Looking at Africa in a Completely Different Way

If the only time you think about Africa is when you’re looking through the World Cup fixtures and results, seeing teams like Nigeria and Cameroon, then it’s time to think about the continent from a different perspective.

Most people have watched a wildlife documentary or two, but there is nothing like the real thing when it comes to being on a safari. Flying above the plains in a small bush plane, the enormity of the continent will overwhelm you. You can see wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and elephant dotting the plain beneath you. Once you’re on the ground, the first lion you see will make you realise why these majestic creatures are widely recognised as the king of the jungle. When it comes to your bucket list for personal travel, African safari holidays should appear near the top.

The word “safari” comes from the Swahili term for taking a journey. There was once a time when this sort of trip meant heading off on your own into the wild, carrying a backpack, a tent and a rifle. In modern times, you’ll be hosted in comfortable camps and lodges and the trends are all about ecotourism and photography. This means you can still get a dramatic introduction to one of the last areas on the planet where wildlife still exists like it did before humans entered the picture.

So what are the best choices when you’re planning your African safari holidays? The continent is immense, and even some of the big game reserves are as large as smaller countries. The Kruger National Park in South Africa, the South Luangwa in Zambia and the Okavango Delta in Botswana are among the best wildlife areas on the continent. However, if you only have one shot at heading to Africa, visiting the eastern part of the continent would be a good option. In the savannahs of the Serengeti and Masai Mara, in Tanzania and Kenya, you’ll find vistas of wildlife like nowhere else on the planet and these are great places for a first time safari.

There are many different choices when it comes to African safari holidays, with accommodation varying from bush camps to larger lodges or even private homesteads. You can try out activities including horse riding, walking, quad biking, boating and even fly-camping, to name just a few. You might like to combine the bush and the beach by spending half of your trip in the bush and the rest luxuriating on some of Africa’s idyllic coastline.

No matter what you choose, heading to Africa for a safari holiday will be one of the most influential experiences in your life. With so many options out there, you are sure to find the perfect holiday for you and your family.