Essential Safari Tips for First-Timers

The day begins before the light. Breath hangs in the cool air; someone hands you a mug that smells of coffee and woodsmoke; a guide kneels to read the night in a line of tracks. This is the rhythm you came for, and the small choices you make - what you wear, what you pack, how you look and listen - shape how deeply you feel it. Think of these not as rules, but as quiet ways to meet the wild with grace.

What to wear

Neutral tones work best: olive, stone, sand. They blend with the bush and keep you from becoming the brightest thing in the landscape. Dress in layers. Dawn is crisp, midday can burn, evenings soften again. A light fleece or jacket, a breathable long-sleeve shirt, and trousers you can move in are your friends. Closed shoes for drives and walks, sandals for camp. Avoid bright whites, high-vis colours, and strong perfume. In some countries, civilian camouflage is restricted. We suggest you leave it at home.

Bring your own view of the wild

Binoculars change everything. You notice the twitch of a leopard’s tail, the dust on an elephant’s ear, a lilac-breasted roller lit like stained glass. Bring one pair per person so you’re not passing them around in the moment you most want to look. As a guide, 8×32 or 10×42 is a sweet spot for clarity and comfort. Some lodges to provide binoculars on loan- keep an eye our for tag in our guide.

“Pack light, carry curiosity, let the landscape do the rest.”

Pack light, pack soft

Many light-aircraft (bush) flights have strict weight limits and prefer soft-sided bags. Most have limits between 15kg - 20kg per bag. Think essentials: wide-brim hat, sunglasses, scarf or buff for dust, sunscreen, insect repellent, a compact rain shell, a small first-aid kit, and a power bank. Most lodges provide toiletries and offer laundry services. Drones are generally prohibited in parks and reserves; so no need to bring them along.

The rhythm of the day

Safaris follow the light. Early starts, a slow stretch of midday, a golden-hour return to the bush. Embrace the siesta in the afternoon - read, swim, nap, watch the waterhole, and you’ll have energy when the wilderness wakes again.

Etiquette that keeps the magic

Lower voices at sightings; let the guide choose the approach and distance. Phones on silent, flashes off at night. Please also do not stand up in Safari vehicles, animals are used to the shape of the car, but not if a person stands up. If you’re sharing a vehicle, rotate seats so everyone gets a fair view. Ask before photographing staff or community members. Presence is contagious: when one person settles into the moment, others do too.

Money matters, done thoughtfully

Tipping is not mandatory but usual practice and appreciated. Cash feels personal and immediate; small denominations are easiest, and lodges will guide you on how to split between your guide/tracker and the wider team. If cards are accepted, connectivity can still be unpredictable, so bring some cash as backup. A short handwritten note with a tip is remembered long after numbers are forgotten.

Beyond the Big Five

Let your curiosity roam. Learn a few birds. Ask about tracks and trees. Notice the small dramas: dung beetles rolling galaxies, a gecko on your lantern, the hush before a lion calls. The more you notice, the richer the story becomes.

A last word

You do not need to know everything before you arrive. You only need to arrive willing to slow down and go with the rhythm of the bush. Bring clothes that let you forget you’re wearing them, binoculars that pull wonder close, and a spirit that tips generously—to people, to places, to moments that will stay with you long after the dust settles.