Top 10 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your African Safari Game Drive
Top 10 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your African Safari Game Drive : You’ve planned everything out and are all set to embark on the safari adventure of a lifetime in Africa. You’ve made a list of the animals, locations, and activities you’d most like to experience while there. Making the most of your Safari game drives is all that’s left to do at this point.
We would like to share our top advice on how to get the most out of game drives so that you can truly maximize your overall game drive Safari experience, in addition to the anticipation and excitement of seeing animals in their natural habitat.
- Switch off and Tune in.
The ideal time to unplug from your busy home life and fully appreciate being in nature is while on an African safari. What better way to start the day than to answer the door to freshly brewed tea and coffee being brought to your tent? After that, you’ll set out on a morning game drive, where you can stop for a while to take in the sights and sounds of your surroundings and the scent of the bush. We advise switching off completely, putting your phone in airplane mode, and only using the camera feature while traveling.
- When and What Game Drive to Do
Visitors are welcome to participate in as many or as few of the daily game drives as they like. For visitors who want to experience the African bush on foot and by car, combinations of a walking safari and game drives are available, of course with the assistance of a knowledgeable guide. As animals follow their own schedules, dawn and dusk are the best times to view game. It’s always a good idea to push yourself to get up early for a game drive, even if you’re not a morning person, because it’s frequently the best time of day for spotting predators. A great opportunity to explore and see a wide range of animals that you would not see during the day is provided by night game drives. A variety of game drives will increase your chances of seeing everything on your bucket list because no two game drives will ever be the same.
- Safety and Security
Our qualified and experienced guides have years of experience not only spotting wildlife but also ensuring your safety and keeping you out of harm’s way at all times. We kindly ask that you pay attention to your guide’s safety briefing and follow his or her instructions at all times. You are also asked not to exit the vehicle unless your guide specifically instructs you to do so. Don’t forget to speak quietly so as not to annoy the other guests or the animals.
- Pack Right
Given that game drives can last up to four hours, it’s important to be comfortable. While on Tanzania safari, we advise having the following items on hand:
- Clothing in neutral colors to blend in with your surroundings.
- A layer of warmth for the morning and evening drives. Ponchos and blankets are available in the mornings to keep you warm, but we do advise dressing appropriately as well.
- Comfortable shoes for walking.
- Head protection in the form of a warm hat or beanie in the winter and a wide-brimmed hat in the summer
- Sunscreen and eyewear to block the sun from your face while in Africa
- A reliable camera and a backup set of batteries.
- A pair of high-quality binoculars, ideally one for each person (there is a lot to see!).
- A sealable bag that you can use to transport all of your belongings.
- Teaming up with your Guide
At any time, you are welcome to interact with your guide and ask as many questions as you like. Additionally, feel free to point out anything you happen to notice while you’re moving, since your guide will be concentrating on the road. Nothing is too much trouble while you’re on safari, and our guides adore meeting new visitors and sharing their wildlife experiences with you.
- Be Patient
The Hide is conveniently located in Zimbabwe’s largest national park, Hwange, which is well-known for its abundant elephant population, buffalo herds, painted dogs, and other wildlife. No game drive, however, ensures that you will see everything, and this adds to the fun. In addition to using all of their tracking abilities to locate the animals you want to see, our team of guides will make every effort to ensure that everyone is having a good time. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery you are surrounded by while keeping a sharp eye out.
- Communication
Before embarking on your first drive, a game drive can be intimidating and even a little frightening because it takes place in a wild and unfamiliar environment. It is best to discuss any worries you may have with your guide or the camp manager if you believe they could negatively affect your experience.
- Have an open and curious mind.
With wild animals, the bush is still the bush. They might not be visible depending on the time of year, the day, the weather, and many other uncontrollable factors. Respect that and take time to take in the stunning landscapes, or take the opportunity to ask your safari guide questions to learn more about the animals and their surroundings, or concentrate on the plants and trees. Maintaining your curiosity will help you discover a lot more about the African bush. Sometimes you just don’t have the luck to find animals. Consider yourself fortunate to be able to spend time in one of the most stunning and rewarding places on our planet, and reconsider your perspective.
- Opt for a long morning game drive or a full-day game drive.
Game drives in the morning and afternoon can last up to 2.5–4 hours. Choose at least one long morning game drive with a packed breakfast to enjoy a delicious breakfast in the African bush or a full-day game drive that can last up to 8 hours to get the most out of your safari game drive experience. A full-day game drive allows you to travel further or discover more of the large reserves or National Parks.
- Sharing Photography Duties
It is always a good idea to divide up the photography responsibilities when traveling with others so that you can occasionally put your camera down and enjoy the beauty of the African bush without being preoccupied with getting the perfect shot.
Above all, enjoy yourself! This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; you don’t get to be driven through the African bush in search of wildlife every day.