African Safari

Safari is the Swahili word for journey, for most of us this would involve viewing wild animals and birds in the wilderness, usually in a remote national park or reserve. There is a huge choice of styles and destinations, this can make safari planning a mind boggling experience, which is why you are probably reading this! It helps to break the options down into a few steps.

The best place to start. Ask yourself, "what do I want to see?".

For most visitors the focus is on the Big 5 - lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo; safari operators have borrowed the term that big game hunter’s use for the most desirable trophies. The Kruger National Park in South Africa and Kenya’s Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara are great places to go in search of the Big 5 and for other mammals and birds.

Primates, especially gorillas and chimpanzees are charismatic animals and often a focus for the wildlife traveller. If this is your main interest then head for the pristine forests of Uganda and Tanzania.

Predator sightings, particularly the big cats, are always a magical experience and a highlight of any safari. The Serengeti National Park offers superb predator action as the famous wildebeest migration reaches the Masai Mara Plains.

Once you’ve decided on your game viewing priorities it is time to choose how you wish to experience it. There is a wide variety of styles from luxury tented lodges to simple fly camping. The categories below offer luxury, basic and midrange options.