Before our safari, a precious brown box appeared on our doorstep. When Alan and I opened it later that evening, months of travel planning materialized before our boomer eyes.
Underneath a layer of leopard print tissue paper, we found a mini-flashlight, Deep Wood insecticide towelettes, a South African Plug Adapter, itinerary plus contact information to send to our families, trip documents and a pin magnet to commemorate the trip. We’re going on a South African safari!
Tips for Planning a Safari
Earlier in the year, we received a personalized book that detailed our travel plans. It also answered many of our questions about what to expect and how to prepare for the adventure. And, advance preparation is a big key for a trip like this. Take a look at our list:
- Consulting with a travel doctor or travel clinic about immunizations
- Visiting our own doctor for personal medical advice
- Securing copies of vital prescriptions in case medications are lost
- Finding that extra pair of prescription glasses, just in case
- Verifying that our medical evacuation insurance has not expired
- Purchasing zip-off pants, safari shirts and hat that can be secured underneath the chin
- Buying a soft-sided duffel bag (preferably a rolling one) for the charter flights to the game parks
- Keeping our cruise bag (which will be stored during the safari) at 44 lbs each to accommodate the luggage rules on the South African Airlines flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
- Making sure that our passports have two empty pages for South Africa
- Applying for a Brazilian visa for the conclusion of the trip
- Determining what camera equipment to bring with us
Alan and I spentg three days at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge in Sabi Sands Game Reserve on safari. Then, we joined with a safari tour group for three days at a different location in South Africa, Madikwe Hills Game Lodge.
After that, we flew to Cape Town for the transfer to Birkenhead House in Hermanus to experience the South African coast and view the great white sharks. The land journey ended in Cape Town when we boarded the Regent ship, Navigator, to sail across the Atlantic to Rio de Janeiro for the plane ride home.
Thinking about planning an African safari? Check out all the information on our complete Safari Page a great resource for active boomer travels in Africa!
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