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Some Tips For African Safari Newbies
By Dean Caporella
I was chatting with my friend Brian over breakfast recently; we hadn't caught up
for such a long time. Brian is an international pilot and spends quite a good deal
of his time overseas. "Where have you been for the last month?" I enquired.
"Africa mate, Africa," he replied.
I was surprised by this..."I thought you just flew to Europe and the U.K."
"No. I wasn't working. I was on safari mate," he said.
I was surprised.."Safari! I know you're adventurous but I didn't think you were
that game. I've been thinking of doing a trip like that. How was it?"
"Brilliant mate, absolutely brilliant. If you've been thinking of doing an African
Safari trip don't think too long about it. It was simply stunning," Brian said
excitedly. His tone suddenly picked up. "When were you thinking of going?"
"I'm not sure. Have you got any suggestions for a safari newbie?" I asked.
"Sure," he replied. "Summer time is good."
"Where did you go?" I asked.
"We went to Bongani on the edge of Kruger National Park in South Africa," Brian
responded. "It was perfect for us. We stayed at the Bongani Mountain Lodge..." I
interrupted quickly.
"Mountain Lodge! I thought it was a safari. Weren't you supposed to be roughing
it?"
"I was mate," he said. "You know me. Anything below 5 star and I'm roughing it!"
We both laughed. Brian had a dry sense of humour.
"Okay," I said. "Give me an African Safari preparation list. What are the things I
should prepare before I go?"
Brian gave his chin one of those pensive mood type rubs. He paused for a while.
Meantime I ushered over the waitress.."Two more flat whites please." Brian looked
up at me and in his usual dry Aussie tone started giving me a checklist.
"Don't get too carried away with taking a heap of stuff with you," he said.
"Travel Light. In summer you just need light clothing. Winter time, the days are
warm but the nights get cold so you'll need something warm. Don't go overboard
though."
"What about a hat?" I asked. Brian looked at me as if I was blonde, which I'm not;
not by hair color anyway.
"Mate," he said a little sarcastically. "You're in Africa. It's hot. Of course you
need a hat."
I tried to maintain a little dignity.."What about mozzies?"
Brian looked at me a with a little more approval this time. "Ahh! Mosquitoes! They
can be a real pain. Definitely need insect repellant. Mate, there are mozzies over
there that are so big they'll pick you up and carry you away."
Our coffees had arrived. I reviewed what Brian had told me so far. "Light
clothing; something warmer in winter, hat, insect repellant... sounds simple so
far. Is there anything else," I asked.
"Oh yes mate," he replied in a nonchalant fashion. "There sure is. Take sunscreen.
You'll need it. Take loose change when you're on the road particularly in South
Africa. Great freeways but in a four hour drive to Kruger National Park we copped
seven tolls!"
"Brutal mate," I said.
"Yeah, sure was. I thought I was back home in Sydney. I wouldn't carry a wallet
though," he said taking a sip of coffee. "Why not?" I asked.
"Well, I wouldn't carry a wallet in an urban area. Let's just say it's safer not
too."
"Got you," I nodded. "Is that it?"
"One more thing," he said. "Just make sure you have id with you all the time. You
won't believe how many people get caught without their passports on them. On last
year's safari I got taught a neat little trick. One sure fire way not to forget
your passport."
"What's that," I asked.
Brian finished his coffee, wiped his mouth and said.."Well mate, before you go to
bed at night, put your passport and one shoe in the room safe or somewhere out of
sight..."
"What? I butted in. "Did you say one of your shoes?"
Brian still had his mouth wide open. Then told me.."Stop interrupting!"
"Okay. Sorry... can't help myself," I said apologetically. Brian continued..
"The reason you put one of your shoes away is because when you're getting dressed
in the morning; when you remember you've put one of your shoes away you'll also
remember it's with your passport."
"You're a genius mate," I said with a grin on my face. "That's why you get paid
the big bucks."
Brian thanked me. And then said.. "And I'm not charging much for this advice. Just
pay the tab and we'll call it even."
So there it was. A crash African safari course for newbies from a seasoned safari
veteran. And best part is you don't have to be a "Jungle Jim" type to appreciate
it!
About the Author Dean Caporella is a professional Journalist an Sports Broadcaster who takes an interest in a wide variety of topics. Dean, like most of us, is drawn by the mystery and adventure of Africa. "You just have to marvel at this magnificent continent. So much history. It's wildlife, flora and sheer magnifence. It's so unique." Learn more about African Safaris and adventures by visiting www.african-safaris-site.com
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Some other articles by Dean Caporella | |
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