Despite unfair rumours about Africa’s safety and wildlife sightings, this is a continent that’s bursting with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From sharing breakfast with giraffes in Nairobi to hiking through ancient forests on the hunt for gorillas, Africa is unforgettable.
Visit safari stalwarts like Tanzania and Kenya for Big 5 encounters, or Botswana and Namibia for a wilderness experience that’s truly unmissable.
Kenya
Known as the ‘green city in the sun,’ Kenya is a country of breathtaking vistas and pristine wildlife. The savannah grasslands are teeming with animals and the safari experience here can be one of the most immersive and rewarding.
The African continent is vast, and each safari destination has its own climate and wildlife patterns that make it unique. However, most of the nations that host safaris can be divided into two savanna regions: Southern and East Africa. The countries in the former follow the Southern Hemisphere’s seasons, while the East African nations do not.
June through October across much of sub-Saharan Africa is considered safari high season. It’s the driest time of year and animals tend to congregate around water sources making them easier to spot. However, each safari has its own charm and a variety of options are available throughout the year.
Tanzania
The vast safari areas of Tanzania include the Serengeti, a Big Five game-watching mecca, and Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. It also has the tropical island of Zanzibar, influenced by Arabic culture.
The country’s wildlife-rich savannahs have lions, elephants, and giraffes roaming freely, plus it hosts the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and other animals. It also has awe-inspiring natural wonders like the massive Victoria Falls, which spans the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Most safari trips involve exciting game drives but the continent offers plenty of other experiences to tickle your fancy. You can hike or go on a walking safari, take a boat or mokoro trip into remote lakes and rivers, or even saddle up for a horseback safari to gallop alongside giraffes! It’s important to respect the local people you encounter while on safari. A little bit of research beforehand can help you avoid offending anyone and many safari lodges run fantastic social and environmental programs, Check out the post right here.
Botswana
Botswana is famous for elephants, and rightly so – the country has the largest herds in Africa. But its wildlife is diverse, from the zebra and hippo that throng water-rich northern parks to less common desert species in the arid Kalahari. It’s also home to the continent’s longest zebra migration and a healthy population of lion, leopard, and rare wild dog.
The southern parts of the country consist of jaw-dropping Kalahari desert and the lunar-like pans of Nxai and Makgadikgadi, while the north features dazzling water worlds like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Its top safari camps are exclusive and expensive, but discerning first-timers will find plenty of ways to experience this wild kingdom without breaking the bank.
South Africa
One of the most popular safari destinations, South Africa is a diverse country that offers everything from the famous Kruger National Park to pristine game reserves. You’ll also find beaches, lush winelands around Stellenbosch and Paarl, craggy cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope, and forest and lagoons along the Garden Route.
Choosing the right safari destination is mostly down to your interests. You might want to witness the Great Migration in Tanzania or Kenya, or you might prefer to spend a week exploring Namibia’s dune-filled Sossusvlei and mountainous Palmwag Concession on Wilderness Safari’s seven-night Namibian Adventure Safari.
Summary:
Whatever your preferences, an African safari is sure to delight and inspire you. When booking your trip, keep in mind that it’s important to respect the local communities and their customs, so research ahead of time to learn more about the area you’ll be visiting. It’s also wise to pack insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle is a must for safari tours. You’ll also need vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, hepatitis C, meningitis, typhoid, and rabies.