Going on safari is one of those once-in-a-lifetime things that most people who love travel do at some point. Because of this, you want to make the most of your trip. Sure, you need to make sure that you go to an incredible location, like the Hinterlands of South Africa or untamed northern Kenya, but you also want to make sure that you have the right equipment to enjoy your trip. Making the most of your safari should be a top priority.

But what kit should you choose? It can be a difficult task for amateurs, especially if you’ve never been on safari before. Let’s take a look at some of the items you should bring with you.

If you’ve never been on an African Safari before, then get ready to see some amazing wild animals. But BE PREPARED! Here are some of the items you should bring so you can enjoy your trip! #AfricanSafari #SafariPackingList #VisitAfrica
Click To Tweet

Antimalarials 

Although getting malaria while abroad is unlikely, it’s not impossible, especially for Westerners. People of European and Asian descent are less resistant to malaria than the African population and, therefore, are more likely to contract the disease if bitten by a mosquito. Remember, all it takes to become infected is a single bite, so taking antimalarials is essential.

Antimalarials should ideally be taken before you set off to your target destination. There is no vaccine for malaria, but antimalarials provide the additional boost your immune system needs, should you become infected. Usually, you can fight off the infection without even realizing that you’re sick.

A Suitable Adapter 

While it might sound nice to go away on safari and leave all your technology at home, it’s not quite the same in practice. Simple things, like organizing flights, hotels and taxis become a lot more difficult if your phone runs out of charge.

Plug sockets in many African countries use different standards to those in Europe, the UK, or the US, and so taking adapters is essential. Standards sometimes aren’t consistent within particular African countries, and so you may want to take a variety of adapters with you.

Binoculars 

While you might have fantasies of coming within a few feet of “the big five,” the chances are that if you do see these megafauna, it’ll be from a distance. Wild animals are skeptical (and often scared) of humans.

Going on safari without a pair of binoculars would be irresponsible. Binoculars help you make out details in the distance, allowing you to view elephants, lions, giraffe, hippos, and zebra all from the safety of your 4×4.

The things to look for when buying binoculars (if you don’t have any already) are price, magnification, and field of view.

Sunscreen

The plains of Africa lie only a few degrees south of the equator (and in the case of Kenyan safaris, right on it). Because of this, those on safari should wear ample sunscreen to avoid UV radiation. Radiation from the sun can damage DNA, especially prolonged exposure, bumping up your risk of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Remember, you’ll be outside for hours at a time on safari. Safaris usually last all day because of the difficulty in observing animals in their natural habitat. Animals won’t show up just because you’re there, so you’ll be traveling all day, much of the time in open-top vehicles.

Dust-Proof Bags 

Things can get pretty dry during the dry season. Dryness leads to an abundance of dust which can get everywhere, including in your luggage. Dust in your luggage is not only a nuisance but can also damage your equipment, including expensive electronics.

The good news is that there is a solution: waterproof bags. Waterproof bags, it turns out, not only keep water out (not something you’ll have to worry about on the savannas of Africa) but also tiny dust particles too. So, keep your cosmetics, electronics and other valuables safe from dust by taking the right carrying bags with you.

Proper Attire 

Sartorial splendor might be the aim of the game in swanky European resorts, but in the depths of Africa, function takes precedence over form.

• Hats. Your hat is probably the most crucial piece of clothing that you’ll need on safari. While peaked caps provide a modicum of protection for the skin on the face, particularly the nose area, it’s better to choose a hat which protects the ears and the back of the neck too. The bigger, the better.
• Layers. Although we tend to think of Africa as a hot place, it’s like anywhere else in the world and experiences variation in temperature throughout the day. Some days are warm during the noon hours and much cooler in the evenings. Ideally, you’ll want to pack layers, an underlayer, trousers, zip up jumper and a jacket.
• Sunglasses. When the sun is overhead in the middle of the day, it can be bright – dazzling even. Just like your skin, your eyes need protection, especially if you’re driving through a sandy area with a high albedo. Take sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.

A Camera With Optical Zoom 

While digital cameras, especially those on phones, have come a long way in recent years, providing all kinds of useful effects and processing options, you need a real camera for a safari trip, one with an optical zoom. Although animals can sometimes walk right up to your vehicle, the majority of the time they will keep their distance, meaning that you’re only able to observe them from afar. If you try to use digital zoom to take high-fidelity shots of distant animals, you’re going to be disappointed. It’s much better to use an optical zoom, preferably with a zoom lens up to 300mm.

No, optical cameras aren’t cheap, but you’ll certainly get much better shots that way.

Mosquito Repellent 

Although Africa is a warm and wild continent, it does have some drawbacks, particularly all the creepy crawlies. If insects aren’t your thing, then you might want to pack some insect repellent. Not only does it prevent midges from harassing you as you drive along, but it can also help keep mosquitoes away.

So there you have it: everything you need for a successful safari. Have you got everything on this list? Have you ever been on an African Safari before? If so, what was your number one must have item? Let us know all about it in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Bucket List Board!

The post Essential Kit You Need For Your Next Safari appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

We know that due to the size of Africa, you are not going to be able to do everything in one visit. But, we also know that there are things that you can do and see in certain parts of Africa that do not get the attention they deserve from travelers. There are some beautiful sites that are less known about, and so people don’t tend to have them on their bucket list.

There are some beautiful sites that are less known about in Africa. Discover 3 Things In Africa That People Always Miss that you should add to your Bucket List! #VisitAfrica #AfricaBucketlist #ExploreAfrica
Click To Tweet

Eye Of Africa 

The eye of Africa is in the Sahara Desert. The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world and the third largest desert overall. People do not often make the trip to see the Eye of Africa due to the intense weather. However, if you can make this trip, then you certainly should.

The Eye of Africa is a blue circle in the Sahara that has since been a landmark for astronauts. There are a few theories about how this came about, but the most prominent one is that there was molten rock under the earth that was pushed upwards when Pangaea was ripped apart by tectonic plates. These molten rocks did not come all the way up which created a dome of rock layers. Then, about 100 million years ago, the eye erupted, and erosion finished the job to make it what it is today.

This was not actually discovered until humans started being sent into space. It certainly sounds like something you don’t want to miss, especially if you are interested in geology.

Nigerian River 

The River Niger is the longest and the largest river in West Africa. This is where Nigeria got its name from. The river is around 2,600 miles long and begins in the Highlands Of Guinea and goes through Mali, Niger and then through Nigeria. Eventually, it empties into the Gulf of Guinea after it passes through the Niger Delta. You can go and see this river if you are interested in this kind of thing. While you won’t be able to see the whole thing, it is certainly something worth seeing, particularly if you are a geography buff.

However, before you can do this, you need to make sure that you have all the documentation you need to enter Nigeria. Do not forget to get a visa and make sure your passport is up to date. If you have booked a last minute trip to Nigeria, then you are going to need to look into getting an expedited travel visa. This will cost you extra but should hopefully mean that you will be able to go on your last minute trip to this beautiful country.

Underwater Waterfall 

If you visit Mauritius, you can see something known as the underwater waterfall. Mauritius is an island off the coast of Africa, and its waters give the illusion of an underwater waterfall at the southwest tip. Even though it looks real, it is an illusion, but it is the most mysterious natural phenomenon in the world.

To be able to see this beautiful site, you will need to book a helicopter tour. There is no other way to see the full glory of these waters and trust us when we say, you don’t want to miss this.

We hope that you find this article useful and will considering adding these 3 things In Africa that people always miss to your African Bucket List. Have you ever been to any of these 3 thing in Africa before? If so, tell us all about it or other bucket list adventures you have had in Africa that people always miss in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Favorite Bucket List Board! 

The post 3 Things In Africa That People Always Miss appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

Going on a safari is something on a lot of people’s bucket lists. You get to see all kinds of animals, big and small, in their natural habitat. You get to observe impartially, with a camera in one hand, all from the comfort of a vehicle. Essentially, you have the ultimate travel experience, with the sun overhead and blue skies to welcome you, surrounded by sights, sounds, and smells you’d never get at home. There’s a lot of holiday experiences out there, but one of the most iconic (and often cited as one of the best), is a safari.

But do you know how to behave? You’re in a wild area, surrounded by wild animals; just how safe are you? Well here’s a quick checklist to run yourself through. Now’s the time for you to put on your wide brimmed hat and your summer shorts, get in the back of a Jeep, and tour your way through the most extensive National Parks, knowing you’re behaving perfectly, and are perfectly safe as a result.

Do you know how to behave on Safari? The Bucket List Project shares a quick checklist to help you stay perfectly safe while having an epic Bucket List experience! #AfricanSafari #bucketlist #GoToAfrica
Click To Tweet

Keep Your Expectations Realistic

Safaris are always going to have mixed results to them, and you’re never going to see everything that you want to see on your first trip around a desert plan or a preserve. Because of this, make sure you’re never too hyped up for seeing a pride of Lions or a herd of giraffes; if you come back for another trip, you have a much better chance of coming up and close and personal to them!

Not to mention your tour guides and drivers will do their best to show you the best sights and animal hot spots without going dangerously out of the way, so trust them rather than hop out of the vehicle and wander off. Companies that offer packages such as Tailor-Made Sri Lanka Travel are going to be best for value here, especially considering repeat journeys and finding an experienced guide  to help you out.

Stay in the Car

Only ever leave the car or vehicle when your guide tells you it’s safe to do so. You don’t want to intrude on an animal that’s peacefully grazing away or lying down in the shade of a tree, simply because you thought they were distracted enough for you to snap the perfect angle of them. You’re going to be putting everyone else in danger as well, so keep arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times!

Keep Calm and Quiet

You’re driving your way through natural habitats of all kinds of animals, and you never know if a certain species is going to be used to human interaction or not. Because of this, make an effort to keep your voice down and your movements slow; you don’t want to accidentally cause a stampeding herd of Elephants simply because you started a joyful Mexican wave!

Safaris are a goldmine of a holiday activity, so make sure you’re treating your chance for one with respect and the admiration it deserves! Have fun! 

Have you ever been on an African Safari? What other tips would you recommend for people to how to behave on safari? Tell us in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Favorite Bucket List Board!

The post The Best Behaviour When You’re On Safari appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

Africa has some adventures that you will not find anywhere else in the world, with such things as the Wildebeest Migration and the Victoria Falls being among the most popular. There are other things that you should not miss though, as they will be experiences that you will never forget.

Africa has some adventures that that you should not miss! Read some other great African Adventures to Have Before You Die! #VisitAfrica #AfricanAdventures
Click To Tweet

Go Diving With Whale Sharks

Whales sharks, which are longer than school buses, are relaxed creatures that provide wonderful underwater experiences, which is why seeing them should be on every travel bucket list. They are playful, tranquil and relaxed. They gather off the southern coast of Kenya from October to April and hold many records in the animal kingdom for their size. They are rarely found in waters with temperatures below 21 degrees, which is why they appear around the islands such as Zanzibar’s.

The Camels Of Samburu

Samburu is best explored in the traditional way, on the back of a camel.  They have been used as a mode of transport for centuries in North Africa and a trek on camels through Samburu will be the experience of a lifetime. They have an unrivaled ability to stand up to heat and thirst and are an ideal way to get close to the wilderness while keeping you perched on high to view the surrounding sights and wildlife. You are more likely to get close to wild animals on a camel than you would in a car, as the animals are not so frightened of them as they are the roar of a motor engine.

Playing With Chimpanzee’s

Most people know how playful chimpanzees can be and meeting a group of them can be amazing. They are exciting and intriguing, which is exactly how they will feel about you too. As one of the most active and vocal members of the monkey family, their intelligence and emotions are a pleasure to behold. Tanzania is a perfect place if you want to go trekking with the chimpanzees.

Tracking Turtles Along The Ocean Floor

The first thing newly hatched turtles need to do is to reach the warmth of the Indian Ocean before hungry seagulls eat them. There are always many hundreds of them scuttling along the ocean floor to safety. Turtles may be awkward on land, but put them in water and they become graceful and acrobatic, a real pleasure to watch.  On South Africa’s kwaZulu-Natal Coast this scene is replayed every year, as it has been for centuries. The turtles swim the length of East Africa, to return to the beach where they were born.

See The Rock Art Of Cederberg

One of the favoured holiday destinations in the western cape, Cederberg is just a few hours drive from Cape Town and has more than 130 sites of different rock arts located within the Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve.  Rock art is the first recorded history and seeing the images in their natural state makes it easier to relate to the people that mastered them. The colors, elegance and symbolism of these wonderful pieces truly is amazing and something that is well worth taking the trip to see.

Africa is an amazing continent and there are many other trips that are could be very enjoyable. These five are just a few of the ones that given the choice you should try to experience. What are other African Adventures to Have Before You Die? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Favorite Bucket List Board!

The post African Adventures to Have Before You Die appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

Cape Town is a beautiful coastal city in South Africa. It is one of those places that you simply must visit to see for yourself just how amazing it is, and while you’re there, taking in the scenery and speaking to the amazingly friendly locals, there are a few things you absolutely must not miss out on…

Cape Town, a beautiful coastal city in South Africa, is one of those places that you simply must visit to see for yourself just how amazing it is! #CapeTown #VisitCapeTown #SouthAfrica
Click To Tweet

Sampling the Wine in Constantina

Not only is accommodation in Constantia– picturesque suburb of the city – second to none, but so is the wine. Home to some of the oldest wine producing areas in South Africa, if you’re a wine buff, you’ll be blown away by the complexity of flavors you experience. If there’s one estate you should not miss out on, it has to be Grooth Constantina, but there are many more.

Helicopter Over the City

If you want to experience the true beauty of Cape Town in all its glory, there’s only one way to do it – from above. More specifically, on a Cape Town Helicopters Tour, which will afford you a bird’s eye view of the landscape below, taking in sights such as Robben Island and the many wine estates in the area. Fabulous.

Go to the Zeitz MoCAA Museum

This museum is home to the biggest collection of African art in the world. So, if you’re a bit of a culture vulture, you aren’t going to want to miss out on it. Oh, the building itself is pretty beautiful as is the surrounding V&A waterfront, so if you’re into art, architecture, the beauty of nature, or even all three, its one to add to your Cape Town bucket list. Seriously, if you skip this museum, you will regret it.

Laze on the Beach

Okay, so there are like a million fun things to do in Cape Town, so it might seem like lazing around on the beach is a waste of your time there, but it really isn’t. The beaches in Cape Town are truly to die for, and you simply must spend at least a little part of your trip sunning yourself on the pure white sand, diving in the rock pools or learning a new water sport in the some of the bluest seas you’ll ever see.

Whether you want to relax on the beaches, explore the magnificent nature, or explore the art and culture scene, there are so many things to Do in Cape Town Before You Die! #CapeTown #VisitCapeTown #SouthAfrica
Click To Tweet

Explore the Caves

There are a lot of caves in Cape Town and exploring at least a few of them is a must. They’re a lot more interesting than you might imagine.

Check Out Woodstock’s Street Art

If you’re a fan of good graffiti and local art, then head to the Woodstock neighborhood where you will be treated to a veritable feast of bold, brilliant and often beautiful street art, for the eyes. You’ll probably meet some pretty cool people too!

Take a Ride on the Mystery Ghost Bus

Hop on the Mystery Ghost Bus, and you’ll be transported to the oldest and most eerie locations in the whole of Cape Town. Highlights include the Castle of Good Hope and the Kimberley Hotel. Be sure to pack your camera, just in case you do see any spooks!

Enjoy your Cape Town adventure – it’ll be pretty hard not to!

Don’t forget to Pin Things to Do in Cape Town Before You Die to your Bucket List Board!

The post Things to Do in Cape Town Before You Die appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

It’s fair to say that traveling around the world — literally — is a goal for many voyagers. If you have long coveted your own plans for the perfect round-the-world trip, then actually settling on a route can be incredibly difficult. There are so many different countries to consider, how can you possibly string them altogether to produce a round-the-world trip that covers all the bases?

Well, the truth is… you can’t, so you shouldn’t try. There’s no way to see the entire world on a singular trip, but there are ways to ensure you get the most of your experience by creating a route that covers a wide variety of countries, cultures, customs, and locations. Below is a suggestion route that we think fits this bill perfectly.

The Bucket List Project offers a great plan for the perfect round-the-world trip! #bucketlist #Travel #RoundtheWorldTrip
Click To Tweet

Starting Point: New York

New York is a great starting point, as it is a destination in and of itself, and you can spend a few days enjoying the lights of the big city before setting off.

First Leg: New York To London

London is one of the most visited cities in the world; it is steeped in culture and history, and offers a vibrant and dynamic experience to the modern traveler. There are plenty of New York to London transatlantic flights, so you won’t be short of options, and there’s plenty to enjoy when you land.

Second Leg: London to Cape Town, South Africa

From London, move to one of South Africa’s capitals for a very different holiday experience. After the bustle of London, a few days in Cape Town, climbing the famous Table Mountain, will help to center you and give you an entirely new experience.

Third Leg: Cape Town to New Delhi

The Indian capital of Delhi should be your next stop; there are plenty of direct flights to choose from, so you won’t have a problem making the next hop west. You can tour the historic sites of Delhi; you’ll also be within a two-hour train ride of the Taj Mahal. Delhi is a busy, fascinating city that you will absolutely love.

I just found a great suggested route for the perfect round-the-world trip! #RoundtheWorldTrip #Travel #TravelPlans
Click To Tweet

Fourth Leg: New Delhi to Tokyo

The trip from Delhi to Tokyo is a little trickier to navigate, but that’s to be expected from a round-the-world trip– sometimes the connections will be tough! Malaysia Airlines offer service from Delhi to Osaka in Japan; from there, you can catch a train to Tokyo, which will only take around three hours. The journey will be worth it when you get there; Tokyo is a stunning, modern city that offers something truly different to every leg of your trip so far.

Fifth Leg: Tokyo (via Osaka) to Auckland

After the highlights of Tokyo, you are likely going to want to slow down the pace, so a trip to Auckland in New Zealand could be just what you need. This modern, metropolitan city is home to a range of gorgeous, relaxing parks, stunning beaches, and a number of celebrated seafood restaurants.

Sixth Leg: Auckland to Honolulu

Your final leg puts you back on American soil. Finishing your trip in Hawaii gives you the chance to relax and unwind on the beautiful beaches, before catching a convenient flight back to your home on the mainland.

The above is just one example of how varied and stunning a round-the-world trip can be– do you have any routes in mind for your own trip?

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Bucket List Board!

The post Around The World: A Suggested Route appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

Everyone should have a bucket list and on that list there should be some amazing holiday destinations you’d love to visit. But how do you decide what locations will make your list? The world has so much to offer – you’ve got to choose your favourites, based on what you love doing. To help, we’ve picked five destinations we don’t think you’ll be expecting. Hopefully, some will make your bucket list. Check them out:

• Isles of Scilly

An archipelago off the Cornish coast, in southwest England, the Isles of Scilly are covered in beautiful heathland, and lined with sandy beaches. 2,200 people are lucky enough to call this place home on the five inhabited islands – St. Mary’s, Tresco, St. Martin’s, Bryher and St. Agnes. But there are countless uninhabited ones to explore.

Whatever the season, there are wildlife and habitats flourishing. You can go on several different boat excursions to see as much as possible. Out on the water, it’s more than likely you’ll be watched by the many curious eyes of Atlantic grey seals (who is watching who?), see puffins and maybe even dolphins, according to the official tourist board. It’s a little spot of the world relatively untouched by tourism.

• Japan

When you think of Japan, skiing probably isn’t your first thought. But there are some popular spots including Niseko, Hakuba and Nagano. But the place worth adding to your bucket list is Appi. It’s only got 21 trails and a few of the mod-cons you’d expect in a fancy ski resort. But, if you’re looking for a foreign experience, seasoned travellers say it’s the place to go. If you’re a keen skier, head there before everyone realises how good the snow is.

Reading the 5 unexpected holiday destinations that should be on your Bucket List!
Click To Tweet

• Chicago

When it comes to US cities, New York is probably on more people’s bucket list than Chicago. But if you love great food, craft beer, a spectacular skyline, impressive shopping, live music and theatre performances, galleries, and much more, you should consider visiting Chicago.

Something you probably didn’t know about Chicago is it’s also a beach vacation. In the summer, the lakefront’s 26 sandy beaches are buzzing. In these epic reasons to visit the city, they suggest dipping your toes into the cool blue waters of Lake Michigan, kicking back with a cool beverage at Montrose Beach, and playing volleyball at lively North Avenue Beach. If you’ve got kids, let them run wild at 31st Street Beach or soak up the sun at peaceful 63rd Street Beach.

• Istanbul

City breaks offer great holiday opportunities – few of which are more impressive than the chance to see two continents in one city in Istanbul. Visiting Turkey’s largest city allows you to visit Europe and Asia in one trip. But in addition to that claim, you get to have a traditional Turkish bath, visit the Blue Mosque or take a ride on the Bosphorus strait.

• Tristan da Cunha

Last up, we’ve got a destination that’s sure to give you some bragging rights. As the world’s most remote destination, it can only be reached by a week-long boat trip from South Africa. Or, if you’re lucky, a couple of cruise ships pass by every year.

Unsurprisingly, there’s pretty much no tourism infrastructure – including no hotels, so you’ll have to fully immerse yourself in local life. But, as this video of a day on the island will show you, meeting the locals is one of the best things about visiting.

Where destinations do you hope to visit? Share your bucket list places with us.

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Bucket List Board!

This was a guest post written by Isabel Leong from belaroundtheworld.com 

The post 5 unexpected holiday destinations that should be on your bucket list appeared first on The Bucket List Project.