Joanna James
Spontaneity is something that will make your holiday wonderful but there is always a chance that things may go sour. Planning ahead for as many contingencies as possible ensures a smoother ride during the actual execution of a plan. If you are planning a wildlife holiday, then make sure you leave nothing to chance.
National Parks are conserved spaces and are meant to preserve Nature. Most National Parks, therefore, will only allow a limited number of human visitors into that space. Most parks also require that visitors go through the proper channels to obtain the necessary permits to enter the park. So be it online, if the park provides that service, or at the office itself, make sure that you book your visit in advance so as to avoid conflict.
The best possible times to go on a wildlife safari are either very early in the morning – early enough to catch sight of the animals at the watering holes, or late evening, when animals decide to venture out to open space. Most National Parks also only allow visitors during certain time slots. What this means is that you cannot waste too much time getting to the park itself. So, make sure that you find accommodation close by well in advance.
There are many things that you should remember to do and not. For example, don't forget to take the following things with you to make your trip memorable.
• A first aid kit – most safari officials carry emergency medical kits but carry your own just in case and especially if you have a personal medical condition.
• Camera and Binoculars – don't forget these so that you can have the best experience and also record it for posterity.
• Hats, Bug Repellants and Sunscreen – all essential items on a safari as not preparing for this will cause a world of pain later.
• Clothing – Wear colours that would blend in with the surrounding and don't forget appropriate footwear like sneakers or boots.
• Water – this is an absolutely vital need. Hydration is key to survival and you won't find water that is fit for consumption inside the park. So, carry your own water on your journey.
Buffer zones are essentially the areas that are on the periphery of the National Park. These are not separations set in stone or even by a fence, but simply a demarcation for ease of access and administration. Obviously, no creature will adhere to such boundaries. On Night Safaris, only the buffer zones will be open, for safety purposes for both you and the wildlife but have no worries. But research and plan ahead on what type of safari is best for you.
No wild creature works to a human time table and so you need to remember that you may not always see the creature you were hoping to. A little patience would go a long way on a safari.
Most safaris are accompanied by a licensed guide. In fact, most parks do not allow unsupervised safaris. Make sure you listen to his/her instructions and follow them to a tee as they are likely to know better. But picking the right guide is also part of planning the best possible journey. The wrong guide can ruin the trip. For example, if you are planning a safari with Nature Odyssey and hoping for a wildlife tour in Sri Lanka, then, you would be guaranteed of quality guidance.
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