There’s one thing inherently magical a couple of safari in Africa. Endless rolling plains stuffed to the brim with wildebeest, zebra, and antelope, sunsets watching elephants spray one another at waterholes, and the ghoulish snort of hyenas at evening — it’s actually the journey of a lifetime. But the place to go and find out how to truly see these safari locations (particularly when you’re on a funds)? That’s the age-old query.
Where’s greatest to go on safari in Africa?
If you are 40+ and nonetheless sport for a fundamental budget-friendly tenting safari, look no additional than our new ‘Classic’ African overland excursions bringing a beloved grassroots journey to a completely expanded age group! You can camp out in locations like Uganda and South Africa with like-minded travellers whereas monitoring mountain gorillas by means of mist-shrouded forests or trying to find the elusive ‘big five’ throughout open savannahs.
Even higher, you’ll see all of it from our totally refurbished fleet of ‘Lando’ overland journey autos — they’re purple, kitted up with contemporary gear, and shortly to be your new greatest good friend. But with so many nations to select from, the place do you start? Fear not, as we’re right here that will help you slender it down with 9 safari locations ready so that you can roll up.
There are numerous causes to see South Africa — together with glugging wine in Stellenbosch’s vineyards, hanging out with pint-sized penguins on Boulders Beach, and climbing up mighty Table Mountain.
But arguably this vacation spot’s largest draw lies in its pure magnificence, masking every little thing from the dramatic rock formations of the Cederberg Wilderness Area to Orange River — South Africa’s longest river. Let’s additionally not neglect its world-class nationwide parks and sport reserves, the place you’ll be able to spot the forged of The Lion King in shut proximity. Don’t miss a go to to Kruger, the nation’s largest wildlife reserve and residential to over 150 species of mammals and 500 species of birds.
See South Africa for your self on: Cape Town to Johannesburg Overland Safari
Now if there’s anyplace on Earth that you simply’d describe as ‘otherworldly’, it’s more than likely Namibia. Home to the world’s oldest desert, The Namib, towering sand dunes, and the biggest canyon in Africa, Fish River Canyon — it’s definitely obtained a aptitude for the dramatic — and that’s with out even mentioning the wildlife-rich salt pans of Etosha National Park.
Beyond the bigger land animals you’d count on, Namibia can also be recognized for sightings of lesser-known predators like bat-eared foxes and the tank-like honey badgers — an animal which even lions are recognized to worry. There are additionally lower than two million folks right here, largely based mostly within the capital Windhoek, so likelihood is you’ll have it largely to your self.
See Namibia for your self on: Namibia to Cape Town Overland Safari
It’s straightforward to see why Botswana is taken into account among the best safari locations in Africa, because it’s residence to one of the vital spectacular wildlife occasions on the planet. When the Okavango Delta floods, it transforms the bone-dry Kalahari right into a lush inexperienced, lagoon-filled paradise.
During the floods, animals arrive within the 1000’s from leviathans like elephants and hippos to flocks of pink flamingos and a deafening refrain of bullfrogs. There’s a lot to see that it may be exhausting to know the place to look. One factor you’ll be able to’t miss although are the huge herds of zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo flocking collectively in a single giant mass — adopted after all by lions, noticed hyenas, and fearsome Nile crocodiles.
See Botswana for your self on: Victoria Falls to Windhoek Overland Safari
Given its much-publicized historical past, Zimbabwe doesn’t usually prime the listing of the most-visited African safari locations. It’s an actual disgrace as there’s a ton to see and do on this pleasant nation. Perhaps the largest draw is the mighty Victoria Falls — a thunderous waterfall measuring over 1,700m (5,577 ft) in size.
Forming a pure border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, it’s one of many world’s seven pure wonders and holds the title because the ‘world’s largest sheet of falling water’. There are loads of actions — from recognizing elephants, opting to hurl your self off a bridge hooked up to a bungee wire, or hovering over the rising mists in a helicopter.
See Zimbabwe for your self on: Namibia to Victoria Falls Overland Safari
Lying simply over the bridge from Zimbabwe lies Zambia, widespread with each adventure-seekers and nature lovers alike. Boasting a few of the greatest nationwide parks in Africa — South Luangwa we’re you — it’s residence to numerous spectacular pure wonders.
Aside from Victoria Falls — in any other case often known as the ‘smoke that thunders’ — there’s the Grade V rapids of the Zambezi beloved by adrenaline junkies wanting to check their mettle. Then there’s the aforementioned South Luangwa — which spans over 9,000km (5,592 mi) within the far japanese reaches of the nation. A go to here’s a should — dramatic surroundings, evening drives, seasonal strolling excursions, and among the best possibilities to identify elusive leopards.
See Zambia for your self on: Zimbabwe to Kenya Overland Safari
Nicknamed the ‘warm heart of Africa’, it’s exhausting to not fall in love with Malawi. The individuals are a few of the friendliest you’ll discover, and the surroundings is a few of the most dramatic on the continent. The jewel in its crown is arguably Lake Malawi, billed because the ‘Lake of Stars’, that’s dotted with sandy seashores, secluded coves, and tree-covered islets.
It’s an excellent spot to loosen up and crack an ice-cold Castel beer in between cooling dips or scenic seashore walks. If you’re searching for a bit extra journey, the freshwater diving is world well-known and there are cracking spots to fish. Just hold wanting up although, as you’re probably being circled by hungry fish eagles trying to strive their luck!
See Malawi for your self on: Kenya to Zimbabwe Overland Safari
When it involves the most effective safari locations in Africa, certainly Tanzania nears the highest. There are 22 totally different nationwide parks masking 15% of the nation, from the well-known Serengeti to the off-the-beaten-track Selous. Add within the kaleidoscopic coral reefs and white sand seashores of Zanzibar to the spectacular backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, and you may see why folks flock right here in droves.
While each nook and cranny is nicely value a go to, we would single out the neighbouring safari locations of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. The former is famed for the ‘Great Wildlife Migration’ — the place over two million wildebeests, zebras, and antelope cross into Kenya’s Maasai Mara and again, chased by predators snapping at their hooves. UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro alternatively is thought for having one of many highest wildlife inhabitants densities on earth, the place you’ll be able to spot cheetahs, secretary birds, elephants, and noticed hyenas.
See Tanzania for your self on: Serengeti & Zanzibar Overland Safari
The penultimate safari vacation spot we hit up on our overland Africa excursions, Kenya is actually a wildlife-lover’s dream. It’s usually thought-about because the birthplace of the safari, with world-class parks just like the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru drawing folks in from all around the globe.
The Mara is all concerning the drama. Think herds of wildebeest being chased by lions, cheetahs, crocodiles and extra in such numbers that it’s exhausting to think about. On the opposite hand, Lake Nakuru is all concerning the surroundings. Set on the ground of the Great Rift Valley, it’s framed by picturesque ridges and acacia woodlands and is residence to leopards, elephant herds, and glorious chicken watching. There’s extra to Kenya although than simply safaris — assume Indian Ocean seashores lapped by azure waters, tea plantations galore, and one of the vital cosmopolitan cities in Africa.
See Kenya for your self on: Nairobi to Kampala Overland Safari
Our last safari vacation spot, Uganda goes approach past simply recognizing the ‘big five’. Home to a few of the world’s loveliest creatures — the majestic mountain gorilla, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys — it’s the place to stand up shut and private with a few of our closest kin.
But if recognizing these uncommon creatures doesn’t fairly reduce it, there are scenic lakes, Africa’s tallest mountain vary, thunderous waterfalls, and a few of the greatest whitewater rafting anyplace on the planet. Not to say the vigorous capital Kampala, with its buzzy bars and eating places, a protracted and intriguing historical past, and vistas of the shimmering Lake Victoria.
See Uganda for your self on: Gorillas of Uganda Overland Safari
When’s the most effective time to go on safari in Africa?
This is hard to reply as some nationwide parks — Kruger involves thoughts — are larger than New Jersey, so it actually will depend on your location. However, we suggest heading to Kenya and Tanzania in the course of the ‘Great Wildlife Migration’ operating from late June and early July by means of to late September and early October.
Similarly, South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe expertise their dry season from May to October, when wildlife flocks to waterholes so it’s your greatest likelihood to see the ‘big five’ and different wildlife species.
For gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, strive going throughout June to August and December to February to keep away from extreme rainfall. April ought to undoubtedly be prevented.
What wildlife can I see in Africa?
Africa is legendary for its ‘big five’ — lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino — but it surely doesn’t cease there. Uganda, the ‘Pearl of Africa’, performs host to half of the world’s inhabitants of endangered mountain gorillas, in addition to chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.
Depending on the place you’re, hippos, buffalo, and packs of uncommon African wild canine (often known as painted wolves) might be seen. Plus, you’re greater than more likely to spot herds of impala, cautious to keep away from noticed hyena, cheetahs, and opportunistic black-backed jackals, in addition to troops of baboons, giraffes, elephants, meerkats, and warthogs. The latter two will probably not be singing ‘Hakuna Matata’. Sorry to disappoint!
When it involves birds, then the statuesque ostrich, marabou stork, or snake-eating secretary chicken reign supreme. However, ‘twitchers’ could spot African sacred ibis, lilac-breasted rollers, and malachite kingfishers too.
What do I must pack for an African safari?
While you might be tempted to channel Meryl Streep in Out of Africa — and by all means, go forward — you don’t want to decorate to the nines on safari. Bear in thoughts that whereas the solar blazes in the course of the day, temperatures usually plummet at evening within the savannah — generally to freezing. The key right here is layers, layers, layers together with sunscreen, bug spray, and lengthy pants.
Avoid camouflage patterns as they’re banned in lots of African nations and skip darkish colors that entice the tsetse fly whose chew is painful and doubtlessly harmful. Bring a cap or hat to keep away from the warmth of the African solar and a shawl to maintain the mud out of your mouth. And don’t neglect your sunnies — if solely to look cool as a cucumber in your pics!
Getting there
Ready to set off in our shiny new ‘Landos’ to see these safari locations within the flesh? Our new overland excursions let rugged adventurers camp their approach round Africa. It’s now not only for the 18-to-Thirtysomethings set (we heard you loud and clear!) so we’ll see you out on the savannah quickly. Rwooooarrrrr!