Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! I’m just back from a two-week business trip (which was filled with pleasure… more on my trip to come) through Portugal, and am now looking closely at the calendar for the last two months of the year. All indicators are pointing to another huge year for international travel in 2024 so preparation is key – for me and clients looking to venture abroad next year.
As Facebook, Google Photos, and other tracking websites remind me, last November at this time I was on safari in Tanzania which was a dream experience on many levels. I wrote about my trip in two newsletters last November and since have planned safaris for clients who had the special experience on their travel bucket list.
Below is some helpful information about being on safari which is geared to first-timers. HOWEVER, a safari is not a one-and-done trip. There are different African safari experiences, so if you loved your first safari, you will adore your second!
Read on for the scoop about safaris and email me with your questions…
Where to Safari?
A favorite itinerary for first timers to Africa takes you to Cape Town where you explore the Cape Peninsula and Winelands before visiting the stunning Victoria Falls, then finishing with safari in either Zimbabwe or South Africa.
However, the options are endless, and each trip is carefully tailored to your interests. What lights you up… water-based safaris, the Great Migration, giant sand dunes, local cultural experiences, unspoiled beaches, gorilla treks or seeing as many elephants as possible? Your trip to Africa will be exactly what you dream it can be.
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: If you’re already intrigued, you can simply reply to this email or schedule a chat with me here: www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com/contact
What’s A Typical Day on Safari?
There’s no ONE way to spend a day at a safari camp.. Depending on your itinerary, you may spend a whole day at camp just enjoying the surroundings, relaxing in the pool, or chatting with the staff.
On those days when you’ll be adventuring out on game drives, the day starts early and ends late, with plenty of excitement and delicious food in between. Here’s an outline of a “typical” day on safari:
5:30 am – Wakeup call with a knock-knock on your room’s door
6:00 am – Light breakfast in the main area
6:30 am – Depart for your morning activity/game drive
11:00 am – Brunch
12:00pm – Rest, swim, read, socialize (whatever you choose)
3:30 pm – Afternoon tea
4:00 pm – Leave for afternoon game drive
7:00 pm – Sundowners & Dinner under the stars
After Dinner – Optional night game drive
Note – If you’re going on Safari with school-aged children, your itinerary will be customized to them and your traveling group.
💎Hidden Gem Tip: Like me, you may want to add a hot air balloon ride one day! Talk about a bucket list check ✔️ – it’s amazing and surreal to see the plains from above.
What Does ____ Mean?
Here are 5 terms about safaris to know when considering this epic trip:
Big Five — A phrase originally used by hunters to denote the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot — elephant, rhino, African buffalo, lion, and leopard. Now the phrase is used to refer to these same animals as the five key animals to find on safari.
Great Migration — While there are many migrations throughout the world, the term Great Migration is generally used to refer to the ongoing movement of huge herds of animals (largely zebra and wildebeests) through Kenya and Tanzania as they follow the food and water throughout the seasons.
Hide — A game-viewing hide or photographic hide is a structure that allows you to get up-close-and-personal with the wildlife while remaining hidden and safe. These can be elevated platforms in a tree, a sunken bunker, or similar, and they are usually located near a waterhole or other area frequently visited by wildlife.
Braai — In short, braai is a South African barbecue, a special feast that can last for hours, with meat cooked on wood (or charcoal). It is seen as a social event that brings together family and friends.
Sundowner — Sundowners, typically a cocktail enjoyed at sunset, are an integral part of the safari experience. Stopping the game drive vehicle in a scenic spot, setting up a makeshift bar, and having a snack and a drink while watching the stunning beauty of an African sunset … there is very little that can compare.
The Details
Along with my partners in who are experts in all things Africa, I will guide you through the many aspects to planning your first African safari including:
• Charter flight details and luggage requirements
• Packing guidelines, tips, and hacks
• Health precautions and vaccination requirements
• Visas and passport details
• Cell phone and cash/currency tips
• Photography and wildlife viewing tips
The planning process takes time and focus, and you are in experienced, expert hands when you book through Hidden Gem Travel.
Inspired? Reach out to me now for 2024 or 2025 and schedule a chat here: www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com/contact
Wishing you unforgettable travel adventures,
Susan
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Make your own Wanderlist for 2023! As a reminder, Wanderlist is an online portal where you can research, explore, and create shareable lists of destinations and experiences. Share your list with me so I can make it happen for you.
