Is there anywhere more exotic to travel than Africa?
An African Safari is a must for any nature lover, as this vast continent offers an abundance of wildlife sightings. Here we provide everything you need to know about planning your African safari, from choosing the best time of year for your trip to selecting the right tour operator to make your trip an amazing experience. So, get ready to explore the beauty and diversity of Africa!
Is Africa Safe For Travel?
Based on the image Media created about Africa, people once in a while got scared to visit what if this region is not safe. But it’s not true. Africa is a safe place for tourists. There are some dangerous regions, but you will be guided throughout the Travel, so there is no need to worry.
Your lodging and your guides will offer you the most up-to-date information about no-go regions. Locals are extremely hospitable and eager to assist travelers in staying safe. On every Safari, you will receive a thorough safety briefing which includes any threats specific to your location. The essential tip to remain safe on Safari is never running or walking alone anywhere, especially at night. And don’t do anything to upset animals.
As for the hygiene of this region, Africa is far cleaner than other developed countries. East Africa is in danger of malaria, so it’s best to pack malaria medication while traveling. Another challenge is the number of bugs. So, to avoid that it is recommended to pack mosquito repellent with you and cover your skin around dust because this is where they are the most.
What To Pack For An African Safari Trip?
While traveling on an African Safari Trip, consider packing lightweight and breathable clothes that cover the skin. Avoid bringing bright colors; rather, khakis and other earthy tones should be preferred when it comes to color.
Include short-sleeved shirts and Capri pants, preferably ones that can be unzipped from long to short. Also, pack a light jacket for cool evening drives. The possibility of rain is always high, so you must include a raincoat with good pair of shoes and a sun hat.
Luggage Restrictions must be kept in mind while packing. Safari flights allow total baggage of 32lbs, including hand luggage in most cases. So you need to pack as light as possible.
Planning your trip and going to Safari will enlighten your soul and leave it feeling enriched. So pack as little as possible as it will help you visit more places without any burden.
How Many Days To Stay In Each Location?
Two weeks is enough time to enjoy an in-depth African Safari and explore different ecosystems and animals. The general rule is that you stay three nights at each safari spot, so you will be left with plenty of time to explore more. Some destinations can be explored in one day, like Ngoro Ngoro Crater. Upon arrival, it is recommended to stay one night because most domestic safari flights leave early in the morning.
What Is A Day On Safari Like?
The finest times to see animals are the focus of most safari days, early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Before a morning activity, you usually have a pre-dawn alarm call with a light breakfast. Wildlife takes a break in the middle of the day, as you do for lunch.
Afternoon events will extend until nightfall and, in some cases, even later. Your location will determine the specific program. Some places only allow game drives during the day, while others provide a wide range of other activities to create a unique schedule.
What Is The Best Time To Go?
One of the difficult decisions in safari planning is deciding where to go and figuring out the ideal time to travel. The best time to visit African Safari depends greatly on the seasonal diversity of location and wildlife you wish to see.
Best Time for Game Viewing
In East Africa, the best time for game viewing is in the month of June, July, and October, when the season is extremely dry. The weather is dry, and there would get no chance of rain, so it is time for the year’s best game viewing experience on Masai Mara, Serengeti, or Samburu National Reserve.
In southern Africa, the best time for this opportunity is the month of May and September, when the rain is limited and the days are sunny.
Best Time With Family Travel
Suppose you are on a family trip to African Safari and want to experience these beautiful moments together. In that case, February, March, September, and October are the best time for you to choose. The weather in these months is nice. Whether traveling to Eastern or South Africa, you would encounter some spectacular views with un-forgetful family activities.
Best Time For Migration
If you want your African Safari to exceed expectations, then you should experience the Great Migration when millions of wildebeest and the Gazelles, Zebras, and other Antelope species cross the Masai Mari and Serengeti, then travel in the months of July to November. Depending on where and when you arrange your safari, you can see the spectacle in either Park.
How To Get Around?
The best way to get around African Safari is by land. It unveils the pristine landscapes and beauty of rustic Africa. You will stand in awe when a group of women carrying their babies on their backs carries straw baskets on their heads. When Tribes herd cattle, keep their goats off the road, and a kid’s pet dog lies alongside. You could only experience these breathtaking views through a land journey.
Another best way to explore is by Air. It was the original model used for Safari exploration. You can fly low to spot the large mammals and herd migrations. You fall from wide-angle to macro detail, landing on another pleasantly quiet runway. Small Aircraft are used for this purpose, and it provides a true aesthetic delight.
Travel by Rail is another mode of African Safari exploration. You can’t deny the charm that train travel evokes with world-class service and luxury accommodation. If you are high on budget and want to experience the absolute joy of this journey, you can also travel by boat. No matter how you choose to get around, you will experience this region’s unique essence of beauty.
Best Places to Visit:
1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania:
The Serengeti National Park is an international tourist attraction and home to many animals, including the world’s biggest concentration of mammals. It is the only place where massive land-animal migrations take place. If you want to see the Great Migration, then travel in the month of October and November. Other highlights of this Park include Elands, Waterbucks, and Gazelles.
2. Okavango Delta, Botswana:
It is a lush oasis situated in the Kalahari Desert where visitors may immerse themselves in a world of wetland islands. It flows from the Angolan highlands through Namibia’s Caprivi Strip and into the harsh Kalahari Desert, creating the delta, which occupies between 6,000 and 15,000 square kilometers in northern Botswana.
The best time to visit this is in September and October when thousands of thirsty animals are concentrated on their fringes. Thousands of islands rise from the rivers, supporting the unusual sight of bounding lions across the water and over 400 bird species. Other highlights of this river are Nile Crocodile, Leopards, and Greater Kudu. It is regarded as one of the best Safari places in Africa.
3. Masai Mara National Park, Kenya:
Masai Mara National Park is one of Africa’s most famous and essential wildlife conservation and wilderness areas, known for its exceptional African leopard, cheetah, lion, and bush elephant populations. If you visit this place, it is recommended to stay for 4 to 5 days for the best experience.
4. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda:
Another African Safari destination that is worth visiting is Volcanoes National Park. It covers a few kilometers of rainforests and includes five of the eight volcanoes present in the Virunga Mountains. This Park is one of the oldest on the continent and home to endangered mountain gorillas available for tourists who love to undertake Gorilla tracking in Rwanda.
Rwenzori Double-Collared Sunbirds, Forest Elephants, and Golden Monkeys are also highlights of this place that you should not miss during your visit. The optimum time to visit this Park is July, August, and September when dry weather has the best conditions for tracking gorillas.
5. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia:
South Luangwa National Park in Eastern Zambia is famous for its abundant wildlife. Walking safaris, game drives, and some of the best bird watching in the world are available along the bumpy roads from the riverbanks to the forest. South Luangwa never disappoints, seeing elephant herds splash in the river or vultures circling in the sky over a lion’s latest hunt. Although it’s an underrated destination, you would experience the fantastic diversity of African Safari.
6. Kruger National Park, South Africa:
Kruger is one of the exciting African Safari destinations located in northeastern South Africa. It is one of Africa’s largest game reserves. You would explore its vast landscapes and spectacular high density of African wildlife. All iconic safari species live here, including Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Cheetah, Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra, and Hippos.
Its vast size allows you to enjoy unique experiences such as vast carved valleys and predatory sights. This Park is one of the best places for nature photographers to visit since it offers superb scenery, wildlife, and bird photography opportunities.
Also Check: 10 Most Unique and Exciting Places to Visit In Ireland
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an amazing African Safari experience, dive in today and start planning. With beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife, a safari in Africa is sure to be an unforgettable adventure. We hope our travel guide has helped you plan your dream safari trip!
