5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Safari in Kenya
Writer: Emily Wekulo
- Why sleeping in can cost you your best wildlife shots
- How not dressing the part leads to regret (and sunburn)?
- The importance of asking the right questions before booking
- Why overpacking ruins the safari vibe
- How tech troubles can sabotage your whole trip
Let’s dive in—and make sure your safari is unforgettable for the right reasons.
“I had dreamt of the African savannah since childhood—lions lounging under acacia trees, elephants marching with quiet majesty, and the drama of the wild unfolding just feet from my safari vehicle. But when I finally arrived in Kenya for my first safari, I realised I had no binoculars, packed the wrong shoes, and worse—I missed the morning game drive because I overslept. Rookie mistakes? Absolutely. And I learned the hard way.”
— Nina from Munich, Germany
Whether you’re coming for the Great Migration or chasing sunsets over the Mara, Amboseli, or Tsavo, a first safari in Kenya is nothing short of magical—but only if you avoid these common blunders.
- Missing the Early Morning Game Drives
Picture this: lions yawning as the sun rises, hippos retreating into the water, leopards finishing a night hunt. These are the moments that happen before breakfast.
Hitting snooze on your alarm.
Your first safari isn’t a vacation where you sleep in. The earlier you rise, the more wildlife you’re likely to see. Morning and late afternoon are golden hours for animals, especially the predators.
Sleep early, prep your gear the night before, and trust your guide’s timing. They know when and where the magic happens.
- Wearing the Wrong Clothing
The African sun is no joke, and those cute white sneakers? They won’t survive the red soil of Tsavo.
Don’t try packing like it’s a fashion show—or worse, wearing bright colours.
Stick to neutral tones like khaki, green, or brown to blend into the environment. This not only improves your chances of seeing wildlife but also keeps you cool and bite-free.
Avoid:
- Flip-flops (unless you’re at the lodge pool)
- Bright colours and patterns
- Synthetic fabrics that trap sweat
Do wear:
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirts
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Comfortable, closed shoes
- Booking a Safari Without Doing Research
Not all safaris are created equal. Booking the cheapest package or not asking what’s included can cost you an arm and a leg in the long run.
Some tours don’t include park fees, others may limit your game drives, and a few may not even offer professional guides. The right guide can turn an ordinary drive into a National Geographic moment.
Before you book, ask:
- What parks are included?
- How many game drives per day?
- What’s the group size?
- Is there a certified guide?
Trust us, a little research will make or break your first safari experience. And Come Travel Limited would be your best Destination Management Company, at the moment.
- Overpacking (Seriously, Stop!)
We get it—you’re excited. But hauling five pairs of boots, a suitcase full of books, and half your kitchen is unnecessary.
Bringing too much “just in case” stuff can end up being a big mistake, especially for first-timers.
Most safari lodges do laundry. You’ll be living in relaxed clothes and carrying your camera more than anything else.
Stick to the essentials:
- One or two good safari outfits
- A light jacket (for chilly mornings)
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Camera + binoculars
- A small backpack
Less is more when you’re hopping from jeep to campfire.
- Not Backing Up Your Photos (Or Bringing the Right Tech)
You came to see the Big Five, but your camera battery is dead, and your memory card is full. Noooo!
Failing to prepare your tech is the last thing you want to do.
This happens more often than you’d believe. Also, poor signal in remote areas can mess with your photo backups if you rely on cloud storage.
Before your trip:
- Bring extra batteries and SD cards
- Backup your photos daily (offline if possible)
- Use a camera with good zoom or a smartphone with a powerful lens
- Don’t forget charging cables and adapters
You’ll thank yourself when you capture that once-in-a-lifetime shot of a cheetah sprinting through the grasslands.
Make Your First Safari a Dream, Not a Disaster
Your first safari in Kenya is more than a trip—it’s a memory in the making. Avoiding these common mistakes in a safari means less stress and more jaw-dropping moments.
So, pack smart, wake up early, dress the part, ask questions, and back up your tech. The African wild is calling—and you’re ready now.
Always keep a small journal to jot down wildlife sightings, guide stories, and how you felt the first time you locked eyes with a wild elephant. Those memories will outlive any Instagram post. What do you say to a planned and well managed first time Safari? Speak to our Travel Expert.