WRITTEN BY JOE JOHNSON
An African safari is a right of passage for any keen traveller, anyone who loves wildlife, or anyone who wants to appreciate the majesty and untamed beauty of the natural world. Simply put, a safari is something that should feature on everyone’s ‘bucket list’.
Africa is well known for its diverse wildlife, the main reason most people go on safari, but you may not be aware that there are a wide range of safaris to suit different tastes, whether you just want to see the ‘big five’, experience life camping out in the African wilderness or admire the action from a luxury holiday resort, safaris can be the centre of or form part of an unforgettable, life-affirming trip.
Another common misconception is that South Africa is the last word in safaris, in fact there are numerous destinations in Africa that offer the opportunity to venture out into the bush and catch a glimpse of some of nature’s most amazing creations. Here are my top five;
1. Kenya
Kenya is perhaps the country most closely associated with the safari in its traditional sense, and has been a popular tourist destination for years, not just for people going on safari, but also as a an alternative to a mainstream European package holiday. When it comes to Safari holidays however, Kenya is no doubt one of the most popular destinations, home to the Maasai Mara game reserve, the wildebeest migration isn’t the only attraction here. The native tribespeople, also called the Maasai Mara are a fascinating insight into how life might have been lived by humans millions of years ago on earth, since Kenya is widely believed to be where early humans first roamed the planet.
2. Tanzania
Tanzania is a country of contrasts, a far cry from the grasslands of Kenya, despite it being a neighbouring country, Tanzania features a varied landscape and is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world at 5,895 metres. Despite this impressive monolith, the Serengeti national park is undoubtedly the jewel in Tanzania’s crown, boasting the largest concentration of migratory game animals in the world as well as the Ngorongoro Crater, a 20 mile-wide, 600m pit with it’s own eco-system and wildlife, a national park within a national park!
3. Congo
The Congo is located in central Africa and lies on the continent's most lush and fertile plain. Although trekking through dense rainforests and navigating winding rivers is perhaps suited to the more experienced traveller, a Congo Safari is something everyone should do at some point in their life. Although you may not associate the jungle with safaris, the Swahili word actually translates as ‘travel’ and thus can be applied to any kind of adventure, and adventure is the perfect way to describe a Congo Safari. You may not see the big five here but since the area is hospitable for primates, you will get a chance to get a glimpse of Western Lowland Gorillas, in their natural habitat, one of the most unforgettable travel experiences you can have.
4. South Africa
South Africa is without a doubt the most popular tourist destination in Africa offering everything from bustling cities like Cape Town and Durban, rugged coastlines perfect for surfing, and thousands of square miles of grass and shrublands teeming with wildlife just waiting to be discovered. Kruger National Park is perhaps the most well known game reserve in the world and is particularly renowned for its lion and leopard trekking. South Africa is the perfect destination for those on their first safari, since Kruger National Park offers numerous safari lodges, the perfect safe haven for those wanting to stay close to the action. Other popular game reserves include Eastern Cape, Madikwe, Waterberg and Zululand.
5. Zambia
Zambia is a water lover’s paradise. Home to the stunning Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world by some measurements, and the river that feeds it, the Zambezi. The prominence of water in this country means that there are a wide range of species to see here, perhaps more so than other more popular safari hotspots. Additionally, most of the Zambian national parks offer night-time tours, opening up new possibilities to spot elusive animals. If you’re that way inclined, you can even admire the scenery while taking part in some of the exciting extreme sports on offer on the region!
Choose your safari carefully based on your level of travel experience and by determining exactly what you want from your holiday. Do your research, talk to the experts and put together a package that’s perfect for you.
Joe is a travel blogger and safari veteran working for a company that specialises in Thailand holidays. You can follow him on Twitter @joe__johnson__
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