 |
|
Not everybody likes them, but you’ll have to dress like an onion when on safari – and if you can keep your outer skin shades of brown and wind-proof more’s the better.
Unless you arrive late, your first game drive starts mid-afternoon and your novice will turn up in a nice-fitting jumper that shows his pecs and brings out the colour of his eyes. After this he will turn up wearing his entire wardrobe and yesterday’s shirt wrapped around his head.
We wouldn’t presume to offer a list of what to pack – please, this is a gay website – but there are a few essentials that will a) keep you comfortable and b) help you retain a modicum of dignity.
Item 1: a warm hat and remember, looks are out so don’t be too proud to get something from the Arctic section – that wind chill can sting your nose into a slushy pink blob and then who’ll look like a fool?
Item 2: long-sleeved cotton shirts – unless you like being electrocuted in which case go for pure nylon and rub your head a lot
Item 3: a fleece top – okay you can get a little cute here if you must
Item 4: a light wind-proof and waterproof overcoat
Items 5, 6 and 7: scarf, gloves and a wide-brimmed hat – accessorise at will
The rest is up to you but please, do the gay community a favour and resist the urge to buy an entire safari outfit from the airport curio shop with a matching chino and fishing jacket ensemble – even the animals up north will snigger.
|
|
|
The game viewing is best in the dry winter months from April to October when the land is parched, the bush has thinned out and the animals congregate at permanent sources of water. The days have dreamy warmth and impossible blue skies but temperatures plummet when the sun goes down.
Summer rains from November to March make for difficult game viewing when the bush gets thick and lush. But the thunderstorms are spectacular, the animals give birth and migrant birds flock home. Daytime temperatures can hit 40°C and nights are warm and saucy.
|
|
|
South Africa has the world’s newest constitution, and in many ways the most enlightened, with discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation outlawed.
There are no exclusively gay lodges in the Kruger area – yet – but the clientele is mostly honeymooners and retired folk from the enlightened countries in the northern hemisphere. The staff at the lodges will exercise professional discretion and should treat you with the same courteous respect that straight couples get.
That said, you’re in straight territory and we can’t vouch for the other guests so do a cursory check and then act as you see fit.
|
|
|
|
Coffee – $1.50
Men’s Health – US$5
Heineken – US$2.50
Car Hire – US$45/day |
|
South Africa Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). This is ideal for European clients as the time difference is minimal. South Africa does not operate Daylight-Saving Time. International Dialling Code for South Africa is 0027.
|
|
Your ranger will appreciate an audience; encourage him with questions and active responses and by all means be as cheeky as you like – they’re used to polite nods followed by the click of a camera at every stop and the change will be most welcome.
|
|
The park has six eco-systems, 1,982 plant, 517 bird and 147 mammal species
The Kruger Park is the size of Wales and is the world’s oldest game reserve
When the Peace Park between Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa is finalised it will be larger than Switzerland – unless you iron out the Alps.
|
|
|
|
