Looking to go on Safari? We share where to go on Safari so that you can choose the best safari destination for you and enjoy your adventure.
Embarking on a European holiday and experiencing city life is understandably appealing, but a safari-themed vacation certainly isn’t on offer in many large cities. After all, if you’re a lover of both travel and wildlife, then a safari experience should be at the very top of your travel bucket list.
While immersing yourself in a wild environment and going on safari in a remote landscape doesn’t appeal to everyone, a skeptical mind can be easily changed once an individual gets up close and personal to some of the planet’s most amazing animals. If this type of safari package is potentially your worst nightmare, though, then perhaps opt for a BBC wildlife documentary or a safari-themed game like Mega Moolah instead. While these popular alternatives provide a solid enough entertainment package, getting up close and personal with wildlife and relaxing in nature is a hugely worthwhile experience for many holidaymakers. In fact, it’s the adventure of a lifetime. So, with that in mind, below is a look at some key reasons as to why you should go on a safari.
Reasons to go on Safari
Enjoy the greatest show on earth
While listening to David Attenborough’s remarkable knowledge of wildlife is excellent on the whole, it doesn’t really beat witnessing an array of animals in their natural environment for yourself. For many, The Great Migration safari experience is an unmissable option, as over a million wildebeest and thousands of gazelles and zebras migrate from the Masai Mara National Reserve and the Serengeti National Park. Once you’ve found a reputable tour guide and finalized your accommodation, you’ll be able to witness some of the most beautiful scenes the natural world has to offer.
Not all safaris are extortionate
One of the main reasons why people don’t look further into a safari holiday is due to the fear that it might be out of reach financially. While this is true with many safari packages, there are some more budget-friendly alternatives in up-and-coming destinations, too. Even if you decide to go all out and invest in a top-tier destination, you’ll still get excellent value for money anyway. Most safari packages include accommodation, food and drink, sightseeing, game walks, and other activities, airport pick-ups, and a whole lot more. Overall, you’ll be looked after extremely well and have an amazing time.
A learning opportunity on offer
Particularly appealing for animal lovers, safari-goers can learn a great deal about a selection of wildlife. With knowledgeable tour guides on offer and staff who work alongside a selection of stunning wild animals on a daily basis, there can be some priceless knowledge and experiences being shared. It’s a great opportunity for children too, with many lodges offering Junior Ranger programs, alongside a whole host of other educational options. Overall, immersing yourself in a wild environment is an unrivalled educational experience.
Capture amazing photos and videos
Even if you aren’t the most advanced photographer or you don’t care for social media, you’ll want to take as many pictures and record plenty of videos while you’re out on your safari adventure. The glorious scenery on offer and the natural beauty of some of the world’s most famous animals will make for some truly unforgettable moments. As such, you’ll want to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with family and friends through a selection of amazing photos and videos.
It’s a unique holiday
Above all else, a safari vacation is a unique getaway. While lounging around a resort pool is appealing, it isn’t the most interesting of holidays. A safari experience, on the other hand, will leave you with stories to share for a lifetime.
Best Safari travel destinations
When looking at where to go on Safari, many will ask “where can I find the Big 5?” But what exactly is the Big 5. The term came about in the 19th century when game hunters listed 5 of the most dangerous creatures to hunt on foot and these incredible animals are must-sees when going on safari; African elephant, African lion, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros. We share some of the best places to spot these animals and explore the best national parks for safaris in the world.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
This is the most iconic safari destination in Tanzania and arguably the best safari destination in the world. Found in northern Tanzania, this is a UNESCO-listed national park with one of the oldest ecosystems on earn; expect to find plants and animals that haven’t changed over millions of years. You can also find hyenas, cheetahs, giraffes, and zebras here too.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
As the oldest and most iconic national Park in South Africa, Kruger is a must-visit, especially for those visiting Africa for the first time. The park covers 2 million hectares and is not only home to the Big 5 but you can also see a huge variety of animals including hyenas, wildebeest, African wildcat, zebras, and an incredible variety of birds.
You can also visit the nearby local villages and learn about the traditions of the Shangaan people.
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
The Maasai mara is another one of the best places to go on safari. You can find the Big 5 here along with giraffes, crocodiles, and hippos. During the Great Migration, you will find more than two million wildebeest arriving, including zebras and gazelles.
You can visit any time of the year to find amazing animals but we also recommend you stay at one of the luxury African safari lodges whilst you are in Kenya.
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
This conservation area is known as one of the seven natural wonders of Africa and for good reason. The crater is an ancient volcanic crater that spans 260 square kilometers, surrounded by an incredible park that needs to be explored. Here you can find over 25,000 large game animals including the Big 5 as well as the cheetah, zebra, gazelle, hyenas, and wildebeest. Here, you can also find the endangered black rhino, this conservation area protects the last remaining population of black rhino in Tanzania.
Chobe National Park, Botswana
If you love elephants, this is the national park to head to. This park is home to over 120,000 elephants and you can take a river cruise through the national park to appreciate the animals undisturbed. You will also find buffalo lions and leopards along the river bank as well as a vast collection of bird life.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Known for its breathtaking landscapes, this national park is the perfect place to find four of the Big 5; unfortunately you can not find any Buffalo here. You can however see a huge population of elephants and lions as well as white rhinos and the endangered black rhino.
Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
This is a unique safari destination in Africa; you confined the Big 5 here but they are the ‘Samburu Special 5’. These are 5 rate animals that are only found in the ecosystem in Samburu, including the Grevy’s Zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the gerenuk.
Laikipia, Kenya
The region of Laikipia is one of Kenya’s best-kept secrets and a must-visit for those looking for a more local take on safaris in Africa. You can find some fantastic conservations here, including the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy which is home to black and white rhinos as well as zebra. Plus, this region offers safari lodges and camps that are catered toward families and can be more affordable than the luxury hotels found near the Maasai Mara National Park.
Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
For those visiting South Africa for the first time, this is a great, understated Safari destination to visit. This can be found in a malaria-free region and is easily accessible from Johannesburg. You can see elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, and the rare wild dogs here whilst also choosing to seat in a nearby luxury safari lodge.