African Safari Holidays
We are often asked what it is like on safari and what to expect...
A Typical Day on Safari
One of the most magical moments in the African bush is that moment before dawn, when the air is still cool, the birds and monkeys quiet and the primal calls of the night predators suggest that they have had a successful night's hunt. You awake and hurry to get dressed, eager with anticipation of the day ahead, and of what you might find when you set out on your early morning game-viewing. Although some lodges and camps now cater to those who wish to make a later start, serious wildlife enthusiasts are aware that on safari the early bird catches the worm! For it is now that the bush is most alive.
The birds begin to wake as the first rays of sun hit the tops of the acacia trees, the browsers and grazers are lively before the heat of the day causes them to seek shade, and the predators are still active - consuming the night's prey or still out hunting for a meal. It is now that you are most likely to round a corner to find a pride of Lions feasting on a carcass, or vultures and hyenas squabbling over the scraps. Leopards and many other nocturnal animals are often still about, later seeking shade and sleep as the sun rises. By midmorning the heat has risen and game-viewing becomes harder, with the animals resting up under stands of trees, scrub and rocks. People return to camp to do the same - eat, snooze and relax in the pool before the bush comes alive again later in the afternoon.
Setting out again you notice the change in the animals as sunset approaches. Cooler air wakes the predators who, hungry once again, begin to prowl, and their prey becomes increasingly anxious as dusk falls. Once again, it is the twilight hours that promise great game-viewing as the early evening half light confuses prey and aids the predators' keen senses. Most parks do not permit night drives, but many camps and lodges are located in their own private concession areas where you can experience the thrill of the bush at night, hunting for eyes with spotlights and greatly raising the chances of viewing nocturnal hunters such as Leopard, Hyena and Lion plus other interesting creatures not about during the day. Return to drinks around the hearth or campfire, where tall tales are told and the day's adventures shared before a hearty meal. Drift off to sleep to the roar of the Lions, cackle of Hyenas and deep cough of the Leopard - promising yet more action tonight and more discoveries at dawn tomorrow.....
Where to stay - Tented Camp, Lodge or Hotel?
Your choice of accommodation depends on what sort of safari experience you wish to have. Do you dream of breakfasting under acacia trees with crisp white table linen and silver-service and sleeping under luxurious canvas in true 'Out of Africa' style? If so, then a luxury tented camp is the answer and they are found all over Africa, and increasingly India as well. This level of service comes at a price, but the small scale of these camps and superb levels of attention make this a truly personal, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
If the thought of tents (no matter how luxurious) makes you nervous, then consider a lodge with private cottages or raised rooms. Some of the more commercial parks offer hotel-style accommodation - notably in Kenya and Tanzania which is often more suitable for families and those on a budget. South Africa and Namibia also provide budget self-catering accommodation in many of the parks. Remember that the accommodation you choose will set the atmosphere for your safari experience and should ideally match your personal expectations. A shorter experience in a top lodge can easily surpass a much longer experience in a larger establishment.
How to View Wildlife - Guides and Vehicles
Probably the single most important aspect of your trip will be the quality of your guide as they will be tracking and finding the animals for you. A good guide should also be able to answer any questions about each animal's habits and life cycle. Some countries have guide training courses but generally the best camps and lodges train up their own guides - with the camps in southern Africa producing some of the world's best wildlife guides. The quality of guiding in East and West Africa is not quite so good although it is beginning to catch up with southern Africa. Many of the guides we work with have quite superb tracking skills!
Most commonly game-viewing is enjoyed by 4-wheel drive vehicle, but walking safaris are becoming increasingly popular, especially in Zambia which was the first country to introduce them in the 1960's. To walk in the bush is a wonderful experience as you are able to enjoy the wildlife at eye level and you have a chance to see and learn about some of the things that you wouldn't noticed from a vehicle. It can of course also be an adrenalin inducing experience... following tracks and trails and knowing that just around the corner you could meet a Lion or Elephant face to face!
Boat and horseback are also excellent ways to view animals. For some reason animals are less intimidated by humans on horseback. It enables some magnificent close encounters, riding through herds of game and the speed of the horse makes it slightly less intimidating than being on foot. South Africa and Botswana offer some exceptional riding safaris on quality horses for experienced and novice riders. If you are interested in a riding safari then why not contact our Equine Adventures team on 0845 130 6981 or visit www.equineadventures.co.uk.
Boating is often overlooked, but once again enables you to approach animals along the riverbank at close quarters, which is of particular advantage to photographers. Highlights include traditional mokoro canoes in the Okavango Delta, and wildlife cruises on the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers.
Self-drive safaris are possible in southern Africa, notably South Africa and Namibia where the infrastructure is good, but most visitors will choose to combine this with guided safaris in the parks or reserves in order to take advantage of local knowledge and experience about the animals, birds and their locations.
Tailor-made Safaris just for you
Hopefully we have answered some of the questions you might have about what it is like being on safari. Everyone has their own expectations and requirements which is why we tailor-make the majority of our safaris to your specifications. For some, this will be a once-ina- lifetime experience, others will 'catch the bug' and return again and again. Some will want exclusivity and privacy, some will prefer to share their adventures with others. Safaris come in all shapes and sizes!
The following pages outline some of Africa's top wildlife destinations and a handful of the top lodges and tented camps to get you started, but there are many more and if you want something different just ask... we will be happy to discuss options with you at any time.