African Safari Scene - © Anna Cervova
There is nothing like seeing animals in their own environment, free to run, hunt and live as they please you get the impression you are seeing something special on the wide open African plains. Within a relatively short space of time African safaris have become extremely popular with visitors around the world, keen to see a vast array of animals up close. The choices of where to go and which accommodation to stay in are now wider than ever.
The accommodation available varies from basic to luxurious. At the value end their are the basic tented accommodation that offer good value but basic facilities, this is a good choice for those on a budget and for those going for a short stay i.e. a couple of nights. Above that there are the more comfortable raised tents that look like tents from the outside but are on raised ground and have all the facilities of a room. These are popular for those seeking the creature comforts of their hotel rooms, the more luxurious tents have everything you could want and revoke a charm and spirit from a bygone era.
At the very top end their are luxury lodges that have some 5 star luxury rooms in them, in these you will want for nothing and feel as though you are in a luxury 5 star hotel amazing considering they are in the middle of the plains. For luxurious accommodation South Africa's lodges are tough to beat they have a plethora of facilities, it feels as though your luxury hotel has been transported to the middle of the plains.
Kenya is at the forefront of the safari experience, blessed with numerous national parks such as Tsavo and the world famous Masai Mara. The Masai Mara is home to the big 5 namely the elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo. It is the largest area in Kenya to go on safari and due to its size and the sheer density of wildlife there you are likely to see the majority of the big 5 if you go for a few days. A popular add on to the safari experience in Kenya is a beach stay on the wonderful white sands of Mombasa, this is the perfect opportunity to relax in the sun and take in the relaxed atmosphere of Mombasa and its culture.
Tanzania is across the border from Kenya and the Serengeti national park follows on directly from the Masai Mara, even larger in size than its Kenyan sister the Serengeti has all the wildlife you could wish to see on its vast open plains. Also in Tanzania is the famous Ngorongoro Crater, a World Heritage Site situated at the eastern side of the Serengeti in northern Tanzania.
The crater is the largest unbroken ancient caldera in the world. Almost three million years old, the once-volcanic Ngorongoro is now considered by some as the eight wonder of the world. It has one of the largest concentrations of wild game in the world and is thus a haven for wildlife, including lions, elephants, wildebeests, buffaloes, zebras and others. As an accompaniment beach trips to the spice island of Zanzibar are popular with its mystic and rich history and relaxing golden beaches.
Botswana is a hidden gem in Africa, it offers fantastic wildlife associated with the better known safari locations whilst also offering good value for money and facilities. It has the Chobe National Park that contains the largest elephant population currently of anywhere in the world. If you want to get away from the crowds Botswana is a good choice for a safari.
South Africa, is blessed with abundance of wild game and in the world renowned Kruger national park all of the big 5 and others can be viewed. The lodges are a class apart, the facilities and infrastructure are unmatched in the rest of Africa. The most luxurious lodges literally transport your 5 star hotel room to the African plains. There is the option of having a safari in a malaria free zone in South Africa, in Pilanesberg near Sun City you can see wild game in an area that has been designated a malaria free zone.
African safaris offer a wonderful holiday for those wildlife lovers, they can be done to suit most budgets and offer a fascinating insight in to the continent of Africa and its spectacular wildlife.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
