Last Updated: 2/2/2020 | February 2nd, 2020
This is a guest post by Anthony of The travel Tart.
Most people travel to Africa for one reason — to go on safari and check out the many animals that can potentially kill you. viewing animals and what they do in their natural environment takes on a different dimension when compared to watching them in a zoo. It’s an addicting and remarkable experience.
Everyone wants to see the “Big Five” — the lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino — but Africa is home to a lot of interesting wildlife and ecosystems. Here’s a quick guide to some terrific places to safari in Africa and view its diverse wildlife:
Kruger national Park — South Africa
(+27 21 424 1037, krugerpark.co.za)
Kruger’s proximity to South Africa’s main hub of Johannesburg and its easy accessibility make it a favorite with locals and visitors alike. It’s one of the most popular parks in Africa, and the Kruger camps are definitely the flashiest I’ve ever stayed in. You can take your own car, and many of the roads are paved, but you can also go on game drives on unsealed tracks. The camps are surrounded by electric fences, so you won’t have to fear coming across a large cat if you need a toilet break at night. If the planned extensions into Zimbabwe and Mozambique take place, Kruger will become the largest nature reserve on the planet. because of its high standards, though, Kruger can sometimes feel like a enormous zoo. try to avoid the school holiday periods when the camps are usually full. I loved my time there.
Kruger national Park is pretty easy to check out if you have a automobile (you can just drive there and stay at a lodge), but while I noticed a lot of people self-driving through the park, having a guide to spot animals and explain the ecosystem of the park made the experience much richer (these guys have eagle eyes!). If you’re going to Kruger, the end of the dry season (August–November) is the best time to visit, because the lack of watering holes means animals have fewer places to congregate around, making them easier to see.
Etosha national Park — Namibia
(etoshanationalpark.org)
Etosha (meaning the “great white place of dry water”) in northern Namibia was my first-ever safari. the best part is the Okaukeujo camping ground, located near a watering hole that is floodlit at night. since most of the animals are active at night, you get a good look at their natural behavior. I remember watching a sole rhino having a drink, when an enormous bull elephant entered the frame. The lone rhino swiveled 180 degrees, snorted, scraped all four feet on the dusty ground and charged. The elephant panicked and accelerated into the crunchy Namibian bush. The rhino returned to his spot, finished his drink, and finally waddled off into the darkness. opening hours change weekly and are based on sunrise and sunset. A one day pass for adults is NAD 80 NAD. Children under 16 years are free of charge.
South Luangwa national Park — Zambia
(+265 (0) 111 746 449, southluangwasafaris.com)
While it’s not well known, this isolated part of Zambia is definitely worth the trip. This place makes you feel like you are truly in the wild. The camps are unfenced and situated next to the South Luangwa River, where you can watch hippos and crocodiles swim past your tent. This is my favorite game park, because it lacks the hordes of vehicles you see in so many other parks. South Luangwa has one of the highest concentrations of leopards — the most elusive member of the big 5 — and this is the only place in Africa I’ve seen one.
Serengeti national Park and Masai Mara national Park — Tanzania and Kenya
(serengeti.com, masaimaranationalpark.org)
The Serengeti and Masai Mara national Parks are probably the most famous parks in this list, and for good reason. since most of the landscape is savannah (or flat grasslands), wildlife visibility is very high. The parks adjoin each other across two countries and are best known for the annual wildebeest migration that involves the treacherous crossing of the Mara River, usually around July or August. It’s also easy to spot many of the terrific cats here. The Serengeti park is open from March to November from 10am to 5pm. Park fees for Masai Mara are 70 USD for non-residents and are valid for 24 hours.
Ngorongoro Crater — Tanzania
This crater formed millions of years ago when a giant volcano exploded. now it’s a large natural zoo, containing thousands of animals that use this area as a good place to munch on grass and each other. You can camp at the edge of the crater, but don’t walk out of your tent at night. You might walk into a lion, elephant, or warthog! the best thing about the Ngorongoro Crater is the campground itself. animals freely walk in and out of the crater and typically through the unfenced campground. I love trying to fall asleep hearing hungry lions growling in the distance. That’s what makes this place great. It makes you feel alive.
Okavango Delta — Botswana
(okavangodelta.com)
The Okavango Delta is basically a big swamp that drains inland into the Kalahari Desert. This phenomenon has caused the Okavango Delta to be a haven of wildlife such as crocodiles, elephants, and lions. once again, there are a number of accommodation options here. My favorite has been a permanent tent overlooking the swamp. You can hear elephants and hippos walk past at night. Safaris here are different — they usually involve canoeing in a mokoro (a hollowed-out piece of fiberglass). once you reach dry land, there are walking safaris throughout the delta, and you will most likely come across animals just doing their thing. the best time to check out is during the wet season when the animals are most active.
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There are many ways to book one of these safaris. You can book directly in the relevant country or before you go. You’ll usually find cheaper options if you book directly in the country. but no matter where you go or how you get there, a safari will be an adventure of a lifetime. (Matt says: My favorite company is Intrepid Travel. I’ve done these safaris with them and they were really well done with very knowledgeable guides.
Anthony runs The travel Tart, which focuses on the funny, offbeat, and weird aspects of world travel today. feel free to say hi on Twitter. These photos are from his safaris.
Book Your Trip: Logistical tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a low-cost flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and low-cost hotels.
Don’t forget travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
Insure My trip (for those over 70)
Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)
Looking for the best companies to save money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.