Best Safari Experiences in Africa / Where to Go on Your First Safari in Africa? African Safaris : Plan your next safari experience with Achieve Global Safaris.
Planning a safari in Kenya
Why Kenya?
Kenya’s wildlife offers an outstanding safari experience, with the Great Migration event in particular at the top of many bucket lists. For that matter, it’s no surprise that safaris have been a thing in Kenya since the very concept was invented ‘’safari being translated to journey in Swahili’’. So, keep in mind that this track record does make Kenya one of the busiest, most popular wildlife destinations on the continent.
The annual phenomenon, the Great Migration sees millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River from the Serengeti in Southern Tanzania into Kenya’s most popular safari destination ‘’Maasai Mara National Park Reserve’’. Kenya’s semi- nomadic Maasai communities and their time – honored warrior traditions which is another source of attraction. Tourists can support community powered tourism through visiting the private reserves surrounding the Mara, which are granted to different safari companies.
A guided bush walk with a Maasai warrior will let you experience this culture’s deep connection with the land.
The main safari circuit boosts of Lake Nakuru with the Maasai Mara and Amboseli, ‘’where Mount Kilimanjaro provides a staggering backdrop’’. Addition to that, Tsavo West, Tsavo East and Samburu are also popular safari destination in Kenya. If you have enough time – any combination of these parks it ensures ample sightings of big cats, herds of elephants, a few rhinos and all manner of gazelle as well as antelope species. You can decide to extend your stay by another week and scale a visit to Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak ‘’after Kilimanjaro’’.
Most visitors here, pass through Nairobi, staying long enough to visit Nairobi National Park. An extra –ordinary well –stocked park on the cusp of one of Africa’s largest cities and very easy to access. Well, Kenya’s original game reserve has wildlife in plenty, from lions, leopards and buffaloes to the endangered black rhino and over 400 bird species.
Generally, Kenya stands as a better choice to go for family safaris and even those on a budget and those on a tight timeline.
Best time to visit for a safari in Kenya
The best time starts from July to October and January to February – best time to go for the Great Migration adventure – when a million of wildebeest along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, cross the crocodiles – infested Mara River to graze on the lush grasses of the Masai Mara. To some extent, some area can get crowded.
Where to stay on safari in Kenya?
Kenya has a list of classic lodges and tented camps – standards of service from local staff are generally expensive and tour operators are skilled at the logistics of moving between national parks for each leg of your safari itinerary. Some of them include; Emboo River Camp, Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Giraffe Manor among other.
Budgeting and cost for a safari in Kenya
Masai Mara National Reserve is the most wallet friendly safari location for watching the annual wildebeest migration. Despite having a shorter migration season- Kenya has more flights, more visitors, stiffer competition and a greater variety of affordable accommodation than its neighboring country ‘’Tanzania’’.
For a cheaper safari, we recommend you to book between the short and long rains ‘’January to March’ ’when prices tend to be lower than during the peak season.
Planning a safari in Tanzania
Why Visit Tanzania?
Tanzania has limitless plains, the epic migration and relaxing dips in the Indian Ocean. More so, Tanzania’s northern safari circuit includes the incredible Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Make it explore these places within 10 days for two weeks, is the only way you can fall in love with Africa. If not, you should consider adding more days on your itinerary to visit the island of Zanzibar in order to make your dream trip even more incredible.
In general, Tanzania and Kenya share similarities, both having plentiful wildlife parks and perfect safari operators. Though, they are less stressful, due to the fact that the Serengeti is nearly 10 times bigger than Kenya’s Masai Mara, thus offering endless horizons and greater habitat variety.
Inside Serengeti, there is Seronera River that provides big cat and herbivore sightings year-round, thus making it popular with travelers. Kogatende and Lamai, on the Mara River is a great ideal for viewing river crossings with fewer vistors. Private reserves like Grumeti permits clear viewing of the migration without the crowds ‘’ at a price’’.
The Ngorongoro Crater takes a short drive to the east from the Serengeti. Animal species like lions, elephant and black rhinos are enclosed as they prowl a complete ecosystem of beautiful plains and dramatic forests.
Best time to visit for a safari in Tanzania
A visit to Tanzania is best planned between January and March to witness the migration of wildebeest and their newborns while passing through the Ngorongoro and Ndutu regions. Still, the best time to witness the famous wildebeest river crossings in the Serengeti during the peak season, from July to August.
Where to stay on safari in Tanzania;
Tanzania safari destination has excellent safari accommodation ranging from luxury, Mid-range and Budget. They all have quality amenities and every affordable; Such as; Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is an upmarket accommodation, Dunia camp is a luxury tented camp, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge and budget optional includes; Bougainvillea Safari Lodge and Gibb’s farm among others.
Planning a safari in Uganda
Why Uganda
The adventurous choice for a first-time safari, Uganda has arguably the best guides in Africa. The easiest way to experience it all? Spend three days with the endangered mountain gorillas, who are said to share 98% DNA to human genes. Since its one of the country’s most popular tourist attraction on Uganda safaris, you will find plenty to encounter in their habituated groups
The best way to access mountain gorillas in their nature habitat – is joining into gorilla trekking experience, which can be done half a day.
Best time to visit for a safari in Uganda;
There is a memorable primate viewing during the dry months from June to Mid- September and December to February.
Where to stay on Stay in Uganda;
Uganda’s best safari stops at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that boosts with range of luxury, Mid-range and Budget;
Luxury lodges; Buhoma lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Mahogany Springs, Four Gorilla Lodge among others.
Mid –range; Buhoma Community haven lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga lodge, Agandi Lodge, Bwindi View Lodge, Gorilla Mist camp among others.
Budget lodges; Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Bwindi Guest House, Broadbill Forest Camp, Buhoma Community Rest camp anymore.
