If you’ve been thinking about visiting Africa for your next holiday getaway, you should be prepared for one of the most unique and spectacular experiences of your life. With delightful coastlines, majestic waterfalls, breathtaking desert landscapes, lofty mountains and a vibrant and eclectic history dating back to the beginnings of humankind, Africa offers a rich cultural and educational experience combined with relaxation and the possibility to lay back and truly enjoy yourself.
And while there are so many things to see and do during a trip, it’s worth mentioning that going on a safari is perhaps the most emblematic and well-known experience associated with the continent. There’s no wonder as to why, considering that the wildlife is awe-inspiring in its diversity. Some of the world’s most well-known fauna species come from Africa, such as lions, elephants, Nile crocodiles, cobras, honey badgers, meerkats, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and spurred tortoises. Going on a safari is a unique opportunity to see all of them in real life, as well as many others.
Here are the top destinations you should consider.
Kenya
The word “safari” means “journey” in Swahili, and the country is well-known as one of the best destinations for this type of trip on the globe. Make sure to look into what is esim before heading out. This simple tool will allow you to stay in touch with everybody back home so all your relatives can see the pictures you take during your holiday. The lodging is also highly diverse, ranging from tented camps to larger homesteads. The service standard is high in Kenya, meaning that even the pickiest travelers will feel satisfied with their journey.
Sometimes, moving between the different parks can be pretty tricky and come with challenges for the logistics process. However, the local employees are masters of this craft. You’ll get the opportunity to go from one natural conservation area to the next and see various animals. You might even get the chance to climb Mount Kenya, the second-highest in Africa after Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The Maasai Mara National Reserve in the southwest is one of the most popular destinations, famous for its beautifully rolling savannahs spanning over 1510 square kilometers and large big cat population. The park’s name comes from the Maasai, the indigenous ancestral inhabitants of the area. “Mara” means “spotted” in the Maa language and refers to the trees which dot the horizon.
Namibia
Located in Southern Africa, Namibia is best known for its spectacular deserts, which have acted as the backdrop for motion picture productions. Getting a Holafly esim will allow you to stay online no matter where you are and reduce the costs you’ll incur to have connectivity during your trip. Bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the country has a diverse landscape, and you can’t miss out on the opportunity of seeing the Sossusvlei, the clay and salt flats surrounded by red dunes in the Namib Desert. The name translates to “dead-end marsh” in English, alluding to the region’s remoteness and inhospitable characteristics. But that’s precisely what makes it a great adventure.
The Etosha National Park is situated in the Kunene Region and is one of the largest of its kind in Africa. It became a national park in 1967 and is home to hundreds of species, some of which are threatened or severely endangered, like the black rhino. The best time to visit Etosha is during the dry months. The animals gather at water sources, such as the Nebrownii waterhole, and it becomes much easier to see the animals. You can spot a large pride of lions, as well as giraffes, lots of elephants and maybe even the lone black rhino if you’re lucky. Game drives are also available, as are bush walks.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa between the Zambezi and Limpopo. It offers some of the best natural sights on the continent. The cultural landscape is incredibly rich, and the stunning wilderness makes the nation one of the most popular safari destinations in the world. The Hwange National Park is the country’s largest natural reserve, spanning approximately 14,600 square kilometers.
Lions, cheetahs, leopards and wild dogs are common in the region, and you can opt for a walking safari instead of a driving one. The guides are well-known for their high standards because they undergo a rigorous training program in order to reach their qualifications. Victoria Falls is nearby as well, only three hours away by road.
The Mana Pools National Park is another wildlife conservation region in Zimbabwe. The floodplain turns into a series of lakes following every rainy season. In the aftermath, many animals come to Mana Pools looking for water, which has made the reserve one of the most well-known places in Africa to watch the local fauna. Cape wild dogs, brown hyenas, African leopards, zebras, Cape buffalos, cheetahs and lions are all common in the area. Mana Pools also has the most considerable population of crocodiles and hippopotami in Zimbabwe.
South Africa
South Africa is famous for its diversity. Cape Town and Johannesburg are some of the best cities in the world, but there’s also no shortage of natural beauty in the country. Kruger National Park is one of the largest in the world and a well-known favorite among safari lovers. Wildlife viewing is exceptional in this area since the animals are generally unafraid of people and won’t shy away from approaching passing vehicles. Leopards are particularly common in Kruger Park. The stellar tourism infrastructure means you can also opt for a self-driving safari.
The Madikwe Game Reserve is another protected area in South Africa, named after the river of the same name. You can also spot leopards in trees in the scenic reserve and pangolins, white rhinos and lions. The accommodation lodges are stunning, and many include fun activities geared toward those traveling with their children.
Africa is home to some of the most beautiful sights in the world, and it would be a pity not to visit them. Safaris are a unique opportunity to see the continent’s eclectic fauna in real life. When you embark on this journey, you should know that it will absolutely change your life. It’ll be pretty much impossible for any holiday trip that follows it to be better.
