There’s one thing inherently magical a few safari in Africa. Infinite rolling plains crammed to the brim with wildebeest, zebra, and antelope, sunsets watching elephants spray one another at waterholes, and the ghoulish snigger of hyenas at night time — it’s really the journey of a lifetime. However the place to go and the right way to really see these safari locations (particularly if you happen to’re on a funds)? That’s the age-old query.
The place’s greatest to go on safari in Africa?
If you happen to’re over 40 and nonetheless recreation for a fundamental budget-friendly tenting safari, look no additional than our new ‘Traditional’ African overland excursions bringing a beloved grassroots journey to a totally expanded age group! You’ll be able to camp out in locations like Uganda and South Africa with travellers of all ages whereas monitoring mountain gorillas by mist-shrouded forests or trying to find the elusive ‘large 5’ throughout open savannahs.
Even higher, you’ll see all of it from our absolutely refurbished fleet of ‘Lando’ overland journey automobiles — they’re purple, kitted up with contemporary gear, and shortly to be your new greatest buddy. However with so many international locations to select from, the place do you start? Concern 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 Seashore, and mountain climbing up mighty Desk Mountain.
However arguably this vacation spot’s largest draw lies in its pure magnificence, masking all the pieces from the dramatic rock formations of the Cederberg Wilderness Space to Orange River — South Africa’s longest river. Let’s additionally not neglect its world-class nationwide parks and recreation 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 City to Johannesburg Overland Safari
Now if there’s anyplace on Earth that you just’d describe as ‘otherworldly’, it’s almost definitely Namibia. Residence to the world’s oldest desert, The Namib, towering sand dunes, and the most important canyon in Africa, Fish River Canyon — it’s actually obtained a aptitude for the dramatic — and that’s with out even mentioning the wildlife-rich salt pans of Etosha Nationwide Park.
Among the finest locations on the earth to identify critically-endangered black rhinos, significantly at night time, it’s additionally 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, principally primarily based within the capital Windhoek, so chances are high you’ll have it largely to your self.
See Namibia for your self on: Namibia to Cape City Overland Safari
Lengthy thought of the most effective safari locations in Africa, it’s straightforward to see why because it’s residence to one of the vital spectacular wildlife occasions seen anyplace on the earth. When the Okavango Delta floods, it transforms the bone-dry Kalahari right into a lush inexperienced, lagoon-filled paradise.
Through 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 arduous 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 massive 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 typically 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. Maybe 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 many actions — from recognizing elephants, opting to hurl your self off a bridge connected to a bungee twine, or hovering over the rising mists in a helicopter.
See Zimbabwe for your self on: Namibia to Victoria Falls Overland Safari
Mendacity simply over the bridge from Zimbabwe lies Zambia, standard with each adventure-seekers and nature lovers alike. Boasting among the greatest nationwide parks in Africa — South Luangwa we’re you — it’s residence to numerous spectacular pure wonders.
Other than Victoria Falls — in any other case often called 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, night time drives, seasonal strolling excursions, and the most effective probabilities to identify elusive leopards.
See Zambia for your self on: Zimbabwe to Kenya Overland Safari
Nicknamed the ‘heat coronary heart of Africa’, it’s arduous to not fall in love with Malawi. The persons are among the friendliest you’ll discover, and the surroundings is among 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 a really perfect spot to loosen up and crack an ice-cold Castel beer in between cooling dips or scenic seashore walks. If you happen to’re in search of a bit extra journey, the freshwater diving is world well-known and there are cracking spots to fish. Simply maintain trying up although, as you’re possible being circled by hungry fish eagles seeking to strive their luck!
See Malawi for your self on: Kenya to Zimbabwe Overland Safari
On the subject of the most effective safari locations in Africa, absolutely Tanzania nears the highest. There are 22 completely 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.
Whereas each nook and cranny is effectively value a go to, let’s single out the neighbouring safari locations of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. The previous is famed for the ‘Nice 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 then again is understood for having one of many highest wildlife inhabitants densities on earth, the place you’ll be able to spot cheetahs, secretary birds, elephants, hyenas, and uncommon black rhinos.
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 typically thought of because the birthplace of the safari, with world-class parks just like the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru drawing folks in from everywhere in the globe.
The Mara is all concerning the drama. Suppose herds of wildebeest being chased by lions, cheetahs, crocodiles and extra in such numbers that it’s arduous to think about. However, Lake Nakuru is all concerning the surroundings. Set on the ground of the Nice Rift Valley, it’s framed by picturesque ridges and acacia woodlands and is residence to leopards, white rhinos, and wonderful fowl watching. There’s extra to Kenya although than simply safaris — suppose 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 closing safari vacation spot, Uganda goes means past simply recognizing the ‘large 5’. Residence to among the world’s most lovable 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 relations.
But when recognizing these uncommon creatures doesn’t fairly lower it, there are scenic lakes, Africa’s tallest mountain vary, thunderous waterfalls, and among the greatest whitewater rafting anyplace on the earth. To not point out the energetic capital Kampala, with its buzzy bars and eating places, an extended 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?
That is difficult to reply as some nationwide parks — Kruger involves thoughts — are greater than New Jersey, so it actually depends upon your location. Nevertheless, we advocate heading to Kenya and Tanzania through the ‘Nice Wildlife Migration’ working from late June and early July by to late September and early October.
Equally, South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe expertise their dry season from Might to October, when wildlife flocks to waterholes so it’s your greatest likelihood to see the ‘large 5’ 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 averted.
What wildlife can I see in Africa?
Africa is known for its ‘large 5’ — lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino — however it 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.
Relying on the place you’re, hippos, buffalo, and packs of uncommon African wild canine (also referred to as painted wolves) might be seen. Plus, you’re greater than prone 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 possible not be singing ‘Hakuna Matata’. Sorry to disappoint!
On the subject of birds, then the statuesque ostrich, marabou stork, or snake-eating secretary fowl reign supreme. Nevertheless, ‘twitchers’ might spot African sacred ibis, lilac-breasted rollers, and malachite kingfishers too.
What do I must pack for an African safari?
Whilst you could also 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. Keep in mind that whereas the solar blazes through the day, temperatures typically plummet at night time within the savannah — generally to freezing. The important thing right here is layers, layers, layers together with sunscreen, bug spray, and lengthy pants.
Keep away from camouflage patterns as they’re banned in lots of African international locations and skip darkish colors that appeal to the tsetse fly whose chunk is painful and doubtlessly harmful. Deliver 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
Able to set off in our shiny new ‘Landos’ to see these safari locations within the flesh? Our new all ages overland excursions let rugged adventurers camp their means 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!
