Associating all camps and mobile safaris in Africa by these rugged stereotypes is a false assumption. In fact, there are many camps and mobile camps found throughout each country in Africa that are high-end, extremely comfortable, and equipped with all necessary amenities and highly attentive staff. Although mobile camps are a little more rustic and adventurous than non-mobile camps (mobile camps can be moved, non-mobile camps remain in one location and do not ever move, unless they are semi-mobile), there are many that offer the same luxurious features and amenities.

Below are descriptions and benefits of mobile camps and non-mobile camps to give you a better understanding of what a camp is and what it’s not:

Mobile Camps:

Depending on your personal tastes and preferences, you may choose to experience a four-day mobile safari, where your tent will be moved and set up for you each day as you venture to new locations.

Wilderness Safaris is one of our favorite mobile safari providers. They provide a variety of mobile safaris, which they call Adventurer Explorations. Each of their Adventurer Explorations uses lush duvets, cotton sheets, and GI stretchers for bedding, and is equipped with en-suite bathroom amenities including a toilet, bucket shower, and a hand wash basin, so that each guest’s room is transformed into a luxurious suite.

A mobile safari is perfect for you if:

• You crave the old-fashioned, 19th-century safari feel. Created using eclectic tin finishes, a canvas covering, and lantern illumination, Wilderness Safaris’ mobile camps are direct reflections of safari camps utilized by past celebrities such as Theodore Roosevelt and David Livingstone.
• You want to experience a more rustic safari adventure and discover as much as you can while feeling relaxed and comfortable—all without having to do the hard work associated with camping such as making food, pitching your tent, carrying your tent, cleaning, or anything else laborious. Your tents are taken down for you and are set up at the next location before you even arrive.
• You desire highly personalized safari tours where you explore the most secluded areas of Africa.

Non-Mobile Camps:

Tents used in non-mobile camps are often constructed using more durable materials such as wood or dried clay. Many do, however, incorporate canvas and lighter materials into the design of the tent so that the sights, sounds, and scents of nature can permeate through the tents. Some camps also do not refer to their accommodations as tents; many prefer to call them chalets, bandas, or bungalows.

Non-mobile camps are perfect for you if:

• You want to have a more intimate and private experience. Camps are often much smaller and more intimate than hotels. Although hotels are wonderful to stay at in cities and outside of the bush—such as Cape Town and the Garden Route—they are not ideal for the bush. Because camps are often much smaller than hotels, personal staff is always attentive to your every need, catering to even the smallest of details. The intimacy of the camps also means no children running around, no large groups taking up space in the dining room or on safari, and no wait on anything.
• You wish to seamlessly connect with nature and your immediate surroundings. As camps are designed to incorporate natural elements within their décor, exposure to the breeze, wildlife, and towering fynbos of the bush is effortless. Each and every day, you’ll feel your cares and thoughts of responsibility melt away as you find peace in the surrounding sounds, sights, and aromas of the bush.
• You want to feel secluded while still relishing in luxurious amenities such as underground plunge pools, bomas, and fireplaces. As for meals, dining arrangements often differ at various camps—some are equipped with a main dining tent, others offer lantern-lit outdoor seating, while others offer both.

How do you view camps in Africa now? Let us know in our comments section.

Below, our recent clients from New Orleans, the Todd family, share their amazing experiences in Africa:

The Todd Family: Trey, Beth, Amie, and Alex

“Any chance to re-live some of the life altering experiences that my family and I had on our Hills of Africa safari is most welcomed. Nothing can beat watching the African sunrise over the Okavango Delta with loved ones or feeling the exhilaration of a charging elephant testing the abilities of our dedicated guide as we back up quickly down the road! Nothing compares to the playful antics of leopard cubs wrestling in the tall savanna grass! When will we ever get another chance to view the majesty of a pride of lions against a backdrop of acacia and baobab trees or a family of cheetahs lounging on a termite mound before an evening of hunting impala.

Image taken by the Todd Family

The magic of Africa now runs through me as surely as if I were a child of the Kalahari leaving my footprints next to the spoor of the hyaena. This same magic that rekindled the passions of my daughters and wife for nature and the great outdoors. Everyone needs to share the experiences of a trip like this with their loved ones. It was unforgettable, spiritually uplifting, and truly just fodder for the soul. Throw in a couple of World Cup soccer games and I believe one has found the formula for the perfect holiday!

Many thanks to the Hills of Africa people who made this trip a reality for my family. Thanks to the staff of the Chitabe, Tubi Tree and Duma Tau camps for the meals, the dancing and entertainment, and the camaraderie. Thanks to the extremely knowledgeable guides for teaching us the species and the environmental impact of everything we do.  Lastly, thank you Sandy for helping us get through a very trying time when we thought all the preparation would be for naught after we missed our flight. I can’t wait to schedule our next trip to Cape Town or Kruger or to recommend your company to friends.”

–The Todd Family

Image taken by the Todd Family

Image taken by the Todd Family

Image taken by the Todd Family

Image taken by the Todd Family

Image taken by the Todd Family

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As a culturally and historically enriched region, Cape Town and its surrounding areas are prime destinations for those looking to broaden their horizons of worldly experiences and knowledge. Although the most popular tours and historic landmarks include Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, Kirstenbosch Gardens, and Dies Bo Kaap, every family’s itinerary differs depending on their personal preferences and needs. No two itineraries are alike.

Below is a 7-day sample itinerary that is designed to give you a better idea for what you and your family could expect on an African family vacation to the Cape Town region:

Day 1: The Mother City Tour: This tour celebrates the best of what Cape Town has to offer. After your first, peaceful night in Cape Town’s luxurious Mount Nelson Hotel, you will awake to a nourishing, traditional English breakfast in one of the hotel’s fine dining areas. After your meal, you will embark on a journey through historic Cape Town.

First, you will enjoy a tour up Table Mountain via rotating cable car, and then a tour of The Castle of Good Hope. Continuing on your exploration, you’ll visit gardens, the Green Point Light House, The Cape Town Stadium, V & A Waterfront, Die Bo Kaap, District Six, and the Kirstenbosch Gardens. Once you arrive at the Gardens, you will enjoy a delightful lunch, where you can reminisce about the morning’s adventures.

Day 2: The Peninsula Tour: After a rejuvenating last night at the Mount Nelson Hotel, you will embark on your next journey to Hout Bay. Here, you will take a boat to the beautiful Seal Island where you can relax and enjoy the African ocean breeze. After a day in the sun, you will head over to your next accommodation, The Last Word Long Beach Guest House.

Once you have freshened up at the hotel, you’ll be escorted to Boulders Beach where you will visit an African penguin colony and observe the penguins in their natural environment. Cape of Good Hope will be your final destination for the day.

Day 3: Wine Tastings and Butterfly Sightings: Today, you will relish in some of the Cape’s most exceptional wines when you visit Ernie Els’ wine estate for delightful wine tastings and a cellar tour. And depending on your preference of wine (red or white), you will be escorted to another wine estate where you will enjoy additional wine tastings.

For lunch, you will be brought to the award-winning Overture restaurant where you will delight in the eclectic variety of Chef Bertus Basson and Craig Cormack’s contemporary, Mediterranean, and South African culinary fusions. And don’t forget to follow the Chefs’ wine pairing suggestions!

After a spectacular lunch, you’ll visit the Butterfly World, where you and the whole family can witness a variety of butterflies, birds, reptiles, and peculiar insects.

Day 4: Taking the Scenic Route: Today, you will begin your journey from the Long Beach Guest House to the renowned Birkenhead Villa in Hermanus. During your trip, you’ll stop at various points of interest along the way as you soak in your picturesque surroundings. Whether you want to enjoy a picnic on the way, visit the penguins at Stony Point, or browse some local shops, your trip to Hermanus will, no doubt, be a memorable one.

Once you arrive at the seaside Birkenhead House, you’ll be escorted to your villa where you can lounge by the pool or sit on your private balcony as you look for whales in Walker Bay.

Day 5: The Possibilities Are Endless: Whether your family is comprised of walkers and hikers, beach lovers, ocean enthusiasts, horse lovers, or a mix of all four, Hermanus has it all. Choose from a whale watching cruise, a hike through Hermanus’ Fernkloof Nature Reserve, a relaxing day on world-renowned Grotto Beach,  a Dyer Island cruise, deep sea fishing, horseback riding on the beach, or a rejuvenating day in the spa. Your every need and desire is met at Hermanus.

Is a African family vacation in the future for you? Let us know in our comments section.

Earlier this month I was guiding a family on a safari at Selinda Reserve in Botswana. We had just moved on from witnessing a pride of lions kill a sub-adult giraffe, and had just set up for our sundowners when a young kudu ran out from under the setting sun. Hot on its heels, the kudu was running from a lone wild dog. In a classic show of wild dog hunting technique, the kudu ran to sheer exhaustion and the dog swam out and killed the animal right in front of us before dragging it to shore a few meters away.

Image Taken by Mark Homann

Image Taken by Mark Homann

The dog fed on the kudu, going directly for the rich internal organs and stopping every few minutes to look anxiously for the rest of his pack. It surprised us that the wild dog never called for his pack, but we presumed that he was hesitant to do so knowing that the lions were just around the bend (we had seen them chasing the dogs that morning).

With all the excitement, we did not realize that the sun had gone down and night was setting in. A quick sweep of the spotlight revealed a number of crocodile eyes moving in. Attracted by the excitement, the croc moved in closer as the dog tried to drag the heavy kudu higher up the bank. But he was already exhausted. A 10 foot crocodile came out of the water and grabbed a hold of the kudus back legs and held on. The dog tried to pull, but with the combined weight it would not budge. Instead, the dog concentrated on the kudu, removing the animal’s lungs before moving off to the side.

Image Taken by Mark Homann

Thinking that the excitement was over we were surprised to see a hyena arrive. Then the wild dog and croc began engaging in a tug of war. It was impressive to see the strength of this wild dog as he pulled both the kudu and crocodile. The croc would not let go, so the hyena just fed around him, occasionally nipping at his head.  The croc got his price of the kudu’s back leg and we left the hyena feeding on the carcass with an audience of black backed jackals and a spotted eagle owl, knowing that in the morning there would be little other than a few scuff markets to tell of the night’s events.

Image Taken by Mark Homann

Today, the Sans—who also continue to be called the Bushmen—are one of our only living links to ancient Africa, and continue to uphold some of their traditional hunter-gatherer ways of life dating back more than 20,000 years ago. Living throughout various countries in Africa including Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, and the Kalahari Desert, many of the Bushmen today have taken on modern lifestyle practices. Some grow crops, work on farms, receive water supply from manmade wells, and receive meat and food from the government.

But, there are still Bushmen today who only use traditional practices. This group consists of less than 2,000 individuals. Below are some of the traditional Bushmen practices that this small segment of Bushmen still use today:

Bushmen Hunting and Gathering Practices: Considered a social activity among the men of the Sans Tribe, hunting excursions require poisonous bows and arrows to kill prey. Used to kill large animals such as antelopes, the Bushmen use a poisonous concoction to stun and kill their prey. Some Bushmen use a mixture of poisonous beetle larvae, others use scorpion and spider essence, while others use a lethal mixture of snake venom and cactus juice. As the arrow penetrates the body, the poisonous mixture works to paralyze the victim and eventually kill it.

Because the animal does not die instantly from the shot, and often runs off after impact, the Bushmen must track the animal several hours after it is fatally wounded. The toxic concoction then works its way through the animal’s body and eventually stops its heart. The area where the arrow penetrated is the only inedible section of meat on the animal and is cut out before eating. The meat and bone marrow is shared by all of the individuals within the tribe and the hides are used for blankets and shelter.

While the men take responsibility for all of the hunting, the women do the gathering. Nearly 80% of food consumed by the San is from gathering. Most of this gathered food consists of berries, fruits, nuts, melons, and other plants. The women often gather three to four days out of the week and sometimes must travel great distances to find the food.

Water is collected by both genders and is often squeezed from plant roots or found when digging deep holes.

Finite Tracking Skills: One of the most enchanting elements of the Bushmen culture is the traditional tracking methods used for hunting. The direction of a single blade of grass, the gathering of twigs and fallen debris in a hoof print, the positioning of a hoof print, and the insects surrounding a print, are just a few observations that enable the Bushmen to track animals.

Through their tracking methods, the Bushmen can determine the sex and age of an animal, the time of day it was in a particular area, its diet, whether it’s injured or traveling with other animals, and its species, as well as the age of the track.

The age of an animal can be determined by observing the animal droppings. If the droppings are rough and not digested completely, this could determine that the animal is older. The age of a track can be determined by the debris that has fallen into it or by the residential termites that have gathered in the track to rebuild their crushed home.

Interact with the Bushmen: Many accommodations and safari tour outfitters throughout Botswana, and Namibia offer interactive bush walks with the San Tribe through the villages in which the tribes live. These local Bushmen share their extensive knowledge about survival and the secrets of the land, and also share their ancient survival skills, hunting techniques, tribal weaponry, and the laws of nature with visitors.

In addition to learning about nature, and hunting and gathering techniques directly from the Bushmen, visitors also witness the Bushmen interact in their unique language, which consists of various “click” sounds.

But have you ever considered the various types of safaris and tours that can be experienced in Africa? Everything from small group safaris to personal tours, and game-drive-bustling parks to completely remote reserves, safari tours come in all shapes and sizes.

Although all of these types of safari tours are absolutely splendid, the more personalized and intimate your tours, the better your safari experience will be.

African safari tours

So, if you’re deciding which type of safari tours you wish to experience—in terms of quality, luxury, customization, and intimacy—consider using a completely private safari guide throughout your entire stay in Africa. Here’s why:

1. No matter where you travel, your personal safari guide will accompany you to that destination and guide all of your safaris—the ultimate in superior service.
2. You decide when and where you want to go. If you want to stay in a particular area for longer than planned, the choice is up to you. For example, if you love elephants and want to stick around to watch two baby elephants play in the watering hole, you may do so. Your guide has no other requests to accommodate but your own.
3. Ask all the questions and take all the pictures you desire. It’s your time.
4. Venture further into the bush than you would on a larger tour. Because your safari guide only has you and your loved one(s) to guide, it’s easier to go deeper into the bush than if there were a larger group of individuals to look after.
5. When you use a personal safari guide throughout your entire trip to Africa, he or she gets to know your likes and dislikes, and will work to ensure every little detail is looked upon to make for the perfect safari experiences.

So, whether you wish to take an African honeymoon safari or a family safari, a one-on-one experience with a highly trained safari guide is the most rewarding way to experience the bush. But, it is important to remember that although personal guides can bring you closer into the bush and offer customized tours based on your specific preferences and desires, safety and your best interest is always your guide’s number one priority. A request that is unsafe will not be accommodated by your guide.

Packing for any trip, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long trip, isn’t the most relaxing way to spend your afternoons and nights prior to your departure. The stress of forgetting something important or packing too much is always on the back-burner of your mind. But now, you’re days away from departing on your next big trip: a 10 day safari vacation in Africa. And the sheer thought of packing sends your stress levels sky rocketing.

But with the right packing tips, the only emotion you’ll feel in the weeks, days, and seconds prior to your trip to Africa is sheer excitement!

Rest assured that with the below packing tips, you’ll be relaxed and ready for your trip of a lifetime in the few weeks leading up to your departure.

Packing tips

1. Know the climate: Because you don’t want to over-stuff your bag with unnecessary items, ask your safari travel agent what the climate will be like in the country(s) you’ll be visiting in Africa.

Ask the following:

• Is it winter time or summer time?
• Is it the dry season or the wet season?

This should give you a better idea of what to pack in terms of heavy clothing or lighter attire.

2. Clothing: Whether you plan on partaking in walking safaris, canoe safaris, or game drives during your stay in Africa, long-sleeve shirts and pants are essential to prevent bugs, small scratches (walking safaris), and sunburns.

If you are traveling to Africa in the summer months, a rule of thumb is to bring light-cotton clothing, and if you’re traveling to Africa in the winter, bring heavier items in addition to a few lighter items so that you can remove layers if necessary.

For each item you choose to put in your suitcase, ask yourself:

• Is it comfortable and semi-casual / casual?
• Is it a neutral color? (Bright colors and white alert the animals; therefore, stick to basic colors such as khaki, tan, brown, off-white, forest green, etc.).

Because it depends on the time of year you travel to Africa and the duration of your trip, here are a few suggestions / guidelines to keep in mind while packing clothing:

• 2 pairs of long, casual pants.
• 2 – 4 pairs of shorts.
• 7 – 10 shirts (a mixture of long-sleeve and short-sleeve).
• 2 sweaters for chilly evenings / mornings.
• Thick jacket (only if you are visiting in the winter months).
• Hiking boots for walking safaris and game drives.
• Flip flops or waterproof shoes for canoe safaris (only if you are traveling in the summer should you pack flip flops).
• 1 cocktail dress / light-weight suit ONLY if you have plans to attend an event that requires this attire.
• 1 – 2 bathing suits.
• 1 light rain jacket.
• Clean underwear, socks, and undershirts for each day. Some accommodations offer complimentary or non-complimentary laundry services. Check before packing.

3. Sun and Bug Protection:

In addition to wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants to prevent bug bites and sunburns, you will also need some other items for proper preventative measures:

For Bugs: One bottle of bug repellent and a bug repellent designed to treat clothing.

For the Sun: Sunglasses with high UV protection, sunscreen (SPF 15 or 30) for your face and body, and a wide brim hat.

4. Documents:

If you are a U.S. citizen, South Africa doesn’t require you to have a visa. It’s crucial for you to have at least two blank pages per entry into South Africa for entry stamping. It’s also a requirement that your passport be valid for six months after date of travel.

Before you leave for your trip to Africa, make two copies of your passport and driver’s license. Take your original documents and a copy of your passport and driver’s license and give the other copy of these items to a responsible and readily available individual at home. Also leave a copy of your itinerary with this person so that they can contact you if an emergency should arise.

5. Money / Credit Cards:

Most establishments accept international credit cards as a standard form of payment. Major international credit cards such as VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club are accepted throughout the region, with VISA being the most widely used. In addition, ATMs are easily accessible in all major cities.

The U.S. dollar is accepted at many safari accommodations.

6. Toiletries (pack all liquid / powder toiletries in a sturdy, plastic zip lock bag):

• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Shampoo and conditioner.
• Deodorant.
• Hair brush.
• Disposable shavers.
• Face / body lotions.
• Aloe (to soothe any sunburns).
• Tweezers.
• Body soap.
• Makeup.
• Hair ties.
• You may bring your hairdryer and appliance chargers, but be sure to bring appropriate adaptors. Check with your safari travel agent for a list of appropriate adaptors.

7. Additional Accessories:

• Pen and notebook.
• Camera, lenses (if needed), and extra batteries / charger.
• Reading glasses or any other type of glasses. Contacts can often get dry and can be irritating to your eyes.
• Reading materials or field guide books.
• Binoculars.
• Wet wipes.
• Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer for traveling.

8. Medications: If you are in a malaria-prone region, be sure to bring necessary antibiotics / medications to prevent against the disease. Your doctor can advise you on / prescribe you with malaria prevention medications.

For muscle soreness, headaches, and other small aches and pains, bring Tylenol / Advil, anti-diarrhea medicine, and bug bite soothing cream.

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White Rhino and Giraffe

Not convinced to visit Zimbabwe yet? Get a taste for your Zimbabwe family vacation or group vacation from the sample itinerary below. But keep in mind, this itinerary showcases just a few activities and accommodations in Zimbabwe. There are dozens of accommodations and hundreds of varying activities to choose from in Zimbabwe. This sample itinerary in particular is for the adventurous traveler.

Below is a sample itinerary for an adventure-seeking family or group:

Day 1: An Exciting Arrival

Arrive at the Johannesburg International Airport, where you will take a short connecting flight to beautiful Harare. Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted by a guide from African Bushcamps. You will then be escorted to African Bushcamps’ intimate Vundu Camp in the majestic Mana Pools. Here, sprawling waterways burst with wildlife and over 380 species of indigenous birds speckle the river banks.

As you retire to your spacious walk-in-tent and nestle into your plushy bed, you’ll feel the charm of Africa come to life as the soft sounds of nature put you to sleep.

In the morning, experience traditional hot bucket water showers, and get ready for the exciting day ahead in your personal en-suite facilities. As you take your first step outside your walk-in tent, you’ll be delighted at the sight of elephants sipping from the Zambezi River, and herons sitting peacefully in the cast of the rising morning sun.

Day 2 – 4: Close Encounters

On your second day in Zimbabwe, you will partake in the journey of lifetime through the heart of the Mana Pools on Wilderness-Safaris’ 3-day Mana Canoe Trail. During your first day aboard your two person canoe, you’ll see hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and other shore dwelling animals and birds at an amazingly close proximity.

Each day, you will experience a full day of canoeing safaris, and walking safaris through the lush wilderness of the Mana Pools, and experience a completely new and stimulating side to nature you’ve never seen before.

At night, you will stay in full-serviced dome tented camps and awake to another day of exciting activities and magnificent sights.

The Hide Safari Camp, Zimbabwe

Day 5: “Hiding” in the Bush

After an exciting Mana Canoe Trail experience, you will take an aircraft to your next destination, Hwange National Park. Upon your arrival to the Hwange Airstrip, you will be greeted by a guide from The Hide, a lodge located in one of Hwange’s most wildlife-rich locations. You will then take an hour and a half game drive through the Park, where you will then reach The Hide.

The Hide provides guests with furnished tents—which are built for luxury, not mobility—that exude the essence of the area’s natural surroundings. Each tent provides guests with their own en-suite bathroom for convenience and privacy.

During your stay at The Hide, you’ll partake in an assortment of fantastic safaris including night drives, day drives, and walking safaris in the bush. When you are not on a safari tour, but still feel the urge to get up-close to the wildlife of Zimbabwe, visit one of The Hide’s two concealed “hides” located on either side of The Hide’s waterhole. Here, you can see elephants and other large game at a remarkably close proximity with the security of the hide.

At the end of your stay at The Hide, you will clearly understand why The Hide has coined the phrase: “You’ll arrive as a stranger and leave as a friend.”

Day 9: The Rumbling Falls

Today, you will journey to one of the world’s seven natural wonders where you will experience an explosive energy you’ve never felt before. This riveting wonder is none other than Victoria Falls.

But, before you can arrive at Victoria Falls, you must take two-hour road transfer with a Hills of Africa guide to your next accommodations, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.

Located on an exclusive, natural plateau overlooking The Zambezi River, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge offers a panoramic view of an on-site waterhole, sprawling grasslands, and lush treetops. During your stay, you’ll have the ability to sharpen your photography skills as you witness residential wildlife flock to the waterhole for a morning drink.

As night falls, watch as the sun melts behind the horizon while enjoying a five-star dining experience at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s relaxing outdoor dining area.

Day 10: The Grand Finale

Your adventure in Africa is by no means over yet! Today, you will experience a once-in-a-lifetime, private elephant back safari at The Elephant Wallow. After your personal guide takes you through the expansive and wildlife-rich landscape of The Zambezi River area, you’ll embark on your next journey, the Tour of the Falls. Here, you’ll witness Victoria Falls up-close and immediately understand why it is categorized as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

After your Tour of the Falls, you will embark on your next adventure—a favorite among travelers to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge—where you will walk with the lions.

On this activity, you will visit with lion cubs at an ongoing research project, which is a captive breeding program to safeguard the genetic diversity of Africa’s greatest carnivore. The adult lions have been rescued from all parts of the world and were never introduced to the wild. They are treated and introduced to their new dwelling and once established, the adult lions are bred. Then, the cubs are reared and introduced to the wild, and will one day be fully released. Part of the re-introduction is walking in the bush, on a daily basis. On this activity you will join a professional guide in the national park, while he walks with his cubs. A truly exciting and rewarding experience to take part in!

The day isn’t over yet.

As the evening approaches, you will experience a traditional African nighttime experience with food, music, and plenty of dancing.

Day 11: The Journey Will Continue Once Again

You will arrive home and eagerly book your trip to Africa for next year!

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1. A hippo or crocodile is going to turn over my canoe while I’m on a mokoro (canoe) safari: Crocodiles and hippos are often busy bathing in the sun and will pay very little attention to a canoe passing by. Besides, the mokoro is way too large for a hippo or crocodile to consume, so why even bother?

In addition to the animals’ sheer lack of care for your mokoro passing by, mokoro safari guides are highly qualified and trained with years of experience before embarking on a mokoro safari with guests. Guides know which areas to avoid and what animals to keep a distance from. Guides also carry a hand-held radio at all times for quick communication to the camp base in case of an emergency.

2. A lion or rhino might attack me on a walking safari tour: Often, you will not see any big game at all on a walking safari but you know they are there as you see signs, such as a fresh leopard track, a worn elephant trail, the warning bark of a secretive bushbuck, or the unmistakable scent of a recently past  elephant herd. These animals would rather carry on their daily life than worry about you—much less attack you.

If you were to encounter a predator while on a walking safari, you are accompanied by an armored and highly trained guide who understands animal behavior and territorial boundaries.  But it is very important to be with people who know what they’re doing. It’s important to ensure that you are with a guide who has the experience and training to handle the unpredictable situations that can develop quickly. A guide with experience can read a situation and avoid it before it even happens. A good guide develops a feel and instinct for the world around him or her, as they spend thousands of hours in the field.

3. A safari camp is the same thing as camping out in the woods with pitiful tents and sleeping bags—not to mention all the bugs: These campsites are often far from your traditional “camping” experience. With amenities and features such as heated water for morning showers, extremely spacious interiors, luxurious bedding and sleeping conditions, and lavish English breakfasts in the morning, you’ll quickly realize that these tents are built for luxury not mobility.

4. I’m going to be doing the same thing every day because big game-viewing is the only thing to do in Africa: Not every country and reserve in Africa is grassland. Some places don’t even offer vehicle safaris, which makes your safari itinerary diverse with a handful of varying activities such as hot air balloon rides, mokoro safaris, horse back riding safaris, cultural tours, and more.

Although zebras, antelope, and buffalo are an absolute thrill to see in the wild, you’re senses will begin to become more attuned to the regional-specific creatures, which, once you take the time to look at, are absolutely fascinating. It’s when you slow down that you start to see the interesting things.

Lunch at La Colombe Restaurant

5. I’m going to hate the food: Often, first-time travelers to Africa are either under the impression that the food will be completely British-based or bizarre meats and delicacies. Both of those assumptions are completely false. In fact, visitors to Africa often have the choice between more traditional African dishes or westernized dishes for the more conservative eater.

6. I’m not going to be able to communicate with anyone: Mostly everyone you interact with speaks English—this includes all safari guides, lodge / camp staff, as well as some of the locals.

7. The mosquitoes are going to be awful: The mosquitoes aren’t as bad as some are led to believe. Some lodges / camps provide mosquito nets if there is the possibility of them getting into your room at night, but most of the time, this is merely a precautionary measure.

During the day, whether you’re enjoying a game drive, walking safari, or mokoro safari, using the right materials to prevent mosquitoes will ensure that you are not exposed to bites. We suggest using bug spray each day and treating your clothes with bug repellent.

Although malaria is a serious disease that has affected many areas of Africa, travelers can avoid this disease by taking the proper medication throughout their stay in Africa and employing the tips above during their stay.

But some features that enable the Olarro lodge to stand above its competitors—besides its exceptional community and conservation efforts, and warming, private atmosphere—are its family-friendly programs.

Traveling with young children—especially to an unfamiliar destination—can seem quite stressful and unappealing. Many questions arise such as, “Will I be able to enjoy my vacation without watching the kids at all times?” “Is there a trustworthy sitter?” “Will the children have a rewarding and knowledgeable experience?” At Olarro lodge, the staff understands your needs, which is why they provide one of the best Kids Club in all of Kenya.

The Olarro Juniors Adventurers Club (OJAC), appropriate for children 6-years old and up, introduces kids to the African bush with children-friendly bush activities, and provides the little adventurists with an insight into the local Maasai culture and lifestyle.

During the OJAC tours, a certified and highly-qualified Maasai guide introduces the kids to…

• Animal tracking techniques: Incorporating all of the senses, the Maasai guide brings the African bush to life with animal tracking techniques. Kids become adventurous detectives as they listen for the distant animal callings, search for animal tracks, and discover the hidden treasures of the bush.
• Survival techniques used in traditional Maasai culture: From constructing a shelter for survival, to building a fire from natural resources found in the bush, children will get an insider’s look into the legendary lifestyle of the Maasai people.
• Plants used for medicinal purposes: Just as important as it was during the time of their ancestors, the Maasai people still use plants found in the African bush to treat ailments and other medical issues. During these tours, kids will discover which plants and trees are used for medicinal purposes in an exciting, yet educational way. From the toothbrush tree to the wet wipe tree, the poison arrow tree to the upset tummy shrub, and the antiseptic and disinfectant shrub to the chewing gum tree, kids learn everything about these plants and their unique features.
• Environmentally-conscious practices: As the world’s youth places a larger importance on ecological preservation, your little explorer can be front stage to these efforts. What better way to teach them the importance of conservation and preservation efforts than through an interactive experience within the African bush? During the OJAC tours, kids will be introduced to environmentally-friendly practices and learn about how these practices affect nature and the circle-of-life.

After a day of adventure, excitement, and a bit of exercise, the children are brought back to the Olarro lodge for some delectable dinner from the kids menu. Once they’re satisfied, it’s off to bed so you can enjoy a peaceful and delectable dinner with a sundowner or a glass of wine.

For children over the age of 12, night drives alongside a parent provide them with a wonderful insight into the nocturnal happenings of the bush. Equipped with night-vision binoculars for each guest, the bush comes to life without having to squint or disturb nocturnal creatures with a bright flashlight. Without the night-vision binoculars you would never be able to get up close to some of Africa’s most intimidating creatures, the leopard and the lion.

At the end of your stay at Olarro, kids who participated in the OJAC receive a ceremonial presentation of their diploma certificate, which they can bring back home as a valuable keepsake of their adventures in Kenya.