#19 - African Safari - Tanzania, South Africa and Botswana

Great safaris are simply journeys.

Safari areas that have long histories of animal viewing like Kruger National Park in South Africa allow for the closest experiences to the animals, though some may see this as a glamorous zoo. For large numbers of animals and a more authentic experience, go to East Africa - especially Tanzania and Botswana. Spending some time in a local Masai tented camp in East Africa, allows for night drives and also supports the local culture.

Most traveler's goal is to see the for the big five animals in the wild: lions, leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape Buffalo, and there is probably no better place than South Africa.

Tanzania has one of the best drives in the world. Start at Kilimanjaro after you climb it, go to Arusha, then to the unique and lush Ongorogoro Crater (staying at a hotel on the rim) and finally onto a Safari in Serengeti. Note that once you get into Serenegti Park, you can not do night drives.

Most animals however, are nocturnal and go out at night to hunt so you will see way more at night. Stop before you get to the park and camp with the Masai. They will take you out at night using a red light and the animals are not even aware of it. In these tented camps, animals get so close you can hear lions roaring, prey screaming, and elephants heavily trudging nearby. You get very little sleep but the sound of the bush at night is an experience you will never forget. We did have a Masai guide with a whistle and spear outside the tent, mainly to protect us from the biggest risk - elephants and buffalo from walking through our tents.

Speaking of primal fear, at one point in Kruger National Park, while watching a pride of lions in an open top jeep, a mother lion walked up four feet from us. She sat down and looked at me directly in the eye, and I got that nauseous feeling that animals must get just before they are about to be eaten

The best time of year for safaris is in the dry season during the winter as animals are attracted to the few waterholes left. For the East African countries of Tanzania and Botswana, this is June, July, August and September, between the double rainy seasons. For South Africa, this is during Southern Hemisphere's winter months of May to August.

For South Africa, visit:
Kruger National Park - Famed game park with the big 5 animals
Sabi Sand Game Reserve - One of best in Africa and has the Big 5 animals

For Tanzania, visit:
Serenegeti Park - Gigantic park with most of the main animals
Mahale and Gombe Parks - Chimpanzees
Ongorgoro Crater - A small animal paradise in a volcanic crater

For Botswana, visit:
Okavango - Birds, crocs, hippos and game
Chobe - Huge elephant herds
Moremi - Top game reserve

Best Time to Go: During the dry season, usually between June to August
How Long to Stay: 7-10 days or up to 20 days if you are visiting several parks in different countries
General Costs: High to very high
What To Do: Game viewing in the wild, tented camps and fixed camps at night, visit with local Masai tribes and young Masai herders in the wild
UNESCO World Heritage Site? Yes
Weather: Warm to mild during the day in the winter, and cold at night.
Language: Guides speak English and locals speak various African languages based on the country and tribe