Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about going on safari in Tanzania. We fell in love with Africa on our safari trip! As with any travel destination, there were many surprises in store for us. If you’re thinking about going on safari, don’t be surprised at these “shocks.”
Your First “Big 5” Sighting
Of course, the whole point of going on safari is to see wildlife. But it’s still shocking the first time you roll up on a pride of lions or a herd of Cape buffalo. The “Big 5” are the top five animals that everyone wants to see on safari. This includes the Cape Buffalo, Lions, Leopards, Elephants, and the Black Rhino. It’s a thrilling feeling the first time you spot one of these exotic African safari animals!
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Difficulty of Spotting the Big 5
The “Big 5” are a big deal for a reason; they aren’t always easy to spot. You’re not guaranteed to see any of these African safari animals. You might assume you’ll see thousands of lions and leopards and black rhinos, but that might not be the case! The Black Rhino is pretty elusive and also critically endangered, so you might never see one on your trip.
Other African Safari Animals
Outside of the Big Five, there are some really cool animals you’ll see. And you’ll see a LOT! We saw huge herds of zebras, tons of giraffes, antelope, gazelles, and so many more! The sheer number of animals out on the plains is shocking! It’s such a cool experience to see so many exotic (to us) animals in one place, out in the open.
Safari Roads
Road conditions probably aren’t something you give much thought to when planning your safari trip. So, we were surprised at how bumpy and dusty the roads are. If you are prone to motion sickness, it’s always a good idea to have some medicine on hand, just in case! And because they are dirt roads, it gets very dusty. We found it helpful to have a scarf to cover our faces and keep some of the dust out of our noses and mouths.
Safari Potty
While some of the park visitor centers may have a restroom, that’s it. The rest of the time, you will be going to the bathroom right next to the Jeep. If you do have to go to the bathroom while you’re out on safari, you can’t wander out behind a tree for privacy; you have to stay right next to the Jeep. Your “squatting” muscles will get a good workout.
You Can’t Go Anywhere Alone
For safety reasons, you won’t be allowed out of the Jeep on your own. You will spend a lot of time inside the safari Jeep, and if you do need to get out, you will be escorted by your safari guide. A lot of safari vehicles have open tops so you can pop out and get great views. Similarly, when you are back at camp, you will need an escort at night. Even if it’s a bathroom trip in the middle of the night!
Animals in Camp
Safari camps are not blocked off from the animals; you will be sleeping in the midst of all kinds of wildlife. This is why you can’t wander around camp on your own! We had water buffalo outside our tent munching on grass at night and other animals brushing up against our tent. This is totally normal, but you will have a walkie-talkie to communicate with camp staff if needed. And you might not get a lot of sleep because it can be unnerving.
Safari Guides and Staff
We were shocked at how amazing the safari staff is. They see tourists day after day, but they were still so helpful and friendly. Besides safety, their main focus is to ensure you have an amazing time. Getting to know them and learning about their culture and their country really enhances your safari experience. They were also really great with our boys!
We used Shadows of Africa on our tour and they had excellent guides: www.shadowsofafrica.com
Safari Weather
While the days can be really hot and dry, it gets quite cold at night. Our daytime safari clothes were lightweight, but we were happy to have brought our winter pajamas. The camps also provided heavy blankets, which was great. Your game drives will start early in the morning, so it’s a good idea to have a warm layer to start your day.
Cold Showers
Our last safari surprise was literally a shock to the system. Not every safari camp has loads of hot water in supply. I had a few cold showers on safari. It will definitely wake you up and get your blood pumping for the day!
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Don’t let these “shocks” keep you from planning a safari vacation. A Tanzania safari is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a really amazing family vacation. With the right preparation and tour agency, you will be talking about your safari trip for many years to come! Want more of our Africa travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts: