Safari Planning Chaos: How I Survived Choosing, Packing, and Actually Getting to Africa on a Full-Time Job
If anyone would have told me 10 years ago that I’d be organizing safaris I’d have said they were crazy… Today I’ve done five safaris… and somehow three of the five flights were basically free. But let me tell you about the very first one, because “chaos” is the only word that does it justice.
The Destination Wasn’t Even My Choice (and That Was a Gift)
I didn’t spend weeks agonizing over Kenya vs Tanzania vs Zambia. A good friend was already going to Zambia and said, “Just come!” Words of wisdom-let someone tell you where you should go!
So I did what any sane, employed, Type-A traveler would do: I panic reserved a plane ticket on points and then tried to figure out the rest while working 50-hour weeks.
So in preparing for subsequent trips Tanzania-you’d have thought I’d learned a bit but maybe not!
Phase 1: Weather-Induced Meltdown-Tanzania
Northern Tanzania in August = perfect game-viewing weather. Also = 85°F days and 45°F pre-dawn game drives. My brain short-circuited trying to pack for desert heat, freezing mornings, and possible rain in the Ngorongoro Crater. Spoiler: I brought four jackets. I wore one.
Phase 2: The Great Amazon Safari of My Living Room
Because I had zero safari clothes and approximately 12 evenings free before departure, Amazon Prime became my bush guide.
My “Add to Cart” highlights:
· Binoculars: Best choice-10 x 42 compact (under $100 & shockingly good – still use them on every trip) and Amazon has many price options. I like Vortex but anything will do.
· Neutral long-sleeve shirts and convertible pants (beige, khaki, zero bright colors – the animals and tsetse flies thank me)
· Wide-brim Tilley hat that makes me look like a 1930s explorer (10/10 recommend) and I always travel with a baseball type cap….one labeled with “Mkuu Safaris” please!
· Headlamp for night game drives and power outages at camp
· 1,400 mosquito repellent wipes (I used maybe 40) and now I wear DEET or Picaradin
I also discovered that my iPhone 15 Pro in full zoom + those binoculars was honestly better than my actual DSLR for 90% of shots. Leave the heavy camera at home unless photography is your job.
Phase 3: Shoes Were My Biggest Drama
Closed-toe, comfortable, neutral, able to get dusty. I bought three pairs and only wore the Columbia Newton Ridge hiking boots. They survived mud, sand, and a curious elephant that sniffed them. Worth every penny. I also bring an old pair of Birkenstocks for hot days albeit my feet were dirty after a day on the dusty safari vehicle.
Swimwear? Threw in one swimsuit on a whim. Ended up using it almost every day at the lodges’ plunge pools between game drives.
Phase 4: The Flight That Started It All
I live in Los Angeles, so LAX → Africa is never quick. I spent weeks on Google Flights, setting alerts, stalking prices. Finally snagged LAX → Dar es Salaam → Arusha using 70,000 United miles + $87 in taxes. That “basically free” first flight is the reason I’ve now been five times. Once you realize you can get there on points, the mental barrier disappears.
The Real Secret: I Didn’t Plan Everything
I booked the safari and really didn’t know what I was in for…. Everything else (transfers, tips, exact daily schedule) was handled for me via email (Mkuu Safaris will keep you informed). I just followed the list provided. First-time safari tip: Let someone else do the hard parts. You just show up with binoculars and a sense of wonder. And don’t be surprised if you have no idea what’s happening….Mkuu Safaris will keep you on track along with our amazing guides!
My Exact “Don’t Do What I Did” List
· Don’t buy 17 neutral shirts. Four is plenty.
· Don’t bring jeans. Ever.
· Do bring two credit cards with no foreign fees and notify your bank.
· Do pack everything in carry-on if possible. My checked bag took a 3-day scenic tour of Doha.
Final Verdict
Yes, planning my first safari while working full-time felt like herding cats on fire. But I landed in Arusha, climbed into an open-sided Land Cruiser at sunrise, and watched a leopard yawn ten feet away… and every single moment of chaos was worth it. If I can do this with a 9-to-5 and Amazon Prime two-day shipping, so can you.
Let’s get you to the bush, Jane
Mkuu Safaris Founder & Former Chaos Queen