Deciding Where to Go on an African Safari

Larger than China, Europe, and the United States combined, Africa is a vast and diverse continent. Choosing where to go is the first decision when planning your safari, and each region offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience. Whether you opt for Eastern or Southern Africa, the wildlife and landscapes will leave you amazed.

East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda

East Africa is renowned for the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem and the spectacular Great Migration. This seasonal migration involves 1.3 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras, gazelles, and the predators that follow them across the open savannahs of Kenya and Tanzania.

The region’s diverse habitats include:

• Soda lakes like Nakuru and Manyara, home to flamingos.
• Baobab forests in Tarangire National Park, which shelter large elephant herds.
• Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken caldera.
• Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.
• Samburu Game Reserve, with its dry scrub forests.

Wildlife viewing is exceptional, thanks to unsealed roads in the parks and reserves. While off-road and night driving is restricted in national parks, it is allowed in private concessions (particularly in Kenya). For a more immersive experience, bush walks with Maasai guides are available in certain areas. Cultural interactions with tribes such as the Maasai, Samburu, and Hadzabe provide deeper insights into the local way of life.

Key highlights of East Africa safaris include hot air balloon rides over the savannah, gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, and a relaxing end to your safari on Zanzibar’s tropical beaches.

Key Aspects of Safaris in East Africa:

• Expansive, open landscapes and diverse Rift Valley scenery.
• Iconic wildlife migrations.
• Dry seasons: June to October, January to March.
• Wet seasons: April to May, November to December.
• Kenya: Private conservancies with open 4WD vehicles.
• Tanzania: Closed 4WD vehicles with open rooftops.

Southern Africa: South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique

Southern Africa offers an incredible variety of landscapes, from grassy savannas and bushy woodlands to the mighty Victoria Falls, the towering sand dunes of the Namib and Kalahari Deserts, and the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Visitors can also explore the historic city of Cape Town and the surrounding Winelands.

The region’s diverse topography is shaped by dramatic seasonal changes, which influence wildlife behavior and availability. For example, during the dry season, animals cluster around scarce water sources, while the wet season floods areas like the Okavango Delta, the largest inland wetland in the world.

Southern Africa tends to offer a more exclusive and personalized safari experience due to the prevalence of small camps and private concessions, which come at a higher cost. While wildlife concentrations here may not match the vast numbers seen in East Africa, Southern Africa offers unique experiences, including walking safaris in Botswana and Zambia, night drives, and off-road game viewing in private concessions.

Additionally, motorboat safaris are a special feature in the Okavango Delta and along the Zambezi River. While cultural experiences are more limited than in East Africa, visitors can engage with the San Bushmen of the Kalahari or explore Zulu communities in KwaZulu-Natal. Township tours around Cape Town are another cultural highlight.

Key Aspects of Safaris in Southern Africa:

• Varied topography, from deserts to wetlands.
• Smaller but more concentrated wildlife in private concessions.
• Dry season: May to October.
• Open 4WD vehicles, with small aircraft flights between destinations.

Whether you choose East or Southern Africa, both regions offer unforgettable experiences that reflect the richness and diversity of the continent.