Welcome to the Ultimate Safari Guide! Meet your course instructor, Nicole Eddy, and discover what constitutes a safari adventure and why it can be a unique and humbling experience.

Welcome

Get to know your course instructor, Nicole Eddy—A South African safari expert—and how she aims to make the magic of the bush accessible and less daunting for travelers.

Who am I?

Overview of Location

Discover the interesting origins of the word “safari” and how it developed from big-game hunting into the sustainable form of eco-tourism it is today.

A Brief History of Safaris

Safari history, unfortunately, goes hand-in-hand with the forced removal of indigenous and local communities. This lesson sheds light on how the safari industry is working with communities to right old wrongs.


Human History

Get acquainted with the main attraction of any safari trip—the Big Five—and some of the other unique animals you might come across.

The Big 5 and More

There is a whole other aspect of safaris to enjoy when you pay attention to the smaller walks of life. Nicole Eddy expresses how activities like birding and tracking can enrich your safari experience.

Beyond the Big 5 and Other Big Game

History & Culture

In this lesson, Nicole Eddy covers some of the most popular reserves and national parks throughout Kenya and Tanzania, as well as tips on traveling to these spots and insight into the unique experience each park has to offer.

East Africa Landmarks & National Reserves

The famed river crossing is one reason why you might know about the Great Migration. In this lesson, Nicole Eddy will share all about the wildebeest migration, why the Serengeti and the Masai Mara are the places to be, and how you can make the most of this wildlife safari experience.

The Great Migration, A Brief Explanation

Discover the best safari experiences in the countries of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Here, you can explore the famous Kruger National Park, the sweeping desert dunes of Namibia, Victoria Falls, and more.

Southern Africa Landmarks & National Reserves

Learn the key differences between private game reserves and national parks, as well as the pros and cons to help you decide on the type of safari experience you want.

Private Game Reserves Versus National Parks

Learn the Map

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or want to experience the bush in luxury, there are so many safari options out there. Nicole Eddy shares her recommendations and tips on how to choose your country and destination.

Choosing Your Country and Destination Field

When it comes to deciding when to go on safari, there are many factors to consider, depending on your destination. In this lesson, Nicole Eddy outlines what you can expect from your safari at different times of the year.

Best Time of Year to Go On a Safari

Whether you’re a camper, a glamper, or more of a luxury lodge type of person, there’s a wide variety of accommodation options to choose from for your safari. This lesson will help you choose accommodation based on your budget, destination, and preferred style of adventure.

Types of Accommodation

Because there are so many different ways of undertaking a safari, there’s no one model for how to budget for one. Nicole Eddy discusses some of the factors that might impact the cost of your trip.

How Much Do Safaris Cost?

Let’s talk logistics. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to put your plan into action and actually book your safari. Along with this, Nicole shares valuable advice and tips on logistics like transportation and travel documentation.

Booking Your Safari & Other Logistics

If you are planning on doing a self-drive safari, this lesson is for you. Self-driving awards you particular freedom and flexibility on your safari, and this lesson covers everything you’ll need to know to secure the right vehicle for your adventure.

Transportation Options for Your Safari

Nicole explains how to pack for your safari, from the essentials to some extras that can make a huge difference to you on your trip.

What to Pack

Preparing to Go

In this lesson, Nicole Eddy walks you through what you can expect on a typical day on safari.

A Typical Day on Safari

Once you head out on your safari, there are some important customs and etiquette to keep in mind to ensure that you have a safe and respectful visit. This lesson will help you feel comfortable and prepared from the moment you take to the bush.

Safari Customs & Etiquette

Nicole Eddy shares some general tips to keep in mind while on safari and gives insight into gratuity customs for the guides, rangers and lodge staff that help make your safari experience safe and memorable.

General Tips

Arriving on Safari

Find out how many safari lodges are incorporating sustainable practices and why supporting environmentally-friendly accommodations is so important.

Picking Sustainable Safari Options

While the safari tourism industry is a treasure trove of rich, educational interactions with these wild spaces and creatures, it’s much more than that. In this lesson, you’ll discover why safari tourism is vital for wildlife and its role in anti-poaching and conservation.

Why Safari Tourism is Vital for Wildlife Existence

Sustainability & Responsible Tourism

Goodbye

Conclusion

Nicole Eddy Hero photo

BT Creator Nicole Eddy 3x4

Nicole Eddy

Nicole Eddy Bio photo

Going on a safari tour is an adventure into the wild. In this course, South African native and owner of Africa Unearthed safari travel company, Nicole Eddy, guides you through the preparations needed to go on a  wildlife safari. Nicole provides information about a range of safari parks, from the Masai Mara to the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, as well as itinerary options for both south African and east African safaris. She covers all the details from how much an African safari trip costs, to figuring out whether a self-drive or a guided safari tour works best for you.  By the end of this course, you’ll be armed with practical travel skills to plan your very own wildlife safari trip and you’ll also gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the African wildlife you’ll (hopefully) encounter.

The Ultimate Safari Guide

Overview of Location

Welcome

Who am I?

History & Culture

A Brief History of Safaris

Human History

The Big 5 and More

Beyond the Big 5 and Other Big Game

Learn the Map

East Africa Landmarks & National Reserves

The Great Migration, A Brief Explanation

Southern Africa Landmarks & National Reserves

Private Game Reserves Versus National Parks

Preparing to Go

Choosing Your Country and Destination Field

Best Time of Year to Go On a Safari

Types of Accommodation

How Much Do Safaris Cost?

Booking Your Safari & Other Logistics

Transportation Options for Your Safari

What to Pack

Arriving on Safari

A Typical Day on Safari

Safari Customs & Etiquette

General Tips

Sustainability & Responsible Tourism

Picking Sustainable Safari Options

Why Safari Tourism is Vital for Wildlife Existence

Conclusion

Goodbye

Welcome

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