15 Essential Tips For a Memorable Safari in South Africa
A safari in South Africa had always been on my bucket list, so I was beyond excited when it finally became a reality!
But a safari isn’t just a trip you can book without much thought – there’s quite a bit of preparation involved.
What’s the best time to go?
What should I wear?
Which accommodation is right for me?
And so much more…
I did my research, but there were still a few things I wish I’d known before heading out.
To help you get fully prepared for your unforgettable South African safari, I’ve gathered 15 essential tips that will ensure you’re ready for the adventure ahead.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)
1. Choose The Right Time to Visit
Hands down, the best time for a South African safari is during the Dry season (May–October), as vegetation is thinner and animals gather around waterholes, making them easier to spot.
We visited in September, and it was perfect – the wildlife sightings were incredible, and the pleasant weather added to the experience.
The lack of rain during this time also meant fewer mosquitoes, making it much more comfortable for us.
2. Decide on a Destination
South Africa offers a variety of options, from iconic parks like Kruger to smaller private reserves.
We decided to focus on Kruger National Park for its wide range of animals and also explored smaller reserves like Leadwood Big Game Estate and Moditlo Game Reserve for their intimate, guided experiences.
In private game reserves, guides are more flexible and can drive off-road in some parts to get closer to animals. They also use walkie-talkies to share sightings, which is incredibly helpful if you’re keen on spotting specific animals.
Kruger, however, is unparalleled for the sheer diversity and number of animals you can see in just one drive.
3. Pack Clothes in Natural Colors
Vibrant colors like red, pink, blue, and others are an absolute no-go on safari!
Neutral colors like beige, khaki, and olive are ideal for blending into the environment and staying cool.
I personally wore a beige dress one day and a khaki shirt with beige cargo trousers on another. These colors don’t attract insects and are perfect for the bush.
Additionally, wear loose-fitting clothes for comfort, especially in hot weather. You’ll be sitting for long periods on a full-day safari, and you won’t want to deal with uncomfortable clothes!
4. Take Insect Repellent With You
Insect repellents are essential, especially in areas with malaria risk like Kruger. However, we were pleasantly surprised by the lack of mosquitoes during our trip, likely due to the dry season.
We used NOBITE repellents for both clothing and skin but didn’t need them often.
That said, it’s always better to be safe and carry repellents, particularly if you’re visiting during the rainy season when insects are more prevalent.
5. Bring The Right Equipment
A good camera and binoculars are must-haves for capturing wildlife on safari.
I brought my DSLR camera, but unfortunately, I didn’t have a strong telephoto lens, which limited my ability to take close-up shots of animals. It’s definitely something I’ll invest in for my next trip, and I highly recommend others do the same!
We also ordered a pair of binoculars on Amazon shortly before our trip, and they proved incredibly handy for spotting animals in the distance.
If you have a good phone, its camera can capture stunning photos and videos as well. I managed to record some amazing videos on my iPhone 14 Pro, proving that a high-quality phone can be a great addition to your gear.
6. Follow Safari Etiquette
Respecting wildlife is crucial for both your safety and the animals’ well-being.
Avoid standing up in the jeep, making loud noises, or shouting at animals – it can disturb them, alter their natural behavior, or even provoke dangerous situations.
After all, you really don’t want an elephant or rhino charging at your vehicle.
7. Get The Right Vaccinations
Before traveling to South Africa, consult with a healthcare professional to make sure you’re up-to-date on necessary vaccinations like hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and typhoid.
While there’s no vaccine for malaria, prevention pills are an option in areas like Kruger. We chose not to take them, just as we hadn’t in Zanzibar, but this is a personal choice. Plus, the risk is generally lower during the dry season.
Consult your doctor beforehand and don’t forget travel insurance – I always use SafetyWing for peace of mind.
8. Choose The Right Accommodation
South Africa offers everything from basic camps to luxury lodges, catering to a wide range of budgets and travel styles.
We stayed at the Radisson Safari Hotel in Hoedspruit, which was a fantastic choice for comfort and convenience, offering a relaxed atmosphere, even though it wasn’t a private lodge.
A lodge might be a better option for anyone seeking a more intimate experience, as they often provide a more personalized and secluded stay.
Regardless of your preference, it’s important to book early, especially during peak season, to secure your ideal accommodation.
9. Carry Local Currency
Having South African Rand (ZAR) is useful for tipping safari guides and drivers, as they mostly only accept cash.
While many lodges and hotels accept credit cards, smaller purchases or gratuities are best handled with cash.
10. Stay Connected With an eSIM
At first, it might seem that an eSIM isn’t something you’d actually need for a safari. I wasn’t sure if buying one would be necessary either, but it quickly turned out to be incredibly useful.
I opted for a 10-day South Africa eSIM from Holafly, a provider I had already used for our road trip in Albania. I loved how easy it was to install, the reliable connection, and the unlimited data. In my opinion, it’s the best eSIM for international travel.
While most accommodations offer Wi-Fi, some camps don’t have reliable connections, as one traveler we met mentioned.
One time we needed to make urgent changes to our safari plans when we were on the road and I could easily reach out to the tour operator from the car.
Having data without worrying about roaming charges was a huge plus and definitely made the trip more convenient.
Moreover, having hotspot capabilities meant I could share my data with my partner, ensuring we both stayed connected at any time.
So if you’re planning a safari trip to South Africa and want to stay connected without any hassle, consider a Holafly eSIM for your next adventure.
Save 5% on your order at Holafly by booking through this link
11. Prepare For Changing Weather
Temperatures can vary greatly on safari, especially depending on the season. During our dry-season visit, mornings were chilly, afternoons hot, and game drives in open-top jeeps were windy.
I packed layers to adjust throughout the day and was glad to have a hat for sun protection, as game drive jeeps in South Africa – especially in private reserves – are often open-top.
If visiting during the wet season, consider bringing rain gear for added comfort.
12. Stay Hydrated
I recommend you always carry water during game drives, even if the tour provides it.
On one drive, we didn’t stop for a break until two hours in, and I was seriously parched. With the wind kicking up dust everywhere, my mouth felt like the desert itself!
13. Keep Snacks Handy
Long game drives can leave you feeling hungry, so pack snacks like nuts or granola bars – they’re a lifesaver when meal times are spread out.
This is especially true on full-day Kruger safaris that start very early in the morning, with hours to go before the lunch break. Depending on your accommodation, you might not even get a breakfast to-go.
At the Radisson Safari Hotel, they did provide one, but unfortunately, they messed up my request for vegan options.
All I had to eat that morning was a handful of nuts and an apple, and let me tell you, it made for a very long morning! So bringing your own snacks ensures you’re never caught unprepared.
14. Learn About The Local Culture
Engaging with the local culture adds another layer to your safari experience. Learning a few basic Afrikaans phrases was fun and well-received by locals and tour guides alike.
Simple phrases like “Hallo” (Hello), “Hoe gaan dit?” (How are you?), “Dankie” (Thank you), and “Goeie môre” (Good morning) can help create a warm connection with the people you meet – even if it’s just a few words.
And don’t stress about pronunciation – just giving it a try is what matters most!
15. Be Patient & Flexible
Wildlife sightings can be unpredictable, so patience is key. If you miss spotting a specific animal, consider adding more game drives or asking your guide about adjusting the itinerary.
We decided to add another sunrise game drive on our last morning, hoping to see the leopard – the only one of the Big Five we hadn’t spotted yet.
Although we didn’t spot one, the drive was still amazing with plenty of other wildlife sightings, making it the perfect ending to our trip.
It’s all part of the adventure, and being flexible ensures you enjoy every moment!
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Do you want to travel like me?
Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources:
Flights: I prefer using CheapOair to book flights. I often search for “Anywhere” to uncover the best flight deals!
Accommodation: Booking.com is my favorite site to find some great hotel deals.
Travel Insurance: There are many reasons why travel insurance is important and I never travel without one. I use the simple and flexible one from SafetyWing that protects me against unforeseen events.
Tours: I love taking tours to explore destinations like a local. My favorite website to book them in advance is GetYourGuide.
Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.
