How to choose the right safari destination
How to choose the right safari destination : Are you unsure about how to pick an African safari that suits your needs? Here’s a simple guide to help you organize the vacation of your dreams. Have you been wanting to go to Africa? It can be difficult to decide where to travel because there are so many enchanted locations for amazing wildlife encounters, gorgeous scenery, and lively cultures.
Select the ideal time of year to travel.
It’s possible that you have a certain time frame in mind for your safari vacation. However, some seasons are preferable to others for seeing Africa’s wide variety of wildlife:
March to May.
The rainy season in East Africa occurs during this time of year, so keep that in mind if you’re thinking about visiting Kenya or Tanzania. However, that doesn’t imply you shouldn’t plan a trip during these months. There will still be plenty of fantastic game drives to take part in and chances to witness animal births. Additionally, the brilliant lighting conditions are a photographer’s dream.
June to October.
Most people agree that this time of year is ideal for an African safari vacation. Anticipate more temperate weather and breathtaking migrations in areas such as the Northern Serengeti. Since this is when most safaris take place, you may discover that some reserves are a little busier and that costs have increased.
December to March.
The rainy season in Southern Africa runs from December to March. Once more, don’t let this discourage you from going. Significant game reserves like Southern Kruger will provide a plethora of chances to spot the Big Five. In addition, the rainy season is far more affordable and has less tourists to deal with.
Remember that you should be extra careful about what you bring in your suitcase if you’re going on a safari during the rainy season. It’s essential to have a rain jacket that is both lightweight and waterproof, and you should also pack a couple layers in case you go on evening game drives. Brighter colours tend to draw flies and other unpleasant creatures, so it’s best to wear light or neutral colours.
Decide what you want to see.
Africa is home to a vast array of amazing species. The best chance of seeing the Big Five is in larger safari areas like Kenya’s Masai Mara or Kruger National Park, if that’s your goal. All throughout the year, there are several migrations that are amazing to see. The amazing zebra migration in Botswana occurs from May to November, whereas the huge zebra and wildebeest migration in the Serengeti usually occurs between May and July.
There are opportunities to see uncommon animals in certain nations. For instance, Botswana is among the best locations to witness African wild canines in their native environment, together with enormous herds of majestic elephants. Ever wished you could see leopards in the wild? Visit the untainted, predator-rich South Luangwa region of Zambia.
Gorillas are a major draw in Uganda, while Namibia’s Etosha National Park is a great place to track endangered black rhinos and elephants through the forest.
Decide which part of Africa to explore.
Amazing landscapes may be found in many African countries, offering a wide range of breathtaking beauty and intriguing fauna.
One of the countries in the area with the most geographical diversity is Botswana. Take a few weeks to explore vast stretches of desert, tumbling rivers, crocodile-filled swamps, and the Okavango Delta, Savuti & Linyanti, and Chobe National Park.
One of the largest and most diverse safari parks in Africa is the Kruger National Park in South Africa. In addition to taking safari drives across the savannah in search of lions and zebras, you may also go higher into the Limpopo highlands in the hopes of seeing elusive leopards and uncommon birds. Additionally, you might be able to see hippos in their schools relaxing in the Letaba River’s shimmering waters.
List your must-do experiences.
Safari trips in Africa provide a plethora of options for customization. Selecting the precise experience you want is one of the most important things to do when making a reservation. Would you like to take a thrilling safari on the water? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to go a foot safari amid zebras. For mokoro (canoe) trips in the Okavango Delta or along the Chobe River, Botswana is a top choice. There aren’t many walking safaris that compare to those available in Zambia if you’d prefer to be closer to the action. Beautiful sandy beaches may be found in nations like Tanzania and Kenya, which are ideal for relaxing after a week of thrilling wildlife viewing.
Great possibilities for combining animal watching with a cultural experience include the Maasai Mara and the amazing African Serengeti. You can also start once-in-a-lifetime encounters with local cultures at both places.
Keep in mind who you’re traveling with.
Where you choose to go on safari will definitely depend on your selected travel companions, whether you’re travelling alone, with a partner, or with the whole family.
If you want to take your smaller children on a safari vacation, South Africa is a fantastic choice. Numerous family-friendly lodging options are available in the nation’s game reserves, such as Kruger, and many of them provide entertaining activity programmes and kids’ clubs. Alternatively, you may split your vacation between spending time in a safari park and taking in the sights and culture of a sizable neighboring city like Maasai Mara National Reserve.
You can’t go wrong with a trip to Tanzania or Kenya for a romantic safari, whether it’s to mark a recent wedding anniversary or an anniversary. Explore lodges featuring exquisite surrounds and opulent honeymoon rooms. Additionally, if you want to combine safari drives with lazing on the beach, you’re close to some beautiful beaches, such those in Zanzibar.
If you wish to combine a safari with a beach vacation, Zanzibar is a dream come true.