There’s something inherently magical a couple of safari in Africa. Countless rolling plains stuffed to the brim with wildebeests, zebras and antelopes, sunsets watching elephants splash one another within the springs and the eerie laughter of hyenas at evening — it is actually an journey of a lifetime. However the place to go and easy methods to truly see these safari locations (particularly in the event you’re on a funds)? That is an outdated query.
The place is the very best place to go on safari in Africa?
When you’re over 40 and nonetheless up for a tenting safari at nice costs, look no additional than our new ‘Traditional’ African Overland Excursions which deliver the much-loved journey to a very expanded age group! You possibly can camp in locations like Uganda and South Africa with vacationers of all ages as you observe mountain gorillas by means of mist-shrouded forests or seek for the elusive ‘huge 5’ throughout open savannahs.
Even higher, you may see all of it from our fully revamped fleet of ‘Lando’ land journey autos — they’re purple, outfitted with new gear, and shortly to be your new greatest pal. However with so many international locations to select from, the place do you begin? Concern not, we’re right here that will help you slim it down with 9 safari locations simply ready to be rotated.
There are numerous causes to see South Africa — together with consuming wine within the vineyards of Stellenbosch, hanging out with pint-sized penguins on Boulders Seashore, and climbing up the mighty Desk Mountain.
However arguably the vacation spot’s best attraction lies in its pure magnificence, which covers every thing from the dramatic cliffs of the Cederberg Wilderness Space to the Orange River — the longest river in South Africa. And let’s not overlook its world-class nationwide parks and sport reserves, the place you’ll be able to see the solid of The Lion King up shut. Do not miss a go to to Kruger, the nation’s largest wildlife reserve and residential to greater than 150 species of mammals and 500 species of birds.
See South Africa for your self at: Overland safari from Cape City to Johannesburg
Now, if there’s anyplace on Earth you’d describe as “otherworldly,” it is almost definitely Namibia. Dwelling to the world’s oldest desert, the Namib, towering sand dunes and Africa’s largest canyon, the Fish River Canyon – it actually has a aptitude for the dramatic – and that is with out mentioning the wildlife-rich salt flats of Etosha Nationwide Park.
Among the best locations on the planet to identify critically endangered black rhinos, particularly at evening, it is also recognized for sightings of lesser-known predators comparable to bat-eared foxes and honey badgers — animals that even lions have been recognized to concern. It is also dwelling to lower than two million individuals, principally within the capital Windhoek, so chances are high you may have it principally to your self.
See Namibia for your self at: Overland safari from Namibia to Cape City
Lengthy considered top-of-the-line safari locations in Africa, it is simple to see why as it’s dwelling to one of the spectacular wildlife occasions seen anyplace on the planet. When the Okavango Delta floods, it turns the bone-dry Kalahari right into a lush inexperienced paradise full of lagoons.
Throughout floods, animals arrive of their hundreds from leviathans like elephants and hippos to flocks of pink flamingos and a deafening refrain of bullfrogs. There’s a lot to see it is onerous to know the place to look. One factor you’ll be able to’t miss although are the massive herds of zebras, wildebeest and buffalo that collect in a single huge mass – adopted after all by lions, noticed hyenas and fearsome Nile crocodiles.
See Botswana for your self at: Victoria Falls to Windhoek Overland Safari
Given its well-publicized historical past, Zimbabwe does not typically prime the listing of Africa’s most visited safari locations. An actual disgrace as a result of there may be a lot to see and do on this pleasant nation. Maybe the most important draw is the mighty Victoria Falls—a thunderous waterfall over 1,700 m (5,577 ft) lengthy.
Forming the pure border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, it is without doubt one of the Seven Pure Wonders of the World and holds the title of ‘world’s largest sheet of falling water’. There are many actions – from watching elephants, selecting to leap off a bridge connected to a bungee twine or hovering above the rising fog in a helicopter.
See Zimbabwe for your self at: Namibia to Victoria Falls Overland Safari
Simply throughout the bridge from Zimbabwe is Zambia, in style with journey seekers and nature lovers. Boasting a number of the greatest nationwide parks in Africa — South Luangwa, we’re taking a look at you — it is dwelling to numerous spectacular pure wonders.
Along with Victoria Falls — in any other case often known as ‘the smoke that thunders’ — there are additionally the Grade V Zambezi rapids, that are beloved by adrenaline junkies who need to check their mettle. There’s additionally the aforementioned South Luangwa — which stretches over 9,000 km (5,592 miles) within the far japanese a part of the nation. A should go to right here – dramatic surroundings, evening drives, seasonal strolling excursions and top-of-the-line possibilities to identify the elusive leopards.
See Zambia for your self at: Overland safari from Zimbabwe to Kenya
Nicknamed the ‘heat coronary heart of Africa’, Malawi is difficult to not fall in love with. The persons are a number of the friendliest you may discover and the surroundings is a number of the most dramatic on the continent. The jewel in its crown is undoubtedly Lake Malawi, nicknamed the ‘Lake of the Stars’, which is dotted with sandy seashores, secluded coves and tree-covered islets.
It is the perfect place to loosen up and sip an ice-cold Castel beer in between cooling off or strolling alongside the picturesque seaside. If you’re in search of a bit of extra journey, the freshwater diving is world well-known and there are locations to fish. Simply maintain wanting up since you’re in all probability surrounded by hungry ospreys seeking to attempt their luck!
See Malawi for your self at: Overland safari from Kenya to Zimbabwe
With regards to the very best safari locations in Africa, Tanzania is actually close to the highest. There are 22 totally different nationwide parks protecting 15% of the nation, from the well-known Serengeti to the distant Selous. Add the kaleidoscopic coral reefs and white sand seashores of Zanzibar to the spectacular backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, and you will perceive why individuals flock right here in droves.
Though each nook is value visiting, let’s single out the neighboring safari locations of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. The primary is thought for the ‘Nice Wildlife Migration’ — the place greater than two million wildebeest, zebra and antelope cross into Kenya’s Maasai Mara and again, chased by predators snapping their hooves. However, UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro is thought for having one of many highest wildlife inhabitants densities on the planet, the place you’ll be able to see cheetahs, secretary birds, elephants, hyenas and uncommon black rhinos.
See Tanzania for your self at: Serengeti & Zanzibar Overland Safari
Kenya, the penultimate safari vacation spot we visited on our overland African travels, is really a wildlife lover’s dream. It’s typically thought-about the birthplace of safari, with world-class parks such because the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru attracting individuals from everywhere in the world.
All of the drama is in Mari. Think about herds of wildebeest being chased by lions, cheetahs, crocodiles and others in such numbers that it’s onerous to think about. However, Lake Nakuru is a panorama. Positioned on the backside of the Nice Rift Valley, it’s framed by picturesque ridges and acacia forests and is dwelling to leopards, white rhinos and glorious chicken watching. There’s extra to Kenya than simply safaris, although — assume Indian Ocean seashores lapped by azure waters, plentiful tea plantations and one in every of Africa’s most cosmopolitan cities.
See Kenya for your self at: Overland Safari from Nairobi to Kampala
Our remaining safari vacation spot, Uganda, is way over simply recognizing the ‘huge 5’. Dwelling to a number of the world’s cutest creatures — majestic mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys — it is a spot to stand up shut and private with a few of our closest kinfolk.
But when recognizing these uncommon creatures is not sufficient, there are picturesque lakes, the best mountain vary in Africa, thundering waterfalls and a number of the greatest rafting anyplace on the planet. To not point out the colourful capital Kampala, with its bustling bars and eating places, lengthy and intriguing historical past and views of glowing Lake Victoria.
See Uganda for your self at: Gorillas in Uganda Land Safari
When is the very best time to go on safari in Africa?
It is a troublesome query to reply as a result of some nationwide parks—Kruger involves thoughts—are bigger than New Jersey, so it actually depends upon your location. Nonetheless, we advocate heading to Kenya and Tanzania through the ‘Nice Wildlife Migration’ which runs from late June and early July to late September and early October.
Equally, South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe expertise their dry season from Could to October, when wildlife congregates in watercourses and is your greatest likelihood to see the ‘huge 5’ and different wildlife species.
For gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, attempt to go from June to August and December to February to keep away from extreme rainfall. April ought to positively be averted.
What wild animals can I see in Africa?
Africa is thought for its ‘huge 5’ — lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros — but it surely does not cease there. Uganda, the ‘Pearl of Africa’, is dwelling to half the world’s inhabitants of endangered mountain gorillas, in addition to chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.
Relying on the place you might be, hippos, buffalo and packs of uncommon African wild canines (also referred to as painted wolves) might be seen. As well as, you might be very prone to spot herds of impala, rigorously avoiding noticed hyenas, cheetahs and opportunistic black-backed jackals, in addition to troops of baboons, giraffes, elephants, meerkats and warthogs. The latter two are unlikely to sing ‘Hakuna Matata’. I am sorry to disappoint you!
With regards to birds, statues of the ostrich, the marabou stork or the snake-eating secretary chicken reign supreme. Nonetheless, ‘twitchers’ may also spot African sacred ibises, lilac rollers and malachite kingfishers.
What ought to I pack for an African safari?
Though you is likely to be tempted to channel Meryl Streep Out of Africa — and in any case, go forward — you do not have to decorate as much as the highest on safari. Needless to say whereas the solar shines through the day, temperatures typically drop at evening within the savannah – typically to freezing. Layers, layers, layers are key right here 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 colours that appeal to the tsetse fly whose chew is painful and doubtlessly harmful. Convey a cap or hat to keep away from the warmth of the African solar and a shawl to forestall mud in your mouth. And remember your sunnies — simply so they appear cool as a cucumber in your footage!
Getting there
Are you able to hit the street in our nice new ‘Landos’ to see these safari locations reside? Our new overland excursions for all ages permit rugged adventurers to camp en route in Africa. It is not only for the 18-to-thirty-something set anymore (we heard you loud and clear!) so we’ll see you on the savannah quickly. Rwooooarrrrr!