11 reasons why an African safari should be on your bucket list

There is nothing quite like an African safari. Enjoying the sunrise every morning, watching animals in their natural habitat, and drinking a G&T over the savannah as the sun goes down are all activities you can do on a daily basis. It is the wildlife, the landscape, and the people of Africa that make an African safari so special. Here are 11 reasons why an African safari should be on your bucket list. Banner image: Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

1. You reconnect with nature

2. You are continuously learning

A typical day on safari involves two game drives – one early morning and one late afternoon. During these drives, you will see an abundance of wildlife. From soaring eagles in the sky, to tiny dung beetles on the ground. While the main role of your safari guide is to spot the wildlife, they are also there to tell you about the individual species and behavior. These safari guides have so much knowledge about Africa and its wildlife, so during your safari, you will learn a monumental amount. Image: Namiri Plains

3. You make friends that last a lifetime

Each safari camp will have a team of safari guides, housekeeping staff, chefs, and managers. No matter which safari camp or lodge you stay in, the staff are so friendly and accommodating, that they will soon feel like family. Many of the staff are local, and enjoy sharing their culture, as well as learning about yours. Local communities will greet you with open arms and you will leave your safari in Africa with a full heart, and life-long friends. Image: Rekero Camp

4. You will take fantastic photographs

Whether you are an amateur or professional photographer, an African safari is one of the best types of trips to practice and produce exceptional photographs. There are a host of safari experiences you can do – whether you are hot air ballooning, on a boat safari, or on a game drive, wild animals are always a great subject for photography.

5 You experience the utmost luxury

While the term ‘safari camp’ does not sound too luxurious, these camps are in fact some of the most luxurious types of accommodation in the hospitality sector. While the exterior is usually canvassed, these safari lodges usually offer amenities such as free-standing baths, air conditioning, king-size beds, private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and more. Staying in a safari camp is a unique experience as you can fall asleep in comfortable beds while hearing lions roar and hyenas laugh in the distance. Image; Sable Alley

6. You see animals in their natural habitat

It is difficult to explain just how rewarding and wholesome it is to see animals in their natural habitat. A safari allows you to see the animals in their natural habitat – eating, hunting, stalking, and sleeping. The trained guides know exactly how close to get (in a safari vehicle, boat, or on foot) to make sure that you can get a fantastic view, as well as undisturbing the animals. Image: Rekero Camp, Kenya

7. You can be part of history

Sadly, there are species in Africa (and across the world) that are on the verge of extinction. For example, there are only two northern white rhinos left in the world today. These are both female rhinos (named Najin and Fatu) and can be seen in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. While their numbers are on the rise, there are only around 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild today. These can be seen in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These national parks are protected, and visiting them and these vulnerable species is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

8. It’s great for multi-generational families

A safari is one of the few holidays that offer something for everybody, no matter the age. For young children, we would recommend South Africa as a safari destination because there are malaria-free national parks. For older children, somewhere like Kenya, Botswana, or Tanzania are fantastic options, and we can arrange safari lodges that accommodate large families. You will also have your own safari guide, who will become part of the family! Image: Ol Pejeta Conservancy

9. You can combine a city break or other experiences

The beauty of an African safari is that each country offers a different experience. There are many safari destinations to choose from – East African savannahs, Uganda’s forest, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and the Namibian desert to name a few. With this in mind, we can shape your safari to suit your needs and wants. If you are looking to combine a city break, with some excellent food and wine experiences, then a South Africa safari is a fantastic option. Combining a South African safari with the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town makes a very diverse holiday.

10. Witness iconic moments like the Great Migration

During a Tanzania safari or a Kenya safari, you can see one of the most iconic events on Earth. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by approximately 200,000 zebras migrate across the plains of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, and the Masai Mara in Kenya. They can be seen throughout the year (with the river crossings July-August, and the calving season between January-March being the most iconic), and no matter where you see them, it is a spectacle to remember.

11. It will leave you wanting more

Unlike some destinations, which you tick off and never return, a safari will leave you wanting more. It is one of those trips that you will go on, and instantly want to book another. The beauty of an African safari is that there are so many different destinations and options to choose from. East Africa and Southern Africa are very different in terms of safari style and experiences, and within each region, each country offers unique experiences. Our Africa specialists have traveled extensively across the continent, so they can talk to you about all of the different destinations and options. Image: Ol Pejeta Camp

Ready to start planning your next trip?

Contact our Africa safari specialist with over 10 years in the safari sector. Gemma loves planning intricate trips for our clients.

Please feel free to get in touch today.

In the meantime, please take a look at our 11 bucket-list Safaris in Africa.

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