Should You Go On A Safari??

As much as I loved, loved, loved my experience in Africa, I must say, safaris aren't for everybody.  Not to scare you, but here's the breakdown why...

1. It's not cheap.  If you price around, most of them are $8000 and above for a 15 day tour.  

2. Depending on where you live, it takes FOREVER to get there.  The older I'm getting the less I'm tolerating these long flights.

3.  I was on Meclizine (motion sickness drugs) the whole time I was there.  I usually take this for seasickness but it works well for carsickness too.  The trails (if you can even call them trails) that you drive on are very rocky and bumpy.  You are in a 4WD vehicle bouncing around the place for hours at a time.  Meclizine tends to make you tired but I'll take sleepiness over motion sickness anyday.  Also you have to hold on for dear life at some points...if they start to drive fast or if you stand up while they are driving.  I got a good core workout!

4.  The places I went to had no air-conditioning.  I don't know if other places use AC but The Safari Collection is very much into conservation so AC was out of the question.  It can get very warm in some areas, especially if you go during their summer.

5. The Yellow Fever vaccination HURT LIKE A MUTHA!!  This has had to be the most painful vaccination I've ever gotten.  I'm not joking, 2 weeks later both Randy and I felt like our arm was still bruised.

6.  You have to do your business in the bushes if you're on a game drive.  You're in the middle of a reserve.  There's no bathrooms or porta-potties around.

7. If you have a problem with jet lag (fortunately I don't), they are 13 hrs ahead of Hawaii time.  That could really throw off your sleeping schedule.  You may need to bring some Ambien or something with you to help you sleep.

I think that's about it.  If you think you can handle it then I would definitely recommend you going.  It's an experience that will never be forgotten and pictures do it no justice.