups, as do manyother safari tour operators.

Forego the extra luxuries - You can get a great safari experience with a good guideand good accommodations for much less money, if you cut down on some of the ultraluxurious perks. These would include a private plunge pool, a spa, gourmet mealscooked to order, a large selection of wines, etc.

Book your own flights online. Unless your tour operator is able to provide a discounton the price that you can get online, then why pay the extra commissions. There areoften great offers available online either direct with the airlines or through sites suchas skyscanner, expedia and opodo. The list of discount flight shops seems endless so

shop around for the best deal and book as early as possible. Any good tour operator will be able to arrange for you to be met in country from a flight that you have booked, but obviously check with them before buying your tickets.

Find a good safari operator. A good safari operator will take the time to listen to whatyou want out of a safari and will get you the best value based upon your personal

preferences. African safari specialists will know when a regional flight makes moresense than driving, or whether it's worth spending your first night at a hotel rather than game reserve, where you could miss out on a game drive due to a late afternoonarrival. They understand that if you wish to go on a walking safari and want to donight drives, that you have to safari in a private reserve.

In the end, it pays to book your safari with an expert to get the safari you want, at the price you can afford.



How important is the guide or ranger?

Your guide or ranger is probably the most important person, other than yourself, onany safari.Most people going on safari will be taking a selection of game drives or bush-walkswith a game ranger. The word ‘game ranger’ is often used incorrectly. In fact the

person who looks after you while on safari is better referred to as a field guide.Whatever his or her title, it is his or her experience and a passion for nature and

people that are the essential elements in any tour or field guide. You’ll spend a lot of time with your tour guide while on safari and will probably be with several other fieldguides at the various reserves you visit as part of a safari tour, so check this elementcarefully.I figure the question is moreover how do I ensure the quality of guide(s). My advice ischeck out any reviews of the safari that you are considering. In that way you’ll get agood feeling that you are making the right choice.

As much as the quality of your guide is very important, it is just as important that thelodge you are staying at understand that your number one priority is to view game. Asmuch as I understand that the lodge kitchen need to produce meals on time. A guideshould never leave a sighting just to be back in time for dinner.

During a recent safari (which is fresh in my mind), we had such an occasion, which Ithink explain my point better.

I was leading a safari with a group from the UK when one of my safari guests, made aslightly tetchy retort to a young tracker (who had apologized for a blank game drive).

“If I wanted animals to appear on time, I’d ave gone to a zoo or Disney World. I wantthis (he points out across the African bush), the real deal.”

He was a Yorkshireman like myself, who (as they say), called a spade a spade and nota ‘digging implement’. I couldn’t have agreed more, with both statements. Safariguests want more than to just view animals. When on game drive there is no reason to





What type of safari you choose will alter how the safari unfolds but it is important toremember you are there for a holiday, so try and balance game viewing activities withtime for some R&R. Morning game drives leave at first light to ensure the best gameviewing and that can mean that you are getting up at 5:00, so it’s often a welcome

break to have a couple of days during your safari where the scheduled activities meanyou can enjoy a lie in.

My advice is to pick an itinerary with a couple of breaks from game driving. For example enjoying a cultural visit or taking in a wildlife rehabilitation center. In our case we intersperse big five game viewing with opportunities for you to meet our conservation team and be hands on (if you wish), learning the art of tracking animals,

or developing your bush senses, linking up with our leopard research team to monitor leopards, that sort of thing. The idea is to give you an overall immersive bush andwildlife experience.

Of-course the serenity and peace of being in the bush, away from it all, together withthe relaxed atmosphere of bush lodges and camps makes relaxing very easy.



Depending on where you go on safari, your vehicle may be allowed to go off-road.This works really well where a great sighting (say a leopard in a tree) is some way off the road or track and to get a good appreciation you need to be closer. It is a huge

benefit if this is permitted. All good reserves have strict ecological and conservationguidelines for guides, that will affect when this is possible and moreover when it isnot ethical to do so. For example if there has been rainfall over a certain limit, then off road driving will not be permitted as it is likely to do long term damage to the veldt.

There are broadly three types of game drive.

Early morning drive – Normally starting at first light and returning for breakfast.

Afternoon drive – Leaving your lodge after high tea and returning for dinner.

Night drive. – Taken after dinner or more often that not forms the later part of theafternoon game drive.

It’s never the case that one may be better than another as there are no firm rules for success. It is the bush and nature that calls the tunes.

The contrast is greatest on the night drive where it may be possible, with the aid of astrong spotlight, to see animals that only come out at night or certain activities that

usually only take place at night. Often the afternoon game drives are extended into theearly evening when darkness falls, allowing you to enjoy a night drive on your way

back to your lodge for dinner.



Please remember that it might be chilly in the early morning or late evening especiallyin an open game drive vehicle, so take along a fleece or warm jacket just in case.Game drive times vary as the seasons change but morning drives tend to start ataround 06:00 with a coffee taken in the lodge before departing into the reserve. Your guide will often be accompanied by a tracker, sitting up front on a bonnet mountedseat to spot spoor (tracks) left from the night before, to help lead you to animals.

On most reserves your guide will also be communicating with any other guides in thearea via a radio to co-ordinate their efforts and cover as much of the reserve as

possible. The more eyes on the ground the better as there are normally huge areas tocover.During the morning drive you will probably stop in the bush for a ten minute break ataround 08:00 when your guide will set up a table to serve coffee tea and biscuits, thatsort of thing.





exceptional journey.

What is the accommodation like?

Accommodation options whilst on safari vary greatly, ranging from traditional and basic tents for the more adventurous travelers to the huge decadent lodges for those

who want to really indulge themselves. It is very easy to check out theaccommodation at any particular lodge or reserve, via their websites, Trip Advisor or any of the review sites available. As I said earlier, I particularly like the ResponsibleTravel website that not only provides leads to find great safaris, but also has genuinecustomer reviews for you to read before making a selection.Whether you prefer a huge and extravagant suite, complete with claw bath and his andhers sinks or a more modest canvas construction is entirely your decision. A fantasticAfrican safari experience awaits you wherever you choose to stay.

Here are a few brief descriptions of some of the accommodation types available:

Bush & Game Lodges – A guided safari tour will normally visit several lodges withindifferent reserves as part of your safari. The term lodge can mean either a permanenttented camp or structures made of natural materials, blending with the environment,

but generally very luxurious. There is range of establishments in this category, each being unique but offering you contact with the bush. Usually all meals and activitiesare included in the price.

Country hotels – Normally found on the outskirts of rural towns. They tend to betranquil, secure environments with landscaped gardens, in beautiful settings. Oftenowner managed.

Country Lodges – Normally not found in game reserves, they are smaller, graciousestablishments, exuding charm and understated luxury.

Guest Houses – Again not normally found in game reserves, they are small, upmarketestablishments, usually owner-managed, with about 5 rooms or suites, set in tranquilsuburbs or countryside. Lunch and dinners usually available, or by prior arrangement



with management

Bed & Breakfast establishments - Reasonably priced, comfortable, often selected onthe basis of the strong individual stamp owners place on their service and amenities.Often a good stop over location, ideal where you would rather spend money on actualsafari accommodation when you arrive at a reserve.

What should I bring?

For most people, an African safari is an expensive holiday, so it pays to seek theexpertise of a seasoned professional - and there is no charge for their time and advice.If you plan ahead then you’ll ensure that you won't have any unpleasant surprises onyour safari holiday abroad. Check your passport isn't about to expire, check whether you'll need visas, organize travel insurance and medical insurance. Check your flightdetails and don't forget to confirm them – including onward connections abroad andreturns. Don't forget to order special meals on flights, or children's meals, if necessary.List all your important numbers - passport numbers, credit card numbers, etc. If youlose your bag or important things, this could be an enormous help.In Africa, electricity is generally 220/230 volts and uses either three-prong or two-

prong plugs, both cases with round pins. If you're bringing anything electrical, bringan adapter, or you could buy one in country.Bring spare spectacles, and/or a copy of your prescription.If you've forgotten anything – don't panic. You can usually buy whatever you need insmall shops and supermarkets, probably at a good price.

Select your clothing based on comfort. Safari clothes should be washable and loosefitting. If possible, light colored (tan, khaki, or neutral colors); it keeps youcomfortable and is unobtrusive and non-threatening to wildlife.Many safari camps and lodges now support local community initiatives in and aroundthe wildlife parks, reserves and concession areas. Please ask if you can bring anyschool supplies, clothing or other light objects that will help these projects.If possible pack using a soft-sided suitcase. In addition you should bring a carry-on

bag with everything you cannot live without (camera equipment, prescriptionmedication, money, important travel documents, passport, etc.).This basic safari-packing list below provides some good pointers. It's important toremember to pack light especially if you're taking internal charter flights between

parks because the baggage weight can be limited.

Some essentials to bring with you:Camera and camcorder (with battery charger or spare batteries)Binoculars (the best you can afford 8x32 or 10x42 are recommended)Rechargeable Torch/FlashlightElectrical converter and plug adapter Suntan lotion and insect repellentSpare glasses (it can be very dusty so avoid contact lenses if you can)SunglassesHatCredit/debit card

Personal medicationsLightweight clothing (no bright colors). Including long sleeve shirts and trousers for



game drives and evening meal.Warm clothing, sweater or fleece for early morning and eveningWaterproof jacket if you're on safari during the rainy seasonSwimsuitA good book to enjoy between drivesMobile phone with call roaming option to keep in touch with home.Spare plastic zip lock bags

A well broken-in, comfortable pair of lightweight hiking boots or walking shoes.Small travel first aid kit.

Should I bring dollars or local currency?

If you are travelling to South Africa the local currency is Rand. We recommend thatyou bring around ZAR2,000 (approx. £160 or $270) with you and thereafter use acredit or debit card to either purchase goods or to withdraw local currency at an ATMor bank.

Wherever you travel in Africa and before you leave home, it’s important to let your credit card provider know that you will be travelling to Africa and ensure that theyhave your mobile phone number. We have know safari guests to be refused funds atan ATM when their card provider initiates a security check, which in turn leads toexpensive phone calls home to sort it out. Better that they ring you on your mobile

phone and deal and clear it up straight away.

In Botswana you will need the local currency (pula) for tips and minor expenses.Your lodge may accept US Dollars, but it’s worth checking first. Of-course your lodge should also accept credit or debit cards, to cover bar bills etc.

When travelling to Kenya then for day-to-day expenses you will need KenyanShillings (KES, /- or 'Bob').

US Dollars will be accepted in larger hotels, shops and restaurants but at a poor rateof exchange. Anywhere that will accept Dollars will also accept Pounds and Euros,

but again at a poor exchange rate.

If you want to take cash, take your local currency ( Sterling / Euros / Dollars) andchange into Shillings at either the bank or forex at the airport or at a bank or forex /FX. You will get a better exchange rate in Kenya and you will get the best rates at aforex. You should avoid changing money in your hotel or Safari lodge as their rateswill be poor. You can keep your cash safe in the hotel's safes.

What is the Big Five?

The term ‘Big Five’ refers to lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo.Although it is a term that is now synonymous with tourism it was actually coined by

big game hunters. It originally referred to the five species that were deemed mostdangerous to hunt on foot. Thankfully it now has a different connotation i.e. the five

big animals that one is supposed to want to see most of all on safari.



My view is that the hype surrounding the ‘big five’ name is no more than a marketing ploy or at best is used to boast that a guide found the big five in one game drive

(hoping for a big tip).We find that most safari guests when asked what they want to see while on safari willquite rightly say “EVERYTHING”.Imagine a game drive where you spend some quality time watching a herd of Elephant, understanding more about their behavior and the herd dynamics. Then later on you come across two Giraffe bulls necking (territorial fighting not kissing). Youstop to watch a couple of red oxpeckers on the back of a loan Wildebeast and thenenjoy a sundowner by a dam seeing and listening to a pod of Hippo as they preparefor their nights grazing. What a wonderful African experience, and you only saw oneof the big five. But importantly you didn’t charge around trying to find the other four.After all there is always tomorrow. However, you did connect with the bush andwildlife and did get to understand a lot more. What a wonderful experience.If you come across the big five every day, that’s great, but see it as a bonus. Myadvice is don’t come on safari with a tick list of animals you must see at all costs,rather enjoy every opportunity you have to be in the company of whatever wildanimals your guide finds for you. There will be a lot of them.

What is Responsible Travel?

If you haven’t guessed by now, I am an advocate of responsible and sustainableTravel. I won’t bore you with my views on conservation and tourism needing to work hand in hand any more save to say that the title explains all.However I am often asked what responsible and sustainable travel means so let me

put some context to the term:Responsible travel is about re-discovering how to experience nature and to be in it,feeling it, smelling it and learning about it rather than just looking at it.It’s a way of travelling for those who've had enough of mass tourism. For those for whom travelling is for relaxation, fulfillment, discovery, adventure and to learn; rather than simply to tick off 'places and things'.Responsible travel brings you closer to local cultures and environments by involving

local people in tourism. It's about doing this in a fair way that helps ensure that theywill give you an even warmer welcome.



The responsible traveller tends to prefer smaller groups, and to meet some local people (as well as fellow travellers) rather than be surrounded by hundreds of peoplefrom back home.Above all else the responsible traveller wants to cut loose and experience their world.Whether they travel independently, or through a leading responsible travel operator,the responsible traveller makes and experiences a difference.

Safety TipsYou will normally be given a safety brief before you start any safari, but here are afew safety tips that might be useful:

When out in the open, whether on game drive or bush walk, wear sunscreen and a sunhat

Wear long sleeve shirts and trousers and spray liberally with insect repellantespecially on morning and evening game drive.

Use the mosquito net that will be provided if you are in a Malaria area.

It’s unlikely that you would try, but just in case, avoid swimming in rivers or lakesunless you are absolutely sure there are no hippos or crocodiles. Hippos are actuallythe most dangerous of all the big animals. They feed on the banks of the river and if they sense danger will charge and attack whatever lies in their path in order to get

back to the safety of the water.

Be careful when walking around at night, even at your lodge. Many lodges are opento the bush, in which case it is not unknown for Lion, Leopard or Hyena to visit atnight. A game ranger will assist you.

Always wear boots and socks when walking around the bush.

Do not take logs from a log pile. You may ask why you would? But many lodges havean open fire to enjoy at night and if the fire is dying and the staff are away perhapsgetting you a drink; it’s tempting to throw a log on the fire. Don’t. You don’t knowwhat is sharing the log pile.

When entering a room put a light on or use a torch/flashlight before you enter, don’t

stumble around in the dark.Carry a torch/flashlight at night.

Don’t stand up when in a game drive vehicle. Many safari vehicles are open-toppedand the wildlife is generally accustomed to these. But, if you stand up or wavesomething around on the side, some animals will get annoyed and consequentlyaggressive.

If you are on foot and an animal looks hostile make sure you are not in the way of itsescape route. Give the animal a clear birth and don't make any noise to further aggravate the situation.

It’s unlikely that you would be in a position where you come across an animal without



your guide in attendance, but if you do, first stand still. Then walk away slowly. If you encounter an animal that doesn't like your presence move back slowly andquietly.

I once had a lady guest from California who it transpired had had an altercation withher husband while on safari and decided that it would be rather fun to go off for awalk on her own while the rest of her group were having lunch. I was blissfully

unaware of the situation until one of the service guys who was working in the reserve(actually fixing a bore hole pump), told me he had seen her heading towards a herd of elephants that were in a dry river bed about 1km from the lodge.I had a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach when I heard this. I could almostread the headlines in the international press. Elephants are fantastic creatures and arenormally tolerant of people in a game drive vehicle if approached respectfully.However, they can be very aggressive towards people on foot.I raced off in my Landover, radioing the other guides for assistance in finding her andheaded to the place where she had been seen last. Thankfully she hadn’t reached theelephants (in fact she wasn’t even aware they were not far away). I felt rather like amother whose son or daughter goes missing and is instantly fearing the worst, only tosee them return home unawares of the panic they had caused, having just gone off to

play somewhere without telling anyone. Still as my mother used to say “all’s well thatends well, but don’t do it again”.

We always repeat the advice above to our safari guests, most of which is basicallycommon sense. I would say however that the instruction to stand still if you comeacross an animal on foot, is probably the hardest to do. The phenomenon known asfight or flight syndrome is part of human nature i.e. stand and fight or run away. Onething for certain is that if you run away then you take on the mantle of a prey speciesthat will be recognized by any predator. So don’t run.

Of-course it is very unlikely that you will come across dangerous animals on footaccompanied by a guide. Unless like my Californian friend above, you go off wandering on your own!

Not to labor the point, but we offer safety advice, because with all the precautions and planning that we have, situations can occur, after all you will be in wild Africa. But to put some context to it, I live and work in the African bush and can count on one handthe dangerous encounters I have had over the years. There have been a few timeswhen I have needed to shoulder my rifle as a precaution (to be ready), but I havenever found it necessary to shoot.

One occasion comes to mind when the flight instinct was too much for one of myguests after we came across a rhino on foot. Initially everyone stood still as Iinstructed. We were in a relatively safe position some fifty meters from the rhino withthe wind in our faces, so I wasn’t unduly concerned. I was happy to agree to stay for ashort while when the guest in question whispered to me that he would like to takesome photographs.

That was perfectly normal and I didn’t give it any extra thought, until he switched hiscamera on.

I’m not sure what model of digital camera he was using, but as he switched it on aloud tune (I think it was a digital version of the ‘entertainer’) played as the camera



started up.

Our rhino clearly wasn’t a music lover, because she span around aggressively (rhinohave exceptional hearing if poor eyesight), which in turn startled my guest, who ranfor it. Straight past his wife and me as fast as his legs could carry him. The rhino didexactly the same and ran in the opposite direction.

His wife and I were left watching a rhino’s rear end disappearing in one direction andher husbands in the other. We eventually found him puffing and panting about 500meters away. I made no comment as in my line of work I find it best to say little onthese occasions. However his wife on the other hand didn’t let him off so lightly, andteased him about it the entire way back to the lodge. To be fair to him, he did see thefunny side of her teasing and we had a good laugh about it over lunch.

How can I improve my being able to spot wildlife?Here are some tips that will help you maximize your wildlife viewing successes:

Go with a guide. Guides will often be in radio contact with each other, so if one spotsa lion kill or whatever they can let your party know so you get to see it too. A guide isalso useful in identifying species. Even if you carry a nice guidebook, it can bedifficult to tell the difference between a female sable and an impala when they arerunning.

The best time to spot game is at dawn and dusk. At midday the sun is hot and mostanimals prefer to siesta under the shade of a tree, usually far from the tracks you'redriving on.

Know where to look. Look up in the trees if you want to spot a leopard, look in riversif you want to see crocodiles (especially in patches of reeds) and watch out for steaming dung heaps to give you a good indication how close you might be to anelephant.

Vultures circling, with others sat in a tree below, usually means there is a carcass

there and whatever killed it (probably Lions) are still there.



Bring binoculars. Game parks are often bigger than some small European countriesand the animals are wearing camouflage.

Don’t try to spot the outline of the whole animal, but glance around frequently atdistance. You are looking for a change in form. That in time will register almostsubconsciously as you quickly scan an area. That may be legs seen under a bush, anear or tail flick over high grass, or a strange form in a tree.

Sound is of key importance and is probably the most underused sense, at least at thestart of their safari. Animal and birdcalls tell a story and we encourage our guests toget to know what at least some of those calls mean. For example the vervet monkeyhas specific alarm calls for a predator on the ground (possibly leopard) or a predator in a tree (possibly snake). They are very easy to understand and give us clues as towhere a leopard maybe, because they will be telling us.

On the first day of our safaris we offer our guests the chance take part in what we callour bush experience exercise. It is fun activity that is designed to quickly heightenyour bush senses, which have more likely than not, been dulled by urban living.

We take a walk in the bush, where I sit my guests separately on a rock or fallen treeand offer them a blindfold, hearing defenders and gloves to wear. The idea being toclose down three of the main senses, leaving the focus on smell.

Of-course we are on hand to make sure everyone is safe and can relax and enjoyreawakening their senses.

The smells of the bush can tell us a lot about what has been happening, but are toooften over looked or missed all together. To give you a great example. If one cansmell popcorn when walking along a game trail. It’s not that some enterprising personhas opened a popcorn stand nearby, but that a female leopard in estrous has scentmarked a bush. As someone who studies leopards it’s always a welcome and excitingsmell, that lets us know that one of our female leopards is ready to mate.Anyway back to our bush experience exercise. After an initial ten minutes where theonly sense used was smell, we then remove the gloves, giving folks the opportunity tofocus on touch.

Then ten minutes later we take off the ear defenders and it normally at this point that bush suddenly comes alive for most people. Still without vision, the sounds of the bush are amplified and much clearer allowing you to focus on a myriad of calls and

noises.Last, we remove the blindfold. It’s a strange thing but when we remove the blindfoldmost people quickly look around to orientate themselves and then just as quicklyclose their eyes again. Enjoying using their ears.

Of-course this isn’t a compulsory activity, but has proved very popular. Guests canquickly blow away the cobwebs and have a head start on enjoying all aspects of nature.

The question I am most asked about our bush senses activity is where does it

originate. It is actually something that I was taught when I was training to track animals many years ago. My instructor started me out with this and other similar



tricks to heighten the use of my senses. Even though I had wrongly imagined thattracking was just about looking for sign. I was wrong and soon learned that a tracker needs to use all his or her senses.

Self drive advice

If you’re feeling confident, then a self drive safari can provide the traveler with a lotof additional freedom and choices, although it is always best to have a well-plannedroute mapped out in advance, with lodging or accommodation booked and paid for

prior to travel.

Hiring a car in Africa is as the same as most other places in the world. You can book acar online with all of the major operators. You can then choose the route and book accommodation to suit your pocket and travel plans by reviewing the hundreds onaccommodation providers available from Guest Houses to five star game lodges.

Here are a couple of basic tips for driving in Africa:Stick to the main roadsThe main highways are generally good quality but some minor roads are riddled with

potholes or may just be dirt roads. Proceed with caution.Always stay in your car when driving in a game park.Only get out at designated places and follow the rules that will be posted.Don't stand up or stick anything out of the car.Keep your windows up. If you are in a car with windows, it's better to keep themclosed.Check up on the driving rules and laws, as there may well be some differences towhat you are used to. Stick to the speed limits and watch for variations on any road.I would advise against giving a lift to anyone who you do not know. Hitch hiking isvery common in Africa and you are likely to see many folks wanting a lift.Finally be prepared to be stopped by the traffic police, either for a random check or for an alleged speeding offence. This is a common event in Africa and sadly I shouldmention that there is a small minority of unscrupulous traffic police who are lookingfor a cash payment, which is illegal. Many traffic officers are polite andunderstanding of foreign travellers driving in their country, but sadly not all. Myadvice is that under no circumstances should you make any ‘on the spot’ cash

payments, as these are bribes. Rather state that you are prepared to go to the policestation and make payment of any speeding fine or other minor traffic offence. If theofficer is crooked then he/she will back down at that point and if not then you’ll have

a fine to pay.Also note that motorway tolls and petrol stations often do not accept foreign credit or debit cards. You will need to pay in cash.

How much should I tip?

Many people ask about tipping on safari. Cash tips are normally given in the localcurrency.Most camps allow tipping by credit card if you prefer not to carry cash, but it's wise tocheck this in advance.

These figures represent suggested minimum amounts:If you receive exceptional service, a greater tip is always appreciated!



Rangers: equivalent of $10 per guest per day in a shared vehicle. At least double thatamount per guest in a private vehicle.Trackers / butlers / valets: $5 per guest per day.General staff fund (for cleaners, cooks, waiters, etc.): $5 per guest per day.All tips are normally given at the end of your stay. Envelopes for tips can normally befound either in your suite's stationery set or in the camp lounge. Include a personalthank-you note for your ranger and tracker along with the tip; it’s a wonderful way to

thank them for the key contribution they make to your safari experience and is alwaysdeeply appreciated.If you're returning to a camp and know the ranger or tracker personally, a personalgift for him or his family is a lovely gesture. If you'd like to give a gift to the campstaff, a football (soccer ball) and pump will be very welcome, as many people inSouth Africa are football-crazy.

What is safari style?

There is a certain theme or style associated with the word, which includes khaki clothing, belted bush jackets, bush hats, and animal skin patterns - like printedleopard's skin. There is also a term of safari chic that followed the film Out of Africa .This not only included clothing but also interior design and architecture.

I have to be honest and anyone who meets me will no doubt vouch for this, but for memaking sure that one is looking stylish in the bush takes second place to practicality.So yes khaki is a good neutral color, which helps one to blend into the bush, but to behonest any neutral color, has the same effect. A hat is very important to preventsunburn. The picture below shows me checking a leopard’s access point on the fenceline with one of our young rangers. Practical but can hardly be called stylish.

How can I support conservation or the local community?

By simply coming to Africa on safari you are contributing towards conservation as

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khaki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khaki



you are bringing in funds and with that a local realization that we must conserve and preserve the wilderness areas to maintain the tourism industry. So wherever youchoose to travel in Africa and whoever you choose to travel with, a very big thank you.

Moreover if you would like to maximize that contribution then choose a tour operator that supports one or more conservation projects. There are plenty that do and in that

way more of your money will be channeled into conservation. You can even select acompany that supports a project or species that is close to your heart. In that way youwin twice over.

If you feel that you would like to be involved with a particular cause or conservation project then there are many ways that you can do that. The most obvious of-course being to donate funds and I’m sure the project will be only too keen to facilitate thatdonation. Having said that, you can also help any project by raising awareness andspreading the word about them when you get back home. This later point is somethingthat I encourage our guests to do.

We operate a safari company with the aim of providing an authentic safari experience, but also to raise funds for our work with leopards and other large predators. Our ethosis one of inviting our guests to be part of the family. Kick off your shoes, relax and beat home. That family ethos doesn’t end when you fly back home. We want our gueststo become part of our global family, helping the cause of protecting free roaming

predators. After all who could be better ambassadors for our conservation project than people who have been there and seen it in action.

Conservation is a broad term that has many aspects, one of which (that is important tous), is to support local rural schools. There go the future conservationist of Africa andit is very important that they learn about all the aspects of conservation at an earlyage. To do that first we need to ensure they have the infrastructure and support tocreate a good learning environment. One part of our schools support project is to buildschool kitchens so that the kids can get at least one good meal a day. After all no onefeels like learning when they are hungry.

All good tour operators have community support programs that you can support, so



before you leave home, ask your safari operator how you can help. For example ruralschools are nearly always in need or pens, pencils etc. You may well have childrenwho have outgrown clothes, books, sports equipment, dvd’s or whatever that would

be put to great use in Africa.

We have been very fortunate with our guests making donations and sending over allsorts of goodies for the schools we support. It’s humbling to see how people want to

help. Although we do sometimes come unstuck as a result of their generosity…Therewas an occasion recently when a lady who had been on safari with us and knew that Iwould be in the UK just before Christmas, asked to meet me as she had some‘goodies’ for a school we support.

We stay in touch with all our guests and so we arranged to meet her at a motorwayservice station as we travelled to see family. When we’re in the UK we tend to hire asmall even compact car, which on this occasion was a big mistake. Alarm bells startedto ring when I she asked what size car did we have.

Walking out into the car park we saw that she had a small van full of ‘goodies’ for usto collect. How on earth we shoe horned it all into our compact little hire car, I willnever know. Although my wife Carol did spend the rest of the journey with her nose

pushed against the windscreen.

Next we had to arrange to fly it all back to Africa. And here I can’t praise enoughBritish Airways and Virgin Atlantic who always agree to fly donated ‘goodies’ out toAfrica free of charge, which is absolutely wonderful.

What makes your safaris different?

Please forgive my indulgence in promoting my own safari company here. On Track Safaris means more to me that just a commercial venture, it is the conduit by whichwe help to support our conservation and community work as well as providing aunique and exciting African adventure for our safari guests.



But to go back to the question (which is something I am asked frequently), I supposethe best thing is to explain why we formed On Track safaris and then what weactually do.

When my wife and I had the idea to form a safari company and help to raise moneyfor conservation, we had already enjoyed many standard African Safaris ourselves.While enjoyable, we found that we were always left wanting something more than

simply being shown animals and nice accommodation. Of-course we wanted boththose things, but also to go a little further. We wanted to break through the touristrhetoric and get to know the real African bush.And so we formed On Track Safaris to do exactly that....

We specialize in wildlife conservation safaris to Africa in support of wildlifeconservation. We prefer small groups of less then six persons. This means that wecan offer a personal service and flexibility to cater for any specific requirements andneeds that you may have. Whether your preference is just general wildlife or something more specific, or if you would like to visit one of our community projects,or be hands on or sit back and let us take the strain, whatever you prefer we'll do our

best to provide.

Everyone hopes to see the infamous big five when on safari (Rhino, Elephant, Lion,Leopard and Buffalo), and of-course soak up the atmosphere, sights and sounds of

Africa. We aim to provide all those things (mother nature permitting), but more thanthat, we want you to gain an insight into the real African bush. For example, tounderstand what a leopard track looks like and how it is just like a fingerprint, or whatthe barking noise you heard during the night meant (alarm call of a bush buck, whoknows a predator is around).



And even more, we provide opportunities for you to be involved with our work inconservation and particularly with Leopards. Meet and be involved withconservationists, help to set trail cameras to monitor the nightly happenings, or justsimply take time to sit viewing an Elephant understanding its behavior and the herddynamics.

Of-course a safari wouldn’t be a safari without enjoying the quality accommodationand fantastic venues that are included in each of our tours.We will be waiting for you on arrival in Africa, we don't use a third party transitservice, you will be met by one of our safari team and your safari starts then. Don'tworry about the time of your arrival, we will meet you at any time or date to suit you,it's all part of the service. This gives you flexibility to find the best flight deal.

We know that its important to be able to plan your safari costs and avoid any hidden

extras. Quite simply, we don't believe in hidden extras, where possible we provide anall-inclusive price and any additions to that one off price are clearly shown on your



itinerary.

Let us know what you want from your Safari and together we can make your timewith us an experience that will provide memories to last a lifetime.



Foot Note

I hope the information provided has been helpful, but if there are any further questions you have or advice that I can offer, then please feel free to fire away. My

wife Carol deals with all enquires, so please send her an emailmailto:[email protected] and she’ll get an answer back to you asap. I hopeyou will visit Africa on Safari and enjoy this magical continent. If you decide to visitus, all the better.

Will Fox

CEO, On Track Safariswww.ontracksafaris.co.uk Chairman, Protecting African Wildlife (PAW) Conservation Trustwww.pawct.org

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.ontracksafaris.co.uk/

http://www.pawct.org/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.ontracksafaris.co.uk/

http://www.pawct.org/

Documents

Safari Planning Guide