Showing posts with label safari. Show all posts
Showing posts with label safari. Show all posts
Thursday, July 16, 2015
- 17 Questions you will ask about gorilla trekking in Africa
This post has been moved to our new blog
11 Questions you will ask when planning your African safari
When you plan your safari, there will be lots of questions you have. Here are eleven of the most commonly asked questions about going on an African safari.
1) Which countries are the best to go on safari in Africa?
Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa are the most popular African countries to go on safari. Kenya and Tanzania offer the traditional open grasslands, making it possible to see large heard of game from a great distance, including the Wildebeest Migration. Botswana and South Africa have more bushland, but also offer a more Western infrastructure and plenty of opportunities to get away from the crowds by staying in private game reserves.
For a more off-the-beaten-track experience, consider a walking safari in Zambia, or a trip to Northern Namibia or Zimbabwe.
2) Is it safe to go on safari in Africa?
Politically Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa are some of the safest destinations in Africa, if not the world. Kenya does have it's share of issues, but these tend to occur in the far north, well away from places travellers go.
Most camps and lodges do not have fences fencing themselves off from the surrounding bush. Wildlife can and will stray into the park, but this only heightens the excitement and feeling of being in deepest Africa.
As far as the actual activities go, boating, canoeing, horseback riding and walking to name but a few, while none of them are as safe as staying at home, you will be in the hands of professional guides who will keep you safe so you can enjoy your journey.
3) Is an African safari expensive?
The more comfort you get and the more exclusive your African safari experience, the higher the price. Camping safaris in Africa are the lowest cost (they start at US$200 per person per night), but it entails sleeping in small tents on bed rolls and often you are expected to help with camp duties.
On the other end of the scale, a fly-in safari to a luxury camp deep in the Botswana wilderness can easily set you back US$1000 per person per night.
Keeping mind though that these prices typically include all your transport, accommodation, meals, guiding and park fees. The more exclusive camps also include a good range of domestic and premium drinks.
4) How long should I go on an African safari?
Theoretically you can go ion safari in Africa for as short as one week. But by the time you have flown to Africa, you will likely only have 3-4 days in destination, before you have to return home.
The ideal time is 2-3 weeks. Two weeks is an ideal time to see the best parks of Kenya and Tanzania, or to visit Botswana or see the highlights of South Africa, including Kruger National Park.
Three weeks will allow you to add the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar or a gorilla trek to your East African safari, while in Southern Africa you could add the delightful city of Cape Town and Kruger National Park to your Botswana safari.
5) When is the best time to go on a safari in Africa?
For your first safari in Africa, choose the dry season, as it is the time when there are few leaves on the trees and animals congregate around the little water available. The dry season runs from April through October in Southern Africa. In Kenya and Tanzania, there are two dry seasons. The long dry season stretches from June through October, while the short dry season falls in January and February.
On the other hand, the green (wet) season, comes with a number of advantages. Fewer people means lower prices. It is a great time for bird-watching, and lush landscapes and flowers abound. Skies with towering clouds make for dramatic photography, while animals get their babies, which makes for endearing photos and great predator activity
For more on the topic, see The Best time to go on your African safari.
6) What shots do I need to travel to Africa?
Strictly speaking, most countries do not make having shots mandatory. Diseases that commonly occur in Africa are cholera, hepatitis A, malaria and typhoid fever, among others.
The one shot that some countries make mandatory is yellow fever. At the time of writing this was mandatory when crossing borders between Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.
As the situation on diseases is very fluid I strongly recommend you consult with a good travel health specialist well before setting out on your African safari.
7) Should I bring a mosquito net on my African safari?
If you are on a lodge safari, you do not as lodges will supply you with either an air-conditioned (mosquito proof) room, or a tent with built-in mosquito net.
If you are on a camping safari, you are likely to keep your tent closed, so the only reason you would bring a mosquito net is if you wanted to sleep in the outdoors.
8) What visa do I need for my trip to Africa?
For most nationalities visa are not required to travel to Southern Africa. For East Africa most nationalities do need a visa. As the visa requirements always change, I would strongly suggest you consult your travel agent.
Some countries, such as South Africa and Namibia require you to have at least two blank pages side-by-side in your passport.
9) How much money and what currency should I bring on my holiday in Africa?
If you keep in mind that most of your meals are included, your main expense is for on-the-spot visa, a few meals that are not included, drinks and souvenirs. Budget the same price as you would pay at home for souvenirs, tips, meals and drinks, and you will have enough money.
You know your own shopping and eating/drinking habits, so budget accordingly.
Do bring excess funds with you in case of emergencies, some in cash and some in the form of credit cards.
Bring your funds in cash US$. While traveler's cheques are protected against theft, they are harder and more costly to exchange. Credit cards can be used in more expensive shops but not for normal day-to-day transactions.
10) How much should I tip
This depends on the type of trip you are on. For low-cost camping safaris, budget $5 per guest per day for the guide and $2 per guest per day for auxiliary staff such as cooks and trackers.
On luxury safaris these amounts should go up to US$10 and US$5-7 per guest per day respectively.
11) What should I wear
Bring comfortable, casual wash and wear clothes. Muted colours are recommended for game-viewing. Whites are a no-no as this is an alarm colour in nature.
Game-drives take place early morning and late afternoon which can be cold, especially in winter in Southern Africa (June-August) - bring a light jacket or sweater.
Shirts with long sleeves give protection against mosquitoes and the sun. Zip-off pants give you the option to wear them as long pants in the morning and convert them to short during the hot hours of the day. T shirts and shorts or a light skirt will keep you cool when it is hot.
A lightweight water-proof jacket is recommended if you travel during the green season.
Don't forget swim and beachwear as most lodges have pools.
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, moisturizer and lip-balm are all essentials.
Most lodges and hotels will arrange for same-day or overnight laundry service. For cultural reasons, some lodges and camps do not wash underwear.
For more information on what to bring on your African safari, please click here.
Related posts
What to bring on your African safari
Highlights of Kenya
Wildebeest Migration
The Best time to go on your African safari
17 Questions you will ask about gorilla trekking in Africa
Feedback from South Africa and Botswana
Serengeti & Zanzibar feedback
Feedback from Africa
Feedback from South Africa
1) Which countries are the best to go on safari in Africa?
Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa are the most popular African countries to go on safari. Kenya and Tanzania offer the traditional open grasslands, making it possible to see large heard of game from a great distance, including the Wildebeest Migration. Botswana and South Africa have more bushland, but also offer a more Western infrastructure and plenty of opportunities to get away from the crowds by staying in private game reserves.
For a more off-the-beaten-track experience, consider a walking safari in Zambia, or a trip to Northern Namibia or Zimbabwe.
2) Is it safe to go on safari in Africa?
Politically Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa are some of the safest destinations in Africa, if not the world. Kenya does have it's share of issues, but these tend to occur in the far north, well away from places travellers go.
Most camps and lodges do not have fences fencing themselves off from the surrounding bush. Wildlife can and will stray into the park, but this only heightens the excitement and feeling of being in deepest Africa.
As far as the actual activities go, boating, canoeing, horseback riding and walking to name but a few, while none of them are as safe as staying at home, you will be in the hands of professional guides who will keep you safe so you can enjoy your journey.
3) Is an African safari expensive?
The more comfort you get and the more exclusive your African safari experience, the higher the price. Camping safaris in Africa are the lowest cost (they start at US$200 per person per night), but it entails sleeping in small tents on bed rolls and often you are expected to help with camp duties.
On the other end of the scale, a fly-in safari to a luxury camp deep in the Botswana wilderness can easily set you back US$1000 per person per night.
Keeping mind though that these prices typically include all your transport, accommodation, meals, guiding and park fees. The more exclusive camps also include a good range of domestic and premium drinks.
4) How long should I go on an African safari?
Theoretically you can go ion safari in Africa for as short as one week. But by the time you have flown to Africa, you will likely only have 3-4 days in destination, before you have to return home.
The ideal time is 2-3 weeks. Two weeks is an ideal time to see the best parks of Kenya and Tanzania, or to visit Botswana or see the highlights of South Africa, including Kruger National Park.
Three weeks will allow you to add the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar or a gorilla trek to your East African safari, while in Southern Africa you could add the delightful city of Cape Town and Kruger National Park to your Botswana safari.
5) When is the best time to go on a safari in Africa?
For your first safari in Africa, choose the dry season, as it is the time when there are few leaves on the trees and animals congregate around the little water available. The dry season runs from April through October in Southern Africa. In Kenya and Tanzania, there are two dry seasons. The long dry season stretches from June through October, while the short dry season falls in January and February.
On the other hand, the green (wet) season, comes with a number of advantages. Fewer people means lower prices. It is a great time for bird-watching, and lush landscapes and flowers abound. Skies with towering clouds make for dramatic photography, while animals get their babies, which makes for endearing photos and great predator activity
For more on the topic, see The Best time to go on your African safari.
6) What shots do I need to travel to Africa?
Strictly speaking, most countries do not make having shots mandatory. Diseases that commonly occur in Africa are cholera, hepatitis A, malaria and typhoid fever, among others.
The one shot that some countries make mandatory is yellow fever. At the time of writing this was mandatory when crossing borders between Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.
As the situation on diseases is very fluid I strongly recommend you consult with a good travel health specialist well before setting out on your African safari.
7) Should I bring a mosquito net on my African safari?
If you are on a lodge safari, you do not as lodges will supply you with either an air-conditioned (mosquito proof) room, or a tent with built-in mosquito net.
If you are on a camping safari, you are likely to keep your tent closed, so the only reason you would bring a mosquito net is if you wanted to sleep in the outdoors.
8) What visa do I need for my trip to Africa?
For most nationalities visa are not required to travel to Southern Africa. For East Africa most nationalities do need a visa. As the visa requirements always change, I would strongly suggest you consult your travel agent.
Some countries, such as South Africa and Namibia require you to have at least two blank pages side-by-side in your passport.
9) How much money and what currency should I bring on my holiday in Africa?
If you keep in mind that most of your meals are included, your main expense is for on-the-spot visa, a few meals that are not included, drinks and souvenirs. Budget the same price as you would pay at home for souvenirs, tips, meals and drinks, and you will have enough money.
You know your own shopping and eating/drinking habits, so budget accordingly.
Do bring excess funds with you in case of emergencies, some in cash and some in the form of credit cards.
Bring your funds in cash US$. While traveler's cheques are protected against theft, they are harder and more costly to exchange. Credit cards can be used in more expensive shops but not for normal day-to-day transactions.
10) How much should I tip
This depends on the type of trip you are on. For low-cost camping safaris, budget $5 per guest per day for the guide and $2 per guest per day for auxiliary staff such as cooks and trackers.
On luxury safaris these amounts should go up to US$10 and US$5-7 per guest per day respectively.
11) What should I wear
Bring comfortable, casual wash and wear clothes. Muted colours are recommended for game-viewing. Whites are a no-no as this is an alarm colour in nature.
Game-drives take place early morning and late afternoon which can be cold, especially in winter in Southern Africa (June-August) - bring a light jacket or sweater.
Shirts with long sleeves give protection against mosquitoes and the sun. Zip-off pants give you the option to wear them as long pants in the morning and convert them to short during the hot hours of the day. T shirts and shorts or a light skirt will keep you cool when it is hot.
A lightweight water-proof jacket is recommended if you travel during the green season.
Don't forget swim and beachwear as most lodges have pools.
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, moisturizer and lip-balm are all essentials.
Most lodges and hotels will arrange for same-day or overnight laundry service. For cultural reasons, some lodges and camps do not wash underwear.
For more information on what to bring on your African safari, please click here.
Related posts
What to bring on your African safari
Highlights of Kenya
Wildebeest Migration
The Best time to go on your African safari
17 Questions you will ask about gorilla trekking in Africa
Feedback from South Africa and Botswana
Serengeti & Zanzibar feedback
Feedback from Africa
Feedback from South Africa
What to bring on your African safari
Having previously written about the best time to go on your African Safari, now that you are going you may wonder what you need to bring on your African safari.
I
am going to assume you will be provided with basics like your camping equipment or good-quality lodge or tented camp accommodation and you have booked your holiday through a reputable safari operator.
Do I need to bring a mosquito net on my safari in Africa
The
most asked question about what to bring on your African safari is – do I
need to bring a mosquito net. The short answer is no. If you are
staying in good-quality accommodation, these will provide mosquito nets,
or air-conditioned rooms. If you are camping, your tent will have nets
built in (just keep your tent closed when you can). The only time you
would want to bring a mosquito net is if you plan to sleep in the
outdoors a lot. If you are on a camping safari and there is the option
to sleep under a tree or on top of the truck (where you are out of reach
of anything that doesn’t fly), I recommend you do it, but do sleep
under a net.
What color clothing should I bring on my African safari?
We
have all seen documentaries and movies about Africa and you will notice
many people wear Khaki clothing. But is it necessary to purchase an
entire new wardrobe just to look like you are on safari? I mean, you
ARE on safari, so do you need to look the part? The answer is “only if
you want to”. Just as long as you do not show up in bright colours, you
are OK. White is also a no-no. Think of deer and how they lift up
their tail when they are on the run. White is an alarm color and
scares animals off.
Many
people do opt to wear khaki as it is the one colour that shows the
least amount of dirt. And with laundry facilities not always at hand,
being able to wear your clothes longer is a bonus.
Camouflage colours are a no-no in many countries as you may be mistaken for military personnel.
What type of clothing should I bring on my safari in Africa?
Bring
anything that is cool, loose-fitting and comfortable. Mornings on
safari can be cool, so zip-off pants are great to wear as long pants in
the morning and as shorts in the afternoon. If you layer you can use
multiple pieces of clothing to stay warm at night, but use them as
individual garments at warmer times.
Bring a set of smarter clothes for meal times if you are staying in more upscale accommodation.
Do I need weather protection on my safari in Africa?
You
may be out for long stretches at a time, either on game drives or game
walks. Be sure to bring adequate sun protection such as a wide-brimmed
hat and sun block.
A
light rain jacket may be useful too if you travel in the green (wet) season. For cooler days and cold nights, bring a wind breaker or
pullover.
What shoes should I bring on my African safari?
If
you plan to travel during the green (wet) season, closed-toe shoes will
keep your feet dry. If your itinerary includes a lot of walks, be sure
to bring sturdy shoes – the African bush is littered with sharp thorns
that will penetrate all but the thickest soles. For game drives and
around camp, comfortable sandals are the way to go. If you like to
dress up for dinner, bring appropriate shoes.
Health
Be
sure to check with a travel health specialist about what shots you
need. Some African countries require you to have had a yellow fever
inocculation in order to enter the country.
There
are long lists of pills people will advise you to take. Ask yourself
what kind of trip you are doing. If you are staying in high-end lodges,
what are the chances of you getting traveller’s diarhea? If you are on
a walking safari, what are the chances of you getting motion sick? If
you are in the dry season, what are the chances of getting insect-borne
diseases? And finally, all those pills you bring, do you really feel
comfortable administering them yourself without medical consultation?
Consider
bringing a small kit with plasters, travel sickness tablets, antiseptic
cream, antihistamine cream, pain relievers, sunscreen, eye drops. If
you have allergies or a medical condition, pack the required medication.
Insect repellent and moisturizer are essentials.
If
you are concerned about safe drinking water, but also worry about where
your disposable plastic bottles will end up, bring water purification
drops or a filter with you.
Photography
A
good telelens is a must when you go on safari in Africa. If all you bring is a standard 50mm lens, you
will find when you come home that all your animal shots taken on your African safari will have only
tiny blips of beasts on them. Most simple digital cameras come with at
least a 12x optical zoom, which is fine for good close-ups. Try to
avoid using your digital zoom as it will often lead to pixilated shots.
Do bring wide-angle lenses as well, as some of the landscapes &
skies in Africa will really stand out when shot with a good wide-angle.
Professional photographers will bring a bean bag to keep their camera steady, but these are heavy.
Be
sure to bring enough memory cards and a recharger with
converter/adapter and enough batteries – not every overnight stop will
allow you to charge our batteries. If you have a plug that allows you
to charge batteries on the cigarette lighter of a vehicle – bring it.
If you are planning to buy a camera, check out this camera review site.
Other must-brings on your safari in Africa
Binoculars are great to study far-off wildlife and birds on your African safari.
To
learn more about the wildlife you are seeing, be sure to hire a great
guide. In the absence of one, bring a good guide book. Similarly,
books about plants or insects or a good novel set in your destination,
will give an extra dimension to your trip.
Bring swim and beach wear if your trip includes time on a beach or around a pool.
Finally, don’t forget your health and cancellation insurance policies, passport and visa, cash US$ and bank & credit cards.
Related posts
Highlights of Kenya
If you are planning a safari, Kenya is an obvious choice - an excellent infrastructure of good lodges, plenty of parks all within a day's drive from the capital, and lots of wildlife. Read on for the highlights of a safari in Kenya.
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya, a bustling metropolis with good markets, restaurants and a few sights. Consider staying two nights - it will allow you to get over your jet-lag as well as creating a buffer day in case of flight delays. Use the extra day to look around the city - the Giraffe Center where you get up-close to these wonderful animals, and Karen Blixen's House, home of the author of "Out of Africa" are nice spots to explore on a leisurely day.
The next day, set off on your African safari! Many companies still insist on visiting Aberdares National Park and stay at lodges such as The Ark or Treetops. While there is something to be said to stay at African safari lodges frequented by high-society, game viewing is limited here. My suggestion is you make a beeline for Samburu National Reserve in the centre of the country. This safari park sits in arid lands on both sides of the Ewaso Ng'iro river, which provides a year-round water source for game. Some of those animals are unique to this part of Kenya - reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra among others. But what you will remember the park for are the numbers of gerenuks, antelopes with very long necks, and the dik dik, a tiny antelope which seems to be everywhere.
After Samburu, turn south. If you are travelling by road and are headed for Lake Nakuru, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a convenient overnight safari stop. While there, visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, or see some of the black and northern white rhino the conservancy aims to protect.
In the south-west of the country lie some of Kenya's most famous game reserves. First and foremost among them is Masai Mara National Reserve, dubbed Africa's greatest game reserve (as it is connected with Tanzania's Serengeti I would argue that both of them combined form Africa's greatest reserve). Picture rolling hills covered in grass with millions of animals grazing, pursued by predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah. In August, September and October the area hosts the annual Wildebeest Migration, called by many the Greatest Show on Earth and high on the list of many safari seekers. The Mara truly is Kenya's Noah's Ark and whether you stay in one of the lodges or tented camps within the park, or on a private concession outside of it, you are sure to have a safari par excellence.
Lake Nakuru National Park is a convenient stop halfway the Mara and Nairobi. Most people stay one night and marvel at the huge flocks of flamingos gracing it's shores (they are replaced by pelicans in the wet season). It is also a great spot to see white and black rhino and each time I visited I have seen leopard. Birds abound and the views from the top of the escarpment overlooking the lake are amazing.
There are many more parks in Kenya - Amboseli is famous for the classic photos of elephants with Kilimanjaro (across the border in Tanzania) in the background. Tsavo East and West, combined forming one of the largest protected landmasses in the world, are little visited. It is here that you can experience a true African Wilderness and the country's largest elephant population.
Down on the coast are the resorts south of Mombasa, while further north the delightful Swahili town of Lamu beckons. Snorkelling is amazing in both, while Lamu offers a chance to enjoy Swahili culture little touched by the modern world.
No matter where you go in Kenya, you are sure to have a wonderful safari!
Related posts:
Best time to go on safari
The annual Wildebeest Migration
Feedback from Africa
Kenya & Tanzania - interesting articles
Kenya reading list
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya, a bustling metropolis with good markets, restaurants and a few sights. Consider staying two nights - it will allow you to get over your jet-lag as well as creating a buffer day in case of flight delays. Use the extra day to look around the city - the Giraffe Center where you get up-close to these wonderful animals, and Karen Blixen's House, home of the author of "Out of Africa" are nice spots to explore on a leisurely day.
The next day, set off on your African safari! Many companies still insist on visiting Aberdares National Park and stay at lodges such as The Ark or Treetops. While there is something to be said to stay at African safari lodges frequented by high-society, game viewing is limited here. My suggestion is you make a beeline for Samburu National Reserve in the centre of the country. This safari park sits in arid lands on both sides of the Ewaso Ng'iro river, which provides a year-round water source for game. Some of those animals are unique to this part of Kenya - reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra among others. But what you will remember the park for are the numbers of gerenuks, antelopes with very long necks, and the dik dik, a tiny antelope which seems to be everywhere.
After Samburu, turn south. If you are travelling by road and are headed for Lake Nakuru, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a convenient overnight safari stop. While there, visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, or see some of the black and northern white rhino the conservancy aims to protect.
In the south-west of the country lie some of Kenya's most famous game reserves. First and foremost among them is Masai Mara National Reserve, dubbed Africa's greatest game reserve (as it is connected with Tanzania's Serengeti I would argue that both of them combined form Africa's greatest reserve). Picture rolling hills covered in grass with millions of animals grazing, pursued by predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah. In August, September and October the area hosts the annual Wildebeest Migration, called by many the Greatest Show on Earth and high on the list of many safari seekers. The Mara truly is Kenya's Noah's Ark and whether you stay in one of the lodges or tented camps within the park, or on a private concession outside of it, you are sure to have a safari par excellence.
Lake Nakuru National Park is a convenient stop halfway the Mara and Nairobi. Most people stay one night and marvel at the huge flocks of flamingos gracing it's shores (they are replaced by pelicans in the wet season). It is also a great spot to see white and black rhino and each time I visited I have seen leopard. Birds abound and the views from the top of the escarpment overlooking the lake are amazing.
There are many more parks in Kenya - Amboseli is famous for the classic photos of elephants with Kilimanjaro (across the border in Tanzania) in the background. Tsavo East and West, combined forming one of the largest protected landmasses in the world, are little visited. It is here that you can experience a true African Wilderness and the country's largest elephant population.
Down on the coast are the resorts south of Mombasa, while further north the delightful Swahili town of Lamu beckons. Snorkelling is amazing in both, while Lamu offers a chance to enjoy Swahili culture little touched by the modern world.
No matter where you go in Kenya, you are sure to have a wonderful safari!
Related posts:
Best time to go on safari
The annual Wildebeest Migration
Feedback from Africa
Kenya & Tanzania - interesting articles
Kenya reading list
 |
| Cheetahs in the Masai Mara - photo by the author |
Friday, May 30, 2014
Feedback from Africa
One of the things we excel at here at Adventure Center is planning personalized trips for people. Be it a honeymoon, a group of friends travelling together, or a celebratory trip.
Or, a grand tour of Africa, after a bout with cancer.
I have two clients doing such a trip right now and they had such a fabulous time, they felt inspired to send me a message from their hotel room...
"We wanted to thank you for everything you did to make the African portion of our "f--k cancer trip" so amazing. We are currently sitting at Ghost Mountain Inn and cannot believe the luxury of our room - it is bigger than our Toronto home was!
We also greatly enjoyed our three nights at Falaza (what a lovely property!) and our time in the Drakensberg was also fabulous. The room at Cathedral Peak was a bit of heaven on cool "winter" nights.
Thanks again for everything, M & R"
Feedback from South Africa
Feedback from Galapagos
Feedback from Asia & New Zealand
Serengeti & Zanzibar feedback
Customer Feedback winter 2014
Or, a grand tour of Africa, after a bout with cancer.
I have two clients doing such a trip right now and they had such a fabulous time, they felt inspired to send me a message from their hotel room...
"We wanted to thank you for everything you did to make the African portion of our "f--k cancer trip" so amazing. We are currently sitting at Ghost Mountain Inn and cannot believe the luxury of our room - it is bigger than our Toronto home was!
We also greatly enjoyed our three nights at Falaza (what a lovely property!) and our time in the Drakensberg was also fabulous. The room at Cathedral Peak was a bit of heaven on cool "winter" nights.
Thanks again for everything, M & R"
Feedback from South Africa
Feedback from Galapagos
Feedback from Asia & New Zealand
Serengeti & Zanzibar feedback
Customer Feedback winter 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Thursday, August 29, 2013
The best time to go on your African safari
You picture yourself watching the sun set over the open African plains, a drink in hand, while a trio of cheetahs is getting ready to go on the hunt. Overhead an African Fish Eagle soars high in the sky. A group of impala stands on guard with their noses in the wind, watching the cheetah's every move.
This is where you have wanted to be all your life, this is where you belong.
But for now you are still in the planning stages, you wonder when the best time is to go on safari and make this dream come true.
If this is your first safari, pick the dry season, when water is scarce and animals congregate around the little water that is available. The later in the dry season you go, the less water there is and the more concentrated the groups of animals you will see.
In broad strokes, the dry season in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda and Northern Tanzania) runs from June through October and from Christmas through February. South from there, in Southern Africa, the dry season runs from April through October.
Advantages of going on safari in the dry season are:
• animals can easily be spotted
• there are few mosquitoes around
• golden-yellow vegetation makes for nice sunset photos
• traveling is easier as roads are dry
Does that mean one should not travel in the green season? I have seen some phenomenal wildlife encounters during the rains - witness the photo below which I shot in the Masai Mara in April, when I was able to track these magnificent animals for an hour.
Benefits of going on safari in the green season are:
• fewer people about
• lower prices
• water based safaris (such as river cruises), not always available in the dry season, can add to your experience
• waterfalls such as Victoria Falls are at their most impressive
• great time for bird-watching, adding a dimension to your safari
• lush landscapes and flowers abound
• skies with towering clouds make for dramatic photography
• animals get their babies, which makes for endearing photos and great predator activity
• the south and central Serengeti in Tanzania hosts the wildebeest migration from December through March
• the best time to visit Cape Town and the Garden Route is October through April
Broken down by the month, here are the safari areas you should go:
• January - East Africa
• February - Kenya, Uganda and Northern Tanzania
• March - Kenya, Northern Tanzania
• April - a good time to look for discounted safaris
• May - Southern Africa
• June - Southern Africa
• July - East and Southern Africa
• August - East and Southern Africa
• September - East and Southern Africa
• October - East and Southern Africa
• November - Kenya, Northern Tanzania
• December - East Africa
First time visitors will likely want to travel during the dry season and spot the Big Five. But if you are looking for a more all-round safari, definitely consider the green season.
Related posts:
What to bring on your African safari
Highlights of Kenya
Wildebeest Migration
Feedback from South Africa and Botswana
Serengeti & Zanzibar feedback
Feedback from Africa
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This is where you have wanted to be all your life, this is where you belong.
But for now you are still in the planning stages, you wonder when the best time is to go on safari and make this dream come true.
If this is your first safari, pick the dry season, when water is scarce and animals congregate around the little water that is available. The later in the dry season you go, the less water there is and the more concentrated the groups of animals you will see.
In broad strokes, the dry season in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda and Northern Tanzania) runs from June through October and from Christmas through February. South from there, in Southern Africa, the dry season runs from April through October.
Advantages of going on safari in the dry season are:
• animals can easily be spotted
• there are few mosquitoes around
• golden-yellow vegetation makes for nice sunset photos
• traveling is easier as roads are dry
Does that mean one should not travel in the green season? I have seen some phenomenal wildlife encounters during the rains - witness the photo below which I shot in the Masai Mara in April, when I was able to track these magnificent animals for an hour.
Benefits of going on safari in the green season are:
• fewer people about
• lower prices
• water based safaris (such as river cruises), not always available in the dry season, can add to your experience
• waterfalls such as Victoria Falls are at their most impressive
• great time for bird-watching, adding a dimension to your safari
• lush landscapes and flowers abound
• skies with towering clouds make for dramatic photography
• animals get their babies, which makes for endearing photos and great predator activity
• the south and central Serengeti in Tanzania hosts the wildebeest migration from December through March
• the best time to visit Cape Town and the Garden Route is October through April
Broken down by the month, here are the safari areas you should go:
• January - East Africa
• February - Kenya, Uganda and Northern Tanzania
• March - Kenya, Northern Tanzania
• April - a good time to look for discounted safaris
• May - Southern Africa
• June - Southern Africa
• July - East and Southern Africa
• August - East and Southern Africa
• September - East and Southern Africa
• October - East and Southern Africa
• November - Kenya, Northern Tanzania
• December - East Africa
First time visitors will likely want to travel during the dry season and spot the Big Five. But if you are looking for a more all-round safari, definitely consider the green season.
Related posts:
What to bring on your African safari
Highlights of Kenya
Wildebeest Migration
Feedback from South Africa and Botswana
Serengeti & Zanzibar feedback
Feedback from Africa
Feedback from South Africa
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