Aussies keen on safari adventures
Home to lions, elephants, rhinos and more, Africa is a wild land filled with a rich array of unique fauna and not surprisingly, an African safari is on the bucket list for 21 percent of Aussies.
May to September is a great time to visit South Africa’s wildlife parks as this is the dry season when bushland is low and animals regularly congregate around watering holes and rivers. High season for Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia is slightly later, beginning in July and running through to October.
Whether experiencing the continent’s raw beauty from a vehicle or on foot, the team from World2Cover has these insider tips to help keep travelling Aussies safe on safari:
1. If you are planning to enjoy a 4WD-style adventure, avoid standing up or sticking your arms out of the car as this has been known to startle and even aggravate nearby animals. If your vehicle has windows, there may also be times where you need to keep them closed to deter baboons looking to steal a cheeky snack – they are not afraid of human interaction. Failure to follow your guide’s safety instructions can also negate your travel insurance policy, as it reflects that due care has not been taken should anything happen.
2. African safari can be a photographer’s dream but don’t be tempted to get too close to an animal and never leave your vehicle or group if on a walking tour, even if the creature seems docile. If you do have a close encounter with one that doesn’t seem to like your presence, give it a wide berth with a clear exit route and back away slowly and quietly. If you turn your back or run, this could be mistaken for behaviour of prey and the animal could give chase.
3. Sleeping under the stars might seem like a great idea but predatory animals such as hyenas and cheetahs are also active then. Stay in a fully-zipped tent and don’t take any food in there as this may attract foraging wildlife.
4. Although Australia is no stranger to venomous creepy crawlies, Africa too is home to snakes, spiders, scorpions and other dangerous insects. Take insect repellent and wear enclosed walking boots and keep them in your tent overnight. Check inside your shoes before putting them on too to avoid any nasty surprises.
5. While you might get warm, resist the urge to take a dip in local lakes or rivers. Crocs are camouflage experts and hippos are renowned for being aggressive. They may well be the most dangerous of all the big animals you encounter.
6. Get the paperwork right – check you have plenty of time left on your passport and you have the correct vaccinations and visas in place before you travel. Also ensure you have the correct travel insurance that will ensure you are protected should anything go wrong and secure this as soon as you book your trip. This will mean you’re covered in the event your plans need to change.
Claudio Saita, Deputy CEO and Executive Director in Australia for Tokio Marine, underwriters for World2Cover travel insurance, said maintaining high safety standards outside of the bush should also be kept front of mind.
“It is easy to relax when lions and crocs are no longer in the immediate vicinity, but your holiday doesn’t end when the tour stops. When travelling through urban areas before and after your tour, keep your valuables well secured and out of sight and stay up to date with local news to avoid unsafe urban areas.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
africa African Safari travel insuranceLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!