Choosing An African Safari/African Lion Safari or Wildlife Safari - Kenya/Botswana/Tanzania Safari

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Choosing the right African Safari destination for a first, or even a second time wildlife safari experience, can sometimes seem daunting. The good news is that there usually aren´t any wrong decisions. With that said, at a cocktail party, a new acquaintance remarked that he had been on two safaris, "His first and last". After some discussion it was determined that it was the type and the operator conducting the safari that was the underlying problem. I´m happy to report that he and his wife have been on two subsequent African safaris, and they are so pleased, they are planning another one. After years of experience with various African Safari destinations, here are some thoughts and observations about your destination choices.

South Africa: This is probably the number one visited country for photo safaris and wildlife safaris. There, you will find exceptionally good viewing of the "Big Five" which includes lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Not only is there great game viewing, but your safari can be conducted many times on private land adjacent to famed Kruger Park. This allows you to go off road in pursuit of that perfect wildlife photo. It´s a safari destination that works all year round. Easy access to the wildlife areas, featuring great camps and lodges, make the country an excellent first safari choice. In addition, a visit to charming Cape Town is well worth your time.

Kenya: This country is probably the second most visited for an African Safari. It is home to the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra and the predators that follow. The Serengeti and the Masai Mara overlap between Kenya to the North and Tanzania to the South. The horizon fills with 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra annually. Timing is critical as to time of year to catch the peak migration. With that said, even with careful planning there are no guarantees as it is seldom the same in terms of precise timing from year to year. But even if you miss the peak there is always an abundance of game and the predators that follow them. You will never be disappointed in game viewing in the Masai Mara. We usually recommend this as a second time visit to Africa.

Botswana: The Okavango Delta is Botswana´s claim to wildlife safari fame. The game rich areas of Botswana tend to be wilder in nature with less people encroachment, but are just a little more difficult to reach. These destinations require a small plane flight and limited baggage, but don´t let that stop you! The Okavango Delta becomes flooded at certain times of the year and the game follows the receding water lines which leave behind abundant grass. Not only does the "Big Five" roam freely here, but it´s also a bird watchers paradise. Forty percent of Botswana has been set aside as African wildlife reserves. While there are some camps with permanent chalets, most tend to use luxury tents. While the word tent appears, there is no similarity to the ones you camped in growing up, these are big and luxurious, and all will have en-suite facilities!

Tanzania: Ngorongoro Crater, one of the natural wonders of the world, is found in this country. The crater is a unique eco system that supports all the main African species in its confines. While there are no camps in the crater, there are many unique camps around its rim. It is well worth the visit, but it shouldn´t be the only stop on your African itinerary. As mentioned earlier, Tanzania shares the Serengeti with Kenya, and at certain times of the year, the Great Migration. You could do your entire wildlife safari in Tanzania, but most folks combine it with a visit to Kenya splitting your time between both countries. As in Kenya, catching the migration can be tricky due to weather conditions.

Others destinations such as Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe: These countries are excellent choices as well, and are each diverse in nature, and usually become destinations for second safaris. The exception is Zimbabwe, because Victoria Falls is found there, and can easily be added to a safari in South Africa, or Botswana. Namibia has the most diverse scenery in Africa. From the wild skeleton coast, to the vast deserts and sand dunes of the Sossusvlei, to the Etosha pans, all of which offer endless photographic opportunities. Zambia has is an up and coming African photo safari destination, and in some ways is similar to Botswana. The camps continue to improve, and because of the increased use of scheduled charter air service they are now accessible. The camps aren´t as luxurious as can be found elsewhere, but the game viewing can be excellent. Zimbabwe once thought of as a premier safari destination had fallen on tough times due to government turmoil. I´m happy to report that´s it´s on the rebound with many camps coming back on line. There are unique safari experiences awaiting you there, from visiting Hwange National Park, to canoe trips in the Mana Pools area on the Zambezi River.

As I said before there are no wrong choices. Africa is a destination that even savvy travelers should seek the council from travel or tour operators who are Africa specialists. It´s too far to travel to have a mediocre or bad experience. For more information or if you would like to discuss and plan your African safari experience contact me at c.larsen@mindspring.com or go to www.burntpine-safari.com