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Taking a safari vacation in Africa is an exhilarating and immersive experience, offering the opportunity to witness incredible wildlife in their natural habitats and explore diverse landscapes.
Africa is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), as well as giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species.
Africa offers numerous safari destinations, each with its unique wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences. In this post, I will share some popular safari countries, when to visit, where to stay and some incredible things to do in each.
Kenya
Traveling to Kenya for a safari is an incredible adventure that offers the opportunity to witness diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures.
Kenya boasts several world-renowned national parks and reserves, each offering unique wildlife experiences:
Maasai Mara National Reserve: Famous for the annual wildebeest migration (July to October) and abundant big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Amboseli National Park: Known for its large elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.
Tsavo National Parks (East and West): Kenya's largest national parks, offering diverse landscapes and wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and a variety of bird species.
Lake Nakuru National Park: Famous for its flamingos and rhinos, both black and white.
Best time to visit: June to October and January to February
Where to stay:
Angama Mara
The flagship lodge sitting 1,000 feet in the air overlooking the Maasai Mara, where days are spent exploring its incredible wildlife diversity and guests are always spoiled for choice. Each of the Tented Suites are perched along the Great Rift Valley’s edge, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls providing unparalleled views.
Here guests will find a lodge where everything is as it ought to be: two intimate camps of just fifteen tented suites each, a private airfield and access to the Mara below, tailor-made safari days and a famously warm Kenyan welcome.
The lodge is perfectly complemented by Angama Safari Camp, an exclusive-use mobile tented camp sited deep in the Mara Triangle, and amidst the mega herds during the Great Migration.
Things to do at Angama:
Game Drives
Hot Air Ballooning
Beading and Weaving
Photography
Walking Safari
Amboseli National Park
Wellness & Relaxation
Food & Dining
Maasai Culture
Finch Hattons
Set in pristine wilderness at the foot of the scenic Chyulu Hills in Kenya’s largest and oldest national park Tsavo, Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp is the latest addition to Virgin Limited Edition family. With 17 luxurious tented suites, a stay here promises an authentic journey into the heart of southeast Kenya.
Things to do at Finch Hattons:
Game Drives
Hikes & Walks
Learn about Maasai culture
Wellness & Spa
Stargazing
Excursions in Tsavo National Park
Tanzania
Embarking on a safari in Tanzania offers an exceptional opportunity to discover a variety of landscapes, encounter a rich array of wildlife, and engage with the local culture. Tanzania is home to some of Africa's most iconic safari destinations:
Serengeti National Park: Famous for its vast savannahs and the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras, one of the world's greatest wildlife spectacles.
Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife, including the densest population of lions in Africa.
Tarangire National Park: Known for its large elephant herds, baobab trees, and diverse birdlife.
Lake Manyara National Park: Renowned for its tree-climbing lions and flamingos along the lake shore.
Best time to visit: June to October
Where to stay:
Asilia Namiri Plains
Namiri Plains is one of Africa’s best locations for observing big cats. Located in the vast and remote grasslands of the eastern Serengeti, Namiri Plains provides a tranquil and secluded retreat within a wildlife-rich environment.
This was the first safari camp in the area, the guides are the custodians and know these grassy plains the best, sharing the most profound connections to the wildlife and innate respect for this precious ecosystem.
Enjoy a luxurious stay in one of 11 tented suites, including a recently refurbished family suite. Each suite features sliding doors, an expanded viewing deck, and an outdoor standalone resin bathtub. The suite’s stone walls are made of solidified ashes from ancient erupting volcanoes, which naturally provide insulation to keep you cool during the day and warm at night. The spacious and well-appointed interiors create a comfortable and welcoming environment, one that becomes difficult to leave. After returning from a game drive or walking safari, cool off in the refreshing swimming pool, or treat your muscles to a relaxing massage in the Asilia spa.
Things to do in Namiri:
Lounge by the Pool
Unwind in the Library
Indulge at the Spa
Dawn-to-dusk Game Drives
Specialized Photographic Safaris
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Game Drives
Singita Grumeti
Singita Grumeti, situated adjacent to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, is an integral part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, the home of the Great Migration.
Things to do at Singita:
Game Drives: Embark on morning and afternoon game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with experienced guides. Explore the vast plains of the Serengeti and encounter a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) and the annual wildebeest migration.
Walking Safaris
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Cultural Visits
Photographic Safaris
Wellness and Spa
Conservation and Community Initiatives
Stargazing
Relaxation and Leisure
South Africa
Taking a safari in South Africa offers diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a range of safari experiences suited to various preferences and budgets. South Africa boasts several renowned safari destinations, each offering unique wildlife experiences:
Kruger National Park: One of Africa’s largest game reserves, home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) and a wide variety of other wildlife.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve: Adjacent to Kruger National Park, known for its high density of leopards and excellent game viewing.
Addo Elephant National Park: Famous for its large elephant herds and the Big Seven (including whales and sharks along the coast).
Madikwe Game Reserve: Located in the North West Province, offering excellent game viewing and a malaria-free safari option.
Eastern Cape Reserves: Including Shamwari Game Reserve and Amakhala Game Reserve, known for conservation efforts and luxury lodges.
Best time to visit: May to October
Where to stay:
Monwana Game Lodge
Begin your safari adventure from the main lodge, offering impressive views of an active waterhole sustained by an innovative grey water management system. Nestled along the seasonal Monwana River, the lodge is privileged to witness frequent wildlife encounters, elevating the excitement of your stay.
Sharing an unfenced border with the Greater Kruger National Park, the 14,000-hectare reserve is home to the Big 5, incredible birdlife, and ancient geological wonders. Explore more on game drives and bush walks with expert field guides & trackers.
Relax in Monwana’s elegant Suites, a secluded haven for two. Privacy and seclusion are key attributes of the suites with your private shaded deck and heated plunge pool that makes for lazy restful afternoons in the bush. Fine linens, tasteful amenities and thoughtful touches complete a pampering experience that transcends a cozy retreat after a rewarding day in the African bushveld. All Suites are driven by ‘green power’ – towel rails, fan coils and underfloor heating are all hydronic using a cutting-edge water-based heating and cooling reticulation system.
Things to do at Monwana:
Wild Dog Tracking
Helicopter Ride
Hot Air Ballooning
Sustainability Tours
Wine Tasting
Star Gazing
Game Drives
Bush Walks
Lion Sands Game Reserve
Lion Sands Sabi Sand forms part of Sabi Sand Nature Reserve – the oldest private nature reserve in South Africa, established in 1948. Lion Sands Kruger National Park is one of only seven private park concessions and protects pristine wilderness, as well as sites of cultural and historical significance.
Explore four luxury lodges that blend seamlessly in the environment with 6.5miles (10.5km) of exclusive river frontage on the perennial Sabie River attracting a diversity of wildlife.
Things to do at Lion Sands:
Safaris
Cuisine
Wine Tasting
Spa & Wellness
Bush Walk
Stargazing
Photography Safari
Uganda
A safari in Uganda offers a unique and diverse wildlife experience, combined with stunning landscapes and cultural encounters. Uganda is known for its rich biodiversity and several national parks and reserves:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Famous for mountain gorilla trekking, offering a rare opportunity to observe these endangered primates in their natural habitat.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: Known for its diverse ecosystems, including savannah, forests, lakes, and wetlands. It’s home to tree-climbing lions, elephants, hippos, and numerous bird species.
Murchison Falls National Park: Offers boat safaris along the Nile River to view the dramatic Murchison Falls, as well as game drives to see lions, giraffes, buffalo, and more.
Kibale National Park: Renowned for chimpanzee trekking, with the highest concentration of primates in East Africa, including chimpanzees and other monkey species.
Best time to visit: June to August and December to February
Where to stay:
Mount Gahinga Lodge
Nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, Mount Gahinga is an exclusive Uganda adventure lodge that has the impressive backdrop of three of the volcanoes themselves. Its rustic charm creates an absorbing atmosphere of tranquility and history. Each of the Uganda luxury safari lodges were built to echo local techniques and design.
Things to do at Mount Gahinga Lodge:
Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Ape Safaris
Community Projects
Volcano Hiking.
Batwa Cultural Experience
Bird Watching
Nature Walks
Community Visits
Relaxation and Wellness
Kyambura Gorge Lodge
The renowned Kyambura Gorge Lodge in Uganda sits on the edge of the magical Kyambura Gorge, a sunken rainforest and home to the ‘Lost Chimps of Kyambura’. Built as part of the Kyambura Gorge Ecotourism project, the lodge has been converted from a coffee store to create a breathtakingly beautiful space, with sweeping views of the rolling savanna and the distant Rwenzori Mountains.
The bandas have an afro-chic theme with an accent on re-imagined local artifacts, with wonderful views across the savanna or over the gorge. Relax and enjoy the spa and swimming pool with beautiful views of the park.
Things to do at Kyambura:
Great Ape Safaris
Chimpanzee Trekking
Game Drives
Boat Safaris
Bird Watching
Community and Cultural Experiences
Nature Walks
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Relaxation and Wellness
Night Game Drives.
Conservation and Education
Zambia
Doing a safari in Zambia offers a unique and rewarding wildlife experience, coupled with stunning landscapes and a variety of activities. Zambia is renowned for its pristine national parks and reserves, each offering distinct ecosystems and wildlife:
South Luangwa National Park: Known for its walking safaris and high concentration of leopards. It’s also home to elephants, hippos, lions, and diverse birdlife along the Luangwa River.
Lower Zambezi National Park: Situated along the Zambezi River, offering canoe safaris, game drives, and excellent opportunities to spot elephants, buffalo, lions, and aquatic wildlife.
Kafue National Park: Zambia’s largest national park, known for its vast open plains, riverine forests, and diverse wildlife including cheetahs, leopards, and antelopes.
Victoria Falls: While not a traditional safari destination, Victoria Falls offers activities such as sunset cruises on the Zambezi River and visits to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
Best time to visit: May to October
Where to stay:
Mfuwe Lodge
Mfuwe Lodge sits on beautiful grounds overlooking two lagoons, surrounded by prolific wildlife and is a perfect starting or ending point for exploring The Bushcamp Company’s bushcamps. Safari activities include game drives, walking safaris, and night drives led by experienced guides.
The Director’s House is a private hideaway on the grounds of Mfuwe Lodge. It is a great place to relax and unwind after a day of activities. Guests have access to all the amenities of Mfuwe Lodge. This private villa affords the perfect combination of privacy and the option of taking advantage of Lodge amenities and activities.
KuKaya is situated beneath a canopy of trees overlooking an oxbow lagoon. What sets a KuKaya safari apart is its unique emphasis on privacy, flexibility, and choice. Each villa comes with a private guide and vehicle and a private host.
Things to do at Mfuwe Lodge:
Game Drives
Night Drives
Walking Safaris
Wellness Spa
Community Visits
Photographic Safaris
Wildlife Hides
Mukambi Safari Lodge
Welcome to Mukambi Safari Lodge, where it all began. Often referred to as “The Gateway to The Kafue National Park”, the lodge is situated on the banks of the glistening Kafue River. Live in the company of the local wildlife which find sanctuary around the lodge area including impalas, baboons, monkeys, elephants, hippos, leopard, jackal and even a small pride of lion; and of course, our resident wild cat Mauw! Seamlessly fitting into the surrounding wilderness, the lodge has been designed with nature in mind. Thatched ceilings keep the interiors cool and wooden decks overlook the rambling river. After your game drive or fishing trip, cool down in the infinity pool while the hippos wallow in the river below or relax with a cold drink in hand in one of our lounge areas offering stunning panoramic views. Peruse our curio shop full of local treasures, proudly made by the women’s community group or indulge in a relaxing massage whilst listening to nature. As evening draws, chat to one of our friendly and knowledgeable guides on an activity or around the campfire before retiring to the comfort of your room and the sounds of the African night.
Things to do at Mukambi:
Game Drives
Walking Safaris
Boat Safaris
Bird Watching
Cultural Visits
Photographic Safaris
Fishing
Relaxation and Leisure
Night Drives
Conservation and Education
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