WHAT IS WILDEBEEST

MIGRATION?
The Great Migration is an annual migration of wildebeest from the Ndutu region of the
Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in southern Kenya. The movement of vast
numbers of the Serengeti's wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebra, and smaller
numbers of Grant's gazelle, Thompson's gazelle, eland and impala.

The Wildebeest Migration, is one of the “Seven New Wonders of the World” and also known
as The World Cup of Wildlife. No where in the world is there a movement of animals as
immense as the wildebeest migration, over two million animals migrate from the Serengeti
National Park in Tanzania to the greener pastures of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in
Kenya during Julythrough to October. The migration has to cross the Mara River in the Maasai
Mara where crocodiles will prey on them. This is one of the highlights as the animals try and
cross the Mara River alive.

It's drama on a truly epic scale: the migrating herds undergo all manner of challenges and
hardships as they move from region to region, and are constantly under attack from predators,
none more so than from Africa's big cats and the notoriously huge crocodiles that lie in wait at
various river crossing points.

These move in an annual pattern which is fairly predictable. They migrating throughout the year,
constantly seeking fresh grazing and, it's now thought, better quality water. The precise timing of
the Serengeti wildebeest migration is entirely dependent upon the rainfall patterns each year –
here we explain how the broad pattern works.
THE MIGRATION PATTERN
JANUARY, FEBRUARY AND MARCH
The Wildebeests stay at southern Serengeti, Ndutu and Ngorongoro conservation area with birth
of calves in February.
APRIL, MAY AND JUNE
The wildebeest herds start moving slowly through Serengeti towards North. In May they can
cover up to 40kms a day, while by June even up to 150km per day. Reaching central and
Western Serengeti.
JULY, AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER
The wildebeests are getting ready for their toughest part of the journey further North crossing
rivers towards Masai Mara – Kenya. By September all the wildebeests can be found at Masai
Mara which is now congested by wildlife spectacles.
OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER
At the beginning of October the wildebeests are still at Masai Mara but expected to start moving
back towards Serengeti – Tanzania during November and December where the grass should be
greener. In January these cycle of life start repeating itself all over again.

THE GREAT MIGRATION OF WILDEBEEST

& ZEBRAS
About 1.5 million wildebeest and half a million zebras and antelopes embark on the yearly Great Migration between the
Masai Mara in Kenya, and the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania. The wild animals
move around in massive herds stretching far and wide beyond the horizon, their movement governed by the distribution
of rains and the availability of grazing and drinking water.

Visiting the Serengeti/ Masai Mara area gives you a front row seat to this incredible wildlife spectacle, which is especially
dramatic when the animals cross the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, infested with giant Nile Crocodiles. Predators such as
the big cats, hyenas, jackals, and eagles abound, and can often be seen hunting.

The animals follow a certain pattern in their movements, however due to the vastness of their range and the
unpredictable nature of the weather, it is important to be up to date on their current location. We will help you choose
the camp or lodge best suited for better chances of seeing them with your own eyes. Mobile luxury camps follow the
Migration and may be the best option for you. We can’t guarantee that you will see the famous Crossings, but we can
guarantee an exceptional wildlife experience!
As a general guideline, the Great Migration can be seen in the areas and time of the year indicated below.

The Mara-Serengeti ecosystem: The Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is made up of 7 parks and reserves, which are the
Masai Mara in Kenya, and in Tanzania, the Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro, Grumeti, Maswa, Ikorongo
and Loliondo conservation/controlled areas and their surroundings. The extremities of the routes used by the migratory
animals, covering some 30,000 square kilometres, define the extension of the entire ecosystem. The Mara Triangle is
the greenest and wettest part of the entire ecosystem. The Ololoolo Escarpment and the curvature of the Mara River
define the shape of the Mara Triangle.
December to March: Wildebeest, zebras and gazelles congregate in the southern areas of the Serengeti, primarily in
the Ndutu area. Here, the grass grows short and is richly packed with minerals (due to the volcanic history of the land),
and this grass is extremely important for the growth of the young wildebeest calves. An estimated 400,000 new calves
are born each year in the Ndutu/ Ngorongoro area, approximately 80% of them in February.
 Wildebeest Mama and Wildebeest Baby

April to May: The mineral rich grasses of the Serengeti have all dried up, the water pools have disappeared into the
dry ground and it is time for the animals to seek greener pastures. It is time for the herds to move on, and by following
the rains, they usually trek northeast towards the central Seronera area and to the Western Corridor. There are always
plenty of animals in the heart of the Serengeti, thanks to permanent rivers and pools of water that the animals need to
survive. While the rest of the park may be devoid of many herbivores during the rest of the year, the Seronera area is
special with its resident herds of plains game and well-fed predator population.

The Western Serengeti is enchanting, and somewhat mysterious, with an abundance of Whistling Thorn acacia bushes.
This area is also home to hunter-gatherer tribes, who welcome the arrival of the migratory herds for an easy (though
illegal) source of food. By late May, the wildebeest leave the acacia and Whistling Thorn country and head into the
northern Serengeti region.
May to June: Sometime between the months of May and June, a curious ritual occurs among the wildebeest. This is
“The Rut”, when wildebeest bulls display in a spectacle of noise and frantic activity, competing for the rights to mate
with the females. The bulls, which have up to now been part of an enormous, tranquil herd, suddenly fight for identity
and for their own territories, anxiously rounding up the female wildebeests. As the Migration progresses, it extends from
the central Seronera area of the Serengeti, and up west to the Grumeti Reserves. The Seronera area can get quite
busy, however the privately managed Singita Grumeti Reserves offer an exclusive chance to experience the Great
Migration. The west is where the animals encounter crocodiles, many for the first time in their lives. The seasonal
Grumeti River, home to some of the largest and oldest crocodiles in the world, has amazing beasts that weigh over
1000kgs. In order to maintain their impressive weight and size, these crocodiles need to eat a lot, and they do, at least
during the river crossings done by the hapless wildebeest, zebras and gazelles. The crocodiles fill themselves up so
much that during the rest of the year, an adult male crocodile will probably eat less than a stork!

Do Nile Crocodiles smile?

Beginning mid June: The Migration begins to spill over in to Kenya’s Masai Mara, lured by the rainfall and new grasses
of the Mara. Perhaps the first sign of the arrival of the visiting herds is the movement of the “resident” wildebeest; they
are usually found in small herds bordering the Mara, and they gradually start to congregate and move inside Masai
Mara itself. They will eventually meet up with the Tanzanian herds and carry on upwards and onwards, towards the
Mara River.
The Mara River houses thousands of hippos distributed into family groups along the length of the river. As they move
in and out of the water, they create pathways that are subsequently used by the wildebeest and zebra to approach,
and to cross the river. Wildebeest need to drink water daily, and nervous herds amassed at the river’s edge are a
common sight at this time, however it can take you hours, even days, to have the luck to observe a river crossing. Once
they do decide to cross, nothing comes between them and the green grass on the other side of the river, not even the
attacks by the crocodiles which can be savage and brutal, but taking into account the number of animals that does
make it safely across the river, it is a sacrifice that is required for the benefit of the rest of the herds.
The wildebeest and zebra do not all cross at one go, but over a period of days or weeks, and quite often they will cross-
and re-cross the same river, and even venture back into Northern Serengeti, as if undecided on exactly where the grass
tastes better! Lush, sweet Red Oat grass and the Mara’s permanent waters maintain the animals during their stay. Yet
even in this paradise, there is a hell, well represented by the multitude of hyenas, jackals, leopards, lions, vultures,
crocodiles, eagles that eagerly await their arrival.
From October: From October, the Migratory herds group up and head back south, yet the chances of seeing them in
the Masai Mara are still very high up to mid November. The animals have to cross the Mara River once more to return
to Tanzania. The chances of seeing the crocodiles in action are reduced as most of them are still recovering from their
initial feasting. Northern Serengeti is busy again, as are the Loliondo plains, east of the Serengeti. They don’t stay
around for long, and the gathering clouds and smell of distant rains drive the pregnant herds southwards to the short
grass plains. Finally, after having trekked for some 1500km, the Migration returns to Ndutu, to the vast plains of southern
Serengeti where a new generation of calves will be born to start the cycle all over again.

What Exactly Are the Big Five Animals?

And Where Can I Spot Them?
[Updated]

Lystia Putranto
thu November 17, 2016
If you’ve ever done a search for safaris on the web, chances are you’ve
encountered the term ‘The Big Five animals’ or ‘The Big Five’ game
safaris amongst your results. Though it may sound straightforward,
there are many misconceptions about the five species of the African
wildlife included within the group.
This is exactly why, on this post, I’m sharing some interesting insights to help
you have a better understanding of Africa’s renowned Big Five animals once
and for all!
Consisting of the African lion, the black rhinoceros, the African
elephant, the African leopard, and the Cape buffalo, many would assume
that the term ‘The Big Five’ is attributed to the animals’ large size. However, it
was actually coined by big game hunters who thought that these five African
mammals were the most dangerous and most difficult to hunt.
Fortunately, today, thanks to decades of worthwhile efforts in the conservation
and preservation of the wildlife, the Big Five safaris no longer refers to
hunting safaris. Instead, it now provides travelers all over the globe with the
priceless opportunity to observe the magnificent creatures frolicking in their
own habitat.
Though all five species are native to Africa, if you would like to see them all at
one go, you will only be able to spot them in certain destinations. Here’s a list
of the countries to consider visiting: Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, South
Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
and Malawi.
Want to find out more information about the Big Five animals before you
‘meet’ them in real life? Below are some interesting facts you may be
interested to know about each species:

1. The African Lion

Often referred to as the “King of Beasts” or the “King of the Jungle”, the lion is
without a doubt one of the most sought after and powerful creatures in the
animal kingdom. The African lion is also thought to be the most social of all
the big cats. They can be found roaming around together in groups called
‘prides’. Each pride usually consists of a herd of about 15 lions which includes
only one or two males (with one being the dominant male) and the rest of the
members include females and cubs of different ages. With an average
lifespan of up to 15 years old, you can generally tell how old a lion is by
looking at its mane – the darker it is, the older he or she is.
The female lions are the hunters of the pride – usually on the prowl at night, in
the afternoon or early morning. Their prey includes Wildebeest, Zebra, Giraffe,
Buffalo – and even young elephants. You can usually spot lions hanging
around in open plains, where their ‘victims’ often congregate thanks to plenty
of grazing and permanent water sources in these areas. Though they are
found throughout Africa, however, they are best spotted on safaris in Kruger
National Park as it is home to over 1600 of them! Note that you will be more
likely to find them on the east side of the park.

2. The Black Rhinoceros

Image credit: Animalcorner.co.uk

What makes the Black Rhinos stands out from its ‘cousin’ the white rhino are
their double (two) horns. Their front horn (located just above their nose) is
considered the prominent one. It may grow as much as 3 inches annually and
up to five feet long. This prominent horn is the main reason why this species is
still fiercely poached. It is thought to have potent medicinal use and is often
highly sought after in Asian countries such as China and Taiwan. Whereas in
North Africa and the Middle East, it’s usually sold as ornamental dagger
handle. The Black rhinos can be best spotted in Namibia almost year round.
Simply go on a safari in Etosha National Park and you will find black rhinos
roaming the park’s Okaukuejo watering hole!
With the exception of females and their offspring, the Black Rhinos are
actually solitary creatures – preferring to live alone. They feed at night as well
as during dawn and dusk. Their sustenance mainly comes from leaves and
fruits found in trees and bushes. Rhinos actually have poor vision but an
excellent sense of smell and hearing.
Though its name refers to its color as black, its actual colors vary from brown
to gray. A native to Eastern and Southern Africa, unfortunately, this species is
still one of the most hunted animals in Africa and it is the most
endangered out of the Big Five animals.

A rhinoceros safari in Africa is something that all visitors to the continent should consider, not only because
these animals are so unique, but also because they are so rare. Absurdly enough to most, demand for rhino
horns in the Middle East and the Far East has led to a significant decrease in African rhino numbers. The black
rhinoceros has suffered the most from poaching, being less prevalent than the white rhinoceros. Although
the two species of rhinoceros in Africa have names that refer to colors, they are all grey. Thankfully, various
organizations and countries are teaming up to help conserve the rhinoceros in Africa, and if you can't make it
on a rhinoceros safari, you might at least check out a rhinoceros sanctuary.

The African rhinoceros, be it black or white, is obviously a creature that has managed to survive for a long
time. It's prehistoric and primitive look is certainly unique, and you might be interested to know that these
animals have been around for millions of years. Something that is also very interesting is the fact that the
coveted rhino horn is not really a horn at all. Instead, it is nothing but thick, matted hair that does not benefit
from any skeletal support. Whereas the white rhinoceros in Africa is more of a grazer that sticks mainly to
grasses, the black rhinoceros is more of a browser, consuming a wider range of vegetation. White rhinos are
the larger of the two species, weighing from 4,000-6,000 lbs. The black rhinoceros generally falls into a
weight range of 1,750-3,000 lbs. The African rhinoceros is a pretty cranky animal by nature, not appreciating
too much fuss. Benefitting from good hearing and a strong sense of smell, rhinos are known to have poor
eyesight. Should you be enjoying a rhinoceros safari in Africa, you might notice these optically-challenged
animals charging nothing more than thin air.

When considering how big and heavy an African rhinoceros is, it might surprise you to know that they can
reach a gallop speed of up to 30 miles an hour, which is utterly amazing. Their agility is pretty good, all things
considered, but unfortunately, they are pretty easy for man to kill, especially since we can arm ourselves in a
variety of fashions. Some of the best places to book a rhinoceros safari are Kenya, South Africa, and Namibia.
Lake Nakuru National Park and Tsavo National Park are top spots in Kenya, with the renowned Kruger
National Park being South Africa's best bet. Etosha National Park is where to go in Namibia if you want to see
a wild rhinoceros in Africa. One of the best African rhinoceros sanctuaries is Kenya's Lewa Wildlife
Conservancy, so you might head there during your Kenya vacation if rhino conservation is especially
important to you. The African rhinoceros is a member of the famed "Big Five", which is a term used by big
game hunters to label the continent's most difficult animals to hunt. The other group members are the lion,
the African buffalo, the African buffalo, the leopard, and the rhinoceros.
KENYA MAP

When you plan a rhinoceros safari, you will often times also be enjoying a lion safari, a buffalo safari, and a
leopard safari all at the same time. With plenty of qualified safari companies to choose from in Africa,
booking a safari of any kind is easy, even if you most interested in luxury safaris. The more days and the more
destinations you add to your African safari vacation package, the more you will pay, and these trips can be
expensive. But, even if you can only afford a one-day safari because of either money or time, the experience
will surely last a lifetime.

3. The African Elephant

 Image credit: Worldwildlife.org

Compared to their Asian ‘cousins’, African elephants are much larger in size
as they can grow up to 13 feet tall (up to 4 meters) and weigh up to 14,000 lbs
(6350 Kg). The largest land animal in the world, they can be found in 37
different countries in Africa. There are actually 2 different species of the
African elephant: the savannah elephant and the forest elephant. The forest
elephant is usually smaller with rounded ears as well as tusks that grow
downward. While the Savannah elephants can be found in the savannah of
Africa, the forest elephants inhabit the rain forests of Central and Western
Africa. The best place to view these mighty elephants is in Botswana where
travelers constantly find them while going on safaris in Chobe National
Park as Chobe has the highest concentration of elephants – between 50 to
70,000 individuals roaming the vast area.
Highly social animals, they are known to be able to communicate with
others across large distances at a low frequency which can not be heard by
humans. Also, you’d be interested to know that many plant species have
seeds that depend on being passed through the elephant’s digestive tract
before they can germinate. In fact, at least a third of the trees found in West
African forests rely on elephants for dissemination.

4. The African Leopard

A solitary, secretive and nocturnal animal, the African leopard is difficult to

spot as they like to rest and stay hidden during the day. Because of this, they
tend to be the most elusive and less seen out of the Big Five animals when
you go on a safari. Your best bet to spot a leopard will be in Zambia and on
night safaris in South Luangwa National Park. The South Luangwa Park in
Zambia is one of the few parks that operates a night safari, and since
leopards are nocturnal creatures, the possibility of you finding them
increases!
African leopards have a preference for rocky landscapes with dense bush and
riverine forests. That said, they are known to adapt quickly, seldom staying in
an area more than two or three days at a time. Thanks to their adaptability,
they are able to survive the loss of their previous habitat due to increasing
human settlement.
Excellent climbers, the leopard’s spotted coat provides almost perfect
camouflage which comes in handy when they hunt. A stealthy hunter, once
they caught their prey, they’ll often safeguard it by taking it up to the trees to
prevent other animals such as lions or hyenas from stealing their food.
What you may not know about this beautiful creature is that they are also
strong swimmers and would even occasionally consume fish or shellfish like
crabs!

Built for survival, African leopards are one of the most impressive hunters on the face of the earth. Looking
quite docile as they tend to cubs or relax in the shade, African leopards can spring into motion at a moment'
notice, reaching top speeds of up to 37 miles an hour. They are graceful and powerful at once, and many
revere them for their utter beauty. To escape the mid day heat, many a leopard in Africa takes to a cave or a
tree, and it' quite a treat to see one of these creatures draped over a tree branch. Since leopards are solitary
animals, preferring to avoid other leopards, you likely won't see groups of them during a leopard safari.
Thankfully, the African leopards are so attractive that seeing just one by itself is enough to generate a
significant feeling of satisfaction.

African leopards can have different coat colors and patterns depending on where they are found. In East
Africa, the leopards tend to have more circular spots, while those found in southern Africa have square-
shaped spots. Being extremely adaptable, which has helped them survive, African leopards can thrive in a
number of habitats, though the favorite African leopard habitat hangouts seem to be riverine forests and
dense, rocky bushland. Most likely due to human influence and other factors, the leopards in Africa tend to
be primarily nocturnal, choosing to rest instead during the day. The spotted coat of the leopards helps them
to hide, as it' a near perfect camouflage. Should you spot a forest-dwelling leopard, you will notice that its
coat exhibits a darker coloring, while those that live in gold-colored grasslands tend to have a lighter coat.
You can expect a leopard in Africa to have quite a nice range of land pretty much to itself, as they are highly
territorial, choosing only to associate with other leopards when it' time to mate. Marking their plots with
urine and warning of their presence with a raspy cough of sorts, leopards make it known to other leopards
that they better stay out. Like house cats, leopards purr and growl, and unlike house cats, they also roar.

Male African leopards, which generally range between 44 and 198 lbs. are bigger than their female
counterparts, which on average weigh anywhere from 37-132 lbs. Leopards are strong climbers, in fact they
are the strongest climbers of all the big cats. Should you witness a kill on a leopard safari, quite often the prey
is larger than the leopard, which really gives insight into how powerful these animals really are.
Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya are just some of the countries where you can book a leopard
safari, and while some choose to go out on leopard hunts, most prefer to simply watch these amazing
creatures go about their daily lives. When you choose to go looking for a leopard in Africa, you can either
focus your efforts on one country, or book an extended trip that crosses borders. Sometimes, when you stay
at a safari lodge at or near a specific game reserve, you can spot a leopard while doing nothing more
than dining outside or relaxing on a terrace. There are various African vacation packages that feature a
leopard safari on their itineraries, and more often than not, these vacation packages also include your lodging
and meals, which is quite convenient.
KENYA MAP

If you are in Africa to view animals first and foremost, you might also choose to book a rhinoceros safari, or
a buffalo safari, perhaps. Lion safaris are hugely popular, and if you like leopard safaris, you're bound to enjoy
them all the same. Thankfully enough, African safaris involve more than one animal, so even if you are
looking mostly for a leopard, you will be able to observe a myriad of species along the way. For those who
think that taking an African safari means roughing it, there are luxury safaris available, and they offer quite a
lot in the way of comfort.

5. The Cape Buffalo

 Image credit: Wildlifesafari.info

The lesser known species out of the five on the list, the Cape buffalo are
formidable animals thanks to their size, large herds, and horns. They may be
active throughout the day and night. On average, they spend 18 hours a day
foraging and moving around in herds of up to 500 buffalos. Although they can
be seen at Kruger National Park, the best place to spot the buffalo is actually
on safaris in Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda where up to 4,000
individuals gather at once making it a spectacular sight!
Often hunted by the lion, they are extremely loyal to its herd and would often
try to rescue another member if they are caught by attacking the predator.
Sometimes hunted by humans, they reportedly kill more hunters in Africa than
other animals. They have an excellent memory and known to ambush hunters
that have wounded or injured them – even years after the incident.
Also known as the African Buffalo, the Cape buffalo is actually not closely
related to the water buffalo (commonly found in Asia) though they do look
somewhat similar to each other. Unlike the water buffalo, they are actually
quite dangerous and has never known to be domesticated.

Very dangerous animals, though they might not appear so when grazing, African buffalos are certainly to be
respected. Big game hunters are all too keen on the risk associated with getting up close and personal with a
buffalo in Africa, and since African buffalos are sometimes on the menu of humans and big cats, it makes
sense that they be so defensive and feisty. The African buffalo is also known as the Cape buffalo, and though
there is just one species on the continent, there are two separate subspecies. African buffalos are members
of the "elite" group known as the "Big Five", which is a term created by big game hunters to identify the most
dangerous or difficult animals. They are found in greatest number in East Africa and can do quite well in
different habitats, as long as there are fresh greens to munch on. An interesting and largely mysterious
creature, the African buffalo is just one reason why African safaris are so intriguing.
African buffalos come in the larger savannah variety and in the smaller forest-dwelling counterpart. The
savannah buffalos are akin to cows, and they generally weigh anywhere from 1,100-1,980 lbs. The males are
larger than the females, and only they reach the upper weight levels. To get an idea how big the forest-
dwelling African buffalos are, you can basically cut those numbers in half. Extremely prolific grazers, African
buffalos are also wanderers of sorts, moving on when there is little to nothing left to eat. Thanks to their
eating technique and wide incisor rows, they can make quick work of grasslands, leaving some left for later
grazers. There aren't too many predators that buffalo in Africa have to worry about. Nile Crocodiles are
known to single out the old, injured, or young, and besides an armed man, only lions are really able to bring a
healthy adult down. Most often, lions that are successful in bringing down a buffalo in Africa have done so as
part of a group. On occasion, a large male lion can complete the task on his own, but it is certainly never
easy. Helping African buffalos to fend off threats are impressive horns that grow outward over the heads and
curl upward near the ends.

Since the favorite habitat for a buffalo in Africa involves having water nearby, a safari water buffalo
adventure is surely something that you can arrange in Africa. It may be of significance to note that although
African buffalos like to be close to water, they are not closely related to the wild Asian water buffalo. Giving
testament to the fact that African buffalos have a temper is the concept that they have never been
domesticated like the Asian water buffalos have. A buffalo safari in Africa can be enjoyed in a number of
countries, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, and Kenya among them. One great thing about a buffalo safari is
that you will also spot other interesting animals as you go. Crocodiles, zebras, lions, and giraffes are just some
of the awesome African animals that many a safari includes. Hundreds of bird species can also be found at
many of the top African game reserves, so bringing a good pair of binoculars with you is highly advised.
KENYA MAP
A buffalo safari in Africa can span just the better part of a day, or extend over a range of days. You can
choose to stay in one country, or include a few if you please. Extended safaris usually include stays at
campsites or lodges. Meals are provided along the way, and they are often quite delicious. Rhinoceros
safaris, lion safaris, and leopard safaris are other popular African safari ideas, but since so many game
reserves boast so many different animals, a general safari is usually a combination of all the above, and then
some.

Canoeing Africa’s rivers has become a huge luxury safari success story – many of the first
great safari guides pioneered this method of safari years ago in Zimbabwe and Zambia, but
then it was for wild explorers and not for those of us just wanting a quiet paddle. Now many
of the remote and wild luxury safari camps we deal with offer canoeing – this allows guests
to get close to hippos, elephants and many other species which do not react to the canoes,
one can also see smaller animals such as frogs and insects. But the real beauty of
canoeing whilst on any luxury safari is the tranquillity and the peace – not an engine noise
to be heard, only the calls of the wild. Many of Africa’s top guides prefer canoeing to
anything else and once you’ve had a go and experienced the tranquillity of Africa’s rivers we
think you’ll understand why. Here are some of our favourite camps for canoeing safaris.
1 Selinda Camp – Okavango Delta, Botswana
From Selinda Camp one can either taking evening or morning canoe trips, or stay at
Selinda Explorer, which is more focussed on canoeing and walking only – you can also take
a trip down the Selinda Spillway which is a few nights spent mobile camping in one of
Botswana’s most pristine and magical areas. Selinda Camp is extremely luxurious, but also
has a sister camp Zarafa which takes luxury safaris to another level.
2 Sausage Tree Camp – Lower Zambezi, Zambia
Sausage Tree Camp is just heaven – it’s quirky white tents sit smack bang on the banks of
the Zambezi River and offer guests the chance to really relax and enjoy watching the
wildlife from your room. Canoeing on the Zambezi is perhaps one of the most famous
canoeing safaris possible – it is not unusual to see hippos up close and elephants
swimming. Sausage Tree’s guides are some of the most experienced in Africa and offer
everyone the chance to feel relaxed and comfortable whilst on this mighty and famous river.
3 Royal Zambezi Lodge – Lower Zambezi, Zambia
Royal is luxurious, grand and welcoming – you feel relaxed as soon as you arrive and the
staff and guides are friendly and exceptionally knowledgeable, it is based at the opposite
end of the Lower Zambezi NP to Sausage Tree and again canoeing here is a wonderful
experience with fantastic game viewing to be had by all. Royal also has a magical spa with
views of the Zambezi so you can unwind after a morning or evening canoeing / walking /
game driving. There is so much to do in this amazing area that guests are never
disappointed and best of all there are very few other people.
What are the different types of African
safaris?
While planning a safari, you may think solely of the big vans driving around to see wild animals
in their natural habitat, but a safari can be so much more, which makes the process rather
unnerving. This is a small guide of what kinds of things to expect. Safari packages include all
kinds of different things, including different accommodation types, different modes of
transportation, different animals and all in all completely different experiences! The question
you need to ask yourself before booking a safari is ‘what do I want out of my Safari?’ and
from this, you can plan accordingly - customising your experience from the bed you sleep in,
to how up close you want to get to the animals!

This is a brief guide that will help you decide on the best kind of Safari for you, it includes the
different types of transportation methods within the park and all the different types of
accommodation you can choose from.

Types of African safaris - transport within the park

Safari literally translates to ‘to travel’ in swahili. So in order to go on a successful safari the
most important thing to consider is how you will travel around. Each Safari experience is
different, and Safaris can be offered in many ways. This means, there are several ways to
make your way around the parks and see all the different things the beautiful terrains have to
offer.

Guided safaris

By far the most popular type of safari prevalent in most parts of Africa. The majority of lodges
and camps offer guided safari services. These can be booked beforehand, or even whilst at
the lodge. These offer guided game drives through the parks with a specialist driver. These
are usually offered in the early morning or late afternoon and are perfect for new travellers to
Africa, as the specialist driver have a vast array of knowledge of the parks and their animals.
The driver will be in close contact with park authorities and will be informed where to go and
what to see once a group of animals has been seen - and will almost always have specific
information relating to the flora and fauna seen. This way, you will learn more about the
surroundings and be able to tailor your guided safari to what you want to see and what you
want to learn about.
 Tailored Guided Jeep Safari in National African Parks. Photo by Norman Carr.

Walking safaris

This one of the most magical safari experiences you may encounter. If you are adventorous,
willing to try new things and do not mind walking for hours this is the choice for you. There is
no sounds of noisy vehicles to distract you from the beautiful sounds of the wilderness. Many
walking safaris able you only to see a few animals, and focus more on the small animals and
the flora, as you obviously cannot cover as much distance as on would in a vehicle. However,
there is always the possibility of coming head to head with a herd of elephants, or group of
beautiful delicate gazelles. At first, it may seem a little intimidating but the guides will put you
at ease rather quickly. Many of this type of safari is offered from mobile camps, or even some
lodges may suggest one to you offered by them.
 Walking safaris get you up close with nature and wildlife. Photo by Norman Carr.

Self drive safaris

A popular choice of Safari types as it offers the traveller flexibility and the freedom to choose
how they spend their day exploring the area. A lot of the parks have signposts around saying
where to go, and what you may see there. Which makes it easier for you to plan what you
would like to see, and therefore where you must go. In order to undergo self drive safaris you
must ensure you have a good car (a 4x4 will be most preferable) and you are a skilled driver.
If you are on a budget, and wish to avail park guide fees this is the perfect choice for you. If
you are unfamiliar with Africa, this may not be the best choice for you. In order to have a
successful self drive safari some experience is required. The roads can be hazardous, and if
you do not know where to go - there is high chances of getting lost. A huge amount of planning
is required.

Air safaris - hot air balloon safaris and fly-in safaris

If you want a birds eye view of the glorious plains of Africa, this is the best choice for you. An
Air Safari could include fly-in safaris and hot air balloon safaris. Fly-in safaris involve flying in
from a major city or surrounding town in the national park, this way you will be able to
appreciate the vast landscape that otherwise would not be comprehensible from the ground.
If you prefer a more slow paced and quiet Air Safari, hot air balloon safari is recommended
for you. Floating silently over the landscape is an amazing and thrilling experience. Balloon
rides are usually early morning activities, and will conclude with a breakfast.
 Air Safari: Hot Air Balloon rides over beautiful Serengeti plains.

Horseback safaris

A very unique safari option. If you are looking for something completely different, and possibly
unheard of to many of your friends, this would be the perfect choice for you. Horseback safaris
include riding on horses around the beautiful plains of africa, experiencing everything in a
completely new and exhilarating way. Horseback safaris are guided by professional tour
guides, who will take you around the park to maximise what you see and what you experience.

Elephant safaris

Arguably, one of the most majestic and intelligent species on the planet. If you seek thrill and
adventure, and aren't afraid of getting too close to this grand mammals - these safaris give
you the possibility to get up close and personal to the elephants. If you wish to have a more
personal encounter and better interaction with elephants, some places can organise an
elephant safari for you, or you may need to visit a centre specialising in elephant interactions.
Some camps organise special elephant safaris which allow you to watch the animals feed,
interact with them and even walk with them as they move through the park. If you are lucky,
sometimes you may even get the opportunity to view the world from a top of an elephant. The
experience you gain, is something you would not be able to achieve walking along as a
human. If your budget or time does not allow such an encounter, there are also several
centres which allow visitors to engage with elephants.

Different types of safari accommodation

And of course, if you want to get the most out of your safari, you cannot hope to see everything
in one day! So you must choose the right accommodation for your overnight stays within the
park. There are several types to choose from, and this choice depend solely on your
preferences. Each type of accommodation offers something unique, and there are several
levels of comfort for each type of accommodation you choose from as mentioned below.

Permanent safari lodges or camps

Lodges are best for travellers who crave luxury and would like to have some time away from
the wild, and not be completely immersed in the wild. Offer the most extensive amenities than
any other type of accommodation. Permanent lodges come in an array of shapes and sizes,
many African countries offer exclusive luxurious small lodges, or have bigger Lodges that
cater to more people - this all depends on your preference. Lodges can be solid structures,
with rooms made out of concrete and wood, or you can find luxurious permanent ‘tented’
camps. These are usually rooms covered by canvas similar to that of a tent, but the rooms
offer all the amenities of a luxury room such as big bathrooms and bedrooms. Lodges in
Africa will have all the luxuries you expect from a luxury hotel. You can expect to see large
swimming pools, varieties of restaurants, bars and much more. Lodges offer and plan several
activities for you, so you can choose from a wide variety of activities during your stay (e.g
walking safari, hot air balloon rides etc.).

Have all luxurious accommodations in an African Safari, staying in a Tented Lodge. Photos by Banoka Bush
Camp.

Mobile safari permanent camps

These are similar to lodges or tented camps mentioned above, however - they cater for you
to get the most out of your experience and in this case, you move from one lodge/camp to
another. The camps themselves do not move, but have several partner camps around the
park, and this ensure you see as much of the park as you can and move according to where
the animals are.

Safari mobile camps

These kind of safaris are ideal for people who do not require the luxuries that are offered in a
permanent lodge. These kind of accommodations are suitable for people who want the
chance of having an elephant or buffalo to walk past their tents at night, and want to follow
the animals to maximise their chances of seeing the most animals. There is a wide range of
mobile camps you can choose from, from basic to luxurious. Basic camps are suitable for
those a little more prone to adventure and do not mind ‘roughing it’. Usually, have no running
water, or a very limited supply and no flushing toilets. However, you can also find mobile
camps with a little more luxury including huge tents, the campsite has built-in toilets, showers
and furniture. Temporary camps that are set up each night in a suitable location, the camp
materials are hauled from location to location via big trucks. This mobility allows you to move
from one part of the park to the other, and take guided tours around each area so you see
the most of the park.
 A mobile camp site in Botswana. 'Roughing it' under the stars. Photo by Mopane.

Other things you need to take into consideration for a safari

This is just a small taste of what you can expect, and the different kinds of things available.
The other things you need to take into consideration are the prices, and what to expect
according to the different seasons in African countries and varying rates of safaris. You may
want also to have a look at the different kind of animals you can find in Africa.