First time on a South Africa safari?

Here’s some advice

As safari season kicks into full gear, it's time for you to start planning your trip, especially if this is the first time you're heading to Africa for an adventure in the wilderness. While you may have already booked private South Africa safaris through Kruger National Park or Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, there are still a number of things you need to keep in mind before you hop onto your flight overseas.

If you've only just bought your tickets and are still mapping out an itinerary on your own, here are a few tips to push you in the right direction:

Pick out your wardrobe

You may think this should be the last step in your planning process, but what you wear is actually very important during a safari in South Africa. You don't want to stand out with bright colors like red and blue, nor do you want to look like a space cadet with a pair of Army fatigues and fanny pack. You can easily find a middle ground if you stick to some basic clothing choices.

First, pack a few pairs of khakis. The beige hue blends in nicely with the tall grasslands and the fabric is both breathable and comfortable, which is perfect for the hot African weather.

You should also invest in a good pair of sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin from the sun when it's high overhead. Additionally, ladies can add some flair to their outfit by wrapping a lightweight handkerchief around their neck, saving them from additional sunburn on their necks.

Think outside the Big Five box

There's so much more to a safari in South Africa than elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions and buffalo. Although you'll definitely see these animals in numerous reserves and parks, including Kruger National Park in South Africa, you can easily fix your binoculars on other creatures that are just as spectacular as the Big Five animals. Zebras, hippos and giraffes, as well as hundreds of different kinds of bird, are just as impressive as the larger beasts that so many safari participants have come to expect.

Plus, you could even go scuba diving off the coast of Cape Town, where you'll encounter brilliant coral reefs or even come face to face with the playful Cape fur seal.