subject: Planning For African Safari Tours [print this page] Types of Safari Types of Safari
Whilst the safaris of Africa always tend to focus on the so-called big five, in other words the rhinos, elephants, leopards, lions and buffalo, there are actually a wide variety of different types available. Indeed, it is always possible to tailor your safari to match your particular needs or taste.
This will include the length of time your African safari holiday will be. Naturally, the longer the trip the more expensive it may be overall, but a longer trip will mean lower nightly rates. In addition, you can choose from budget type safari trips that may entail sleeping in tents and washing in the rivers, or you can choose more luxury style trips that will include at least a comfy bed and some hot water.
Mobile Safaris
The least expensive type of safari is what is known as a mobile or 'overland' safari. This usually means you will be travelling with a group and that you will be expected to muck in with the chores such as setting up the tents, cooking or collecting firewood.
Self-Drive
Alternatively, if you are determined to go it alone, you can always opt for a self-drive African safari holiday. This type of safari will also turn out to be the most cost effective. Although you will be restricted to public parks, the fact that they are clearly marked and signposted means you will not end up getting lost in the middle of nowhere and leaving yourself at the mercy of a pride of hungry lions. One possible drawback of this is, of course, that you will have no experienced guide with you, so a careful reading of a relevant guidebook will be essential here.
The Destination
Whilst there are many countries in Africa where safaris are widely available, each is different and knowing what to expect in each country will be vital to your planning. For example, Kenya is home to the impressive Masai Mara, the place where masses of animals stop on their yearly migration across the Serengeti Plain. Further possibilities here include the Great Rift Valley and Lake Bogoria regions where thousands of flamingos are on view.
Uganda is another option and includes the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Ngamba Island where you will find a variety of wildlife from crocodiles to exotic birds. Alternatively, Botswana or Namibia offers the best safari opportunities in the south of the continent. Whilst Botswana is relatively expensive, it tends to attract smaller crowds. Namibia has the excellent Etosha National Park with more than 100 species on view and the dry terrain of the Skeleton Coast National Park.
Here we have a few ideas that may be useful when planning your African adventure of a lifetime. This is a destination where you can go any time of the year although their seasons run directly opposite to those here. In addition, whilst you will obviously need a passport wherever you go, places like Tanzania or Kenya also require a visa.
