Tips for first-time travellers to Africa

So, if you’re deciding on your next travel destination and haven't made up your mind yet, think about taking a trip to The Mother Continent, especially if it’s your first time. While there is plenty of tips we could offer for first-time safari adventurers, it would be good to understand is why you should visit Africa, when is the best time and how to get around Africa among other things.

Mel Hubber from House of Travel Ferrymead spent 12 days in Kenya and Tanzania. She shares her memories of this lifechanging adventure to inspire you to plan your own. “Africa did not disappoint— Hearing a lion roar and wondering how far away it was, sitting on your balcony watching an elephant silhouetted by the setting sun — everlasting memories.”

What was the main reason for going to East Africa?

We were going to see the legendary Great Migration, described as the greatest wildlife show on earth, a cycle that has been going on for thousands of years. The largest movement of animals on the planet where around two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelles cross the crocodile infested Mara River between Kenya and Tanzania seeking greener pastures for fresh grazing and to have their young.

When is the best time to see the migration?

You can always see the animals moving between Kenya’s Masai Mara in the north and Tanzania’s Serengeti in the south. Both national parks are unfenced and animals can move freely. Typically, around July the massive herds start to move north, with river crossings between July and October. Usually at its peak by November, when driven by the rains, the animals make the hazardous return to the Serengeti.

How did you get around?

We took a variety of scheduled small domestic flights and drives between camps. Some of the lodges have their own landing strips close by with flights linking them together. After our first flight into the Mara we were greeted by our driver/guides with morning tea, strong Kenyan coffee and freshly made biscuits. Then we had a 4x4 game drive on the way to our luxury camp. Some roads can be bumpy, hot and dusty and we had a couple of longer drives. Flying between camps took the edge off what would have been some long, more arduous drives.

Where did you stay?

We stayed in stunning lodges and luxury tented camps. They hark back to the golden age of safari exploration but with modern day 5-star service, luxury accommodation, huge king beds and lavish showers. A favourite of mine was a baroque château perched on the edge of the famous Ngorongoro Crater overlooking 8,000kms of pristine African wilderness.

How long are the flights?

Closer than Europe — flying from Auckland via Australia you can land in Johannesburg in just over 16 hours (and another four hours up to Nairobi). Nairobi has so many top-class hotels and is one of the most cosmopolitan African cities.

What was the food like?

Food was fresh and abundant and beautifully prepared. These were luxury camps after all! At one of the camps all meals were in the main dining area which looked out onto their own organic gardens. Drinks from the wellstocked bar flowed freely as we lazed around on comfy sofas reading inspiring books from the camp library about the Mara and the Serengeti.

TIPS / SAFARI CHIC

• DO wear neutral colours like browns, beiges and khakis to help you blend in with the surroundings.
• DO wear a wide brimmed hat during the day, but not a pith helmet.
• DO wear shoes to dinner in the lodge and remember it’s informal, so smart casual pants or skirt and a shirt or blouse at dinner time is fine. Shorts and t-shirts during the day.
• DON’T wear socks with sandals at any time, it is illegal (not really).
• DO cover up with light coloured clothing at sunrise and sunset to avoid mosquito bites.

What were your highlights?

A hot bath filled with rose petals overlooking the Ngorongoro crater from our private thatched suite after a long day of driving was something I will never forget. A heart-warming welcome song from the staff brought tears to my eyes as we arrived at one incredible camp. Everywhere we went we were met and warmly greeted with fresh coffee and morning tea, or in some cases, Champagne and roses. The game drives were outstanding and by day two we had seen four out of the Big Five!

QUICK GUIDE | MEL’S HIGHLIGHTS

Aspiring to a safari? If you consider instant coffee “roughing it,” we can help. This is exploration at its finest.

NGORONGORO CRATER
Stay in a luxury all-inclusive lodge perched right on the rim of the earth’s largest intact crater.

TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Stay in the heart of Tarangire National Park in Tanzania. Highlights include enormous elephant herds and abundant wildlife, even in the dry season.

TENTED CAMPS
On the western border of the Masai Mara Game Reserve you can choose to stay in one of the finest “tents” on earth.

COMFORTS UNDER CANVAS
Glamping provides an option to get close to the Great Migration without forgoing a little bit of luxury.

 HEMINGWAYS NAIROBI
One of Mel’s favorite boutique hotels in Nairobi, with personal butler service and spacious suites overlooking the Ngong Hills.

Inspired to explore Africa's breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and unforgettable wildlife encounters? Connect with our Africa specialists today to start planning your dream adventure!