Which Country should you Choose for Your First African Safari?
Your first African Safari can be daunting. The country, the weather, the food, and the language are all vastly different. Below I have highlighted my best tips for choosing the right country to get started with your first African Safari.
Why should you listen to me? I live in East Africa and have done so for over twenty years. I have traveled through all the major safari parks and most of the minor ones! I have been on luxury game drives where I was flown by helicopter to the lodge, and I have also walked with my tent in a rucksack, so I have seen the sights and done the deeds and know what you can expect from all of the best safari parks across Sub-Saharan East Africa.
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When you are planning your first African Safari the country is very important. Some countries have a well-developed safari scene and others are just starting out. Some maintain their parks’ safety and security very well and others are a little wanting. If it is your first time to plan and book an African Safari, then I have listed below my favourites with their pros and cons.
The word ‘safari’ in Kiswahili means a journey.
Kenya was the birthplace of the modern Safari. Nowhere in Africa is there such a well-established infrastructure to cater to you and your party. There are hundreds of lodges, from budget to luxury, to choose from all run with professional well well-trained staff. Kenya has hosted many of the most famous safari enthusiasts over the years and is well enough developed to ensure your stay is wonderful.
Animals-In Kenya you are virtually guaranteed to see the big five. However, you will have to travel from park to park, but the Kenyan Safari Companies have mastered the logistics of moving around and the modern roads are excellent. The main safari circuit takes in the most popular parks, Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru these are all in the Rift Valley area. Other parks such as Tsavo East and West and Samburu are also becoming more popular as they develop.
The only real downside of the Kenyan safari is Nairobi. Although the government has worked hard on the roads in Nairobi there are always snarl-ups. But once you are on the open road it is mostly clear driving on decent tarmac to the park gates.
If you have time an extraordinarily well-stocked park is right on the outskirts of Nairobi. As you leave the airport you might spot the odd giraffe or zebra in the distance!
Tanzania is very similar to Kenya. The language is mostly Kiswahili, although Kenya has adopted English as its second language whereas in Tanzania you are more likely to speak Kiswahili. The capital city of Tanzania is Dar-es-Salaam, and this is where you will probably land. Unfortunately, Dar is a long way from the parks, so get ready for a full day in the car, or an extra flight to take you to the bigger game parks. The infrastructure in Tanzania is not well developed but it is getting there. You will find some wonderful lodges from budget to luxury. And the views in Serengeti are to die for. Although the entry rates for the parks in Tanzania are higher than the norm, the cost of living is lower, so it will probably even out in the end. Tanzania has a well-trodden safari circuit that is safe and well-known and a great introduction to African safaris in general. Serengeti National Park is unforgettable with Ngorongoro crater a close second and almost a step back in time. If you have the time, a trip to Moshi to see Mt. Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa is a great break from your safari. A two-week African safari in Tanzania is a great way to meet lots of friendly people and fall in love with the continent.
There are some world-class safari sites in the west of Tanzania where you can see the chimps, but they are a lot further out and it may be a good idea to leave the chimps for when you get more experienced.
South Africa has a burgeoning African safari industry. They have taken a slightly different approach to safaris and the industry is largely private, so you will be entering a park that is not run by the government. These parks can be wonderful, but you are leaving yourself open to an unregulated industry. I have noticed that on a South African safari, you can get uncomfortably close to wild animals. This is usually fine; however, it always must be remembered that these animals are top-level predators, and you are on the menu! So just take care.
You can also combine your African safari with a wonderful wine tour around Cape Town.
Kruger National Park is a terrific place to visit to get acquainted with an African safari and you are guaranteed the big five, (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). Especially the rhino which is harder to see in most parks due to massive poaching.
The only difficulties are flying into Johannesburg which has a reputation for crime and the general unrest seen in South Africa over the years. However, if you book a reputable safari company you will be fine. I always find South Africa, not the real Africa as it has been westernized in my opinion. I would always go for a more sub-Saharan location.
Namibia is marketed as the best beginner’s location for an African safari. The prices are good, as they cater to the South African clientele. Consequently, Namibia is a fine choice for your first African adventure. For the wildlife head to Etosha National Park you will see plenty of wildlife and get great accommodation. The road infrastructure is also adequate for a four-wheel drive vehicle. There are some excellent private reserves such as Okonjima and Erindi which are intimate and excellent for first timers. You can also combine your safari with a great fishing holiday on the coast or visit the seal colonies along the Skeleton coast to see different a type of wildlife.
The main drawback with Namibia is you will spend a lot of time in the car or must pay for extra flights. The distances between the parks or back to the coast are big, to say the least. But if money is no object several carriers will fly you from park to park and back to the beach!
This is one of the best and most upcoming African Safari locations. The infrastructure of Botswana is constantly improving, and they have a great paved road system. Botswana is one of the wealthiest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with a very low population. The Kalahari is on your doorstep which is a bucket list item for many safari enthusiasts. The Okavango Delta has been at the center of many recent wildlife T.V. series and has an abundance of wildlife. The country is a pleasure to travel in with good roads, low crime, few large cities, and a well-organized African safari industry.
The only drawback with a safari in Botswana is the cost. The government has tried to avoid the pitfalls that have hit many of the other countries and kept a close rein over any company wanting to open a safari company. The government is aiming at a low-volume, low-impact, high-cost safari industry. This means you need deep pockets to go to Botswana these days.
I love to hear from people planning their first or second African Safari and am always willing to offer any assistance I can. Just drop me a line at [email protected].
Don’t forget to grab the William Brody Thriller series as a great introduction to life in Africa. You will thank me for it!
Steve Braker
www.stevebrakerbooks.com Books about Africa written in Africa.
Other articles you might be interested in:
Top Tips for the Perfect African Safari Vehicle.
Top Ten Tips for a Perfect African Safari
