This post was written by Ralph Starks, a blogger and traveler who enjoys exploring the world in the best ways possible.
When you are thinking of holidays you need to focus on how you want to make the most of the limited time you have. Many people think about holidaying in the wild where they can be closer to nature and experience the sights and sounds that are hard to find in the urban jungle. Wildlife and nature expeditions can be fun and offer you a great way to unwind and relax. However, you need to be clear about how you want to make your wildlife trip memorable and successful.
As humans, we tend to make mistakes and that is alright as long as we learn from it. However, we can also learn from mistakes made by others. If you are planning a wildlife holiday alone or with your family for the first time you need to know what mistakes you are likely to make and how you can avoid them.
Here are 7 mistakes you should avoid when you are heading for wildlife expeditions.
Planning Your Itinerary
If you have never tried a wildlife trip before you should look for experienced and expert travel companies and tour operators like Far & Wild Travel who can help you with various custom wildlife holidays. This is a great way to help you save time, effort and money. You can choose from a variety of packages and plans that they have to offer. You can use this trip as a learning experience and plan your wildlife trip. For instance, if you are planning to visit Costa Rica for birdwatching experiences you would want to hire someone who has relevant knowledge about how to help you set the itinerary the way you prefer.
Choosing the Wrong Time of the Year
Seasons can have a huge impact on your wildlife trip. Hence, you need to be clear about what season you want to choose to optimize your experiences. Different countries and destinations have different weather conditions. Hence, you must choose the best weather conditions to help you with better visibility. For instance, if you are heading to South Africa you will have different weather conditions than Kenya which lies on the east coast of Africa. You should choose dry months as that would allow you to move around the terrain without any issues.
Picking the Wrong Destinations
When you have never been on a wildlife expedition before you want to look for destinations that can make your trip convenient. This can make a huge difference especially when you are not sure how to plan your wildlife trip. Also, if you choose destinations like Kenya where you need a lot of documentation, paperwork and vaccinations things can get a bit overwhelming. Instead, you choose destinations like South Africa, India and Costa Rica which can make the process easier. Also, you can find ample transport options and flight tickets that would allow you to manage your wildlife trip the way you want it. You also need to avoid choosing destinations based on what influencers on social media tell you. If you are not comfortable in game drives you don’t have to do it. Write down what you and your family want to do and choose places based on that. Furthermore, you can always look for the best wildlife holiday ideas and choose the right destinations that match your requirements and preferences.
Packing Excessively
If you have never been on a wildlife trip before it is likely that you will overpack. However, this can be a big mistake especially when you are heading to destinations where you have to take a connecting flight on a small plane. Carrying bulky luggage can ruin your wildlife holiday experiences. Hence, you need to be clear about what you want to pack and how you can make the right choices. Even if you are going to shoot pictures in the wild you need to stick to certain basics which would allow you to be comfortable in that kind of weather and terrain. Try not to pack colourful clothing that can distract them. Also, you need to avoid carrying perfumes, plenty of electronic devices, chargers and camera gear. Be selective about what essentials you need for your wildlife trip.
Not Investing in a Tour Guide
Exploring nature yourself can be fun and exciting, but not always. When you are heading out for hiking in various national parks you can follow the trail and enjoy being close to nature. However, if you are heading to places like Africa you need to invest in a professional guide who can make your holidays better. These guides have a thorough knowledge of the region’s history, geography and a lot more. They can share plenty of local stories, anecdotes and information that you would otherwise not know. Similarly, they can also take you to secret locations that offer breathtaking views where you can take family pictures or just sit and contemplate for a while. Having a wildlife tour guide will make your life a lot easier and help you elevate your holiday experiences.
Not Focusing on Food and Accommodation
A wildlife trip is a great way to get closer to nature. However, you also need to pay close attention to the food and accommodation factors that can influence your experiences. Not all camps and lodges would offer you the same comfort and convenience. Hence, it is advisable that you evaluate and compare different properties before you decide what camps, lodges, resorts and cottages you want to book. If you are unable to get good food or accommodation it can ruin your wildlife holiday experience. Hence, you need to read the reviews about various camps and lodges before you make a decision.
Behaving Irresponsibly
When you are heading for your first wildlife trip you also need to behave responsibly. This is essential because you do not want to be in a scenario where a wild animal attacks you. When you are heading out for game drives follow the instructions of your guide. Similarly, keep your mobile phones on silent and avoid taking pictures with flash. This can upset the animals and birds and they will either run away or at you. Do not litter which means that you should carry a bag where you can dispose off wrappers and other unwanted items. Also, do not try and feed the animals as this can quickly turn into a difficult situation.
While these are some mistakes that you should avoid you also have to focus on making the most of your trip. Hence, you must focus on how you can enjoy your holidays and be prepared for any unwanted situation that can lead to a change of plans. Use your first wildlife holiday as a learning experience that will help you improve your next wildlife trip.
