A safari is overland travel to observe or hunt wild animals, particularly in western or eastern Africa. Particularly, the so-called Big Five Game animals of Africa including elephant, leopard, lion, rhino, and Cape Buffalo-form an integral part of the safari industry, both for big-game hunting and wildlife observation. Most safaris combine the travel to observe different animals with the chance to partake in some exciting activities. These safaris are generally organized by a tourism company or a government organization that specializes in wild-life preservation. The primary target of a safari is the animals listed above, although other animals like lions, zebra, cheetahs, flamingos, etc are also favored by many safari seekers.
There are several different kinds of African safaris, each with its characteristic. In addition to a big game, an African safari may also include trekking, mountain biking, swimming, golfing, biking, etc., leading to a more profound understanding and appreciation of wildlife and its habitats. For instance, a beach safari in Kenya may include snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, etc., while a safari on the eastern side of South Africa may include walking through the dense forest, camping under the stars, driving through game reserves, helicopter or airplane trips, visiting the National Geographic headquarters, visiting the pyramids in Egypt, etc.
Several authorized game reserves in south Africa provide opportunities for photographic safaris. The most popular game reserves in the country include Kruger National Park, Okavango Delta National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Masai Mara Game Reserve, and Blyde River National Park. Many an adventure seeker has put in efforts to bag big cats’ in the game reserves, including the famous lion ‘Nsukubanding’ that resides in Okavango Delta. But perhaps the most famous cat in the world is the diamond-backed cat that resides in the Okavango Delta in Botswana!
An African safari in Tanzania will include a visit to the Serengeti national park where visitors can expect to see some of the wildest animals on the continent. There, visitors will meet with the Maasai tribe who dwell in the harsh wildernesses of Tanzania. Maasai people are nomadic hunters and their culture is marked by their religious ceremonies and rituals. If you are fortunate enough to witness a Maasai tribal lioness on her way to mating, you will witness one of the most powerful forces on earth.
If an African safari in Tanzania is your ‘dream vacation’, there is no better place to start your safari trip than Dar es Salaam the capital city of Tanzania. The colorful city is the home of the famous Tanzania museums that display the history and artwork of Tanzania’s ancient inhabitants as well as some of the best examples of contemporary Tanzania art. The Serengeti National Park offers visitors the best chance to observe wild cats and other fascinating wildlife. On a safari in Tanzania, the best months to visit are from October to March. During this time, the Serengeti is not as crowded as other areas of Tanzania and offers an opportunity to enjoy an uninterrupted safari.
Many visitors to Tanzania opt to visit the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the seven natural wonders of Africa. Although it was once home to gorillas, chimpanzees, and hippos, the Serengeti began to dominate the ecosystem around 2000 B.C., resulting in its development as a habitat for lions, wildebeests, and deer. For those looking to get up close and personal with wildebeest migration, the Serengeti Plains is the perfect place. Many safaris also include visits to the Ngorongoro crater and other locales within the Great Rift Valley.
For the ideal Safari in South Africa, visit Orion Safari Lodge in Rustenburg. You will not regret it!