Whether you’re excited at the prospect of introducing your kids to some new and exciting wildlife, spending some alone time with that special someone over sundowners in the bush, or even just getting a few really unique shots for your Instagram account, an African safari has so much to offer! With such a range of options on offer, it can be tricky to choose the safari that’s best for your personal situation, so we’ve put together some of the best destinations for a variety of travellers – enjoy!
Best budget safari – Kruger Park camping safari
Because most safari packages tend to be inclusive of accommodation, meals and transport, they’re one of the easiest holidays to budget for accurately. You’ll need a little spending money for tips and gratuities, the odd snack and souvenir, but otherwise you can be pretty sure of what you’re in for financially.
Our best budget pick is South Africa’s Kruger Park 3 day camping safari option – and while it isn’t exactly what you’d call luxury travel, the price tag and the amazing wildlife viewing opportunities make roughing it a little well worth it! That said, the accommodation which is split between a tented lodge and beautiful gardened brick lodge is still really comfortable, and kids are welcome at a discounted rate too. Best of all, this is one of the cheapest options if you want to view the magnificent Big Five, and is packed full with game drives that will give you plenty of opportunity to really absorb the stunning wildlife of South Africa’s most famous game reserve.
Most romantic safari – Okavango Delta, Botswana
If getting as far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is what you and your beloved are after, then Botswana’s Okavango Delta has to be your best safari option. Because many of the lodges and camps are only accessible by light aircraft and host a restricted number of visitors at a time, peace and quiet is guaranteed! Cheetah, wild dog, elephants and countless different bird and antelope species flock to this rich wetland, which contains 95% of Botswana’s surface water! And the chance to view game via a traditional dug out Mokoro canoe might even be more romantic than that Venetian gondola ride!
Best wildlife safari – Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti migration tour
Between July and October each year, the massive and awe-inspiring annual wildebeest migration takes place, a spectacle that draws visitors from across the globe. Besides the chance to witness one of Nature’s greatest events, there’s plenty more to see along the way. Visit the famous Ngorongoro Crater, the unique Lake Manyara, and take your pick of some of Africa’s best lodges along the way. Fill your days with night and day game drives, walking and mountain biking tours, and throw in a once in a lifetime hot air balloon game viewing trip if the fancy takes you!
Best safari for those traveling with kids – Namibia
While any of Africa’s parks which let you take your own vehicle out are great options for those traveling with little ones – purely because you can decide when and for how long you want to stay out and about, there are some places that go the extra mile for youngsters.
At Sossusvlei in Namibia, kids can take advantage of Namibia’s famously clear night skies to take a few lessons in stargazing from an experienced and patient guide, and let’s not forget the opportunity to try their skills at sandboarding those amazing dunes in Swakopmund! The country also boasts many notable wildlife sanctuaries, such as the Okonjima AfriCat Foundation and Naankuse Lodge, where kids have the chance to get up close with cheetah, wild dog, rhinos, meerkats, baboons and more.
Best “bush & beach” combination safari – Kenya
With its east coast kissing the delightful warm waters of the Indian Ocean, starting your safari in Mombasa, Kenya, is a great way to combine some real relaxation with your game viewing safari holiday! Choose to spend a few days unwinding with some sun, sand and surf before you begin your tour in the country’s national parks, or even split your time evenly between the two, it’s up to you!
Kenya is home to some great national parks and reserves such as Tsavo, Amboseli, and of course the famous Masai Mara, and there’s plenty to be seen at all of them. Enjoy authentic village walks, hiking and wilderness exploration opportunities, and of course plenty of game drives to see the country’s majestic wildlife.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat, a safari that won’t blow your budget, or a once in a lifetime holiday your kids will remember for the rest of their lives – put an African safari on the top of your list!
