In Swahili, the word safari means journey and is mainly aimed at hunting and exploring. Nowadays, however, the word safari is generally associated with adventure and the discovery of habitats and wildlife of the African land. And many people have experienced how truly remarkable an experience an African Safari can be in recent years.
An African safari can be undertaken in various ways, by driving throughout the African wildland or through fly-in safaris.
There are four basic types of safari through Africa:
- permanent tented safaris - mobile safaris - lodge safaris - theme-based safaris, such as canoing, elephant-back, horseback or honeymoon safaris
An African safari through Southern and Eastern Africa usually takes between 10 and twenty days.
There are a few things you should do to make sure your African safari is not only exciting, but also safe. While you are planning an African safari tour, it is highly recommended to choose a well-trained an experienced safari guide, or a local tour operator who is very familiar with local conditions and etiquette. You should also make sure all the essential things for the safari are included in the package, such as accommodation, meals, ground transportation, excursion, guide or driver service and transfers.
Some of the most popular African safari destinations are Okavango Delta, Cape Town and Winelands, Kruger Park and Sabi-Sands, Chobe Park, Namib Desert, Victoria Falls, Etosha Park, Mount Kenya, Bazaruto Archipelago, Ngorongoro Crate, Forest Gorilla Treks and Kilimanjaro Mountains. African weather conditions are generally good throughout the whole year, but autumn and winter are the best seasons for safaris.
You can undertake an African safari in various ways, such as on horseback or on the back of an elephant; walking, flying, ballooning or driving through the African land. Either way you choose to do it, you will get a truly memorable experience. Once again though, it is essential to choose a tour operator with a lot of experience, strong knowledge of the local language and great contacts in Africa.
The great thing about African safaris is you can choose from either a limited number of destinations to visit or depending on your budget, can see it all from top to bottom. So what are the most popular African safari destinations?
Serengeti
The Serengeti is a great year round destination. Tanzania has plenty of attractions but it's the Serengeti which provides Africa in all it's glory. Big cat lovers won't be disappointed whether it's lions, leopards or cheetahs you want to see but there is a multitude of wildlife on offer in this special part of the world.
Okavango Delta
Remember the "Jungle Jim" adventures. When you visit the Okavango Delta you'll feel like you are in another world. Why? This virtually untouched and untamed part of Africa provides safari lovers with just about everything they have dreamed of about deep and darkest Africa. From fauna to flora to water, the Okavango Delta has it all and quite literally, could satisfy all your safari requirements.
Kruger National Park
South Africa's Kruger National Park is a vast and spectacular piece of real estate. Wildlife abounds here but the great thing about this part of Africa is the variety it offers visitors. It's just about everyone's favorite African safari destination as there are endless types of safaris you can choose from. Whether you want to take a self-drive safari or a walking safari; or maybe get off the beaten track a little, Kruger National Park can provide the setting. Kruger has many well organised safari options and is an ideal destination for the whole family.
Masai Mara
Like the Serengeti, Kenya's Masai Mara is teeming with wildlife. Even better still, it has it's own unique appearance. The migration of wild beast during the second half of the year from the Serengeti could just about make "the wonders of the world" list and many veteran African safari seekers will make more than one trip to this part of Africa just to witness this spectacle.
Victoria Falls
Visiting Victoria Falls is like viewing a part of Heaven. The fact it's such a spectacular viewing experience is one thing but the more adventurous of us have the opportunity to try activities of a more daring nature. Victoria Falls combines everything nature has to offer in one convenient location and is a must see for students of photography.
These are just some of the many highlights an African safari has to offer. Seeing all five in one trip would be ideal but visiting just one or two of these areas will whet your appetite for more. Beware, it's addictive and the "danger" is you could very well become an African safari "junkie."
Dean Caporella has sinced written about articles on various topics from Parenting, Golf Guide and Surveys. Dean Caporella is a professional Journalist and Sportscaster who takes an interest in a wide variety of subjects. "You know," says Dean. "Africa is such an amazing place. Sure it has it's troublespots but it's one place in the world people would love to v. Dean Caporella's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.