Top 10 reasons to go on an African safari
If you’ve ever thought that visiting the African enclosure at the zoo was on par with seeing the same animals in the wild, you couldn’t be further from the truth. A safari in Africa is so much more than just getting up close to a handful of iconic species. It’s about being immersed in some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth and connecting with like-minded individuals who’ve grown up on the other side of the globe.
Anyone who’s returned from safari will tell you that it’s an adventure like no other, with the sense of awe you experience out on the plains something you have to see to believe. But if you’re still not convinced, here are 10 reasons why you should start planning an African safari and get a taste of what awaits.
With immense herds of wildebeest and zebras making their annual journey from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara, the Great Wildebeest Migration has been dubbed “The Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth”. In their wake are opportunistic predators such as lions, leopards and cheetahs, resulting in some spectacular “kills”. At the same time, ferocious crocodiles lurk in the Grumeti and Mara rivers, waiting for the inevitable moment when the herds arrive to make their crossing.
There really is nothing on Earth quite like it, with the sheer size and scale of the migration absolutely breathtaking. It’s a “must” for wildlife enthusiasts, as well as photographers wanting to capture shots that will stop people in their tracks.
Including the African lion, African leopard, African bush elephant and Cape buffalo, as well as both black and white rhinoceros, the “Big Five” is a term that was originally coined by hunters to describe the most difficult species to hunt on foot. It’s now become popular with safari operators to denote some of the continent’s most impressive big-game species and ticking them off the list is a bucket-list item for many.
While some of Africa’s wildlife reserves and national parks are home to all five species, in other areas you will need to visit multiple destinations if you want to see them all. That being said, decades of hunting and poaching have had a big impact on their populations and they have now become of concern for wildlife conservationists. So there’s never been a time like the present to see them in the wild and support conservation efforts dedicated to their survival.
Aside from its renowned wildlife, Africa is home to a staggering diversity of cultural communities, each with its own traditions, dress and customs. Having the opportunity to meet these tribes is a privilege, with traditional foods, song and dance often accompanying your visit.
From the red-robed Maasai tribes of Kenya and Tanzania to the San Bushmen of Botswana’s Kalahari Desert, there are plenty of incredible cultural experiences to be had. But a word of advice - ensure you’re travelling with a responsible tour operator who has a respectful relationship with the communities you’re visiting.
To support wildlife conservation efforts
There are few places in the world where ecotourism has had such a positive impact as in Africa. From wildlife conservation efforts to sustainable community initiatives, your tourism dollars will be doing far more than just offering you an unforgettable holiday. Many of the wildlife conservancies across the continent have been created as a collaboration between wildlife conservation organisations and local communities, ensuring both can flourish while keeping poachers at bay.
Some safaris will include visits to wildlife conservation organisations during your stay while many lodges and camps include direct donations in their safari packages. Let your safari expert know during the planning stages if you particularly want to visit a conservation centre so they can work this into your itinerary.
While big-game African species like elephants, giraffes and lions are known around the globe, there are plenty of lesser-known animals to discover that are no less fascinating. From African wild dogs to pangolins and bat-eared foxes, you’ll be introduced to a whole different world of wildlife once you arrive.
A walking safari is one of the best ways to learn about some of the continent’s smaller species, such as quirky insects and reptiles that all have their role in the ecosystem. It’s an opportunity to get up close and personal, without the sound of a noisy jeep engine that may scare the animals away. Some parks and reserves are also home to endemic species or subspecies that you won’t see anywhere else, making sightings of them particularly special.
While you might have come for the big-game wildlife species, there’s a good chance Africa’s majestic birdlife will also leave a lasting impression on you. From sizeable African fish eagles to charismatic grey crowned cranes and adorable flufftails, you’ll discover a plethora of species, once you get your eye in.
Bird enthusiasts should consider a wet season safari when migratory species arrive on the plains of Africa from as far away as Asia and Europe. The sheer diversity and abundance is something to behold as rivers swell and the plains flood, transforming the bird-filled landscapes a lush green.
While the landscapes of the African savannah are iconic (think acacia-dotted grasslands), the continent’s terrain ranges from forested volcanic slopes and snow-capped mountains to dune-filled deserts and rocky kopjes overlooking valleys. Wildlife spotting with such natural beauty as your backdrop is a pleasure to behold…and will have you grabbing for your wide-angle camera lens!
Many of the continent’s landscapes transform dramatically between the wet and the dry season, so consider this before booking a safari based on a single photo you may have seen online. What might appear like an abundant river of life framed by emerald greenery in the wet season could be a trickling river bed in the dry.
Of all the people you’ll meet during your African safari, your driver/guide is probably the one you’ll get to know the most. Aside from offering a wealth of knowledge about the native fauna and flora, they’ll also share with you their insights and experience about life in Africa.
Sitting under a tree at lunchtime chatting with your guide may end up being one of your favourite memories from your time in Africa. Perhaps they’ll teach you how to track animals or a few tricks for surviving in the wild, as well as share with you their family story and journeyto becoming a guide.
So you’ve stayed in a five-star city hotel or an all-inclusive beach resort. But nothing will quite prepare you for the luxurious experience of stayingat an African safari camp. Perched overlooking escarpments or river beds where wild animals can be seen at all hours of the day or night, it’s the settings that truly set them apart.
From private butlers to claw-foot baths and stunning infinity pools, no detail has been overlooked in creating the most exclusive accommodation. Many of Africa’s upmarket safari lodges and camps come complete with well-stocked wine cellars and employ some of the continent’s most talented chefs, ensuring your dining experiences are second-to-none.
When you embark on a safari, you escape into another world where the wildlife is still king of its domain. You’ll encounter landscapes you never dreamed existed and be treated to incredible experiences, such as sunrise hot air balloon safaris and dinners under the never-ending African sky.
A safari in Africa is one of the best ways to escape the daily grind and be immersed in Mother Nature, in all her wild beauty. It’s the perfect way to shake off the stresses of everyday life while finding a new perspective about what’s most important and why we should protect the natural world for future generations.
Want to craft a unique African safari trip? Get in touch with one of Vencha Travel’s safari experts today and start planning your dream African adventure.
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