Last year, my husband and I did a 10 -day guided group tour in South Africa with Disney adventures.
Part of the trip included a three -day African safari at Kapama River Lodge, a luxury safari complex on the Kapama game reserve near Kruger National Park.
Even if most of the details of the calendar and the transport of the trip were planned for us through the tour group, it was our first time in South Africa – and our first time on Safari in general.
Needless to say, we were not completely prepared for the experience. Here are the five things I would have liked to know before going on a trip.
I should have wrapped more diapers.
Carly Caramanna
We went to Safari in August, which is the winter of Africa. During this time of year, the temperature can fluctuate considerably during a day.
Even after looking for the weather conditions, the temperature range took me off guard. For example, our morning safaris were very cold, but at the beginning of the afternoon, it became a time of T-shirt.
I mainly brought sweaters for the trip, but looking back, I would have rather focused on the packaging of the diapers.
I also found that the headgear was absolutely vital to block the sun and prevent my hair from becoming unruly in the wind. During my next trip, I will certainly bring more than one hat with me.
I didn’t know I wanted to spend more time in our complex.
Carly Caramanna
When planning the trip, I was so focused on the Safari experience that I did not know how incredible our complex would be.
With its beautiful spa and gastronomic restoration options, it looked like an all -inclusive complex. Three days, there was not enough time.
Next time, I would size more time to explore the lodge restaurant, the spa and the equipment more in depth.
Each safari reader has offered something unique.
Carly Caramanna
As part of our vacation package, we were able to make two safaris every day: one in the morning and one in the evening. Before the trip, I had a preconceived idea that things would become redundant. However, this could not be further away from the truth.
I am so happy not to have jumped the safaris because I could see all 5 large animals: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and African buffaloes.
The night journeys ended up being my favorite while we stopped in the middle of the bush for a happy hour in a makeshift bar. If I only did the daytime walks, I would have missed all this experience.
It would have been good to have a professional camera.
Carly Caramanna
I did not know how many animals we spotted and how close we went – sometimes, several meters.
Although there is really the value to take advantage of a moment, I regret not having brought a professional camera on at least a few safari rides to get incredible photos.
I had no reason to be stressed before the trip.
Carly Caramanna
“List of buckets” is not a term that I take lightly, but I absolutely feel comfortable to label this trip as such.
It was the vacation most outside my areas that I have taken to date. I knew very little what to expect and I was afraid of letting others take control of planning.
However, it ended up being one of the best trips I have ever made, and I would have liked to be less stressed.