subject: What to Expect From Safaris in South Africa [print this page] South Africa is a country that has plenty to offer if you are thinking of taking a holiday there. One of the most popular types of holiday in the country is a safari, but if you have never been on one before you may wonder whether it will be right for you.
In truth South Africa is one of the best places in the world to see wild animals in their natural setting. There are several parks and locations in the country where you can do this, but wherever you choose as a base for your South African safari holiday you will have a big chance to see the Big Five.
This is the term given to the main five large mammals you can see on a safari here. The Big Five refers to the lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros and leopard. These animals are known to be very difficult for hunters to find if they are travelling on foot, but when you climb into a jeep or similar vehicle to take part in a safari you stand a much better chance of seeing them.
You will need to be prepared to make the most of an African safari experience though. As you might imagine, it isn't the kind of holiday where you can plan your own timetable. If you want to see the best of the animals and have plenty of opportunities to take photos of as many of them as possible, you will need to be up very early in the morning. Typically this can mean 5am!
It is definitely worth putting the effort in though, because you will be rewarded with sights of the Big Five not to mention other animals waking up for the day too. Even if you aren't used to going on this kind of holiday, you will soon fall into the pattern of watching big game and staying in one area all the time.
It is always worth remembering that these holidays are planned to ensure that you don't come into any danger while you are there. Don't forget all the animals you will see here are wild, and you are essentially venturing into their territory.
This means there will be specific things to do at specific times, but all the activities are designed and planned to give you the best possible chance of seeing all these amazing animals. Where else will you get the chance to get up close to lions and elephants in their natural habitat? It's no wonder lots of people get addicted to this kind of break and keep coming back for more.
In the end, it doesn't matter whether you go on Johannesburg safaris or you visit other areas on safari, you will love every minute of what is a very different holiday indeed.
