Your First Africa Safari Holiday – What to Expect

But before you head out on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, it's essential to know what to expect. Here we'll guide you through the top questions we get asked, to ensure your safari is not only safe but truly unforgettable. So, get ready to discover the wild heart of Africa!   

What happens on a Game Drive?  

We can promise that no game drive is ever the same. Game drives depart in the early morning and late afternoon, each lasting around 3 hours. At Ulusaba, you will always be accompanied by an experienced Ranger and Tracker during your game viewing. They work together to ensure you have the best game viewing experience possible: The Ranger focuses on telling you about the wildlife you see and driving the game vehicle, whilst the Tracker aims to find the animals and help guide the vehicle through the Bush.   

At Mahali Mzuri, you'll be in the capable hands of our experienced guides. Known as Field Guides, they are experts in spotting and tracking wildlife as well as sharing stories about the community and culture in the Maasai Mara. This is the same as Finch Hattons, your guides are from the local community and are passionate about sharing their knowledge about the animals as well as the surrounding area with you.  

Morning is generally the best time to spot wildlife, as the temperature is cool and the animals are still active, including the big cats, who’ll be returning from a night of hunting. There’s also something special about the bush as the late afternoon light starts to fade. The animals stir from their daytime slumber, and predators start stalking their prey. It's common to stop for sundowners as the sun sets - it's a magical experience!    

 What should I wear on a safari?  

For game drives, you should wear neutral colours that will blend in with the landscape. In summer, these should be lightweight, but take a windbreaker or light jacket for evenings and early mornings. In winter take a jumper (sweater), fleece or warm jacket too. Trainers (sneakers) are fine for safari walks, and it’s a good idea to bring a hat, sunglasses and suncream for all seasons. Colours to avoid include red, black, dark blue and white. Some predators identify red with wounded animals and Masai warriors. Dark colours like black and blue, in addition to absorbing heat, attract insects and biting flies. White clothing is noticeable and gets dirty quite easily outdoors.  

Back at camp, you can wear whatever you like around the lodge and dining rooms. Whilst there’s no dress code at camp, it is always best to be mindful of the team’s local culture and customs. Formal wear isn’t always practical, but if you want to dress up for the evening,g that’s absolutely fine. Make sure you don’t forget your swimsuit too, each of our safari camps have a swimming pool for you to relax in! 

Still need some tips? Check out our What to Pack for Safari Blog.

What’s the weather like on an African Safari Holiday?  

This depends on whether you are visiting Kenya or South Africa.  

In South Africa, the landscape changes with every season, so each visit will give you a different perspective on the African Bush. In spring and summer (October to April), the temperature averages 34°C/93°F. The days are glorious, the vegetation lush, and the nights pleasantly warm. During autumn and winter (May to September), the days are moderately warm and sunny with an average temperature of 26°C/79°F, while the nights are cool and crisp.  

Kenya’s position straddling the equator means there isn’t a huge amount of variation in temperatures throughout the year. You can expect average highs of about 30°C/86°F in the months from December to March, with somewhat cooler temperatures from July to September during the height of the migration.  Due to its elevation, temperatures in the evening do drop to around 15°C/59°F, however, it rarely gets much colder than this. 

What is The Big 5?  

The Big 5 consists of a lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. What most people don’t know, though, is that the term 'Big 5' is not a reference to their size.  

Are African Safaris Safe?

Yes! Your Ranger, Tracker and all staff at any of our safari camps will always put your safety first; however, to keep you safe, they need your full cooperation. Before you embark on your first game drive, your Ranger will give you a full safety briefing. These instructions are there for the safety of you, the people in your vehicle and the welfare of the animals and the environment. On safari walks, it is equally important that you follow the instructions given by your Ranger at all times.  

On arrival at Finch Hattons, Mahali Mzuri or Ulusaba, you’ll be taken on an orientation tour of the camp where you’re staying. Our camps are unfenced, so animals can (and sometimes do!) walk through and around the lodge complexes. Our team will give you safety advice, which we encourage you to follow at all times for your safety and the safety of others. It also ensures that we have as little impact as possible on the environment and the native wildlife.  

What safari camp shall I go to?  

That’s for you to decide!   

In South Africa, bordering Kruger National Park, Ulusaba is a luxury safari camp renowned for exceptional game sightings and for having some of Africa’s best rangers and trackers.  

Or head to Kenya and choose between Mahali Mzuri and Finch Hattons, or perhaps stay at both for the ultimate safari experience.  Located in the Maasai Mara ecosystem with a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing in Africa, Mahali Mzuri is an intimate camp of 12 luxury tents. Set at the foot of the scenic Chyulu Hills in Kenya's Tsavo National Park, situated in 35 acres of untouched beauty and surrounded by natural water springs, Finch Hattons offers and luxurious off-the-beaten-track safari experience.   

Still looking for some inspiration? Take a read of our blog, First time safari? Kenya vs South Africa