Do you dream of watching animals in their natural habitat, in the breathtaking setting of Africa?

An African Safari is an amazing vacation and is quite likely to be a ‘once in a lifetime’ trip, so it’s best to plan it so that you maximize your chances of seeing what you want to see.

There are three main questions to ask yourself.

1.      Which animals do you want to see?

2.      How would you like to see them?

3.      How do you want your overall vacation to be?

Where are the animals?

If your dream is to see a particular animal, then you need to see where they are.  Some areas are better than others for a breed, so here’s a quick run-down on what you can see…and where.

  • The top five animals on peoples’ wish lists are lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos and elephants. If you want to see all of these and can only make one trip, the three best places are the Masai Mara in Kenya, Kruger National Park in South Africa and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
  • Elephants – the Okavango Delta in Botswana
  • Lions – The Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in East Africa and the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia (which is less touristy)
  • Chimpanzees – the Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania
  • Birds – go for a specialist birding safari in either East or South Africa
  • Gorillas – there are Gorilla Safaris in Rwanda, Uganda or Gabon
  • Black Rhino – these beautiful creatures are now rare but you may be lucky enough to see on in Cruger National Park, Chobe National Park or Etosha National Park
  • Hippos and Crocodiles – these are plentiful in both East and South Africa. Try the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzani, the Liwonde National Park in Malawi or to get real up close and personal, go for a Canoe Safari on the Zambezi River (between Zimbabwe and Zambia).

How do you want to Safari?

The days of only being able to view the animals from a 4X4 vehicle are long gone.  There are now many ways to Safari, which can enhance your chances of viewing the animals and give you a new experience at the same time.  Take a look at what’s on offer -

Balloon Safari – this is at the high end of the safari market but really is a once in a lifetime experience.  To celebrate this, all balloon safaris include champagne in the flight.  Most National Parks now offer this option but the best of all is the migration of Wildebeest across the Plains of the Serengeti.  You’d need to book up early though – as that migration only happens once a year!

Camel Safari – this would be an authentic taste of Africa s most Camel Safari guides are locals.  You would also be camping on this one – sleeping next to your camel!

Canoeing Safari – This involves camping out which would be an experience in itself.  Africa at night is alive with animal noises and the endless skies would give you an unparalleled view of the stars.  If Hippos and Crocodiles are your love, then this would be perfect for you.

Elephant Safari – Abu Camp in the Okavango Delta, Botswana will allow you to undertake your safari on the back of an elephant.  If you love Elephants, this would be an unforgettable experience!

Horse Riding Safari – if you are an experienced rider, this offers you the opportunity to race antelope and zebras.  Just to clarify, you would be riding a horse, not the antelope and zebras!

Hunting Safari – the days of bringing back a trophy head for your wall are not over.  If you like hunting and shooting, then this is for you.

Mountain Bike Safari – you’d also need to be fit for this one…don’t forget how hot Africa is!  This would be an exciting way to view the wild life and would keep you fit at the same time.

Walking Safari – This would really give you the opportunity to revel in the sights, smells and noises of the bush.  You would be led by a knowledgeable guide so would be perfectly safe and also well informed.  You would need to be fit and not jumpy or nervous!

The best way to experience your safari

This will depend on your budget and what is important to you.  Some offer more comfort than others, some offer more of an ‘authentic’ taste of the African Bush.  There are so many on offer that with a little research, you are bound to find one that ticks all of your boxes.

Here are a few to give you some idea of what’s available -

Tented Safari

This is the traditional way to see African Wildlife.  The camp travels with you and is often set up for you before you arrive at your next destination.  These range in price but at the high end, you could be enjoying hot showers, cordon bleu coking and even servants!  These safaris are great for getting you right into the most remote parts of the bush.

Take a look at…
Tented safaris in Tanzania.
Kenya Hemingway Safari Tour.
Camping safaris.

Guided Safari

These are led by a tour guide who coordinates the trip for you.  The trips include meals, lodgings and activities and you will probably travel in 4X4 vehicles.  The daily itinerary is set before you go so you will know what to expect.  These are good if you want a straightforward, no hassle safari.  As with the tented safari, these are good for getting to remote areas.

Take a look at…
Excellent guided safari in Malawi.
7 day guided moderately priced tour.
Luxury guided tour including the best parks in Botswana and a night at Victoria Falls.

Package Safari

This is very like a guided safari in that it includes lodging, meals and a set itinerary.  However, you don’t travel in a group.  You book in advance so you don’t have the worry of planning what to see and do while you’re away but you do operate independently.  These tours are a great option if it is your first visit to Africa.  They’re also the best choice if money is tight as they are often less expensive than other options.

Take a look at…
8 Day package to Kenya’s prime wildlife parks.
Northern Tanzania: A 2 week tour of national Parks and a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro.
South Luangwa National Park in Zambia including a walking safari.

(Self-Drive) Independent Safari

This is the ultimate for someone who wants to have their own freedom and independence.  You start by choosing a game park and then book your lodge accommodation and rent your vehicle before you go.  Then once you arrive, you simply set off and enjoy!  To get the most from your trip, it’s worth taking a look at the itineraries that other companies offer and use them as a guide for your own safari.  Zambia and Malawi don’t have the petrol availability or roads to make this a fun trip so these types of safari are best undertaken in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.

Take a look at…
Self-drive tours in South Africa.
See Namibia just as you want to!
Safari self-drives in several African countries.

Fly-In Safari

If your time is short and your budget isn’t too small, you could choose this type.  Charter aeroplanes can fly you straight to a game park or reserve.  This doesn’t just save on time and give you amazing views – it can also mean that you are able to visit places that are not accessible by road.

Take a look at…

African Home Adventure for a range of exciting package deals
Fly-in safaris including Kruger National Park.
See shipwrecks in the desert. Rather eerie and strange but amazing.  Not so much wildlife.
Botswana Fly-in safaris

Take your time planning your trip and your visit to Africa will be magical and unforgettable!

Planning your African Safari Trip and getting there is easy when you book through Expedia.com. You will save money  when you book your flight and hotel at the same time. Or you can simply book your flight and even add on car hire. The options are all there to suit your travel needs.

Filed under: Africa

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