What is a Safari?
Safari - the word itself comes to us from Swahili, with an Arabic origin - means journey, and is now very much associated with an African Holiday, with the emphasis on wildlife viewing.
The modern use may have originally been associated with hunting trips in East Africa, but now encompasses the Photographic Safari, even if you can’t take particularly good pictures, or just prefer to be out an about enjoying the natural beauty of Africa.
It is mainly to East and Southern Africa that visitors turn, when looking for their African Safari experience… with the almost bewildering selection of places to visit; accommodation types (and costs); experiences on offer.
Then there is the wildlife – the iconic African species: lion, elephant, zebra, giraffe, rhino (both black and white) and a vast array of antelope, not to mention buffalo and crocodile. Documentaries may have brought all of these closer to home, but nothing actually compares to that first game drive, when you are face to trunk with a herd of elephant, or are being sized-up by a lion or two.
Better still is the breath-taking moment on foot, when your guide indicates the presence of a rhino, buffalo or elephant – hopefully suitably far away to excite your interest, and not so close that you are suddenly acutely aware of the ratio of large trees to the number of people in your party…!
So, where to go? When to go? What experiences do you want from your African Safari?
For many it is the famous bulk of Kilimanjaro rising out of the plain, the ‘land that time forgot’ image of the Ngorongoro Crater, the Smoke that Thunders (Mosi-oa-Tunya) of the cataract at Victoria Falls, the seemingly endless expanses of the Serengeti, or Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans. Africa is truly a vast and diverse continent.
It is precisely because of this diversity that Venture To Africa specialises in the Southern African countries of Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique and South Africa…and even then, the choices are extensive......
A modern African Safari, whilst still emphasising the wildlife, and pristine nature of an area, can be enjoyed in a number of ways, many of which vary depending upon the area.
You might like the idea of flying between the Lodges and Camps in a light aircraft – this cuts out on the overall travelling time, and allows for some spectacular views, and even some great game viewing. This is particularly the case in much of Botswana, Zambia and, increasingly, Namibia. Aircraft vary from C206 or C210 (5 passengers), to the C208 (Caravan, seating 10 generally) and, in Botswana, Airvans (7 passengers).
The ‘traditional’ concept of a tented, overland (or mobile) safari is still a very popular option. Many Mobile Safari companies offer a choice of ‘accommodation’… all tented, from the 2.4m x 2.4m dome tent, with a comfortable bed, to the ‘Meru’ style, with proper beds, en suite facilities (shower, basin, flush toilet). These are small groups of 8 or so guests, with an excellent guide and camp staff. Catering is creative, and frequently rivals that offered at luxury lodges.
You can travel on a set itinerary from as little as 3 days to as many as 14 days, or more. You could be part of a small group, on your own, or travel as a group of friends/ family.
The distances between campsites may not necessarily be great, but it can still take all day – due to road conditions, or the wildlife encountered along the way. This is an African safari at a more leisurely pace, and often allows for travel to some more out of the way places.
You might also been keen to try a self-drive option…particularly popular in Namibia and South Africa, which also allows you time to visit areas of natural beauty, historical centres, Game Reserves and National Parks. Car Rental vehicles vary, and a 4x4 is not always necessary, unless you wish to brave Botswana, where off road experience is highly recommended.
The modern use may have originally been associated with hunting trips in East Africa, but now encompasses the Photographic Safari, even if you can’t take particularly good pictures, or just prefer to be out an about enjoying the natural beauty of Africa.
It is mainly to East and Southern Africa that visitors turn, when looking for their African Safari experience… with the almost bewildering selection of places to visit; accommodation types (and costs); experiences on offer.
Then there is the wildlife – the iconic African species: lion, elephant, zebra, giraffe, rhino (both black and white) and a vast array of antelope, not to mention buffalo and crocodile. Documentaries may have brought all of these closer to home, but nothing actually compares to that first game drive, when you are face to trunk with a herd of elephant, or are being sized-up by a lion or two.
Better still is the breath-taking moment on foot, when your guide indicates the presence of a rhino, buffalo or elephant – hopefully suitably far away to excite your interest, and not so close that you are suddenly acutely aware of the ratio of large trees to the number of people in your party…!
So, where to go? When to go? What experiences do you want from your African Safari?
For many it is the famous bulk of Kilimanjaro rising out of the plain, the ‘land that time forgot’ image of the Ngorongoro Crater, the Smoke that Thunders (Mosi-oa-Tunya) of the cataract at Victoria Falls, the seemingly endless expanses of the Serengeti, or Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans. Africa is truly a vast and diverse continent.
It is precisely because of this diversity that Venture To Africa specialises in the Southern African countries of Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique and South Africa…and even then, the choices are extensive......
A modern African Safari, whilst still emphasising the wildlife, and pristine nature of an area, can be enjoyed in a number of ways, many of which vary depending upon the area.
You might like the idea of flying between the Lodges and Camps in a light aircraft – this cuts out on the overall travelling time, and allows for some spectacular views, and even some great game viewing. This is particularly the case in much of Botswana, Zambia and, increasingly, Namibia. Aircraft vary from C206 or C210 (5 passengers), to the C208 (Caravan, seating 10 generally) and, in Botswana, Airvans (7 passengers).
The ‘traditional’ concept of a tented, overland (or mobile) safari is still a very popular option. Many Mobile Safari companies offer a choice of ‘accommodation’… all tented, from the 2.4m x 2.4m dome tent, with a comfortable bed, to the ‘Meru’ style, with proper beds, en suite facilities (shower, basin, flush toilet). These are small groups of 8 or so guests, with an excellent guide and camp staff. Catering is creative, and frequently rivals that offered at luxury lodges.
You can travel on a set itinerary from as little as 3 days to as many as 14 days, or more. You could be part of a small group, on your own, or travel as a group of friends/ family.
The distances between campsites may not necessarily be great, but it can still take all day – due to road conditions, or the wildlife encountered along the way. This is an African safari at a more leisurely pace, and often allows for travel to some more out of the way places.
You might also been keen to try a self-drive option…particularly popular in Namibia and South Africa, which also allows you time to visit areas of natural beauty, historical centres, Game Reserves and National Parks. Car Rental vehicles vary, and a 4x4 is not always necessary, unless you wish to brave Botswana, where off road experience is highly recommended.
