Africa is on many people’s bucket list, it’s a long flight, its not cheap and you need to plan well in advance. There is something magical about Africa, it is different than the rest of the world. It is one of the last places on earth that is still raw and less disturbed by modernization. It’s rich, vibrant, colorful and incomprehensibly huge. It’s hard to travel to Africa and not come home with a different perspective of the world. There’s an energy that is unlike any other place in the world. You might even feel it as soon as you get off the plane; the air is different. There’s something old, pure and good about this continent. I often get clients say “I am only going once to Africa” but a look at them and say “let’s see what you say when you get back”. Africa has a way of drawing you back. It’s a one of a kind place full of unique destinations and experiences you just can’t find in other parts of the world. Once you go, you’ll will understand, and you are part of a special group of people who “know” what its like to experience Africa.

Its important when deciding on a safari to know that not every safari is created equal.

Some companies like to incise you with low prices but that often means staying locations that are far from wildlife which would require hours of driving each day OR not in the right season to see the most abundant wildlife. We choose properties that are located within prime wildlife destinations famous for the diversity of experiences. The landscapes of the African savannah are unmistakably unique. Each of the locations across the continent has their charms and quirks, from local tribes to unique natural events. There are two main areas to experience a safari, East Africa or Southern Africa, and neither one is right nor wrong. It will depend on the time of year, requirements of your group, how much time you have and the budget for the trip.

Eastern Africa – Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda

Kenya and Tanzania are home to the Masai Mara and Serengeti and this area plays host to the Great Migration. The migration is one of the most phenomenal natural spectacles in the world. It is an annual movement drawn by the rains, of millions of wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebra, Grant’s gazelle, Thompson’s gazelle, elands and impalas across the greater Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. Along with the herds of zebra and wildebeest are the predators, who complete the circle of life.

Southern Africa – Botswana

Botswana is located in one of the most pristine wilderness areas left on the Earth and the wildlife opportunities are incredibly abundant. Botswana is home to the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chobe is home to Africa’s largest elephant population as well as huge herds of buffalo, zebra and many antelope species, and with such abundant plains game, Botswana has plenty of Africa’s top predators – lion, leopard, hyenas and rare wild dogs.

South of the delta lie the far-flung stretches of the Makgadikgadi saltpans and the semi-desert grasslands of the Kalahari. Go on guided game drives, nature walks, river cruises, canoe trips or explore on horseback to make the most of Botswana’s legendary wildlife.

A safari experience in Botswana is a bit different than in East Africa. Most lodges are located in private game reserves which allow a variety of game viewing activities like walking, mokoro (canoe) and by boat in addition to the traditional vehicle. Depending on the time of year and location of the camp, these activities will vary. The volume of wildlife in Botswana is less than East Africa however the wildlife you are seeing will be up close and very intimate with very few other vehicles around. Its not uncommon for a ranger to chase a cheetah out of camp or have elephants saunter through the camp to a watering hole while you are eating lunch.