Going on safari is a unique, magical experience. Being so close to nature, you get to experience some of the best, unspoiled scenery the world has to offer you.

And yet, not many travelers realize that modern-day technology can play a massive role in making your nature trip memorable. After all, how else are you going to record your adventure, share it with family and friends back home, or learn about the beautiful animals you’re set to discover?

But tech is a fast-paced industry, and knowing what essentials to pack with you can be difficult. With that in mind, let’s see what must-have tools you need ahead of your safari trip.

Five tech tools that can make your safari trip one to remember

In the past, taking a safari in Africa was a bucket list item—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But now, it’s becoming a regular trip that travelers worldwide are seizing.

Experts predict that the safari tourism industry is set to reach an enormous $51 billion by 2031. As such, there has been an explosion of services and products designed to help improve this kind of holiday.

Unsurprisingly, a vast range of new innovations and technology are being created just for safari travelers. Here are five essential tech tips for your big adventure:

1.    Download the right smartphone apps

It’s crucial to equip yourself with the best apps and tools ahead of any trip—but especially a safari. Don’t worry; these phone app tools won’t have you staring at your screen while out in nature.

Instead, apps can use geo-location to help you understand what you see and hear in your area of Africa. With their help, you can discover exciting things in your location, plan activities, and so much more. Three of the best apps to consider include:

• Roberts Bird Guide 2: With beautiful illustrations and text files, this app helps you identify amazing African birds. It uses your location to shortlist nearby species to look out for.
• iTrack Africa: With over 650 tracks, signs, and animal photos, this app is the ultimate digital field guide to use as a reference. It can help you identify any tracks, paw prints, and hoof marks you discover on your safari.
• SkySafari: With no light pollution, a safari is the perfect chance to explore the beautiful night sky. Hold this app to the sky; it will tell you all about the planets, constellations, and more it can see.

2.    Use an eSIM for seamless connectivity

There’s no point in kitting out your smartphone with the latest tech if you can’t connect to the internet or be contactable. No connectivity means you won’t be able to use real-time data, nor will you be able to update friends and family with all your amazing adventures.

But how do you have a stable connection in some of the most remote places on Earth? Simple—you need an eSIM.

So, what is an eSIM, and how does it work? Well, eSIMs are virtual SIM cards. They allow you to change your network quickly and easily and connect to the best local networks in your host country.

Even if your safari takes you across the border, an eSIM can adapt to new networks through a simple app. They’re convenient and flexible and offer a chance to stay in touch with everyone, regardless of how far you travel.

Best of all, eSIM services can be researched and purchased ahead of time. You can tailor your package to your location and the length of your trip and activate it when you need it. This means your smartphone is set to work from the minute you walk off the plane until the end of your travels.

3.    Bring the right camera, lens, and tech accessories

What truly makes a safari trip memorable are photographs. And it comes as no surprise that there is a variety of tech in the camera world that serious adventures should pack with them.

DSLRs are the best choice to make. While more expensive, they have unmatched settings tailored for safari pictures that can take your trip to the next level. With faster shutter speeds and settings than compact cameras, a DSLR can capture every vivid detail before you.

Some features to consider when choosing a camera include the type and quality of the lens. For example, a telephoto lens of at least 200mm can get you a front seat to far-off scenes in the distance. While you can go larger than this, do remember to factor in the weight of the lens.

However, keep in mind that it doesn’t matter how impressive your camera equipment is if you don’t have the right memory card to support it.

One of the most critical features of cards is their writing speed. The higher the value, the faster your camera can take photos in quick succession. These “burst shots” are essential for snapping animals in the middle of an action or on the move.

Finally, you need to remember to pack modern-day memory cards with ample storage. This reduces the time spent stopping and changing cards. Many safari enthusiasts recommend bringing at least 256 GB of storage space for a two-week trip.

4.    Pack the right power bank

As you might expect, being one with nature makes a safari such a great experience. But this can catch many travelers off-guard when their smartphone, camera, and other tech runs out of juice. With no power outlets nearby, what can you do?

Of course, one travel tech essential is a power bank. These portable batteries can help deliver all the charging power needed to keep tech-powered on and ready to roll when needed.

But not just any power bank will do. After all, you need to remember the conditions and climate of a safari. You might not be able to power it often, so opting for a long battery life is always best. You might consider solar-powered banks, which have the added benefit of being able to charge during the day when not in use.

5.    Pack a personal hotspot for the group

While eSIMs are one of the best ways to connect to the internet, portable hotspot devices are another way to stay online, with unique benefits.

These devices convert network signals into Wi-Fi. This means you connect various other devices, such as tablets, cameras, and laptops, to the internet while on the move. It can also help preserve your smartphone’s battery life, as you won’t need to use it as a hotspot for other devices.

Moreover, you can share a personal hotspot with your travel buddies. All you need to do is set up and share a password, and everyone can enjoy connectivity.

Some final thoughts

There’s no question that a safari is one of the best vacations you can take. Not only can you explore nature intimately, but you’re also visiting some of the most beautiful locations on our planet.

However, even in the world’s largest wilderness areas, technology can play a massive part in enjoying and capturing the magic of these trips. As such, it’s important to bring the essentials. From packing the right camera and downloading the best apps to taking out an eSIM plan for connectivity, tech tools will guarantee your trip to the wilds of Africa will be fantastic.

A DSLR camera needs to be in your travel tech toolkit on safari.