Safari etiquette 101

Your guide is exactly that – the person who’ll lead the way to a safe, memorable Safari. And trust me when I tell you they know the bush (and its inhabitants) like it’s their backyard (because it is!).

In short, if you listen and respect your guide (and share your personal Safari check list with them), you’re in for an African adventure of note. Here are a few golden rules when it comes to Safari guide etiquette.

1. Trust their expertise:
Your guide isn’t just a driver. They’re a naturalist, a storyteller, and a guardian of the wild. Trust their decisions, respect their knowledge and be open to suggestions. They’ve spent years honing their craft and are passionate about sharing it with you.

2. Active listening is key:
When your guide speaks, truly listen. Absorb their insights about animal behavior, local ecosystems, and cultural traditions. Ask questions to deepen your understanding and engage in meaningful conversations.

3. Respect their boundaries:
Remember, your guide is a professional. Be mindful of their time and energy, and avoid making unreasonable requests, such as going off-road, that could compromise their well-being or the safety of the group.

4. Follow their lead:
As mentioned, your guide is responsible for your safety and the well-being of the wildlife. Always follow their instructions, even if you don't fully understand the reasoning behind it. Their decisions are based on experience and a deep respect for the environment.

5. Open communication is crucial:
If you have specific interests or concerns, don’t hesitate to communicate them with your guide. They’ll do their best to accommodate your preferences while sticking to ethical and eco-conscious practices.

6. Gratitude goes a long way:
A heartfelt “thank you” can make all the difference. Express your appreciation for your guide’s hard work, dedication, and the unique perspective they bring to your safari experience. You might find the relationship you strike up with your guide is the ultimate highlight of your trip, as it is with so many of my guests.
“Our guide Moss was a badass. He knew where to go for optimal viewing to make the experience so memorable.”
- Niharika M. Botswana and Zimbabwe Safari

7. Tipping:
In the Safari world, tipping is a way to acknowledge the exceptional service provided by your guide. It’s a gesture of gratitude that goes beyond words, and it’s always appreciated!

And those are the basics! You’re now prepared to make the most of your African escape with your Safari guide by your side. Ready, set, Safari!

Lost in Translation

On Safari, you are going to be spending a lot of time with your guide, your new friend as well as lodge crew, managers, maybe trackers, local indeginous groups, etc. . They all come from a different cultures, different backgrounds, and will work with the information we provide to work hard to show you a great time. That is everyone’s goal and our repeat clients are a testament to how hard everyone works to make it happen.

Be open and patient with things that can get ‘lost in translation’.

My guide Makubi from Dunia Camp in Central Serengeti , Tanzania was telling me his Wakuria tribe culture was not to look in the eye when talking. That is a sign of aggression. He would never do that in his village with his elders or peers. In our western culture, if you don’t look in the eye when talking, you are rude. The dilemma. He adapted.

David is a Maasai in Tanzania. A proud warrior whose Maasai blanket [his tribal clothing] would peek from his sleeve. He said wearing the clothing reminded him of his heritage. He would sit with us for dinner and share some good stories of his people, wildlife, Tanzania, etc. When we were served polenta with our lamp chop, he would be polite and have small bites but I have a feeling after our meal, he would head to the kitchen and prepare his own local food.

Keagan is a white South African guide working with a Donald, the local Shangan tracker at Sabi Sabi Selati Lodge, Sabi Sands, South Africa. Together, they team up to show the guests the best time. Max has learnt tracking from his forefathers while Keagan went to guide school. Putting the different experiences together, you have an outstanding understanding of the wildlife, the place, the land, the different cultures everyone brings, and more.

Most people you will encounter go through lots of training so they can understand our sensibility and adapt for our comfort. To be fair, be open to a different culture. Don’t get offended with what may not translate to our culture.  Talk. You will learn from your new friend when on Safari.

Isn’t that part of the adventure of traveling to another place?

Gift Guide for the Safari Goer.

Need some ideas of what to get yourself or your loved one?
If you are going on a Safari or are a Safari enthusiast, here are some ideas that I can personally vouch for. 

Seeking Information - my personal favorites:

• Love, Life, and Elephants: An African Love Story by Daphne Sheldrick.
  Dame Daphne Sheldrick is an icon. She has done amazing work for the orphaned elephants in Kenya. We love taking our guests to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi, Kenya were you can adopt and pet an elephant. You can read about her ‘why’ in this book.

• The Elephant Whisperer - by Lawrence Anthony.
  What a story about how deep one can go because they love an animal. Anthony was one of those people for the elephants in South Africa. You will have a chuckle as well reading about how smart those elephants are as well.

• Beat About The Bush by Trevor Carnaby.
  This field guide tells you a story about the wildlife and birds. Things like 'do elephants have good memories?' to 'why do lions have manes?'. Fun Facts. I reference this book often when I am trying to learn about an animal. I also gave this book as a gift to my daughter’s friend who wants to be a vet and loves to share information about animals.

• The Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson.
  Give birds a chance. Once you start paying attention to birds, you will be hooked. Coo Coo. I don’t take this book on Safari because of the weight of this book. When I am back and reviewing my bird pictures, I use this book to identify.
  
  Tip - I never seem to remember bird names. I write them down on my Notes App [I have an IPhone] or my notebook when the Safari guide tells me the names or shows me their bird book. When I am sorting my pictures at home, it becomes a fun game to try to match the picture and the bird using this guide.

• The Overstory by Richard Powers.
  Nothing to do with Safari but if you love nature, this one is a good book to read. You will not look at trees the same way. Richard Powers is Pulitzer Prized author living in the Smokey Mountain in the US - another gorgeous area in this lovely planet.

Photography:
My favorite hobby.  I have moved on from being a hobbyist to amateur, ahem, and one of my favorite gifts to myself has been my camera.

If you or your partner are looking into buying a camera and are new to the camera game, I would recommend:

• a Canon T8i, a good starter DSLR camera. I had a T3 when I started and I still use pictures from that camera.

• If you know you are going to use your camera often, get my current crop body Canon 80D - not a full frame camera but one that I can use outside of Safari. After many years of borrowing from Photo Rental Source [ummh, could have paid for the lens with all the borrowing I did], I finally bought the Canon 70-300 mm lens. Not too heavy for me and gives me the reach I need. A lot of my photography friends recommended the Canon 100-400 mm lens. This may be a good lens to borrow - see my notes below.

• Want the mother-load camera? Then go all out for the Canon 5DMarkIII. If you are a pro- you know about this camera already.

• I know many of my professional Safari guide friends use Sony. If I was looking at a Sony for my future Safari, this Sony AR111 is what I would be getting. I would borrow a telephoto lens.

If you want to do a good point and shoot, my client Natalie got the Canon Powershot. My Safari guide in Congo, Lucy recommends Sony RX 10 IV. She has some great photographs and videos with this compact camera from her Safaris all over Africa.

The other option is renting camera body and lens. Photo Rental Source is my go to place in Houston and they ship nationwide. B&H Photo have used lens that would also work or call them to get camera ideas. They are fantastic and will guide you with the hundreds of options out there.

Binoculars:
After a day or two on a game drive, everyone gets into the searching-mode for wildlife and birds with hawk-eyed Safari guides. A professional guide / guide trainer recommended these Vortex binoculars to me. The key to good binoculars he said, to simplify the complicated science behind the machine, is 10x42 and good prism glass. I have had these for a few years and a few of my Safari guide friends also use these so I know I am in good company.

Tech Tool to consider:

• The Anker Battery for my IPhone - I always take this with me. Times when I have been grateful I have had it is when I am on planes. You need to have your phone for boarding pass, etc and a low battery for me is stressful. When the room does not have a charging station close to the bed. My IPhone is always charged this way for photos, music listening for the room, etc.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Organizations we Trust:
These are my personal favorites because I can vouch that your gift will be put to good use. If you are going on Safari, we can arrange a visit or meeting. If you have been to these places or met our contacts on your Safari, hope you agree. 

• David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - they are amazing. From anti-poaching to caring for young elephants; you can donate or foster one or more elephants. My elephant is Ndoto. 

• Carbon Tanzania - if you go on a Safari with us, you are already contributing to this great organization because all of our partners on the ground [a requirement for us to use them] offset carbon footprint with them. We can always do more. 

• Rift Valley Children's Home - we stop every time we go to Ngorongoro and continue to be impressed with how happy, loved and smart the kids are here. Kudos to a great team lead by Mama India and Baba Peter. 

• Honeyguide Foundation - we know Damian Bell and have seen him in action with ranger training. They protect the precious wildlife from human-wildlife conflict - a big issue - to poaching related matter. Wildlife is threatened from all sides - we must do all we can to help save so many species from extinction. 

• Big Life Foundation - goodness they have a task. They take care of a large areas in Kenya but also partner with other areas in Tanzania. From anti-poaching to providing water during drought to veterinarian work, etc. They work with David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust when dealing with elephants they find orphaned around Kenya.

Ethical Shopping:
If you are into sustainable fashion, you will love that when you purchase items from these selected sellers. You are supporting females, like the Maasai ladies in the villages in Northern Tanzania or local artisans who can continue to support their families through your purchase.

• Sidai Designs is a company helping the Maasai ladies. Their jewelry is sustainable and modern enough to wear on a daily bases. I love my few pieces that I have from them. If you are in Arusha, Tanzania, we can arrange for you to spend time with the Maasai mamas.

• Adele Dejak. I first saw my colleague Brook wear her rings many moons ago and fell in love with them. I spotted them in South Africa at Sabi Sabi Lodge but wanted to wait until I got to Nairobi, Kenya to buy my beloved pieces from their original store and I did! These three rings are [I can use them as self-defence if needed I think] my most worn items but they have so many other cool pieces. Oh, and in Dec 2022, she was in Senegal dressing the models from Chanel for their runway walk. Pretty cool Adele!

Clothing:
When on Safari, you want to be comfortable. There is really no dress code, but, if you want to ‘blend -in’ a bit, we recommend wear clothing that has SPF, dry fast should there by a light shower or so, and colors that mix in with nature.

• When I was in The Republic of Congo, I took this Amazon Shirt [similar if sold out] with me and surprising, it was my most worn shirt. Now for my Safaris in Eastern and Southern Africa, I have not always taken my own advice [our packing list guide] and worn black and blue. But in The Republic of Congo - that was a no-go. The tse-tse flies there are extra nasty especially on the river so this shirt was my most worn shirt on the Safari, on repeat too, after many sweaty walks and you know, the people around me were not complaining of foul odor. :)

• Comfortable pants are a must. From game driving all day, walking in them - from knee deep to chimp trekking to light stroll, having the stretch to get in the Safari vehicle, quick drying from the sprinkle, etc. I am sure you have those pants in the closet. However, if you are looking for my recommendation, I have had Kuhl brand pants that I have been wearing for the past six’ish years and they have been with me on multiple Safaris. [Similar Kuhl Pants or these one from Baleaf are also good as per a few guests of mine.]
  
  Get good ones because the Safari bug is real - as in - you will go on multiple Safaris I promise. Purchase ones you like so you can re-wear.

We hope you found something useful for you or your Safari partner, loved one. Need more ideas? Reach out to us and we can brain storm a bit more.

Originally written in Dec 2016.
Updated on Dec 2022.

Travel Tip - Lanyard

On my Safari in Feb 2021, I decided to take a lanyard because I had got the new larger iPhone and realized it would not fit my pockets. Little did I know, the little purchase was such a handy buy.

So many reasons I was so glad I had my lanyard.

• Kept me from dropping my phone - nothing worse then a cracked phone on holiday.

• Did not have to ‘find’ my phone. On my past Safaris, when I am juggling my camera, my backpack, etc I am quickly stashing my phone somewhere only to have to search around where put it away. That panic was cut out with my handy dandy lanyard.
  
  Speaking of finding my phone’, I was at my lodge in Southern Serengeti, enjoying my bush fire in the evening, when some guests asked me if they know how to find a phone. One of the guests, on a game drive, lost her phone while taking photos - it was in her pocket - and they were trying to find where she dropped the phone. It was pitch dark when they were trying to trace her steps, and when I asked in the morning, they were not successful in finding the phone. I was thankful my phone was on my lanyard, right beside me.

• And of course, a quick photo opportunity, and my handy phone was easy to grab because it was right in front of me.

Now let’s get your on Safari so you too can use that lanyard. Or not, if unlike me, you are responsible with your phone.

Let's get going already! What to pack on your African Safari?

They say that the anticipation phase of a trip is just as exciting as the actual adventure.
I agree! Even with new rules and regulations, and butterflies that go with traveling, going on a Safari is just thrilling. The wildlife, oh the amazing range of wildlife, the people - my friends, the landscape, and the life-altering conversations that you are about to experience. Goosebumps.

Okay, here's something about Africa - it is large. Africa has 54 countries, 11.5 million miles with a range of temperature. Yes, it does get cool/cold. We're talking 40s during the evenings if you are in areas like Ngorongoro. [Weather guideline]. This is true even if the day is warm/hot especially if you are going during the cooler month. Open vehicles and wind also make it cooler. You knew? Awesome. A fleece or sweater is a good idea. Scarfs may be necessary as well for those like me who get cold faster.

Luggage:
My advise is to stick to a soft, carry-on bags [they need to squeeze bags sometimes in the luggage compartment in the small bush planes] during your travel that has been used for years; no pangs when it comes with extra scratches or dust. If you can only use one carry-on bag while keeping with your airline’s check-in policy [please check as each airline has different weight limits], more power to you. Otherwise, one carry-on bag/back-pack to keep essentials, clothing for a day or two [should your bags not arrive on time], and the other carry-on bag to check-in.

The thing to keep in mind is the approx 35 lbs weight limit for the bush planes on Safari.
Do not pack more than that if you can. If you can’t keep with the weight limit, tafadhali [please] let us know in advance. We can buy you freight weight which costs a little extra but at least you have more weight to work with. Photographers, we hear you! We do this often.

What to pack on Safari :
– A warm sweater and/or fleece for the evening. If going in cooler months, June to September/October, both would be a good idea. Always check weather.com before you leave. They have temperatures for Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
– 3 pants. If they that zip off to become shorts may work especially during the hot season.
- 3-4 short sleeve tee for the day time which you can rotate. Layering is key as it will be cold in the morning and evening but warm up during the day.
– 3 long sleeve shirts to layer for the mornings and evenings time. Mix and match is the way to go. Ladies, sneak in a light necklace for instant glam or get one at your Safari Lodge.

Colors - neutrals are recommended because you are blending in the environment but if you do wear black or blue, like me, it’s all good. Comfort is more important as you will be sitting for a long time.

* Evening dressing:
Sometimes in the evening, you end up wearing what you wore on the game drive - no worries. No one is looking. Enjoy the sunset if it mean staying as long as it is allowed by park authorities and rushing back for campfire drinks instead of going for your shower and missing the light.

– Scarf or bandana. The scarf/bandana can be used as a mask again dust, protecting your neck from the sun, keep you warm during the windy drives, and those times you need a wipe. If small, sneak in another one so it can stay clean. 
– Closed-toe shoes. There will be some sort of walking on every Safari - even from your room to the dining tent. Closed toe shoes also to keep anything from biting you.
- Socks. Add a pair [or two] of warm socks especially during the cooler months. Remember - reduce. reuse. recycle - unless you think you need more than two pairs because only you know your body well enough. 
–  Sandals. I have my Birkenstock which I like as sometimes I can wear these during game drives. A good idea to pack for the comfort in your tent.
– Wind-jacket. Highly recommend this especially since a lot of the vehicles on Safari are open. The morning and evening wind does get chilly. If it is also rain-proof, even better. Kuhl, Patagonia, Athleta, etc. have choices.
– Sun hat and sun glasses of course. We do give you a Journey To Africa baseball cap either in the US or on arrival.
– 4-5 undergarments preferable quick dry ones so you can wash overnight. In most of the lodges, they will provide soap to wash. Ladies, undergarmets will not be washed by the lodge crew.
- Ladies, sports bras are good option here as the roads can be bumpy. I have had a few guests appreciate this advise.  

* One thing to note is that most lodges we recommend have laundry included or if not, there is a nominal fee for laundry. Take advantage of this service.

Personal notes:
- I have loved having a fanny pack on my Safaris recently. I always carry my documents and money with me and this has been the best hands-free option for me. My back-pack with my camera, etc. can be left behind, but my valubables go with me at all times.
- I love the efficiency of my IPhone. I purchased a lanyard from Amazon and I must say, this has been a game-changer for me. The phone does not accidently drop on the hard surfaces when I am shooting with my camera. I used to rely on pockets but with the new ‘large’ phones, they fall off so this is an un-safe option. I met a lady on Safari who lost her phone on Safari and I was so thankful for my lanyard as my phone was on my for the whole time.

Guys, there are a few modification you would need to make but you get the idea of what is necessary.

Personal items:
– Hand wipes. For those times when you have to eat lunch after your game drive and you need to wipe off the dust. Dispose of them properly in the camp.
– Shampoo + conditioner travel size. Though I have to say, I used the lodge-provided shampoo + conditioner the past couple of Safaris, and my hair and I survived. 
– SPF 30+ is a must on Safari.
- Lotion as it can be dry air on Safari. Our preferred lodges usually offer this but a compact one in your hand luggage may be a good idea. I speak from cracked hands experience. 
- Nail cutter. If you are like me and want short nails so they look clean. Plus, if you are going to be on Safari for longer than 2 weeks, this may be an overlooked item. 
– Flashlight - for walking from your room to the mess tent or should you need to go to your enclosed restroom at night, this may come in handy. Most lodges turn off their lights after a certain time. Most of the camps we suggest will have this but not a bad item to have. OR, use your IPhone flashlight option if you have an IPhone.
– Mosquito repellant wipes.
– Medical first-aid kit. Take your prescriptions as a carry-on. A must!!
Then you have band-aid, Neosporin, cortisone cream, Immodium [you never know], Pepto-Bismol [read this article and decide if you want to do this on your Safari], Advil or Tylenol, muscle relaxing balm +. This is just a sample.
– Contact wearers, there is dust on Safari. I always have my glasses as backup. I take extra contacts in case I need to put on a fresh pair mid-day. Remember to clean your hands first.
– For those who need a little make-up to feel put together, go ahead, take a small pouch. If you feel good, you enjoy yourself more. Keep strong perfumes/colognes at home. An insect magnet.

Extras:
- Consider a white noise app in your phone for the light sleepers or those who would like to sleep in a bit - birds especially don't know you are on holiday.

And then if you forget anything, you can always on arrival in the towns before you head on Safari [except prescriptions please], re-wear as no one is really looking or ask the lodges if they can help.

The most important packing tip – your sense of adventure! 

Your Safari is only as good as your Guide

On your Journey To Africa Safari, you will have an amazing guide!

I feel confident saying this because thanks to our guides, many of Journey To Africa guests are repeats or referrals - our guides make Safari’s memorable. With a great guide, you are sure to see the animal-life you are excited to see, have fun on the game drives, learn about the country, feel safe, and more. Your Safari guide becomes your friend.

Our guides go through rigorous training in wildlife, birdlife, plantlife, etc. but also human psychology. How to read you to make sure you have a great time. Which brings me to the next tip.

Be open with them.
What do you want to see if nature allows, want to spend a long time on a sighting, how do you like your coffee or tea, do flowers interest you, what birds are on your lifer list [if not a birder, do give birds a chance please ;)], need extra blankets to keep you warm or a pillow for your back, into photography - tell them so they are aware of positioning the vehicle correctly, etc.

The more you tell them about you, the better your experience will be. Trust me - your guide wants to give you the best Safari experience. If you are having fun and enjoying yourself, then it’s a Safari well done.

Your Safari awaits with one of our amazing Safari guides.

Trekking Tips for Mahale Mountains from Greystoke.

I have rubbed shoulders with chimps. Yup, I rubbing shoulders with no other than a male chimp called Christmas, who lightly whacked me with a twig [no harm was done] - what an unforgettable present. 

To successfully hike the mountains, I have some tips for you [in no particular order] especially for amateur hikers like me. Tips collected from personal experience and collected from other experienced hikers. Rain and sleek or dry, these should come in handy. 

// Wicking clothing.
It is hot and humid in the mountains. Having moisture-wicking clothing was more comfortable but on the day I did not wear that fabric, I was drenched. Not a deal killer for me but if you are sensitive to sweating, definitely look into moisture-wicking clothing - you can use it for your Safari as well. 

// Raincoat. 
Greystoke Mahale provides a poncho but for a smaller person like me, I found myself tripping on the way up and down the mountain. Having my own rain jacket would have been more comfortable. I do have to say that the poncho did cover my camera packed back-pack when it was raining hard so if you do take a raincoat, see if it will cover you and your back-pack. Or stick with the poncho.

// Gaiters.
When Sally said she was getting this, I was not 100% convinced I should get the gaiters but I am glad I did. It kept my socks very dry. Which leads me to then next must item ...

// Waterproof hiking shoes  - if you can.
I had Columbia Peakfreak hiking shoes and I could not have been more comfortable. They gave me traction, kept my feet dry and kept me blister free. I wore mine with Smart Wool socks. Happy hiker here.

// Camera solution.
A fellow trekker could not use his lens because of moisture. Make sure you have a water proof protection / backpack for your camera on the climb - he had it around his neck, and making sure you have a good seal for your lens + camera. Have a back-up as well if you can. 

Another personal note - I lost my lens cap on the mountains and some chimp is playing with that. In the fluster of climbing up fast, setting up the camera quickly, etc., I dropped my lens cap and realized too late. Note to self - secure your lens cap with a cord. 

// Camera Tip.
Learn your camera. Have it set for the quick shooting in low light and definitely know your settings if you are planning on using manual. The camp manager and guides like Butati at the camp were helpful with suggestions. It is dark, humid, and the chimps can be 5 ft. away to 50 ft. so what type of lens to carry is the million dollar question.  I had my 70-300 mm lens and used my iPhone for the close-ups.

// Other trekking notes.
- Energy bars and sweet bananas were provided by Greystoke Mahale - they really helped with giving the group a nice boost on the trek.
- Bring extra cash. There were other people besides our guides who took care of us like the trekkers who start early to find the chimps and Tanzanian government rangers.
- Self care items like for blisters, scratches from the forest, balm for the hard trek. 

Anything else we can add to these tips?
Besides these few tips, do make sure you are fit to make this trek. It can be long and steep up the mountain, and you truly want to enjoy the whole experience.

And let me tell you, it has been one of the best experiences of my life!

Swahili.

When you landing in Tanzania or Kenya, the first thing you will hear is Jambo!
Jambo means hello in Swahili.  Don’t worry, the customs official, your Safari guide and most people you will pass on your Safari will speak English, but saying Jambo to them will let them know you are happy to be in Tanzania or Kenya.

Want to know a few more words so you can really flex your Swahili.

– Habari gani? – How are you?
– Asante – Thank you.
- Asante sana - Thank you very much.
- Tafadhali - Please.
– Karibu – Welcome.
- Sawa - okay.
– Lala Salama – Sleep well.
– Habari za asubuhi? – Good morning.
– Chai – Tea.
– Kahawa – Coffee.
- Ndiyo - Yes.
- Hapana - No.

To really impresss a local.
– Shagala Bagala – ‘this is messed up’ in a fun sense.
– Poa – I am chilling.
- Twende - Let's go.

Want to know any specific word? Email or call me and we can chat in Swahili. Now let's get you on Safari so you can practice your Swahili.