Going On Safari In Serengeti National Park : A successful Serengeti safari begins, as with all adventures, with preparation. When you start thinking about a Tanzania Serengeti safari, you immediately have a lot of questions, such as, “What should I bring? Do I require specific clothing or equipment? How about rain gear? Or how about a torch? While it always depends on how you travel and where you are going, we are happy to give you some general information. You won’t need to bring a lot of stuff if you are flying in for a brief visit.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL SAFARI IN THE SERENGETI LOOK LIKE?
If this is your first safari experience you may be wondering what a typical day on safari will entail. Because the rhythm of wildlife and weather conditions is unpredictable, most lodges generally follow a day plan, though this can vary slightly from camp to camp. If you’re not much of a morning person, don’t worry; there will be plenty of time later in the day for naps. We also promise that the moment you wake up to the sound of birds and a distant hyena’s scavenging cry, you will start getting up early.
DRIVE-IN, FLY-IN, OR COMBO SAFARI?
Serengeti National Park is accessible via numerous methods. Which one ought you to pick then? This really depends on your preferences, requirements, and future travel schedule. A fly-in safari is the best choice if you need a quick and convenient mode of transportation or only have a short amount of time to spend in the region. A drive-in safari is the best option if you want to save money on transportation or if you want to see more than one place. Combining these two is a popular choice that begins with a drive-in safari from Arusha and includes an overnight stay at the Ngorongoro Crater en route. The Serengeti National Park is only a three-hour drive from the crater. You can fly out of one of the airstrips after your Serengeti safari, saving you at least eight hours of driving to Arusha.
Fly-in Serengeti safari
A guide or tracker from the lodge will pick you up and take you to their property once you land at one of the Serengeti’s airstrips. You can make the most of your time to enjoy the splendors of the savannah and the lodge by staying at one of the more upscale lodges, some of which even have their own airstrip. In the upcoming days, one of the lodge’s guides will accompany you as you tour the Serengeti.
Drive-in Serengeti safari
A driver or guide from Arusha will take you to your lodge in the Serengeti if you choose to book a drive-in safari. Depending on your itinerary, they may also stop at other locations along the way. Typically, the driver or guide will accompany you on game drives through the park and serve as your guide in the Serengeti. To ensure that their high standards are met and that you have the best possible safari experience at their lodge, some of the more upscale Serengeti lodges, however, require that guests go on game drives with one of the lodge’s guides.
SERENGETI CUISINE AND SUNDOWNERS
A four-course meal of exquisite dishes served under a tree lit by lanterns with views of the vast plains, or a high tea with freshly made macarons before the afternoon game drive. And how about unwinding with a buffet of appetizers and a glass of robust African wine after a thrilling day? Even though seeing wildlife is undoubtedly the highlight of your safari, what would a safari day be without delicious meals in between your activities? Even though they are all in remote locations, the Serengeti lodges maintain high standards for their food and beverages, which will pleasantly surprise you. This will undoubtedly be something to reflect on when you get home. Fresh ingredients, regional specialties, and international dishes are all readily available, occasionally with the chef’s own twist. Additionally, the fact that all meals, along with coffee, tea, and (often) drinks from local brands, are included in the cost is comforting.
We don’t want to spoil the surprises your staff has in store for you, but dinner is frequently served throughout your trip at various locations. And how often have you eaten dinner while admiring giraffes gorging on juicy tree branches? To top it off, the dinner frequently includes traditional singing and dancing performances as well as breathtaking sunsets or starry skies. Always be on the lookout for that special moment that can come at you from nowhere. For example, it might happen as you’re enjoying a hot cup of coffee in the morning when you notice the light of the sunrise growing brighter and brighter. Or perhaps it’s that moment when you’re sipping on a nightcap while gazing up at the stars and realize how tiny and priceless our planet is.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS AND ARRIVAL
Please let the lodge know if you have any special dietary needs; the chefs will do their best to accommodate you. Being tardy? Please give the lodge a call in advance so they can make you a late-night dinner and you won’t have to go to bed with an empty stomach.
SERENGETI SAFARI PACKING LIST: WE’VE GOT YOUR BAG
You’ve chosen to go on the trip of a lifetime, which is wonderful. You don’t want to be sidetracked by packing hassles or other unimportant difficulties once you’re on your safari.
We will make an effort to address all of your concerns regarding what to pack and how to pack it. There are some general rules, but it also depends on how you travel and where you are going. You don’t need to bring a lot of stuff if you’re flying in for a brief visit. Keep in mind that 12 to 15 kg of carry-on luggage is permitted on smaller chartered aircraft, and soft bags are highly advised. Don’t be afraid to get in touch with us if you want more details.
WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I PACK FOR A SERENGETI SAFARI?
When going on a Serengeti safari, you don’t need to buy a brand new wardrobe (although if you need an excuse to shop, we won’t stop you, of course). Just don’t pack too much and leave your brightly colored clothing at home.
Bring calming colors and light, loose-fitting clothing that dries quickly. Most camps offer daily laundry services, so you won’t have to worry about running out of clean clothing.
Bring a scarf and a warm sweater or jacket. Warm clothing is essential for a game drive because morning and evening temperatures are extremely low. Camps also offer ‘bush babies’ (you’ll soon learn what those are) and blankets if you still get cold while on a game drive.
For a Tanzania safari game drive or bush walk, both men and women should wear shorts, but in rural villages, (light) longer trousers are preferred.
In safari camps, casual attire is accepted.
During your trip, you must have a “squashable” hat and sunglasses with effective UV protection (polarized).
Leave all of your trendy military- or camouflage-themed attire at home; in Africa, these are not acceptable, and the police may question you.
If at all possible, put on flexible shoes with supportive ankles. Check to see if the shoes are cozy and long-lasting for walking. For longer walks at home, we advise trying them out to make sure they don’t hurt your feet.
Instead of just one pair of thick socks, bring several pairs of quick-drying, thin socks. Thin socks layered in multiple layers are frequently more comfortable. To learn more about socks, go to a store that specializes in outdoor gear.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME ON A SERENGETI SAFARI?
An effective safari depends on having useful tools. The majority of lodges are more than happy to supply anything you require, but choosing and bringing your own tools is also enjoyable. What, then, should you pack? Here are a few things we always bring with us when we travel:
- Owning a pair of binoculars to view wildlife from a porch or other location
- Your own camera for those incredible photos (obviously!).
- A budget watch that is waterproof; leave the expensive jewelry at home.
- UV-protective lip balm and sunblock are both recommended.
- Superior insect repellent.
- Water bottles are frequently provided at camps, but you can also bring your own to reduce plastic waste.
TIPS FOR AMAZING SAFARI PHOTOS
You already know that the Serengeti is a photographer’s dream location. We want to help you improve as a photographer so that you can capture these lovely memories. As a result, we would like to share some of our advice with you.
Use a digital SLR camera with one or more lenses for the best results. A lens with a minimum focal length of 200 mm, preferably a 300 mm lens, is essential for photographing wild animals. A wide-angle lens (18 mm or less) is advised for landscape photography. Lenses with a fixed focal length (typically a 50 mm lens produces good results) and a large aperture can be used to take attractive portraits. If you don’t feel like lugging around bulky camera bags on your Serengeti safari, an 18-200 mm zoom lens can produce stunning images, and almost all subjects are within its field of view. Protecting your gear is essential while on a Serengeti safari because dust easily enters vehicles while driving on unpaved roads, which could harm your camera. Always ensure that your camera is protected by a high-quality, dust-free bag.
A FEW WORDS ON SAFETY DURING YOUR SAFARI
While going on a safari can be very thrilling and exciting, it can also present some safety risks.
Although you won’t likely be driving on your Serengeti safari, you should be aware that getting out of your car is strictly forbidden in game reserves and national parks with big game unless you are accompanied by armed rangers or guides. Sadly, despite the serious repercussions, travelers disobey this rule every year.
You will typically be picked up from a small airport by a guide in a special safari vehicle. As soon as you enter the lodge, pay attention to the briefing that your ranger or the hotel staff gives you. The staff is always aware of what wildlife is present near the lodge.
Numerous lodges in the Serengeti lack fences, allowing wildlife to freely enter. As a result, after sundown, you are not permitted to wander around the lodge alone. Would you prefer to visit the main structure, the restaurant, or the bar? Simply call the front desk, and someone will come and take you out of your room.
Once more, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.
