A Few Words About African Safari Tours

Africa is one of the world’s largest continents, second only to massive Asia. Its diverse terrain ranges from white sand beaches to dense rainforests to windswept deserts, and it is inhabited by both special people and animals found nowhere else on Earth. Travelers here on an African safari trip enjoy the opportunity to discover new experiences on the journey of a lifetime. While many types of African safari tours exist throughout the continent, choosing the top locations, activities and accommodations can be an adventure in itself. We’re here to make that part of the adventure easy!

African safaris are an incredible and invaluable experience for everyone. Not only do travelers have the opportunity to see the landscapes and wildlife they read and dream about, but the entire safari experience is unparalleled! From the room in the lodge to menus with local dishes to interacting with locals proud of their way of life, your African Safari won’t disappoint. Watch as lions and elephant herd cross the savannah. Peer at gorillas through the misty rainforest. Feel the surge of exhilaration during a walking safari or game drive. Whatever your highlight, you African Safari will provide peak life experiences for every traveler.pure exhilaration of a walking safari or game drive is a peak life experience for every traveler.

Where Should You Safari?

The continent of Africa has several regions where you have the opportunity to go on safaris. Each has its own appeals and advantages, so determining where you end up going really comes down to personal preference. We’ve outlined some of the highlights for the most popular African Safari destinations below.

Central and East Africa

In Central and East Africa are the countries of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. This is where so many of Africa’s best-known places and wildlife can be found.

Highlights:

• Massai Mara National Park: Located in the Southwest corner of Kenya, this incredible ecosystem is one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife reserves. If you choose to visit between the months of July to October, you’ll likely be lucky enough to witness the massive wildebeest migration. This amazing spectacle of nature is nothing short of bucket list material.


• Serengeti National Park: Spanning over 5,700 square miles, you’ll find populations of zebra, lions, chettach, elephants, giraffes, and many birds within the park. Like Massai Mara, Serengeti also provides an excellent opportunity to watch the immense summer migration of wildebeest and zebras.The wildlife reserve is comprised of three sections which include a diversive number of habitats from the dry savannah in Seronera Valley to dense bush and forests neighboring the Grumeti River.


• Ngorongoro Crater: One of Africa’s most famous natural wonders, the Ngorongoro Crater attracts an increasing number of tourists every year. What’s so magical about this enormous bowl that was formed by a prehistoric volcano? The crater floor is home to a range of habitats - swamps, grasslands, forest and the famous Lake Makat- which breeds an impressive and diversive catalog of wildlife. Beyond the animal highlights, tourists can explore the villages of the Massai people who now call the Ngorongoro Conservation area home.

Southern Africa

Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Namibia are each a world unto their own, as is South Africa at the bottom of the continent. Everywhere lies a national park, private game reserve, and an endless landscape reaching to a distant horizon. Shimmering lakes, winding rivers and thundering waterfalls spread out across this region and dazzle the senses. Oases in an otherwise arid expanse of drylands attract mind-boggling numbers of wildlife.

Highlights:

• Zambezi River: The fourth largest river in Africa, this winding river crisscrosses criss crosses through Southern Africa to divide half a dozen of this region’s countries. This east-flowing river comes to a head with another one of Southern Africa’s quintessential sites when it spills over the thundering Victoria Falls creating a prime playground for white water rafting.


• Victoria Falls National Park: This pounding beast of an aquatic wonder is unmatched in size throughout the whole world and provides a spectacular site along the Zambezi River. There are many options for viewing this immense waterfall, but one noteworthy vantage point is Knife-edge Bridge.


• Chobe National Park: Known for drawing elephants and birds in astonishing numbers, this national preserve in Botswana’s north creates a unique wildlife experience. We recommend making time for a night-safari, the only way to get a glimpse of some of the regions nocturnal species like the aardvark or Lesser bushbaby.


• The Kalhari Desert: Home to the San “bushmen” People, this vast desert spans the boundary between Botswana and Namibia and stretches for nearly a million square kilometers. It offers unique cultural experiences and picturesque scenery during your Safari.

South Africa

With both its metropolitan centers in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as its wildlife-rich parks and reserves, South Africa is a top choice for an African safari tour.

Highlights:

• Kruger National Park: One of the World’s most famous Safari Parks, this game reserve offers travelers the chance to spot the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros and leopard). Beyond the “Big Five”, the park is home to over 500 bird species, 100 reptiles, 150 mammals and a spectacular variety of flora and fauna. There’s no doubt Kruger will provide you with ample amounts of nature to observe on your safari.


• Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: A union of Kalahari and Gemsbok National Park, this is one of the largest wilderness areas in the world. A vast variety of mesmerizing wildlife can be found within the park, which paired with rich blue skies and golden grasslands, create a photographer’s dream.


• The Drakensberg: Translated to “Dragon Mountains”, these spectacular natural wonder encompasses South Africa’s highest peaks. The lush forests in the valleys of this mountain range provide an ample home for more than 800 species.

Pulling off a successful trip to somewhere as far as Africa can be a challenging feat if done solo. Luckily, our African Safari Travel Specialists have made careers out of crafting the perfect custom Africa safaris for fellow adventurers like you. We’re always tuned into the best deals and suppliers, so you can feel confident embarking upon the journey we help you plan. Contact us online to build a custom safari for you or your whole family. Or, join one of our pre-planned shared departures. We’re confident your African safari nature adventure will be an experience of a lifetime, so let’s start planning today!