If you’ve already experienced the magic of an African safari, you may well have caught the ‘safari bug’ and be planning to return. A safari is a transformative experience – the ultimate way to connect with nature offering awe-inspiring wildlife encounters, wide open spaces, sights, smells and sounds unique to the continent, and of course those stunning African sunsets. Once you’ve experienced Africa, it calls you back. But with such diversity of landscapes, wildlife and experiences, it’s not surprising that one of the questions we are asked most frequently is “where should we go next”?
Over a two-part blog series, we will look at answering that very question. Here in Part 1 we suggest the best destinations for those who have experienced Africa just the once and would like to return; or for those who have now enjoyed a few safaris and are keen to know which destinations they’ve yet to explore that mustn’t be missed. Whilst safari destination choices are always very personal and dependent on individual preferences and priorities, here are our top recommendations for where to travel on your next safari.
WE HAVE HAD A TASTE OF SAFARI, AND WE WANT TO GO AGAIN!
Everyone’s Africa journey begins with an initial safari, maybe for just a few days as part of a longer trip, and it’s likely that this first experience took place in one of the more accessible, popular safari regions such as South Africa, Kenya or northern Tanzania. These destinations offer some of the best big game viewing in Africa, with almost guaranteed sightings of Africa’s most iconic species. South Africa is Africa’s most sophisticated tourist destination and the amazing ‘big five’ game viewing is often coupled with high levels of accommodation comfort. In contrast, East Africa’s Kenya and Tanzania feel more wild and authentic, even if visiting high end properties, and generally offer a less manicured version of Africa.
Where you should go on a second safari will therefore depend on where you have been first time round. If you started in South Africa, an obvious suggestion for a second safari would be to see the open plains of East Africa. Simply travelling to Kenya or Tanzania will feel like a totally new adventure – even disembarking the aircraft into the warm and scented East African air will immediately feel more ‘tropical’!
Masai Mara, Kenya
Kenya’s Masai Mara offers some of Africa’s best game viewing
In particular, Kenya’s Masai Mara is a magical haven for wildlife, combining incredible game viewing with beautiful scenery, warm hospitality, authentic culture and on the most part, excellent value for money. Specifically known for its big herds and big cats, the Masai Mara is easy to combine with other regions in Kenya (especially the private game conservancies of Ol Pejeta and Lewa Borana in the Laikipia region), whilst it is also easily possible to reach the stunning beaches of the Indian Ocean for some relaxation after a Masai Mara safari.
Serengeti, Tanzania
Tanzania’s legendary Serengeti offers genuine ‘wow factor’
In northern Tanzania the Serengeti National Park forms part of the same open plains ecosystem as the Masai Mara, but in fact covers a much larger area. The scenery is breath-taking, and there is a real sense of scale to this epic landscape. However, northern Tanzania can feel slightly commercial at times, and prices are generally a little higher than Kenya for a similar level of hospitality. The Serengeti is often visited in combination with the famous Ngorongoro Crater, a busy but incredible wildlife location, and it is also easy to head from the Serengeti to the exotic beaches of Zanzibar.
To read more about these wonderful safari regions, head to Mary’s blog comparing the Serengeti and Masai Mara.
Beyond the open plains of East AfricA
If you enjoyed your first taste of safari by visiting Kenya’s Masai Mara or Tanzania’s Serengeti, then there are a few different options to consider. One option would be to head down to South Africa to experience something completely different, both in safari terms and holiday content. Perhaps combine a big game safari with a visit to Cape Town or Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/ Zambia), or even with Mauritius or Mozambique for some beach relaxation. Alternatively, you could re-visit East Africa, especially if you really loved the open plains experience and wanted to see a different part of the eco-system. Kenya and Tanzania are ultimately different countries and can offer very different experiences.
If, however, you’re looking for something a bit different and perhaps a little more adventurous or exclusive this time round, then keep reading as below we cover some of the best places to put on your list. If you are looking for something very remote and specialist, you will need to wait for Part 2 of our blog series, which will feature inspiration for those who have already covered many of the traditional big game regions.
WE HAVE BEEN ON A FEW SAFARIS NOW, AND LOVE IT!
If you’re starting to get into your stride having experienced a few different safari adventures, then you are most likely at the stage where you’re asking yourselves “where haven’t we been that needs to be seen?” Here is our shortlist of key safari areas not to be missed, looking beyond South Africa, Kenya and northern Tanzania.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Paradise on earth – wild, exclusive, beautiful and bursting with wildlife
For many wildlife lovers, Botwana’s Okavango Delta is about as pure, wild and pristine as you can comfortably enjoy on this planet. With no habitation and almost non-existent infrastructure (a couple of dirt roads and several bush airstrips) across 20,000 square kms of wildlife-filled African wilderness, the Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most mesmerizing highlights, previously described as the ‘Jewel of the Kalahari’. The Okavango is carefully managed to prevent crowding, with much of the area split into private concessions which offer varied activities and very exclusive experiences. Access to safari camps is almost entirely by light aircraft or helicopter, adding to the remote and secluded feel. It is however easy to combine the Okavango Delta with other safari areas in Botswana, such as the Linyanti, Central Kalahari, Makgadikgadi Pans and Chobe, or visit the iconic Victoria Falls (on the Zimbabwe/ Zambia border) either before or after your Botswana safari.
For more details see our recent blog the amazing experiences available in the Okavango Delta or watch our short film One Week in the Okavango Delta.
South Luangwa, Zambia
Authentic, wild and untamed African wilderness
Zambia has the reputation of being the country that safari enthusiasts will often return to, because it offers such an authentic, wild and raw safari adventure.
South Luangwa National Park has traditionally been Zambia’s premier wildlife region, a vast and beautiful wilderness along the banks of the dynamic Luangwa River. South Luangwa is especially known for adventurous walking safaris, amazing leopard viewing, excellent photographic opportunities and intimate bush camps with very personal hospitality. There are plenty of luxurious accommodation options too, though the destination will always retain a remote and authentic feel. Access is easiest from Lusaka, and South Luangwa combines very well with a visit to Zambia’s Lower Zambezi and/or North Luangwa.
Lower Zambezi, Zambia
Stunning scenery and incredible game viewing
Lower Zambezi is one of Africa’s most scenic destinations, sitting on the northern banks of the mighty Zambezi River which forms the border with Zimbabwe. The river offers a stunning backdrop to game drives that meander through the winter thorn forests and riverine floodplains, and also provides the opportunity for boat cruises, canoeing and fishing. Game viewing is intense, from hippo and elephants to leopard and wild dogs, and the birdlife is gorgeous. Night drives are often exciting, with certain areas being excellent for aardvark sightings. Access is easy from Lusaka, and the park combines very well with a visits to South Luangwa or Kafue.
For more information see our recent Lower Zambezi blog or watch our short film on Africa’s Secret Paradise.
Hwange, Zimbabwe
Raw wilderness with some of the best elephant viewing in Africa
Hwange National Park is an extensive wilderness area on the edge of the Kalahari basin in north-west Zimbabwe, just a short flight (or two-and-a-half-hour drive) south of Victoria Falls. Hwange has a raw, wild feel and is home to a large population of elephants which can be seen up close in good numbers during the dry season, relying on water holes throughout the park and in front of camps. The habitat predominantly varies between mopane woodland, open grassland, and sections of dense teak woodland, and being on the edge of the Kalahari basin there is an arid feel to the landscape. Hwange can be combined with other areas in Zimbabwe, such as Matobo Hills, Matusadona and Mana Pools National Park, but it is also easy to combine Hwange and Victoria Falls with safaris in adjacent countries such as South Africa and Botswana.
To explore Hwange further, see Mary’s blog on Zimbabwe’s Iconic Wilderness.
Mana Pools, Zimbabwe
Magical scenery and fantastic wildlife viewing
Mana Pools National Park nestles between the Zambezi escarpment and the Zambezi River in north-east Zimbabwe, partially opposite Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park which occupies the north bank of the river. The park is naturally dominated by the Zambezi River and offers a very scenic experience with wonderful views across the river. Along the river there is a wide stretch of floodplain and open woodland that offers excellent wildlife viewing, and several camps offer water activities such as boating, canoeing and fishing. Away from the river, a number of remote water holes sustain life during the dry season and can provide superb water hole and ‘hide’ experiences. Mana Pools is also known for offering excellent walking safaris. Access is usually by air from Harare or Victoria Falls, and the park combines well with other key regions in Zimbabwe such as Hwange and Matusadona National Parks.
Ruaha, Tanzania
A harsh wilderness with exclusive big game viewing
Ruaha National Park is a relatively lesser-known safari destination in southern Tanzania which offers a fantastic all round wildlife and wilderness experience. Big scenery, lots of space, excellent game viewing and just a handful of boutique safari camps and lodges make Ruaha a very special and pretty exclusive experience. Remote walking safaris are also possible here. The park is dominated by the Greater Ruaha River and is known for its majestic baobab trees that dot the rugged landscape. Access is usually by air from Dar es Salaam and Ruaha makes a great combination with Nyerere National Park which is also in southern Tanzania. It is also easy to include a few days relaxation on Zanzibar after a southern Tanzania safari.
To read more about Ruaha, see Kelly’s recent blog on Tanzania’s Hidden Wilderness
CONTACT US TO START PLANNING YOUR NEXT SAFARI ADVENTURE
We hope the above has provided some inspiration for where you could safari next. However, this blog can never cover all the possible options. If we haven’t covered your specific interests, we’re full of ideas and first-hand experience and would be delighted to discuss what you have in mind, or what type of experience you are looking for.
Contact our expert travel team on +44 (0) 1787 888590 or reach out via our Contact us page.
