Even if they are only hunted by photo, these five mythical large mammals (elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard and buffalo) remain the number 1 objective of any safari. No question of missing them!
I choose:a circuit that combines several reserves and national parks to increase its chances. Be careful, these parks are not zoos, the animals live there in total freedom, and move around as they want! You can never be sure of anything, so you might as well leave with an open mind and enjoy every moment, whether it's in front of the Big Five, zebras, giraffes... or lesser known or less "friendly" animals like hyenas, jackals, dik-diks… And then, witnessing the birth of a baby wildebeest at the foot of your 4X4 is as good as catching a glimpse of a lion in the distance, isn't it?
Where?
1/ In Kenya, "the" country of origin of the safari. Good spots:Maasai Mara Reserve, Amboseli National Park, at the foot of Kilimanjaro, Tsavo National Park and Samburu Reserve. 2/In Tanzania, head to Serengeti Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, a veritable Noah's Ark listed as a World Heritage Site 3/In South Africa, to Kruger Park, the continent's largest animal reserve (20,000 km2).
For example at:www.vacancestransat.fr, www.nouvelles-frontières.fr…
Group trips and too talkative guides, no thank you! We want to bring back photos of our own.
I choose:a self-drive with car rental on arrival. This way, you travel at your own pace in your personal 4X4 and combine a visit to the country + safaris in the most beautiful animal parks. Once the park entrance fee has been paid, we drive on paved tracks. Obviously, you don't get out of your vehicle to approach the baby lions! The rangers keep watch. At night, we sleep inside the park in a "rest camp" (state accommodation in an individual chalet) or in a private reserve inside or near the park.
Where?
1/ In Namibia, in the Etosha reserve, where you drive from water point to water point to observe black rhinos and springboks, and in Damaraland. 2/ In South Africa, at Hluhluwe Park, which is home to the largest concentration of rhinos in the world, and at Kruger Park where you can end your stay in style in a private reserve. These reserves organize their own guided safaris. We are forced to leave the wheel but we get closer to the animals and we enjoy the evening of a very good level of comfort, in full board.
For example at:www.comptoir.fr, www.viesauvage.fr, www.vdm.com…
This safari, we want it in total communion with nature, with evenings by the fire and sunrise over the savannah at breakfast!
I choose:a camping formula. In a tent you can hear everything:chills guaranteed, especially since the camps are often set up near water points where the animals come to quench their thirst. From simple camping in dome tents dismantled every day to permanent canvas camps (with cozy beds and bathtubs!), everything is possible. You can also travel in a 4X4 equipped with camping equipment.
Where?
In Kenya (Serengeti), Tanzania (Maasai Mara) Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
For example at:www.comptoir.fr, www.viesauvage.fr…
