Where To Go on Safari
Deciding Where To Go on Safari
Deciding where to go on safari is less complex a question than it may seem, and we are here to help you navigate the choices and to discover which destination is ‘just right’ for you. There is no such thing as the perfect safari destination, or the wrong safari destination - only the perfect safari destination for you, and your unique safari dreams.
There are some key things to think about when choosing the perfect destination for you, and we summarize the highlights and key considerations for each country below:
BOTSWANA
Expect very remote, large flat open landscapes that are far off the beaten track; great for escaping from the hustle and bustle of life. Low density of visitors and camps. Wildlife in isolated sightings, species cover most of the big 5 - although rhino sightings are few - as well as species found locally such as red lechwe. There’s a big variance between the drier seasons when areas get flooded, drawing in wildlife from dry surrounding areas for some impressive sightings, and the green season when wildlife is more spread out. Some outstanding luxury private camps, but they can be pricey in peak season. A good destination for special, unique experiences, outdoor dining and helicopter game viewing.
KENYA
One of the two great ‘variety’ destinations. Expect varying landscapes from safari areas, green hills, mountain ranges, barren wild remote safari areas as well as beaches and coastal areas. Cultural diversity is great too; experiencing the Samburu and Ma’asai cultures. Can see the great wildebeest migration between August and October. Wildlife sightings are reliable year-round: during the migration season mainly zebra and wildebeest, as well as lion and cheetah, lots of elephant plus plains game unique to this area such as Topi and Reticulated Giraffe. A wide range of camps, from the more classic level to a few luxury high-end ones are available. Combines well with Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Victoria Falls.
NAMIBIA
A desert safari country. Very unique and memorable destination overall, with vast, dry, barren desert landscapes. Experiences are centred around desert experiences, hot air ballooning, stargazing, tranquillity and solitude. Wildlife conservation is impressive in some areas, with sightings focused on desert-adapted wildlife, elephant, giraffe and zebra, but for a purely wildlife safari offers less than neighbouring South Africa or Botswana. Accommodation is mostly lodge-based. Combines will with South Africa and Botswana.
RWANDA
Very green, tropical, lush and impressively scenic country. Mainly a primate country where one can do gorilla trekking in the Virunga Massif, but also offers safaris in other parts of the country. Has a fascinating history that adds a richness to your trip, and some excellent private lodges. Combines very well with Kenya and Tanzania for varied East African journeys, and these trips are some of our favourites.
SOUTH AFRICA
The other of the great ‘variety’ destinations. Very impressive bio-diversity between the Cape coast areas, the southern Kalahari and the lowveld areas around the greater-Kruger area, and a scenic country overall. As a more developed country, it offers a full range of experiences from remote bush safaris to scenic outdoor summer vacations in Cape Town, the winelands and the very scenic Cape coast, with a plethora of unique experience offerings along the way. A fantastic foodie destination with excellent restaurants, food and local wines, often at alarmingly affordable prices. The best country to seek out the Big 5, with Rhino sightings being relatively common, as well as a very high level of species diversity in small wildlife, where you are likely to find more small, interesting things here than most other safari countries. Has a wide range of hotels including some lovely high end ones, safari lodges that continuously set the bar for others, but very few tented camps. Combines well with Namibia, Botswana and Victoria Falls.
TANZANIA
An east African destination with large, sometimes hilly, landscapes and the other of the countries where you the great Migration can be seen. The migration can be seen here between October and July, and is at its best between May and July. Wildlife species mostly wildebeest and zebra during migration season, as well as lion and cheetah and plains game. Sightings in large herds, but less wildlife diversity than is usually found in southern Africa. Safaris can be done in national parks, or on private safari concessions, where there are a handful of very good lodges, and beach combinations can be done with Zanzibar. A good country for Maasai Village visits and light hiking. Combines will with Rwanda for gorilla trekking, and Kenya.
UGANDA
Also a green, lush and very scenic country. Mainly a primate destination to be visited for gorilla trekking and chimpanzees, although there are also national parks where one can do wildlife safaris along the way. Very varied scenery, landscapes and cultural experiences. A frontier type destination with a wonderful sense of adventure. Combines well with Kenya.
ZAMBIA
From a safari standpoint, more off the beaten track than Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. Safaris focused in the southern areas, with individual sightings of many of the big 5, as well as plains game. Welcoming local population. Safari lodges and camps are mostly classic level. Offers some good river experiences both on safari and around Victoria Falls. Generally more affordable than Botswana, so can be a good way to get a private safari lodge or camp experience and also get value out of your trip.
ZIMBABWE
Similarly to Zambia, is more off the beaten track than Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. Safaris focused in the western and northern parts of the country, with individual sightings of many of the big 5, as well as plains game. Safari lodges and camps are mostly classic level, but also offers a few high end lodges dotted around the country. Also generally more affordable than Botswana, so can be adventurous and be a good way to get a private safari lodge or camp experience and also get value out of your trip. Can be a good walking safari destination.
Having a read of this list should help you narrow down your selection of which country to visit. Then, explore the following links for more through information and image slideshows on safaris in each country: