Our Most Frequently Asked Questions About Safaris

There’s a special kind of anticipation that kicks in before a safari. It’s not quite the same as any other trip – the stakes feel higher. You're not just going somewhere; you're going on safari. And suddenly, your brain is a flurry of questions: Do I need a visa? Will my suitcase fit on a charter plane? Will zebras bolt if I wear leopard print – or worse, will leopards take it as a personal invitation? Here at Rhino Africa, we've been there (and then some). So, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions about safaris into a single, handy pre-departure guide to help you pack smarter, plan better, and feel completely safari-ready from day one. 

1. Do I Need a Visa?

If you're an international traveller heading to Africa, chances are, yes. But here's the nuance…

Passports are essential and must be valid for at least six months after your intended departure date. You’ll also need two consecutive blank visa pages per country you’re visiting – not endorsement pages, proper visa pages. Without these, immigration can deny you entry.

Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and chosen African destination, so check with the relevant embassies or consulates before travelling. Or, even better, speak to us – we’ll point you in the right direction.

2. What’s the Deal with Luggage on Safari Flights?

Ah, the charter flight conundrum. One of the frequently asked questions about safaris is about luggage. If your journey includes light aircraft hops to far-flung corners like the Serengeti or the Okavango Delta, you'll need to pack with a little extra care.

First rule: soft-sided bags only. Sadly, your glamorous hard-shell Samsonite won't squeeze into these compact cabins. You’re typically limited to 20kg (44 lbs) total – that’s everything: checked bag, hand luggage, and camera gear combined. Think: one soft duffel bag per person, plus a small backpack or handbag for your essentials.

There’s simply no room for bulky cases aboard these charter flights. But don't stress – most lodges offer complimentary laundry services, so there’s no need to pack a new outfit for every day. Keep it functional, keep it simple, and leave the cocktail dresses and blazers at home. Safari style? Effortless, relaxed, and a little bit fabulous.

3. What Should I Wear on Safari?

Safari style is all about flying under the radar – quite literally. You want to be ignored by animals, not admired by them.

Stick to nature’s colour palette: khaki, olive, beige, grey. Avoid white (you’ll regret it 10 minutes into your first game drive), black and navy (they attract tsetse flies), and leave the leopard print for the lodge lounge. Trust us, baboons don't find it nearly as cute as you do.

Think layers, layers, layers. Even during the peak summer season, those early morning drives can be freezing. Then the sun climbs, and suddenly, you’re peeling like an onion. Long-sleeved shirts (light cotton), a fleece or puffer, and a lightweight waterproof jacket should cover you across seasons.

Shoes? Trainers are your best bet. Unless you’re doing a multi-day walking safari, you don’t need boots heavy enough to scale Kilimanjaro. Just something closed, comfy, and ready to deal with dust.

And one last golden nugget: Africa is casual. You won’t need heels, dinner jackets, or that linen jumpsuit that looks great in theory but creases if you breathe on it. Pack smart, pack light. Your future self (and the pilot of your charter flight) will thank you.

Need a full packing list? We've got you covered → What to Pack for a Safari in Africa.

4. Should I Bring My Own Binoculars?

One of the frequently asked questions about safaris is whether you need to bring your own binoculars. Short answer: yes, especially if you’re serious about spotting that cheetah slinking through the grass on the far side of the savannah.

Longer answer: it depends. Most professional guides will have a solid pair to share – but if you’re the type who doesn’t like waiting your turn while someone else hogs the view (always when the leopard starts doing something interesting), bring your own.

That said, if you forget or don’t fancy packing them, some lodge boutiques do stock binoculars for purchase. Just bear in mind that you’ll want to preorder so they’re waiting in your suite on arrival – these aren’t items they keep in bulk. Alternatively, if you’re spending time in Cape Town or Johannesburg before your safari, there are plenty of outdoor and photography stores where you can pick up a decent pair without a fuss.

They’re also brilliant for birdwatching – or for admiring a lion’s lashes from a respectful distance.

5. How Much Cash Should I Bring?

Cash on safari is less about big purchases and more about those in-between moments: a tip here, a market there, the irresistible trinket carved from jacaranda wood that definitely won’t fit in your carry-on (but you're buying it anyway).

In most safari destinations, US dollars (post-2007, crisp notes only) are widely accepted. Just keep small denominations handy – change is often given in local currency. Visa and Mastercard work well at most lodges but leave your Amex behind.

In South Africa, it's ZAR only – so exchange a small amount at the airport or draw cash at a local ATM using a Maestro- or Cirrus-backed card. And always carry a little cash in your pocket, just in case. The one time you don’t will be the time you really need it.

6. What About Tipping?

This is one of our most frequently asked questions about safaris from our guests – and with good reason. Tipping culture in Africa isn’t complicated, but it’s something travellers often get wrong.

If you’ve received good service, tipping is absolutely encouraged. But it should feel like a thank you, not a transaction.

Here’s What We Recommend per Couple per Day:

• Guide: USD 25
• Tracker: USD 20
• Butler or housekeeping: USD 18
• General staff: USD 18
• Transfer drivers: USD 5–10
• City tour guides: USD 10–20 depending on tour length

Most lodges allow you to tip in cash or by card at checkout. If you're unsure, there’s usually an information pack in your suite – either a menu-style booklet or a slick little iPad – that covers tipping guidelines and more. Still unsure? Just ask the lodge manager. They’ve seen every tipping scenario under the sun, and will be more than happy to tip you off (pun intended).

7. Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Yes. One hundred times, yes.

Travel insurance might not be sexy, but it’s essential. Among the frequently asked questions about safaris is whether you really need it – and the answer is a resounding yes. From flight delays and lost luggage to unexpected illnesses, it’s your safety net in the wild. We work with Global Rescue – they’re brilliant and cover all the big stuff (even the stuff you’d rather not think about).

Planning a luxury safari without travel insurance is like driving through Lion Country without a spare tyre. Just… no.

8. Do I Need Medication or Vaccinations?

Welcome to the medical FAQ corner – let’s break it down.

Malaria

If you’re going to a malaria zone (and many safari areas are, although there are also plenty of malaria-free destinations), speak to your doctor about the right prophylactics. Most of us opt for Malarone, which is easy to take and generally free from side effects. But everyone’s different. Get expert advice.

Remember: the best way to avoid malaria is to prevent mosquito bites. That means long sleeves at dusk, mosquito repellent on every inch of exposed skin (yes, even under your socks), and sleeping under nets when provided.

Yellow Fever

Only required if you’re coming from or transiting through a yellow fever region. It's unnecessary if you're flying directly from places like Europe, the UK, or the US. South Africa is strict – don’t let a missing yellow card derail your trip.

9. When’s the Best Time to Go on Safari?

Trick question. It all depends on where you’re heading – and what you want to see.

In Southern Africa (think Kruger National Park, Namibia, Botswana), the dry season from May to October is when the safari stars truly align. Water is scarce, animals gather at the few remaining sources, and the bush thins out – meaning your chances of spotting something extraordinary shoot right up. 

If you’re dreaming of drifting through the Okavango Delta, this is your moment too: the floodwaters arrive, and suddenly, the landscape becomes a maze of glittering waterways, perfect for mokoro trips and boat safaris.

In East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania), June to October is peak drama season, with the Great Migration thundering across the plains. Prefer baby animals to wildebeest mayhem? January to March is the calving season in the southern Serengeti – tiny legs, wobbly steps, and a whole lot of heart-melting moments.

The real secret? There’s never a "wrong" time for safari. Every season brings its own magic – think dramatic stormy skies, lush green landscapes, quieter camps, and wildlife encounters that feel like they’re just for you.

Still not sure? We unpack it all in more detail over here in our safari season timing guide. And when you’re ready, chat to us – we’ll match your travel dates with the perfect destination.

10. Can Kids Go on Safari?

Yes – but check the fine print.

Many lodges welcome children from around six years old, while others are strictly adults-only. Some go even further, offering special family suites and houses, kids' activities, and even Junior Ranger programmes to turn little adventurers into budding safari experts.

If you’re travelling with younger ones, just give us a heads-up. We’ll match you with the perfect property – one where your kids will be thrilled to explore, and the staff will be just as excited to have them along for the ride.

And if you're wondering about the best destinations to visit for children at every age, our handy guide is sure to spark your imagination!

Wrapping It Up – From Chaos to Confidence

So, that swirling vortex of safari questions? Handled. You now know what to wear, what not to wear (sorry, leopard print), how to pack like a pro, navigate visa fine print, and when to have cash versus card in hand. You're no longer just planning a holiday – you're preparing for an experience that most people only dream of.

And while there’s plenty of information online, what you won’t find on Google is decades of on-the-ground insight, lodge relationships we’ve built over time, and a team who’s done this all before – multiple times and across many countries.

We’ve Got This (So You Don’t Have To)

If you're still sitting with a few questions – or just want someone who can pull it all together, minus the guesswork – that's where we come in. We’ve planned safaris for honeymooners, solo travellers, multi-generational families, and once-in-a-lifetime adventurers. You bring the dream. We’ll handle the details.

Reach out to our Travel Experts – we’ll be here to help you plan a safari worth writing home about.

Featured Image: Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp