1 The dry season offers better gameviewing,
as higher concentrations of
animals congregate around fewer
waterholes, with less foliage to hide
behind. During the rains, some tracks
become impassable and many camps
close. However, in the wet season,
animals – and consequently safari
vehicles – are often more dispersed.
Trees and shrubs are greener and in
fl ower, and many newborn animals
can be spotted. Weather’s not the
only consideration – visiting Kenya or
Tanzania during the Great Migration
(July–September), when more than
one million wildebeest thunder across
the Serengeti, is an experience of a
lifetime.
2 There’s nothing quite like a top-end
safari lodge for the classic Africa
experience – crisp white tablecloths,
cold drinks, impeccable service and
usually a waterhole, or savannah
viewpoint not too far away. But
camping safaris get you right in among
the action. Either way, with Explore*
you will have a top-notch leader and
you’ll be spotting the same game –
there’s no such thing as a luxury lion.
3 A 4WD game drive enables you to
sample several different areas in a
relatively short space of time. But
walking safaris get you away from
trails to enjoy the smaller creatures
and quieter sounds of the bush.
Boat safaris get you close to animals
drinking from waterholes and rivers,
and offer a unique perspective. For
the ideal mix, why not combine more
than one mode of transport?
4 If you have a burning ambition to
spot one particular species, check
where to head for the best chance.
For apes and the Great Migration,
it has to be East Africa; for desertadapted
elephants or a close-up
cheetah encounter, Namibia’s the
place. Trip dossiers will give you an
idea of which species you can expect
to see.
5 Africa offers a lot more than just
safaris. Head for Tanzania to tack
on a Zanzibar beach break or to
climb Kilimanjaro; to Zambia for
Victoria Falls and some adrenalin
action; to Kenya for Arab culture and
dhow cruises; or to South Africa for
fantastic landscapes, food and wine.