African adventure offers a range of activities
By Jacinta Blundell, HelloWorld Travel
The African continent has long been the fascination of many explorers through the centuries.
54 countries make up this intense land and creates a cultural melting pot that dates to the beginning of time, however with over 268 National Parks and too many private game reserves to tally – the first thing that comes to mind when mentioning Africa is the animals!
We are asked so many questions when our clients are starting to think of a Safari holiday.
This is where your trusted travel advisor comes in and helps you navigate the best African holiday for you!
Did you know that when you are on safari in a National Park, you must be in an enclosed vehicle? And stay to the roads/tracks where possible? The only places you can travel around in those amazing open top jeeps and go a little off the beaten track are in private game reserves.
Did you know that there is something called The Great Migration? This is where millions of wildebeest and their symbiotic zebra friends continually circle the Serengeti and Maasai Mara (located in Tanzania and Kenya) chasing the green grass after the rains.
One of the most spectacular sites during this process is where they cross the Mara River – which usually occurs mid August onwards – and is a breathtaking site to witness! One of the most amazing vantage points to watch the animals en masse is from a hot air balloon – what a magical moment as you silently float over the animals as they meander their way along their trail.
If the Big 5 is on your bucket list, while there are plenty of parks that give you the opportunity to view Elephant, Buff alo, Rhinoceros, Lion and Leopard, I personally have had the best luck in Kruger National Park (and its surrounding private reserves).
So how to Safari? You can certainly be as close to grassroots as you prefer, however here are a few “comfort” options to consider – mobile glamping tents that follow the herd, or luxury lodges that allow you to enjoy a G&T as an antelope or giraffe wanders on past your private pool, or even from a luxury houseboat as you float through the National Park watching the antics of the baby elephants along the shore.
A live aboard train may also be how you prefer to watch the scenery. These all have their benefits in their own ways, and, again, comes down to what you wish to get from your Safari holiday. We often recommend a mix of a few different variations to allow you the fullest of experiences. You can also incorporate some other highlights which may be close by on your itinerary.
Maybe a helicopter over the “smoke that thunders” Victoria Falls is often a mid point add on between safaris, where you can be involved in as many or as little activities you prefer!
If wine piques your interest, Cape Town and its surrounding vineyards are a huge highlight – or if you just haven’t spent enough time with animals – the cutest of fairy penguins reside close by, or participate in a shark dive if you prefer!
If beaches are your thing, Mozambique is famous for its long white sandy shores and amazing dive sites, or Zanzibar, a little further up the coast is an easy beach add on to your Tanzania safari. While you are in the area, Mt Kilimanjaro is on many a hikers list , with numerous multi day treks to conquer Africa’s tallest peak!
Or if you would prefer to hike for animals, heading into the Rwanda or Uganda forest to spot a family of gorillas – really is the ultimate of safari experiences!
As you can see, this continent is as diverse as you want to be as a traveller.
You really can choose between a pyramid or a penguin, a white sandy beach or a wildebeest! Reach out to chat to us for your next African adventure – we would love to hear from you! Call: 07 5495 5833
