Safari in Swahili means "we go." Initially, it was called trips to the eastern part of the continent with a specific purpose - hunting. In Africa, safari has gradually gained popularity and even spread to other countries. The number of people who want to get a lion’s head or a whole carcass of an antelope as a trophy is growing every year. By the way, today they are ready to pay a considerable amount for such "entertainment".
Despite the high demand, many travel agencies recommend following the precepts of ecotourism and preserving wildlife. Therefore, if hunting, then only for impressions. Fortunately, there is a safari during and after which not a single animal will suffer. You will find out where and when to go in this review.
5 best safari locations in Africa
1. Tanzania.
Country number 1 for all tour operators. It is here that the unique places of our planet are located - the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park, where 3 million individuals of large mammals and more than 500 species of birds live. The best time to travel is October-November. During this period, the migration of zebras and wildebeests from north to south begins. As a bonus, be sure to visit Kilimanjaro Volcano.
2. Kenya.
Travel to this country is often combined with a safari in Tanzania. But Kenya deserves special attention. The Masai Mara Nature Reserve has become home to the many inhabitants of the savannah: zebras, lions, giraffes, cheetahs, and the Talek and Mara rivers have been chosen by hippos. Here you can not only see animals in the natural environment, but also get acquainted with the life of the indigenous population. The best time to travel is August-November. During this period, 1.3 million wildebeest migrate. Therefore, do not forget to book a balloon flight to enjoy and appreciate the scale of what is happening.
3. Botswana.
Not the most popular place, but you can be sure that instead of crowds of tourists, you will see nature in its original form, that same wild Africa. A safari in the Chobe National Park should begin with the Okavango Delta, which is loved by thousands of species of birds and animals. We recommend traveling by canoe "wet".
4. Namibia.
Also pleases with a small number of tourists and the atmosphere of this Africa. Visit Etosha Nature Reserve, where almost all the animals of the continent live and Luangwa Park with a large population of hippos. And in the Kunene region you can meet rare desert elephants.
5. South Africa.
The economically developed country of Africa is also considered a popular safari destination. The famous Kruger Park is famous for its high density of giraffes, elephants, antelopes, hippos, leopards and lions. Be sure to visit Hluhluwe Umfolose, where the species of white rhinos was saved from extinction. To observe the fauna, it is best to come in the dry season, which lasts from March to October.
"Thundering Smoke"
Despite its small area (66 km 2 ), the Zambian wildlife park includes spacious meadows, a forest with palm trees and a savannah. From animals come across giraffes, buffalos, warthogs, zebras and elephants. There are practically no predators, so some organizations import lions specifically for the Safari in Africa program. The unique “Thundering Smoke” is made not only by Victoria Falls, but also by the presence of rare for this place white rhinos that were once completely exterminated. Now the number of individuals has reached five and for security reasons they are being monitored around the clock.
Masai mara
Kenya attracts travelers with its picturesque wild fauna and unique flora, because 10% of the country's territory is occupied by National parks and reserves. Ethnographic enthusiasts will be interested in the Masai tribe and the life of nomadic shepherds. The path to them passes through a safari. In Africa, there are different ways to do this:
- on a paraglider;
- hot-air balloon;
- special mini-veins with an open roof for easy observation.
From June to September, an exciting sight takes place here: the massive migration of zebras, antelopes, and gazelles towards Tanzania in search of water and fresh grass.
The reserve includes 3 main areas:
- Savannah, where acacia forest grows and buffaloes, water goats, elephants and rhinos live.
- Lake Nakuru is the brightest park with millions of pink flamingos, cormorants, pelicans and herons.
- Ambosele - famous for herds of elephants with the largest tusks, as well as leopards, lions and cheetahs.
Etosha National Park
The "Pearl" of Namibia, like a motley patchwork quilt, captured the eponymous lake in its exotic embrace. Arriving here, do not be surprised, because most of the territory is presented in the form of a dull cracked clay. But periodically the gloomy picture is diluted by the appearance of fantastic mirages: the lifeless natural canvas is filled with herds of wild animals of Africa. The safari in this area is breathtaking with the appearance of rare representatives of the fauna - the black-faced impala antelope or black rhino. Here you can also find leopards, zebras, elephants, hyenas, cheetahs and lions.
On the territory it is strictly forbidden to drive in open cars, turn off the paved path and use firearms.
Ngorongoro National Park in Tanzania
Once it was part of the Serengeti Reserve, but now the crater has become an independent natural attraction. The giant tropical park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The animal world of Tanzania enclosed in a picturesque cage of the crater is amazing and diverse. Empakaya's waters are filled with pink flamingos, Lake Magami has become a place of bathing hippos, buffalos and elephants. Gazelles, foxes, and reed goats live on the plains. Lions, warthogs, leopards, hyenas, impals and cheetahs live in the forests.
Ahead of impressions: Africa's best safari parks (Botswana, Zambia and Tanzania)
- Chobe National Park, Botswana. Chobe is located in the Okavango River Delta and is unique in that it contains 4 different ecosystems. The largest number of species of wildlife is concentrated in Savuti. The best time to visit is from May to September. During this period, herds of giraffes, zebras, buffalos, wildebeests and canna gather here. You can get here by car, which makes your vacation cheaper compared to other Botswana parks.
- South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is an ideal place for a walking safari, which will allow you to gain experience and a storm of emotions from your stay in Africa. An incredible number of animals and more than 400 species of birds await you in Luangwa. The river here is literally filled to the brim with hippos, and if you are lucky you can meet a flock of 30 lions. The national park offers both budget and luxury safaris. You should choose, but visit the place during the drought season, which lasts from April to October.
- Serengeti National Park in Tanzania invites you to enjoy a classic safari. Vast meadows allow observing the hunting of lions from all sides. This is where the “migration” of zebras and wildebeest begins. The territory of the Serengeti is many times larger than the Mar Square, as a result, it is less crowded with tourists.
Best locations in South Africa, Gabon, Zimbabwe and Uganda
- Kruger National Park, South Africa. The safari in this park is independent, that is, you can arrive by your own car without fear for safety. Kruger is not only famous for its variety of animals, including the Big Five (elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, buffalo, lion), but also for its excellent arrangement and support throughout the continent.
- Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. The place can be safely called the home of almost half of the mountain gorilla population. You can not only watch these animals from the side, but also see other mammals, including chimpanzees. No wonder that Bwindi National Park is included in the World Heritage List.
- Loango National Park in Gabon is perhaps the least well-known safari location of all the above, but gaining popularity among tourists is a matter of time. Loango is the only place on the continent where you can meet whales, elephants, gorillas and chimpanzees on the same territory and contemplate wildlife not only in the savannah, but also on the ocean coast, forest and swamps.
- Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe has not just concluded the theme of African Safari. Hwange is a personal preference for many tourism forums and lovers of unity with nature. The place, located near Victoria Falls, abounds with giraffes, lions, elephants, as well as another 105 species of other mammals. The national park has the largest population of wild dogs on the continent.
Advice
Some useful information for those who are going on a safari:
- You can exchange money at the airport. The course here is slightly lower than in the city, but not critical.
- Issuing dollars no earlier than 2000, and if you go to Uganda, then 2009. Earlier you will not be exchanged.
- Do not forget sun cream.
- Safari clothes: in the afternoon - a T-shirt, shorts, sandals, it’s cool in the evening, so change into a sweater, pants and sneakers. In the rainy season, a light raincoat does not hurt.
- Sleep under mosquito nets, and for your own peace of mind, use repellents.
And finally, throw out of your head heard horror stories about Africa and the locals. People here are very open and positive.