The holiday season is well and truly here, and if you are one of those lucky ones planning on going on a summer Kruger Park safari, you are going to need some of these tips to help you stay cool and fresh.
Summer in the Kruger can get a little bit hectic.
Daytime temperatures in this part of the world can get as high as 40 degrees Celsius, and during the summer months, there is usually quite a lot of rain. That said, while travel guides and travel agencies might encourage you to book your safari during the winter months, there is a lot to look forward to when you decide to travel during the summer.
Summer safaris are usually not too busy, because only locals really travel at this time of year. This, in turn, means that the summer safari can be a lot cheaper than when travelling during other times of the year. A summer safari also gives you the chance to see all sorts of newborn wildlife, while also getting to see Africa in full bloom, something that you won’t see when travelling at any other time of the year.
If this December you are planning on going on a Kruger Park safari, knowing how to stay cool is going to be one of your top priorities and we have a couple of tips that you might find handy.
- Wet your hat
Even though the breeze from the back of a safari vehicle will be most welcome, the heat will still be quite intense. Wetting your hat will help you stay cool when out on the game drive, leaving you feeling refreshed, especially when the breeze hits you.
- Choose the right sort of accommodation
Wherever you are planning on staying, make sure that it has a swimming pool and an air conditioner, both are going to be most welcome when you are planning your summer trip. The heat and humidity can get quite intense almost as soon as the sun comes up, so making sure that you have accommodation with temperature control, and that you have access to a swimming pool, can really help to ensure that you are comfortable throughout your stay.
- Dress light, in light coloured clothing
Cotton is the best kind of material to wear during an African summer, and you should always think about wearing a lighter colour. Light coloured clothing will deflect rather than absorb the sunlight, and light material will be breathable.
Other things that you should think about bringing with for your summer safari include an SPF 50, which you should apply every 2 or so hours, and you should also have a refillable water bottle. Staying hydrated is as important as staying cool. In the midst of the summer, the heat can quickly leave you dehydrated and with heat stroke if you are not too careful.
We at Elephant Herd wish you a lovely Festive Break. We can’t wait to see you on safari in 2023!
