Have you always wanted to see the Big 5? Does the thought of sleeping under the stars and listening to wild animals give you excited butterflies in your stomach? It may be time to take a safari in Africa.
For many people, this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and it can be difficult to know just where to start.
Firstly, there are a number of different ways to take a safari, depending on your budget and level of adventure. Budget-minded people will usually choose overland safaris or a self-drive option, and will usually be navigating a 4×4 through the bush and sleeping in tents. Those with money to spend will be prepared to pay more for a “glamping” experience, with luxury tents (and hot water.
Luxury safaris will usually be all-inclusive, and you can expect everything from air-conditioned suites to comfortable, roomy tents. Overland safaris are usually the cheapest type of safari, and you’ll usually be travelling with a group of other travellers and will be expected to help set up camp, cook meals, and pitch in with other tours.
More and more travellers are now choosing to self-drive, and you can easily choose a public game park, rent a vehicle, and head off to explore the African bush independently. These safaris are only possible in parks with signs and paved roads, so you don’t need to worry about getting lost and becoming a snack. For the budget conscious, this is a great option since you’ll pay for meals as you eat them and can choose inexpensive accommodation and travel without a guide.
So where should you safari?
The most popular areas for safaris in Africa are Southern and East Africa. In East Africa you’ll find the Masai Mara National Reserve, and this is where you’ll see massive herds of animals making their migration across the plains each year. Tanzania is also part of the Serengeti, and along with huge herds of wildlife, you can see Mount Kilimanjaro, visit the marine parks off the coast, and see the Ngorongoro Crater which has the densest population of lions.
Uganda is another popular destination, particularly if you want to see primates. Ngamba Island and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest give visitors an opportunity to get up close to chimpanzees, gorillas and other primates living in their natural habitats.
In Southern Africa, Botsawana is the place to go for high-end tourism, and you’ll find smaller crowds here and luxury packages. Chobe National park is known for elephants, and the Moremi Wildlife Reserve is where you’ll find the Big 5.
South Africa is a popular destination for those wanting to go on safari, so the tourist infrastructure is modern and well-organised. Kruger National Park is where you’ll find a huge range of animals, and this is the world’s largest conservation area. While you’ll be rubbing shoulders with plenty of travellers here, you can also visit a private game lodge if you’re hoping for fewer tourists.
