A safari trip, particularly to South Africa, is one of the most unique and exciting traveling experiences out there. But safari isn’t simple to plan, and there are a few things you must consider before embarking on this adventure. Here are a few tips to help plan a safari in South Africa.
When to Go
Winter is the ideal season for wildlife watching because many trees and shrubs turn leafless, which makes spotting the animals easier. South African winter takes place between June and December.
National Park Options
South Africa has over 600 reserves and national parks. The latter is the more affordable option, but unfortunately, it also tends to be more crowded. Two parks stand out—Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi. Kruger Park, which is roughly the size of Wales, is home to nearly every African animal you can think of. There is an array of accommodation options in the park—from isolated campsites to cottages in busy compounds.
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is situated in the heart of Zululand, and beaches along the nearby Elephant Coast are some of South Africa’s most beautiful.
Private Reserve Options
Private reserves have a few advantages—unlike most of the government camps, the lodges there are rarely fenced, meaning you’re as close to the wildlife as possible. The only reason you might not choose a private reserve would be the high cost of the experience.
