Posts for Safari

Top 7 Countries in the World for Safari Holidays in 2023

Travel Blog, Word Travel - Ross French - January 30, 2023

Wildlife Safari

When it comes to spending holidays with your loved ones different people have different preferences. Some prefer to spend holidays lazily unwinding at a beach, while some prefer to go on an adventure expedition. If you are a nature person, a wildlife safari seems like a great way to make the most of your vacation time. Wildlife safari trips are more than just watching animals and birds in their natural habitat. These trips offer you an exhilarating and educational experience to understand nature around you and how everything on this planet is connected.

While you can plan these safari trips yourself it can take a lot of time to get the paperwork done and find the right accommodation and travel options. When you are running short of time, you can look for Naturetrek wildlife holidays that provide you with the convenience to enjoy the best time you can have with your family and loved ones.

If you have plans to go on a wildlife safari in 2023, these are the top 7 countries that you should choose.

Botswana

Everybody thinks of Kenya when they think of African safari, but times have changed. Today, Botswana is among the leading African countries that attract the most visitors for wildlife safari experiences. This country with open grasslands and desert landscapes has a lot more to offer than just wildlife experiences. Botswana’s Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta that allows you to experience the magical sights and sounds of African wildlife.

In Botswana, apart from the Okavango Delta, you can enjoy wildlife experiences at the Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, and many private reserves like Linyanti, Selinda, Khwai and Kwando that are second to none. Botswana allows you to track and view Africa’s Big 5 (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard) along with hyena, wild dog, lechwe, and sitatunga sightings. You can go on mokoro excursions and boat cruises to explore Africa’s aquatic life. When you are visiting Botswana you can quad bike on Makgadikgadi Pans. Botswana also offers a wide range of the finest safari camps and lodges based on different budgets.Wildlife Safari

Kenya

It would be hard to keep aside Kenya when talking about the best countries for wildlife safari. Over the years, Kenya has remained one of the top destinations for nature lovers and for those who want to view some breathtaking game-viewing encounters. However, Kenya’s biggest attraction is the natural migration cycle of the wildebeests known as – The Great Migration in the legendary Masai Mara region. This area is one of the finest wildlife destinations to experience some stunning wildlife landscapes and action. You can also get some great experiences at the Amboseli National Park. Apart from this, you can enjoy some encounters at Lake Nakuru in the Great Rift Valley, Mount Kenya National Park, Aberdares National Park and Laikipia Plateau. You can also go scuba diving and snorkeling and enjoy some luxury holiday experiences on Lamu Island and Manda Island.

South Africa

When it comes to wildlife experiences, South Africa is right on top among the best countries that offer so much more than just game-viewing experiences. South Africa offers a great combination to witness Africa’s Big 5 to whales and enjoy some wine valleys and beyond. With outstanding national parks and conservation areas like the Kruger National Park, Pilanesberg National Park, Addo National Park and Madikwe Game Reserve and Phinda Game Reserve, South Africa can help you tick all the boxes in just a couple of days. You can also explore the Whale Coast and get some whale-watching experience that not many African countries can offer. The infrastructure and road network and commercial flight link are robust making it a perfect safari destination.Wildlife Safari

India

Outside Africa, India is one of the top countries that offer you some breathtaking landscapes and wildlife adventures that you shouldn’t miss. Apart from exploring India’s rich cultural heritage, you can head into some of the picturesque jungles and national parks where you can witness tigers, Asiatic lions, elephants, one-horned rhinos, deers, crocodiles, gaurs and many other animals and birds. India has the largest population of tigers in the world making it a perfect destination for those who want to go tiger spotting. For this, you can explore Bandhavgarh National Park, Ranthambore National Park, Jim Corbett National Park, Kanha National Park, Pench National Park, Andhari Tadoba National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Nagarhole National Park and Periyar National Park. You can always read some useful tips for first time travel to India to help you manage your safari holidays.

Tanzania

Tanzania’s diversity of wildlife and stunning landscapes offer a deadly combination that is hard to overlook. If you are looking for safari destinations that can get you some insanely beautiful pictures you can pack your camera gear and head here. There is no shortage of national parks in Tanzania and therefore you can enjoy excellent safari experiences at the Serengeti National Park which is home to The Great Migration. Apart from Serengeti, you can also have some excellent safari tours at Ngorongoro Conservation Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park, Katavi National Park, Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks.

Zambia

If you prefer to head to places where you can stay away from the crowds then you need to head to Zambia for some quality safari experiences. This country has quickly become one of the top destinations for safari holidays where you can get excellent big game viewing experiences, luxurious lodges and accommodations and the best guides to help you know more about the landscape around you. Zambia is home to the spectacular Victoria Falls which attracts a large chunk of visitors globally. However, if you are interested in wildlife experiences you can head to South Luangwa National Park and Kafue National Park where you can head for some game drives and even do walking safaris. When you are heading for Zambia make sure you pack the right clothing for your safari trip. You can also go canoe safari in the Lower Zambezi river where you can find large herds of antelope and top predators lurking in the shadows to hunt.

Romania

While the safari experience in Romania is poles apart from that of African safaris but you can still explore Romania’s Danube Delta and the Carpathian Mountains which allow you to explore the virgin wildlife of the country. It is one of the few countries in the world where you can see the almost extinct European bison, wild horses, Dalmatian pelicans and the notoriously shy Eurasian lynx. Romania is also home to many birds that live and migrate in this part of the region. Here you can go on safari in Retezat National Park, Buila Vanturarita National Park, Calimani National Park, Muntii Rodnei National Park, Cheile Nerei – Beusnita National Park and Danube Delta.

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Ten things to keep in mind before Embarking on an African safari

Africa - Ross French - October 15, 2022

An African safari is considered to be one of the most coveted wildlife experiences of its kind, but there are certain rules and regulations to be kept in mind in order to make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

So before you pack your bags, insect repellent and loads of sunscreen, a bit of planning needs to be done. Ask yourself these ten important questions, while making the travel arrangements for something you might have been dreaming of since childhood. Continue Reading

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Choosing The Best Time Of Year To Holiday In Tanzania

Africa - Ross French - November 7, 2020

A safari can be a magical experience where you get to enjoy seeing native African animals in their natural habitat. There are many different types of animals that you get to see on a safari.

Choosing the best time of year to go can have a significant impact on the success of your trip. There are many different factors you will need to consider. Some of which are listed below, which will help you to select the best time of year for you to go on your dream safari. Continue Reading

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Top Destinations for Safari in Africa

Africa - Ross French - June 10, 2016

Imagine a lion and a buffalo fighting with all their strength in the bank of a waterhole, herds of elephants strolling through an endless grass plain, or a giant male gorilla staring into your eyes as if he is indeed acknowledging your existence.

A safari in Africa is not just a trip but an experience of a lifetime.

While national parks in Tanzania are often famous, here we list some of the best national parks in Africa, all guaranteeing an excellent safari experience.

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Maasai Mara National Reserve – Kenya

Kenya’s finest national park, Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to an amazing concentration of wildlife, with popular predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs found in abundance.

The major attraction of this place though is the annual great migration of over 3 million animals, including over 2 million wildebeest, 350,000 zebra, and thousands of various types of gazelle.

Highlights:

-The Great Migration

-Abundance of African lions, African leopards and Cheetahs

-Interaction with the Maasai tribe

Best season to go:

-July to October

Lake Nakuru National Park – Kenya

Flamingos_at_lake_Nakuru

Lake Nakuru National Park hosts Lake Nakuru, a part of the Great Rift Valley Lake System. The lake is full of alkaline water and it attracts thousands of birds, especially flamingos, in search of a special kind of algae that grows in the lake.

Along with flamingos, Lake Nakuru National Park is home to 450 bird species, many of which are easily spotted, which is why this place is called a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Highlights:

-Thousands of pelicans and pink flamingos

-Very easy to spot wildlife around the lakes

Best season to go:

-January to February

Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Tanzania

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is famous for being home to the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest volcanic caldera formed about two million years ago. The Ngorongoro Crater has the most natural wildlife setting in the world because it has not been disturbed by human settlement, largely because it is surrounded by the 610 metres (2,000 feet) high crater walls.

Voted as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, the Ngorongoro Crater is arguably the best place for game viewing in Africa.

Highlights:

-Densest concentration of wildlife in the world

-High chance of spotting the Big Five (African Lion, African Elephant, African Leopard, Rhinoceros, African Buffalo)

Best Season to go:

-June to October

Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

Serengeti-African-Elephants

Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous safari destinations in Africa. Along with its vast area and a huge concentration of wildlife, this national park is also one of the hosts to the Great Migration, an annual event where more than 3 million animals migrate from North to South in search of grassland and water.

Highlights:

-The Great Migration

-Home to some of the largest Nile crocodiles

-Watching hundreds of different species of animals and birds

Best Season to go:

-June to October

Kruger National Park – South Africa

Kruger National Park is Africa’s oldest established national park. With good paved roads, a range of accommodation options available, and wheelchair accessibility in most of the lodges, this is also the best maintained park in all of Africa.

Despite the accessibility to the national park, the wilderness of the place is not lost and you can still enjoy great game drives.

Highlights:

-Frequent spotting of animals like lions, giraffe, buffalo, leopard, elephant and kudu

-Private game reserves available

-Over 255 archaeological sites within the park

Best Season to go

-April to September

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – UgandaVirunga_Mountain_Gorilla_1

Home to half of the world’s population of the endangered mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gives you a unique experience to watch the mountain gorillas up close.

Highlights:

-Tracking gorillas to watch them in their natural setting

-Over 120 mammal species

-Over 1000 flowering plant species

Best Season to go:

-June to August

-December to February

The Duba Plains – Botswana

The Duba Plains is one of the Okavango Delta’s most remote camps. It is known for the clashes between buffaloes and lions during the day which is unusual because lions generally hunt during the night.

If you are interested to see lions in action, this is the best place to visit in Africa.

Highlights:

-One of the best lion viewing game drives in Africa

-Lions hunting buffaloes and other animals during the day

-Highly exclusive because of its remote location

Best season to visit:

-May to November

Zambezi Valley – Zambia

The Zambezi valley is host to Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba. With Zambezi river flowing through the park, this is one of the best places for canoe safari. The lower Zambezi also includes a World Heritage Site at Mana Pools.

Highlights:

-Canoe safari

-Fishing options available

Best season to visit:

-May to early November

Etosha National Park – Namibia

A salt pan covers a large area of Etosha National Park, and it appears to be barren most of the time, but is home to more than 110 mammal species and 340 bird species.

Spotting wildlife is very easy in this place since most of the animals gather up at the waterholes. You may get a chance to see not just one or two but hundreds of animals at once.

Highlights:

-Common sightings of elephants, giraffes, leopards and lions

-More than 340 species of bird

Best season to go:

-May to October

Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe

Lion-hwange

Hwange National Park is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe, and hosts over 100 mammal and 400 bird species. With accommodations available in three large camps over the area, a trip to Hwange National Park guarantees an excellent safari experience.

Highlights:

-One of the largest population of African elephant

-Other commonly found animals include wild dog, lion, leopard, and cheetah

Best season to visit:

-July to October

If you’re into wildlife, nature, and the sheer rawness of Africa, a safari in Africa is highly recommended, particularly if you’re visiting one of the above mentioned national parks. A trip to the local zoo will never get close to the real thrill and ecstatic feeling it is to see a wild lion or leopard in its natural habitat, Africa.

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