African Safaris: the what, when and where

13.11.2019 17:45

African safaris have long been the ultimate travel dream for people of all ages and interests and will always be a sought after experience. However, with the many destinations and different types of safaris travelers can choose from today it might get a bit overwhelming. Here are a few suggestions what to take into consideration when choosing your destination.

Botswana

Botswana has more elephants than any other country in Africa and is home to one of the greatest wilderness areas on the continent, and even in the world – the Okavango Delta. The country has adopted a “high value, low impact” tourism policy, which means that there is a limit on the camps, so you will get less crowds and more authentic experience. There are many activities you can partake in to explore the unique ecosystem that is the Okavango Delta – from walking tours, to mokoro boat rides and scenic helicopter flights. Another highlight of a trip to Botswana is the Kalahari Desert, which is home to the San people – hunter-gatherer tribes with intriguing culture and broad knowledge of the plants and nature they live among. Recommended period to travel is between May and August, since that is the dry season and animals gather around the water bodies.

Namibia

The name of the country comes from the Namib Desert, which is known to be the oldest one in the world. Another record that it holds is for the highest dune in the world – Big Daddy. Meeting the Himba people that have become synonymous with Namibia travel, with their distinctive look and traditions is an experience worth telling stories about long after it. Etosha National Park is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa where you can observe lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, wildebeests, cheetahs and hyenas. Best time to visit for safari is from May to October.

Tanzania

Home to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro crater and Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is often viewed as the ultimate Africa destination. The Serengeti National Park is the most photographed and filmed game reserves in Africa and also the place where the greatest wildlife show on Earth – the wildebeest migration takes place. Your chances of spotting The Big 5 game animals - lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo are quite high. The Ngorongoro crater is one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders and is a great place for wildlife viewing since it has one of the densest populations of lions. You can visit year round.

Uganda

Although the typical safari animals like lions, elephants and leopards can be seen in Uganda, the country is usually a destination for a different kind of wildlife tour: gorilla and chimp viewing in the Bwindi Forest, known for exceptional biodiversity and home to some endangered species. Another interesting sight in Uganda are the “tree climbing lions” which can be seen in the same national park, in an area called Ishasha. Best time to visit is during the dry seasons: January – February and June – September.