African Safaris - What NOT to Do on a Safari

[@hlynnkeith9334]

The first DON'T of safari: Don't get eaten.

[@rbeard7580]

LOL! I did a “visiting amateur”guest spot with a wildlife video film crew, and they expected me to look out for myself the same as they did. They were not a lodge and weren’t in the business of hosting guest. Their Senior Guide said this to me one evening after I first arrived: “R, please just don’t get eaten while you are here.”

[@reegan9207]

Facts

[@michellerosebrown]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@debraladams9140]

I toured the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Maryana! The trip of a lifetime!!!

[@omalleysmith9100]

I was there in 2019, and LOVED Tanzania & Kenya. There is nothing like it in the world, and the great thing about safaris is that you could drive the same exact route everyday and not see the same things twice! Serengeti National Park is truly "Nature's Grandmother" and she deserves to be treated with the utmost respect. Great tips as usual, Mark. :D

[@Kny-tn1mg]

Thank you Come again 😊

[@NitronNeutron]

Ok we were at a luxury camp for sure but I would like to add a few things: 1) Safari walks are amazing!!! You get to experience the small animals too. We saw a buffalo herd, fresh elephant dung, (No elephant) and a angry hippo. So much andrenalin. 2) The thieving and troublesome monkeys! A long cane helped chase them away 3) Our guide did not want us to share rhino pictures online. They are endangered and people hunt for pictures online to find the Rhinos for poachers. 4) You will get tired so dont plan full days of safaris every day. You can spot animals at your Lodge too. 5) Find a Lodge near water so you can spot animals especially hippos.

[@nikkirockznikkirockz4158]

Elephant "dong"? Lol

[@NitronNeutron]

@@nikkirockznikkirockz4158 lol I meant dung. Stupid autocorrect.

[@nikkirockznikkirockz4158]

@@NitronNeutron I hear yah, it was pretty funny thO! :D

[@brianasidney836]

I'm planning a trip now. Where did you visit? What camp did you stay at?

[@NitronNeutron]

@@brianasidney836 Nyati

[@ericdudley4169]

I went on a grand safari a few years back to both Kenya and Tanzania, where we visited Tarangire national park, The Ngorongoro crater, the Serengeti, the Maasai Mara, Kilimanjaro, and more! Your tips are right on! I’ve followed you and your wonderful family for years utilizing your tips and you’re all wonderful! 38 countries and counting! (Yes, I country count!) 😮😉

[@jamescc2010]

How are those comparing to Kruger National Park - pro and con? We like to do some self-drive as well.

[@tosht2515]

*”Don’t expect a smooth ride.”* Proceeds to show shots of Caleb and Liam sound asleep in a moving Jeep. 😀👍

[@WoltersWorldEats]

It was like rocking a baby. 👶

[@rbeard7580]

They’re kids. My old back would have a different reaction. And it’s not a “Jeep”, not that it matters. I’ve never seen a Jeep at a safari lodge. They mostly use Land Rovers & Toyotas. Yes, he said Jeep, and it does resemble one, so we Americans often call them that.

[@WoltersWorldEats]

​@@rbeard7580 that's what our guides called them which is why we did also.

[@rbeard7580]

@@WoltersWorldEats True! We experienced that too. Probably because so many American tourists use jeep as a generic term for off road vehicles.

[@4evermistyblu]

Great information ℹ️ My hubby and I are headed to Tanzania 🇹🇿 in October. I’m so excited!! 🐘🦒

[@thandalion6313]

Re: Safari suit. I did a wild camping safari around Kenya and Tanzania travelling in a 4x4 truck. Because the truck had to carry tents and all equipment we were very limited on the amount of luggage we could take. Wild bush camps don't have many facilities so we didn't even have much chance to wash our clothes. Inevitably we all became a bit grubby and probably smelly. In the Serengeti we stopped at a visitor centre and were watching a video about the Serengeti when a woman wearing the whitest safari suit I've ever seen came in. She took one look at our group and walked straight back out. Probably worried in case some of our dirt and smell rubbed off on to her pristine safari suit. Luxury safaris can be nice for a family holiday but I would highly recommend trying a wild bush camping safari if you don't mind roughing it a bit. One of the best holiday experiences I've ever had.

[@Lupus_01]

I know its all personal pref but I am baffled by wanting to experience the bush in luxury.

[@sshivash]

Well presented and comprehensive. Listen to your guides and take these rules seriously especially this one - do not walk around the campsite after dark without a staff member escorting you.

[@dianarichard4418]

My beautiful home Tanzania, karibu sana

[@tom6294]

Your advice about not walking around at night is the most important thing you said. When I was living in Tanzania while working at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, I took a lot of three-day safaris and stayed in lodges. At one of the lodges where I stayed, a young child of an ICTR staff member went out at night and was killed by a leopard. It's flat dangerous even in a lodge. BTW, when you were talking about seeing cape buffalo, the picture you showed was a wildbeast. Another interesting fact is you often see zebras an wildebeast grazing together. Typically, they are in a kind of square and at the corners there are zebra standing watch for predators. It's amazing.

[@michaelsteven1090]

This video was so lame..Everything he said is common sense..Thanks for your comment though..

[@rbeard7580]

In Kruger National Park in South Africa, the main park-run “rest camps” do not offer night escorts. You may have to walk at night if your hut has no bathroom or you’re in a tent. So carry a bright, reliable flashlight and be careful. Their main camps are surrounded by an electric fence. But as one Ranger told me, it doesn’t stop things that can fly in, burrow under, slither beneath, or swing in through the tree tops. And occasionally even the larger animals get in. One place I stayed only had an electrified “elephant wire”, a single strand about 6 feet off the ground. It would only deter elephants, giraffes and a few of the tallest antelopes. Elephants were the main reason, as once inside they can damage vehicles, buildings, and even push trees over. Lions and leopards could walk right under the wire! They had no night escort. We were told to carry a bright “torch” (flashlight) and move about carefully ⚠️ at your own risk.

[@Koblinkafrica]

The wildebeest have a good sense of hearing and smell that helps both to protect from the predator and searching in food. The zebra has a great eye sight to see any threat

[@TheGlobalExpats]

These are great points, Wolter! African animals are a lot bigger and more unpredictable than one may think 😅 We visit Kruger National Park about once a year, there's nothing scarier than coming around a corner and a massive angry-looking bull elephant 4 times the size of your car is staring you down. Sometimes you can spend an entire day seeing nothing, then see the entire Big 5 the next morning! We hope you're having an awesome time in the Serengeti!

[@woltersworld]

So true. It's like a Scooby-Doo episode. Come around the corner and whamo there they are

[@TheGlobalExpats]

A brilliant way to describe it 😂

[@rbeard7580]

My experience in Kruger too. That’s why I say 4-5 days minimum, but a week or ten days is better. On a shorter trip, that one day seeing nothing might spoil the experience. It’s expensive enough just to get there! So don’t skimp, stay longer.

[@lostamonglocals5382]

"You don't wanna come without your safari outfit"🤣🤣🤣 classic

[@woltersworld]

I needed to add, "Don't wear your safari outfit when you are not actually doing the safari" seems really silly in the cities

[@sams3015]

@@woltersworld yeah I feel like it give off British colonial vibes to wear it outside the safari park

[@giordanostramare]

The last one is something to do always with everyone, when you buy souvenir next to the road, the guy that made your coffe in the morning, tour guide, old man paying domino. Talk to people not about silly stuff, about them really change you from a tourist to an explorer.

[@douglasandrade7123]

Thank you for sharing this important information..we have a trip to Tanzania by the end of the year..

[@patcrowe2821]

Glad to see you guys are doing well. I can't believe how big the boys are getting omg. Time needs to slow down

[@woltersworld]

I hear you

[@hank3V]

I have been to at least 50 safaris in Africa. And I would say that most of our points is right. But I would recommend to do full day safaris everyday.

[@rbeard7580]

Most places offer an early morning drive, and then an afternoon drive until just past sunset. But from about 10 to 3 is lunch (or late brunch) and a nice nap. It sort of mimics the animal’s activities too, as midday they’re often napping in the shade & harder to find or see, as they’re lying down. So perhaps we should nap back at camp then too! 😁

[@大疯狼]

Never considered a safari till now.. looks very rewading

[@ArtLieberman]

This is the best safari video I've seen, and I've seen a lot of them! And this is Not just about the "dont's". Soooo helpful!!!

[@kylepifer9509]

We enjoyed our safari trip year’s ago. We took our kids and they loved it very much. We also shared the trip with family who lived in Malawi. It was one of those things that you look back so fondly. We have also taken zoom safaris recently thinking back to the time when we could.

[@jeaninnalexis4318]

I’m coming to Kenya and Tanzania for safari in July!! I’m so excited!! Great video and thanks for all the tips!!

[@ashermelekh]

How did it go??

[@jeaninnalexis4318]

@@ashermelekh it was AMAZING!!!!!!! Absolutely amazing. My stay was 20 days; 15 days of safari throughout Kenya and Tanzania then a cool down in Zanzibar. Great food, great people, great animals, beautiful countries. I can’t wait to post videos of my adventure!

[@lainy8742]

Sounds amazing. Did you use a tour company?

[@jeaninnalexis4318]

@@lainy8742 yes, it was! Truly it was. I did use a tour company. I totally recommend them snd their guides/drivers. Seven By Far Safari is great and based in Kenya. Cholo Zanzibar Safaris is great as well and based in Tanzania. I used and recommend both!

[@jeaninnalexis4318]

@@101GM8 Oh, yes, it is much cooler in June and July. For safari I wore a T-shirt and either cargo capris or thick leggings and a hoodie for the morning and evenings. Since I didn’t stay at a traditional hotel, the cabin/glamorous tents I stayed in got pretty cool at night even with thick warm blankets. Bring a thick jacket. When I was in Aberdare, I almost froze lol it was pretty chilly there. But when I went to Masai Mara, a hoodie in the morning was fine. But then at this other game park near Somalia felt like I was in a hot desert with TONS of camels lol You’ll love it!! But bring a few warm pieces like a scarf/shawl. Plus you’ll buy a Shuka while you’re there to blend in w the Masai

[@CRJourney20]

Such great information. Have always wanted to do this and your information makes it even better. Very good video with so much information.

[@sams3015]

When we visited Cape Town we did a day trip to a safari about 2 hours away (I think it was called Inverdoon) and it was amazing. That was a good solution because I was with my mom who not exactly not major naturalist. So day trips can be a good option if you feel the full on experience might be too much. Also it was wintertime and quite windy when we went, luckily had scarf things on us, so don’t assume it’s going to be super hot. Check the weather before hand

[@jamescc2010]

Cannot wait to go there. Good tips. Amazing place and people.

[@MHM-i2o]

Have been on many safaris and your information is spot on. Wish everyone would watch this video before they went on safari! Thank you.

[@woltersworld]

Thank you. I really wanted to help with our safari videos. I just couldn't find much helpful stuff out there so I'm glad to hear others who have gone on safaris like the video. Thank you!

[@dbll827]

Love this!Thank you.z planning g my first trip to the Serengeti in 2024.

[@wolfesound]

This is so magical. I can't wait to go!

[@jarrodluck7489]

Just a heads up. When you were talking about the big 5 and mentioned cape Buffalo, you showed footage of a blue wildebeest. They are far smaller and far more common. As well as being significantly less dangerous.

[@carolginsberg662]

Great video! Thank you❣️

[@adamburns660]

I've heard it is best to bring two cameras. A telephoto and a second with a wide and small zoom range for any surprise up close visitors. How did you see people juggle both cameras? Were they using just a neck strap and hand strap? A two camera harness system at their sides? Busting out the small camera as needed since the zoom is used the most? I'm planning my safari for Spring 2026 and just figuring out the gear to get. Great videos on safaris and been a fan of your other videos.

[@JoelTAMARA]

Thanks for always making travel easier, and I hope you enjoying Africa

[@lisadominguez2981]

You have been so informative I've never heard all this information

[@lisadominguez2981]

I want to do this and thank you for explaining this so well! You are AWESOME ❤

[@quincyquincy4764]

The idea of being on a big plot of land with loads of wild animals roaming around is kind of mind blowing.

[@Jacobdemery]

Definitely on the bucket list, that looks like such a fun trip thanks mark.

[@woltersworld]

It was amazing

[@FMK178]

Really helpful !!! Thank you very much.

[@davidfogel8428]

Thanks great advice can’t wait to get there!

[@tobiojo9454]

Great video

[@reelhappytravellers2691]

One word for this video, stunning.

[@gildongkokiri]

What a nice tip! Thanks a lot.

[@raww1240]

You guys are so awesome! Thanks so much for sharing! 👍🏼😁

[@wisskier]

We got out of the jeep once or twice, but only when our guides cleared us to do so.

[@musingsatmidlife5278]

I loved this! Thanks!

[@SCM793]

You do get to wonder in the safari 😅good advice

[@hulme187]

That was a great video. Wish I could do a safari someday.

[@archsafaritours9683]

How incredible. you have all points

[@copasdesangre]

Thank you so much for this video!! One of our destinations in the future is also the Serengeti. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, make a video of how to choose a right safari.

[@rbeard7580]

There are soooo many options! My advice, however, is an absolute minimum of four to five days on safari. You may have a bad day with no close sightings, which would ruin a shorter trip. Personally, a week to ten days makes more sense, but that’s just my opinion.

[@jonbanks653]

Excellent thanks!

[@rbeard7580]

I’ve been on about a dozen safaris (and lived in South Africa for a year). The video offers very good advice for us amateurs. I’d add four things: 1) An explanation: One big reason you keep the noise down is because it’s thought the animals view the vehicle as a whole, and see it as fairly harmless. But humans are generally feared & avoided. So apart from annoying the other passengers, your human noises may ruin sightings by letting the animals realize that vehicle thingy has people on it. 2) Some places may let you move within the camp at night, but you MUST have a bright, reliable flashlight to do so safely. 3) Bring binoculars! Even an inexpensive 7X35 will do. Many animals will be a bit far away, and you can also see more detail on the closer ones. Plus clearer views of smaller animals & birds. 4) Minor point: your section on the “Big Five” shows a much smaller & more commonly seen wildebeest, not a buffalo. Finally on packing: If you go all the way to South Africa 🇿🇦, you may need more clothes & gear, as there are many other sights you should not miss. For example: Cape Town, the Garden Route, and the panorama drive through the Drakensberg mountains, which are very close to Kruger National Park.

[@karenhill3856]

Thanks for the tips. I’m heading to Uganda next week. At the top of the list is going on a safari. 👍

[@Bradchoksondik]

Oh Uganda is amazing! Enjoy!

[@allankisembo5934]

In which national park?

[@karenhill3856]

@@allankisembo5934 Murchison and Queen Elizabeth

[@allankisembo5934]

@@karenhill3856 Is Kidepo on your list?

[@karenhill3856]

@@allankisembo5934 no heading home tomorrow.

[@Captain_Spaulding]

Hi Mark! Very helpful video! Thank you! My husband has always wanted to go on an African safari, and I am fine with all of it, except for the sleeping outdoors part! Haha. I know you said there are more luxury camps, but do you know of anywhere we could go that is like a hotel or something, and then just travel in the morning to the safari area to see animals? I would be terrified to sleep with animals walking around outside my tent. Lol. Thanks for all the great advice! -Amanda

[@Bebin369]

do you think an anti malaria is 100 % necessary in mid October? thanks

[@harasaratours8806]

Good advice It's helps for happy safari 👌👌

[@missypuffin8985]

Excellent video!

[@stevec9669]

I figured I should prepare for that there is no A/C (or heat) in the Serengeti camp/lodge/or even 5* lodge(hotel). Am I right?

[@PreschoolPlay]

Hello! Going to Tanzania on Thursday- I have been told we will need to get the wa-7 and wa-10L… do u think I’m good with the one in the link u posted?

[@Better-na-better]

Thank you!!

[@someguy1865]

Man, that place looks like fun

[@glendamccaleb847]

I will be visiting the Serengeti in June. I also have a Sony a6400 camera and am in a dilemma about what lens to take. Advice please?

[@RocketRose999]

Yep. True.

[@temimh]

Thanks for the video and tips Wolter. I am planning to visit Serengeti soon. Are there any good tour companies for Serengeti that you recommend? I'm looking for an experience a bit far from the crowds, eco conscious and also with above average accommodation (doesn't need to be luxury though, but something not too rough). Thanks!

[@jeffmcmillan7509]

@mark. What mosquito spray do you recommend for a safari

[@tobiojo9454]

This video is so awesome, outstanding, mesmerizing and satisfying

[@reneeroagers5857]

Who did you book your safari through? I am looking for a mid-price safari. Thank you.

[@madhealerofwindurst807]

Thank you for the good safari advice.

[@faithjustice8442]

How did you book this? Through a company or?

[@PravinPatel-zv7bd]

Hi Walters, did you go to Tanzania with Shadows of Africa Tour Company?

[@FireHax0rd]

Hi Mark, I remember you had mentioned awhile back that you have an updated video of Strasbourg. Do you have plans to upload that one? I'm planning a trip to France in September, and I'm hoping to do the eastern side (Strasbourg/Colmar/etc.)

[@eferrari]

Love you Mark,Jocelyne and the kids😊! but what about vaccines for hepatitis A, , cholera, yellow fever ? is there any shot for Malaria ? what about dengue fever ? Ebola ? that's what's stopping me from going on safaris :(

[@WoltersWorldEats]

We were required to get specific vaccines and they are noted in our vaccine passports. We took pills for malaria...a vaccine is out now I think but is probably only available for those living in such places, the pills are fine for those of us just visiting. You absolutely need to check requirements for the specific places you want to visit as they vary widely.

[@Refilwe_Fifi]

😳😳😳 SMH

[@kristinaharper7496]

How cool!

[@britishcrisps]

Would they also accept euro's? as im from Europe.

[@jonathanauret]

A white rhino also counts as a big five sighting. Black Rhino are incredibly rare, I have only ever seen 1 in all my 15+ years going to Kruger Park

[@paulbrungardt9823]

"The animals are so cute & helpless, they need me to feed & take care of them.'..said Vice President Kamila Harris.

[@domwings4329]

Mr. Wolter, I’m curious, which travel channels do you follow?

[@bladerunner8832]

Mark, do the people who run the safaris provide you with lenses? Preferably the 500mm+ range?

[@rogeriotarcia1671]

Is Serengeti a malaria free area? What about the Covid outbreak in Africa? Congrats for this video.

[@jenmar9428]

Sir/ma'am, Serengeti is in Tanzania. Africa is a continent that has malaria mosquito. Africa has 55 (54 official and 1 unofficial) countries. I doubt he can tell you about all the 55 African countries.

[@williamgilbert8959]

After some time on the dusty trails, wash your eyeglasses or sunglasses before you wipe them or you will scratch them.

[@woltersworld]

good call William!

[@Admes359]

Which websites to go through are the best.

[@vagabondmom448]

Do you share which safari company you went with on this one?

[@bffgaming6746]

Would love to take the our pair of children on a trip like this before they are too old! By saving our pennies and a lottery ticket here and there, who knows! Loved the tip about the scarf and dust and to pack lightly! What an experience I'm sure!

[@woltersworld]

It was great with the family

[@JG-ju9pr]

where to buy the safari clothes?

[@kind2cats]

Great info, we go south Africa, don't forget binoculars, don't forget a pair of closed shoes in case a Bush walk is offered. Thanks

[@tonyfara6815]

Hi Wolte , what are the best months to visit Serengeti ?

[@rainsdownafrica452]

All year around except April and May due to heavy rain season. However depends on what you wish to see.

[@alsotoo7706]

It bugs me to say this or feel this. There are so so so many people who do not deserve to see these beautiful animals. Money gets you everything right...? No. It doesn't make you a real caring, knowledgeable person. Don't worry, you'll get it..

[@ronniedove2891]

Great Video should have had the opening to circle of life at the beginning 😀

[@rbeard7580]

Hmmm…. sad to say, but The Lion King is most theater and very little connection to reality. Their demonizing of the hyenas is just awful. And sometimes when a new coalition of lion males takes over a “pride” (which is females & cubs & teens), the first thing they do is kill the cubs and drive the young males away. Male lions ain’t into raising someone else’s kids.

[@vicepresidentmikepence889]

Don't get a flat tire

[@Lift-N-CollectStamps]

😂😂😂

[@seanmcerlean]

Jealous Mark, cannot wait to go back there.Just beautiful.

[@woltersworld]

It really was amazing

[@GreatLakesDrifta]

Does this apply to a surfin safari as well?

[@princesscarla2089]

What’s the name of that stuff “permeation”? that you said to wash your clothes in? I’m going on Safari and September 2025 I wish someone could spell that for me .

[@Bebin369]

Peretherin

[@ertsixbarf]

great video, you could do great in the advertisement business, would love to add one more thing....never ever panic, stay calm, even cows love to chase, its easier said then done...but we cant outrun anything, its no use, even foolish, ..some of this sudden encounters made a better believer out of me, in God we must trust....NEVER wear shorts in the woods, good booths or shoes to protect your feet well, ...snakes can be very careless, horseflies always bite you in the back, if those tsetse things are even worse ? ...who wants to find out ?...its good advice to wear long sleeves too,

[@dimitriussmith9669]

Do you drive the Jeep or does someone else do it

[@Wellch]

Duh, why would anyone get out of the Jeep?

[@vickymc9695]

My dad was a moron and got out in Kruger, to take photos of hippos.

[@woltersworld]

people want to get pictures or think it is ok to walk up to the animals. See the tourists who get hit by buffalo/bison in the US national parks

[@Bradchoksondik]

@@vickymc9695 lol thats the most dangerous animal of them all

[@Nix11999]

How much cash should you bring

[@walterrussell7584]

The African massage that’s funny

[@Kny-tn1mg]

Visit Kenya🇰🇪 East Africa

[@albertvanzyl7004]

You talked about the Cape Buffalo, but showed a picture of a Wildebeest.

[@paulburley7993]

You could decide to not bother with a camera and instead concentrate on being fully immersed in the experience. I have watched many a safari tourist totally engrossed in getting that "perfect" picture!

[@thetruepatriot7733]

What lodge did you stay at? I'm looking for a trustworthy lodge that can provide a great family experience.

[@woltersworld]

We used a firm called shadow of Africa

[@thetruepatriot7733]

@@woltersworld awesome! Thank you 😊 safe travels!

[@rainsdownafrica452]

So many lodges depends on your budget and age of the Children. A travel operator can further assist you on this too.

[@vernondavis1021]

We’re you able to pay for your safari with a credit card with the company you chose?

[@travelwithteesafari2852]

Hi vernos, You can pay with a credit card, its recommended

[@garnettbrown]

Here's a don't: Don't be THAT guy!

[@allwan1]

How much should I carry for example 3900 US dollar in cash ?

[@rainsdownafrica452]

Depends with number of days and the use. You can also use a credit card