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6 African Safari Holidays You Can’t Miss

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An African safari offers a unique twist to any getaway. An opportunity to connect with nature and experience things you cannot find anywhere else in the world. Watch wildebeest migrating in the thousands, lions on the hunt, and elephants playing together in the river. 

We’ve put together the very best African safari holidays to try now. Whether you’re looking for a budget safari experience or a luxury stay, these holidays will leave you with some of the best memories of your life. 

Touring national parks is also a great way to experience local cultures and landscapes, and give back to the community you’re in. You simply can’t go wrong.

Serengeti National Park

This Tanzanian game reserve is famous for its annual migration of wildebeest and zebra. With thousands of animals making the trek each year in search of greener pastures (or grassy plains), there’s nothing quite like it. 

The migration takes place around November to December every year – but you can track the herd and determine when to go.

The Serengeti is also wonderful to visit over the rest of the year. The river is full of crocodiles, the vast plains of grass are uniquely beautiful, and there are so many animals to spot.

Enjoy the untouched wilderness and learn about the ecosystem that thrives here.

Kruger National Park

At almost 2-million hectares, this massive game reserve is one of Africa’s biggest and most famous. It’s the best place for you to find Southern Africa’s Big 5: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos!

This national park is dense with animals who roam freely. There’s such a diverse range of species here – mostly mammals and birds. A safari through the park will bring you into contact with any number of wild animals, from lions to eagles.

The park is also so large that you’ll find a landscape as diverse as the animals. South Africa is world-renowned for its diverse flora, and you’ll find much of it here. Bush plains (known in South Africa as veld), impressive mountains, and thick forests can all be found here – with the indigenous animals to match.

You don’t only have to see the game by car. There are many guided wildlife walks you can join, and a big variety of safari options – encouraging people to return year after year.

Okavango Delta Safari

For a very different kind of safari, take to the wetlands of Botswana. This large inland delta sets the scene for some magnificent experiences, all on the water.

Your safari will be in a local dugout canoe, which you’ll glide in through the delta channels. Witness lion, cheetah, and African wild dog among others, from a new perspective. This safari holiday is ideal for those who have gone on a few safaris before, and are looking for something new!

Of course, you can also take walking safaris in the area – or even a hot air balloon ride over the marshes and channels. 

You can camp here, and embark on self-guided safaris. Or, you can go in for a more luxury holiday and stay at one of the incredible lodges, with combo safari tours. The Okavango is suited to every kind of holiday traveller.

Volcanoes National Park

If you’re looking to go on a more in-depth safari, consider gorilla trekking in Rwanda. 

This national park encompasses five different volcanoes and a beautiful landscape of rainforest. Searching for families of gorillas in this lush wilderness is a once in a lifetime experience, and one you can only have in Africa.

There are a number of tour groups you can join, but be sure to join an ethically run experience. These tours should never include attempting to touch or feed the gorillas and should ensure the safety and sanctity of their natural habitat. 

These are wild creatures, and we want them to remain that way for many generations to come. Your best bet is the National Park itself, although you may find other tours cheaper.

In addition to the endangered gorillas, you’ll find golden monkeys, buffaloes, and hyena. You can also visit some of the surrounding villages, where communities live much as they have for thousands of years.

Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park

The biggest draw to this Zambian park is the mighty Victoria Falls. The world’s largest waterfall is an impressive spectacle and one that can be experienced in a variety of ways!

Adventure activities make this safari holiday the perfect place to bring the whole family. There will be loads for everyone to do. You can go on a walking or 4×4 safari of the national park, where the lack of predators leads to a very relaxed bunch of animals. Spot zebra, giraffe, hippos, crocodile, warthog, and rhino, among others.

The next day, you can take to the sky, bungee jumping off the bridge and falling with the Vic Falls’ vast curtain of water. Or, take to the water as you enjoy canoeing and white river rafting. There won’t be a moment of boredom. It’s a relatively small park, but with so much going on, you won’t mind at all.

Maasai Mara

Located in Kenya, Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s greatest game reserves. The wildebeest migration from the Serengeti ends here (and of course, starts here too, as the wildebeest need to migrate both ways).

This is a great year-round destination, and there’s always a lot to enjoy. It’s one of the best safari holiday destinations to view the big cats, and you’re guaranteed to spot cheetahs and lions, among many other amazing animals.

The reserve belongs to the Maasai people, who you will have an opportunity to meet. Experience their long-standing way of life and visit their unique villages. Learn about their symbiotic relationship with the animals that surround them.

The grassy landscape undulates, rich with flora and fauna you can find nowhere else. It’s much better than the Serengeti, but with a more impressive density of life.

Conclusion

These unforgettable safari holiday destinations are the perfect way to unwind and experience nature. Whether you go trekking in Uganda or watch the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti or Kenya – you’ll experience magnificence found nowhere else.

Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes and your camera. You’ll want both on every day of your trip! We also recommend reading up on cultural norms and safety tips for each country – it’s always good to be prepared. 

Now all you need to do is pick your perfect safari and book your flights. You could even go on a great African adventure and tick them all off your bucket list. SafariFRANK will help you turn your vacation into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Whatever you choose to do, be prepared for beauty and nature in abundance.

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