Blonde Voyage's Guide To South Africa
Blonde Voyage’s Guide To South Africa
An African safari is one adventure that should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list. This is not just a trip of a lifetime. It’s an experience that roused emotions that I’ve never felt before when traveling. I was filled with wonderment as I watched these majestic creatures in their natural habitat the first time grazing along the lush African bush, interacting with their respective “tribes,” and searching for their next prey. I kept thinking “ cue Circle of Life.” In all seriousness, driving through the African bush will capture your heart and imagination like no other.
Africa was indisputably magical and I hope that everyone has an opportunity to experience this one day. To help plan this trip of a lifetime, I’ve put together a few tips and tricks as well as a few basics that I learned throughout the way.
South African Essentials
Let’s Talk: While there are over thirty-five languages spoken throughout the country of South Africa, ten are recognized as “official” languages. Before my trip, I made the effort to learn a few basic sayings but relied heavily on the fact that the eleventh official language is South African English and that was spoken widely throughout.
Cash and Coins: The currency of South Africa is the Rand. Most of the time when I travel internationally, I prefer to use my Chase Sapphire Reserve ( hello, points!). However, I did take out a small amount of Rand at a local ATM. While I left tips for my Rangers, Tracker, Butler and Game Lodge Staff on my card, it was nice to have some cash available for tips, etc.
Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is customary in South Africa with 10-15% being standard for good service.
Staying Connected: Even though you may be disconnecting and recharging your battery, it’s important that you keep your phones, cameras and other items charged while you travel. There are four different plugs used throughout South Africa: C, D, M, and N. I purchased this travel adaptor from Amazon and had this one from my previous travels. Each place I stayed in had different plugs, so I was happy to have both options available.
Planes, Trains, and Ubers, Well, mostly Planes and Ubers: Once we arrived at our game reserve, we didn’t leave the property until it was time to catch our flight to Capetown. However, once we arrived in Capetown, I maneuvered throughout the city using Uber. Not only were they readily available but the price point was ridiculously cheap.
Vaccinations: This may have been my least favorite portion of trip preparation but several vaccinations are suggested if you are traveling to South Africa. Always refer to the CDC website and/or check with your local travel clinic.
Budget vs. Luxury Safari
“Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well.”
-Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
An African safari is a once in a lifetime experience. Or at least I thought so until I returned home and realized I had bitten badly by the safari bug. Planning a safari is quite the undertaking and I’d recommend giving yourself ample time to research your options.
When planning your adventure, travelers can take one of two routes: budget or luxury. Given that I planned this trip for almost a year and felt like I was literally flying to the bottom of the world, I wanted the best experience possible, therefore I went the luxury route.
As I did my research, there were a couple of differences that I uncovered.
Private Reserve/Concession: If you choose a luxury safari, you will be staying on a private reserve or concession within a national park. I was fortunate enough to stay at Lion Sands Game Reserve which has quite a large concession within Kruger. These private reserves/concessions simply mean that there’s a limit on the number of people and cars within the area. Ultimately, you can pull alongside a cheetah and her cub with minimal disruptions. Not only will you have better views of the animals. but you will likely be in a 4X4 will only four to six people compared to some safaris that have upwards of ten people in one vehicle. Game drives are also considered next-level as you not only have a well-trained ranger but a tracker as well who notifies the ranger of any tracks or sightings.
Superior Accommodations: Accommodations will likely be posher on a luxury safari. No need to sacrifice air conditioning or wifi as your lodge will come equipped with that as well as a private plunge pool, fully stocked bar and butler on call. Additionally, your ranger will be happy to coordinate any supplementary experiences like gin tastings, bush walks, etc.
Packing Essentials
Perhaps the most daunting task of planning this trip was deciding what to pack. Typically, I rely on the closest Zara to cover me if I left something at home but in this case, I was literally in the middle of the African bush without a store in sight!
Below is a list of items that are necessary for any successful safari.
Camera Equipment: While I was in Kruger, I was fortunate enough to capture some great shots using my iPhone, but I also brought my DSLR for those animals too coy to come close. Whatever photography equipment you decide to use, make sure you pack any chargers, batteries, etc. that you may need.
Binoculars: I’d say that these are a must for optimal wildlife viewing, but I was fortunate enough that I didn’t have to rely on them. Check around and ask your co-workers if they have a spare pair and often your ranger will have an extra pair in the vehicle.
Sunscreen and Sunglasses: You will spend the majority of your time outdoors in the middle of the African bush if you’re lucky. Depending on the time of year in which you travel, sunscreen and sunglasses are a must. The last thing you need on vacation is a pesky sunburn.
Mosquito Repellent: Every blog I read stressed the importance of having “proper” mosquito repellent so much so it started to stress me out! Of course, I was going to be prepared, so I found a large can and it was the first thing that went into my suitcase. Funny enough, it was the ONLY thing I didn’t use my entire trip. Many of the game reserves have some sort of bug spray available for use in your suite but as I begin to talk to my ranger, he said that most of those sprays attract more than they repel. I used the light citronella spray that was available in our suite and I was perfectly fine.
Layers: Almost any safari article or blog that you read will tell you to wear neutral colored clothing that can easily layer as temperatures tend to fluctuate during game drives. Don’t be that person that goes to REI and purchases every khaki-colored piece of outdoor apparel. Trust me, it’s not a good look and you're basically telling everyone you are a complete amateur. After a lengthy conversation with our guide, he said that you could wear anything you want while at Kruger. The colors of your clothing wouldn’t deter the animals. So no, your safari looks don’t have to be basic and boring. Layer up, but feel free to be fun and fashionable. Just leave the Jimmy Choos at home.
Safari Etiquette
There’s nothing more exciting than driving through the African bush and laying eyes on your first lion or elephant in the wild. It’s a sensation like no other. Adrenaline is flowing throughout your body, you want to squeal with excitement but you think to yourself “ play it cool. Don’t scare off the animals.”
Here are a few to be mindful of while you’re on game drives:
Flexibility Is Key: Typically, game drives occur twice a day: 5:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Game drives lasted between three and four hours depending on how the weather and the animals cooperated. One morning, we were fortunate enough to witness the elephants grazing and out for water right in front of our lodge. I sipped on my Rangers Coffee and watched as the matriarch led her herd through the bush grazing on the lush vegetation. Our incredible ranger allowed us to soak up every minute of that magical moment before leading us on our morning drive.
Feel Free To Let Your Intellectual Curiosity Show: Rangers are incredibly knowledgeable. It’s often their passion, personality, and knowledge that make your drive so enjoyable. We had the most incredible ranger while on safari in Lion Sands. If you do have a chance to visit, ask for Darryn. I easily learned more from him in one day than I did in any of my science classes.
Get The Shot: Take it from me, snap all the photos you can. Not only can you delete the less desirable shots later, but you never know what you may capture in the moment. If a DSLR is your primary camera, I’d recommend bringing a lens with a decent zoom in the event that you encounter an animal at a distance.
There you have it. All the basics you need to know as well as a few I wish I would have known before my trip. Whatever you do, have an open mind and an open heart as this will likely be one of the most exhilarating adventures of your life. You may find yourself out of your comfort zone in the midst of some unique experiences, but immerse yourself and embrace it. This trip will engage your mind, challenge your boundaries and change your outlook on the world.
This is the first in a series of South African posts, so if there is something that you are curious about, please feel free to shoot me a note because I’d love to help you plan your African adventure.
Until Next Time!