Quick synopsis of Safari&Beach’s recommended national parks and reserves to stay across the African continent:
SERENGETI, TANZANIA – wide open plains, witness to annual wildebeest migration (shared with Masai Mara in Kenya), biggest skies, high population of all animals including predators, away from the crowds, mainly small tented camps eg. Naona Moru Tented Camp, Kaz Kaz Camp. Best time to travel June to March.
MASAI MARA, KENYA – wide open plains, witness to annual wildebeest migration (shared with Serengeti in Tanzania), big skies, high population of big cats, array of accommodation options, some mass market. Safari&Beach would recommend staying in adjoining conservancies such as Mara North or Olare Orok, see Elephant Pepper Camp, Ol Seki Hemingways. Best time to travel June to March.
OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA – pristine wilderness, high density of animals including big cats, varying landscapes with options of driving, walking and boating safaris. Exclusive destination with high end accommodation options, some very expensive. Safari&Beach recommends Gomoti Plains, Little Kwara Camp . Best time to travel June to December.
NGORONGORO CRATER, TANZANIA – one of earth’s natural wonders with easy option of safari in a day seeing all the animals (excluding giraffe) and not too much driving. Accommodation in nearby farmlands eg. Rhotia Valley or luxury on the crater rim at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Best time to travel June to March.
SELOUS GAME RESERVE, TANZANIA – largest reserve in Africa with pristine wilderness and varying landscapes including open plains and mopane woodland, intersected by Rufiji river and lakes between. Options for boating and walking as well as open sided vehicular safaris. The Selous has mainly lodge based accommodation meaning venturing out from camp morning/evening safari activities with time to enjoy your lodge during the day eg. Lake Manze, Selous Impala Camp. Best time to travel June to March.
AMBOSELI, KENYA – in shadows of Mount Kenya. Varying landscapes and high viewpoints ideal for sundowners. Amboseli is well known for its large elephant population in massive herds. Very combinable with Masai Mara and easy access to Kenya coast. Excellent starter safari camps eg. Tortillis Camp, Amboseli Porini Camp. Best time to travel June to March.
SKELETON COAST, NAMIBIA – amazing diversity and desert wilderness with lunar type landscape adjoining wild seas. Home to the nomadic Himba tribe. Escapism as its best with some stunning accommodation options eg, Serra Cafema Camp. Best time to travel March to December.
SABI SANDS, SOUTH AFRICA – exclusive conservancy adjacent to Kruger National Park with big 5 safari focus from exclusive camps eg. Chitwa Chitwa, Nottens. Always good, whatever the time of year.
SOUTH LUANGWA, ZAMBIA – away from the crowds and one for the safari aficionado. Plenty of large cats and one of the best destinations for walking and night time safaris eg. Mfuwe Lodge. Best time to travel April to December.
MADIKWE, SOUTH AFRICA – family favourite with non malaria guarantee and big 5 safaris and the elusive wild dog. Close to Botswana border with easy access to Johannesburg and Sun City. Madikwe tends to offer camp based holidays with large safari hotel or boutique safari lodges eg. Madikwe Safari Lodge. Travel any time of year.
Whilst these are Safari&Beach’s top 10 national parks to visit, everywhere in Africa has something for someone. Safari&Beach tailor make itineraries to balance the personal requisite of experience versus adventure.
For more information about African national parks and safaris, please contact Safari&Beach on 01548 854125 or email us at: info@safariandbeach.com.
