USA to Africa: 8 Travel Hacks to Make Your Journey Easier
The journey from the United States to Africa can feel daunting—multiple flights, time zone shifts, and long travel days. But with a little planning and the right mindset, you can set yourself up for a smooth takeoff and an inspired landing. Here are 8 ways to make your safari easier from the start.
1. Book Flights Through a Safari Specialist
Working with a safari company or air concierge familiar with African travel can eliminate the stress of finding the most efficient route. Avoid unnecessary layovers, choose reliable airlines, and time your arrival with your safari’s schedule. For hands-on, customized international flight planning Bushtracks partners with Safari Pros Air Desk.
2. Consider an Overnight Stopover
Break up your travel time with a stopover in Europe (Amsterdam, London, or Doha are popular hubs). It gives your body time to adjust, and a night in a plush hotel before the bush can feel like part of the adventure.
3. Pack your Carry-On with Essentials for Transit
Keep your carry-on stocked with a change of clothes, toiletries, meds, a charging cable, and any important documents. Delayed luggage is rare, but if it happens, you’ll have what you need to start your safari while the rest catches up.
4. Have Print and Digital Copies of Travel Documents Ready to Go
Bushtracks makes sure you are prepared well in advance with all documentation required for your safari, so by the time you’re on the move, you’re stress-free. Once all of your travel documents are ready to go, we recommend having digital and printed copies readily available.
5. Use AirTags or Luggage Trackers
Add peace of mind by placing trackers in your checked luggage. If your bag goes off course, you’ll know where it is before the airline does.
6. Dress Smart for Long-Haul Flights
Comfort matters. Wear soft layers, compression socks, and bring a neck pillow and eye mask. Don’t underestimate how much a little comfort improves long flights.
7. Prep Your Tech Ahead of Time
Download movies, playlists, e-books, and podcasts before you leave. Many remote safari camps have limited or no Wi-Fi. This is a great time disconnect with technology and reconnect with nature. Consider bringing a hard copy of your favorite book.
8. Shift Your Sleep Schedule Before You Go
Start adjusting your bedtime 2–3 days before departure to match your destination’s time zone. It’ll help fight jet lag so you’re ready to enjoy the bush from day one. A great app to help guide your sleep schedule change is Timeshifter.
Ready for Africa?
The magic of Africa is well worth the miles. And when the journey is smooth, you arrive with energy and wonder intact. These small steps can make a big difference—so you can focus on the game drive, not the jet lag.
