An African safari is high on everyone’s bucket list. Just say “Africa” and certain images immediately come to mind: drifting in a hot air balloon over herds of wildebeest and zebra, watching elephants drink and bathe in a river, relaxing with a gin and tonic while watching the activity at a busy watering hole, sleeping “Out of Africa” style in a deluxe tent or meeting people in a remote village to learn about their culture.
But where to start in making these dreams come true? The African continent is daunting; far larger than the US, China and India combined, consisting of 54 countries with a wealth of diversity in natural beauty, cultural offerings, history and wildlife. A knowledgeable expert is essential in tailoring the best itinerary for your guests' interests and budgets. Be it North Africa for historic trips to Egypt, Morocco or Ethiopia; West Africa for cultural roots tours; East Africa for classic safaris and gorilla treks; or Southern Africa for game viewing and adventure, we have the expertise you are looking for.
One of our most frequently asked questions about Africa is “we want to go to Africa on safari, but where should we go, Eastern or Southern Africa?
This is not an easy question to answer as both regions have well-developed tourism infrastructures, use English as a common language, have an incredible diversity of wildlife along with the warmest, most welcoming people you could wish to meet.
However, there are also many differences between the two regions. East African safaris are more animal focused as the landscape is predominantly wide-open plains or savannah where animals can be seen easily from a great distance. Southern African game areas tend to be more heavily vegetated making it a little more challenging to find animals. Safaris here are usually supplemented with visits to natural wonders like Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei in Namibia along with cities like stunning Cape Town.
Below are some of the other ways the two areas differ:
East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda):
The landscape is predominantly wide-open plains which allow animals to be easily spotted from a great distance
Has the famous annual wildebeest migration between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara
Large herds of animals can be found even outside the migration time.
Safari vehicles are enclosed with roofs that open for game viewing. The same vehicles are used for all transfers and accommodate a maximum of 6 people comfortably
Most of the game viewing is within National Parks
Most accommodations are located within the National Parks
Vehicles must stay on designated roads in the National Parks
Offers iconic balloon safaris over the Masai Mara and Serengeti plains
Most people drive between parks although flights can be arranged; roads can be rough and not suited to traveling the great distances between parks
Gorilla viewing offered in Uganda
Minimal opportunities to meet people outside of the hospitality industries
Little to no time spent in urban areas
Best time to visit is June through September and December through March
Zanzibar a frequent add-on
Southern Africa (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia):
Except for Namibia, Southern African Game Parks are more heavily forested with thicker vegetation than East African Parks. This means working a little harder to find animals outside of the dry season; also large migratory herds are rare. However, there is greater diversity of wildlife than in East Africa.
Accommodations are found both in and outside of private game reserves and National Parks. Lodges in the private game reserves tend to be deluxe and all-inclusive.
Vehicles have to stay on designated roads in National Parks but there are many private game reserves where the safari vehicles can follow animal tracks and drive off road.
Safari vehicles are open Land Rovers with or without roofs. They are only used for safari drives. Travel between areas is by flight or in regular vehicles on good roads. Generally there is less time spent driving on a Southern Africa trip than in East Africa.
More varied methods of game viewing; depending on the area you may be offered a walking safari, boat safari, canoe safari, night safari or even a helicopter safari.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is the adventure capital of Africa and offers an endless choice of activities. Besides the famous waterfalls, there is white-water rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, canoeing and fishing on the Zambezi River, helicopter flights, microlight flights, scenic train rides, golf, safari drives, exotic dining and the best shopping of the region.
Most trips include a stopover in Johannesburg and/or Cape Town. Cape Town is well known for its scenic beauty, wine estates, ocean coastline and range of things to do.
Best time to visit for safaris is June through October. Best time for Cape Town is September through April.
After deciding on a region, the fun part begins! Designing an itinerary that will be unique and memorable and full of highlights. On safari, we can guarantee that each day will be full of wondrous adventures.
Let North Star Travel Consulting help you create, plan and contract your Africa adventures.
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