Safari means "we are going" in Swahili. Initially, this was the name of trips to the Eastern part of the continent with a specific purpose - hunting. In Africa, safari gradually gained popularity and even spread to other countries. The number of people who want to get a lion's head or a whole carcass of an antelope as a trophy is increasing every year. By the way, today they are ready to pay a considerable amount for such "entertainment".
Despite the high demand, many travel agencies recommend following the precepts of ecotourism and preserving wildlife. Therefore, if hunting, then only for impressions. Fortunately, there is a safari, during and after which not a single animal will suffer. Find out where and when to go in this review.
5 Best African Safari Locations
1. Tanzania.
Country 1 for all tour operators. It is here that the unique places of our planet are located - the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park, where 3 million individuals of largemammals and over 500 bird species. The best time to travel is October-November. During this period, the migration of zebras and wildebeests from north to south begins. As a bonus, be sure to visit Mount Kilimanjaro.
2. Kenya.
Trips to this country are often combined with a safari in Tanzania. But Kenya deserves special attention. The Masai Mara reserve has become home to numerous inhabitants of the savannah: zebras, lions, giraffes, cheetahs, and hippos have chosen the Talek and Mara rivers. Here you can not only see animals in their natural environment, but also get acquainted with the life of the indigenous population. The best time to travel is August-November. During this period, 1.3 million wildebeests migrate. So don't forget to book a hot air balloon flight to enjoy and appreciate the scope of what is happening.
3. Botswana.
Not the most popular place, but you can be sure that instead of crowds of tourists, you will see nature in its original form, the same wild Africa. Safaris in Chobe National Park should start in the Okavango Delta, which is home to thousands of species of birds and animals. We recommend traveling by canoe "mokoro".
4. Namibia.
Also pleases with a small number of tourists and the atmosphere of real Africa. Visit the Etosha Nature Reserve, home to almost all the animals of the continent, and Luangwa Park, with a large population of hippos. And in the Kunene area you can meet rare desert elephants.
5. South Africa.
An economically developed country in Africa is also considered a popular destination forsafari. The famous Kruger Park is famous for its high density of giraffes, elephants, antelopes, hippos, leopards and lions. Be sure to visit Hluhluwe Umfolose, where a species of white rhino was saved from extinction. The best time to visit the fauna is during the dry season, which runs from March to October.
Thundering Smoke
Despite its small area (66 km2), Zambia's wildlife park includes spacious grasslands, forest with palm trees and savannah. From animals come across giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, zebras and elephants. There are practically no predators, so some organizations specifically for the Safari in Africa program import lions. What makes Thundering Smoke unique is not only Victoria Falls, but also the presence of rare white rhinos for this place, which were once completely exterminated. Now the number of individuals has reached five and for security reasons they are being monitored around the clock.
Masai Mara
Kenya attracts travelers with its picturesque wild fauna and unique flora, because 10% of the country's territory is occupied by National parks and reserves. Ethnographic lovers will be interested in the Maasai tribe and the life of nomadic shepherds. The way to them passes through a safari. In Africa, there are different ways to do this:
- paragliding;
- balloon;
- special mini-veins with an open roof for easy observation.
From June to September, a spectacular spectacle takes place here: the mass migration of zebras, antelopes, and gazelles towards Tanzania in search ofwater and fresh herbs.
The reserve includes 3 main zones:
- Savannah, home to acacia forest and home to buffaloes, waterbucks, elephants and rhinos.
- Lake Nakuru is the most colorful park with millions of pink flamingos, cormorants, pelicans and herons.
- Ambosele - famous for herds of elephants with the largest tusks, as well as leopards, lions and cheetahs.
Etosha National Park
The "Pearl" of Namibia, like a colorful patchwork quilt, captured the lake of the same name in its exotic embrace. Arriving here, do not be surprised, because most of the territory is presented in the form of dull cracked clay. But from time to time a gloomy picture is diluted by the appearance of fantastic mirages: the breathless natural canvas is filled with herds of African wild animals. A safari in this area is breathtaking with the mere appearance of rare representatives of the fauna - the black-faced impala antelope or the black rhinoceros. Here you can also meet leopards, zebras, elephants, hyenas, cheetahs and lions.
On the territory it is strictly forbidden to drive open cars, turn off the paved path and use firearms.
Ngorongoro National Park in Tanzania
Once it was part of the Serengeti reserve, and now the crater has become an independent natural landmark. The giant tropical park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The animal world of Tanzania is enclosed in a picturesque cageThe crater is amazing and varied. The waters of Empakaya are filled with pink flamingos, Lake Magami has become a bathing place for hippos, buffaloes and elephants. The plains are inhabited by gazelles, foxes and cane goats. Lions, warthogs, leopards, hyenas, impalas and cheetahs live in the forests.
Go for the experience: the best safari parks in Africa (Botswana, Zambia and Tanzania)
- Chobe National Park, Botswana. Chobe is located in the Okavango Delta and is unique in that it contains 4 different ecosystems. The largest number of species of wild fauna is concentrated in Savuti. The best time to visit is from May to September. During this period, herds of giraffes, zebras, buffalo, wildebeest and eland gather here. You can get here by car, which makes your vacation cheaper compared to other parks in Botswana.
- South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is the perfect place for a walking safari to get the experience and thrill of being in Africa. An incredible amount of animal life and more than 400 species of birds await you in Luangwa. The river here is literally filled to the brim with hippos, and if you're lucky, you can meet a flock of 30 lions. The national park offers both budget and luxury safaris. It is up to you to choose, but it is better to visit the place during the dry season, which lasts from April to October.
- Serengeti National Park in Tanzania offers a classic safari experience. Extensive meadows will allow you to watch the lions hunting from all sides. It is from here that the "migration" of zebras and wildebeest begins. The Serengeti is many times largerMara Square, as a result it is less crowded with tourists.
Best locations in South Africa, Gabon, Zimbabwe and Uganda
- Kruger National Park, South Africa. The safari in this park is independent, that is, you can come with your own car without fear for safety. The Kruger is not only famous for its diversity of animals, including the "big five" (elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo, lion), but also for excellent facilities and support throughout the continent.
- "Impenetrable Forest" in Uganda. The place can safely be called the home of almost half of the mountain gorilla population. You can not only watch these animals from the side, but also see other mammals, including chimpanzees. No wonder Bwindi National Park is included in the World Heritage List.
- Loango National Park in Gabon is perhaps the least known safari destination of all of them, but it's only a matter of time before it becomes popular with tourists. Loango is the only place on the continent where you can meet whales, elephants, gorillas and chimpanzees in one area and contemplate wildlife not only in the savannah, but also on the ocean coast, forest and swamps.
- Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe ended the Africa Safari theme for a reason. Hwange is a personal preference of many travel forums and lovers of unity with nature. The site, located near Victoria Falls, is teeming with giraffes, lions, elephants, and 105 other species of mammals. The national park has the largest on the continentwild dog population.
Tips
Some useful information for those who are going on safari:
- You can exchange money at the airport. The rate here is slightly lower than in the city, but not critical.
- The issue of dollars is not earlier than 2000, and if you go to Uganda, then 2009. Earlier ones will not be exchanged for you.
- Don't forget sunscreen.
- Safari clothing: T-shirt, shorts, sandals during the day, cool in the evening, so change into a jacket, pants and sneakers. A light rain coat is a must for the rainy season.
- Sleep under mosquito nets and use repellents for your own peace of mind.
And finally, get rid of the horror stories you heard about Africa and local people. People here are very open and positive.
