Page 69 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

THE SAF ARI EXPERIENCE  67

reservation has been the park, wait until a park ranger
made, the company comes to help. Other visitors will
sends details of the be able to pass on a message to
facilities at the camp. the authorities or you can
The ultimate in telephone the KNP Emergency
accommodation are Hotline, a dedicated call centre.
the luxurious lodges Water and other drinks are
at private game essential to prevent dehydration.
reserves, mostly Anti-malaria prophylactics
around the Kruger may be recommended for those
National Park. Prices visiting seasonal risk areas, such
are high, but they as the Kruger. A doctor or
usually include travel clinic should be able
accommodation, to provide these. The highest-
A typically South African braai in the bush meals and game risk period is during the rainy
activities, and some times drinks. season (December to April),
Air-conditioning may seem a This is a good option for visitors when it is best to cover exposed
necessity when the weather is who have never experienced a skin with light clothing and
warm, but try to keep the car safari, because there are well- insect repellent.
windows open to experience informed rangers who lead Most camps in the parks
fully the sounds and smells of game-viewing outings, which provide ramped access for
the bush. The best speed for ensures a much greater chance disabled visitors and, often,
game-viewing is 15 km/h of sighting some wildlife. accessible toilets and specially
(10 mph). To see which animals adapted accommodation.
are in any particular area, check
the sightings boards at the Choosing an Itinerary
entrance of the camps. The The best times to view game are
wildlife identification books in early morning and late afternoon.
camp shops are also useful, and Be sure to return before the
it may be a good investment to camp gates shut, just before dark.
buy a pair of binoculars. Game drives, walks and night
Essential items to pack drives can be booked at the
include: comfortable clothes camp offices after arrival. They
to protect exposed body parts usually depart at dawn or in
from insects (preferably in dull the afternoon. They last a few
colours, so as not to disturb the hours, and are often the best
wildlife), a hat, sunblock, way to explore the area.
sunglasses and a camera. Wilderness trails are longer and
involve a stay at a remote base
camp and walks with an armed
Accommodation ranger. These can be booked
To avoid disappointment, it is months in advance.
best to book as far in advance as The private reserves generally A thrillingly close-up view of one of
possible, especially during plan the itinerary for their South Africa’s “Big Five”
South African school and public guests, although there is room
holidays. Accommo dation at for flexibility. Typical activities Children on Safari
parks and reserves ranges from include drinks at dawn, followed Parks and reserves in South
camp sites, huts and safari tents by guided game-viewing, Africa are well equipped for
to self-contained chalets and sundowners and night drives families. There are excellent
cottages. There is generally a with dinner. game reserves outside of
choice of a private or shared malaria areas where you can
bathroom and kitchen. In most Safety Tips and see the “Big Five”, and they are
parks, bedding, towels, a fridge the best option for families
and cooking utensils are Health Issues with young children. It is
included. All parks have It is recommended that you also essential to find out the
electricity, but a few also have approach a sighting quietly, minimum age requirement of
TVs, Internet and on-site turn off the car engine and allow rest camps and lodges, and
medical services. space for the vehicle in front to whether they are fenced in.
When booking self-catering reverse, if necessary. Never feed Long drives can be dull, so it’s
accommodation, bear in mind animals, because once they are worth considering hiring a
that not all parks have well- dependent on food from guide to keep the children
stocked shops, and you may humans, they can become interested. It is also a good idea
have to take some or all of your aggressive. Stay in your car at all to bring a picnic and plan
supplies with you. Once a times. If your car breaks down in stops at waterholes.

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