Fauna Journal / December 14, 2022
Where to Safari?
Do you want to travel to Africa but aren’t sure where to go? There are a plethora of options based on your budget, and travel style. We book everything from remote tented camps to five-star luxury lodges with plunge pools. Here’s a short primer to get you started, but contact us for more information and to start planning your trip.
Botswana is arguably the world’s premier wildlife destination. The Okavango Delta and surrounding reserves are filled with large populations of elephants and predators, and the standard of camps is unparalleled. A stop in the dry Kalahari Desert or Makgadikgadi Pan offers a nice contrast to the delta in an itinerary. Learn More »
Kenya is a classic safari destination that is perfect for first-time visitors to Africa. The country is famous for the Maasai Mara National Reserve, which shares the Great Wildebeest Migration and beautiful Maasai culture with its neighbor Tanzania. We are particularly fond of northern Kenya, including the Laikipia Plateau and Samburu National Reserve. There are fantastic cultural opportunities here as well. Learn More »
Until recently, Malawi was off the safari circuit, but it has slowly opened up to tourists over the past decade. The lodges here aren’t as luxurious, but your money will go further. There is also a fantastic diversity of landscapes to explore, including the shockingly blue Lake Malawi or the dreamy Nyika Plateau. Learn More »
Namibia is first and foremost a desert landscape lover’s paradise. The red dunes of the Namib-Naukluft National Park and the remote Skeleton Coast offer a plethora of otherworldly vistas. Wildlife, like lions, and rhinos, and interesting species like desert-adapted elephants, can still be found, yet in smaller numbers. Learn More »
The Republic of Congo, also known as Congo, is understandably confused with its troubled neighbor, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, travel in Congo is just as safe as South Africa. The number of annual visitors to the country is tiny compared to the rest of Africa and there are only a few lodges in the massive Congo basin. This allows for a uniquely exclusive wildlife experience in the world’s second-largest rainforest. You may find yourself sitting around a fire pit with a gorilla researcher, gorillas walking through camp, and few other tourists in the entire National Park. Learn More »
This beautiful place emerged from the Rwandan genocide as one of the most progressive and prosperous countries in Africa. It is also the best destination to view mountain gorillas if you are looking for a luxurious lodge to relax in after your trek. With the recent opening of Akagera National Park, the country can now offer a savannah safari, and there are beautiful hikes and tea plantations in the south. Learn More »
South Africa is one of the most diverse destinations in the world, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Africa. You can stay in a dynamic city and an idyllic wine region, go whale watching, and have an amazing safari all on one trip. There are several direct flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town from the United States. We also like South Africa for families because of the quality of malaria-free safari options. Learn More »
Tanzania is an epic destination for the wildlife enthusiast. The northern half of the country includes a number of massive national parks, including Serengeti, Tarangire, and Mount Kilimanjaro. The southern half of the country is less visited, with more remote camps, baobab trees, chimpanzees, and plenty of plains game. A Tanzania itinerary finishes well in Rwanda or on the beaches of Zanzibar. Learn More »
Uganda has one of the highest primate populations on earth and is one of the best places to see mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and a variety of monkeys. A trip there is complemented by Nile River excursions and more traditional safari offerings. The lodges are not quite as luxurious as in Rwanda, but the wildlife viewing is excellent. Because of petty crime and its neighbor, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), visiting Uganda gives some pause, but the country, and especially the wildlife areas are safe for travelers. Learn More »
Zambia often flies under the radar, but it is an excellent safari destination and home to the walking safari. The Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa parks feel more like southern Africa while Liuwa Plain and Kafue have an East African grassland feel to them. Learn More »
Zimbabwe shares Victoria Falls with its northern neighbor, Zambia, and the parks along the Zambezi River, including Mana Pools, have some of the best game viewing around. Hwange and Gonarezhou National Parks also have some of the highest densities of elephants in Africa. The country also has several fascinating archeological sites including San rock art and the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Learn More »
We combine expert knowlege with creative itineraries to make your travel dreams a reality. Contact us for a free consultation.