Should You Head East or South for an Africa Safari?
Should you head East or South for an Africa Safari?
Because of the continent’s enormous size, safari veterans usually divide Africa into two regions, eastern and southern. Focusing your interest on one particular region makes sense when considering a two-week stay. As you ponder the distinctive qualities of each region, it is important to remember that these are only generalizations, and exceptions abound. For example, Southern Africa is known for smaller camps on private reserves. Yet there are excellent small camps in private concessions in Eastern Africa too. In both regions you will have a chance to see the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo) but you find there are different species unique to each region. Both these regions offer plenty of attractions, so we try to figure out exactly what type of safari experience you’d like to have and then we narrow it down from there.
Eastern Africa
Thundering herds, mountain dwelling gorillas and wide open plains.
Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda
You simply can’t beat Eastern Africa for huge numbers of animals gathered on the plains and a backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Iconic images like acacia-studded grasslands and hundreds of wildebeest scrambling up a riverbank during the great migration are classic Eastern Africa safari scenes and have inspired many of our guests to head East. Traditional pastoral cultures like the Maasai and the Samburu live in close proximity to Kenya and Tanzania’s game parks, and there are opportunities to meet them in their villages, as well as accompany them on walking excursions. Africa’s great primates – mountain gorillas and chimpanzees – are found only in Eastern Africa. As far as activities go, because much of Eastern Africa’s game viewing takes place in national parks; daytime game drives in closed four-wheel drive, or open top vehicles are the norm. Walking activities are offered on a limited basis only in private conservancies.
Southern Africa
An amazing variety of animals in some of the most diverse ecosystems.
Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
Southern Africa’s varied topography covers everything from beaches, woodlands, and deserts to the Okavango Delta and massive Victoria Falls. The diverse landscape and the region’s reliance on private reserves lends itself to excursions on foot, by motorboat, canoe, or mountain bike; by day or by night. Here, game drives are conducted in open vehicles, so there is nothing between you and the wildlife, and private reserves limit the number of vehicles that can observe an animal or group of animals at once. Botswana boasts some of the largest elephant herds in Africa, and you will appreciate smaller, more intimate wildlife encounters. Opportunities for cultural encounters here are not as numerous as in Eastern Africa, but visits to schools and villages can be arranged, and you can also combine your wilderness excursions with wine tasting and an urban experience in historic Cape Town.
Best of Both Worlds
With careful consideration to camp selection and strategic flights, there is a way to combine points of interest in our Best of Eastern and Southern Africa 14-day safari. Take in the large herds of the Masai Mara and visit a nearby Maasai village, then head south to experience Victoria Falls and activities on the mighty Zambezi River. The Okavango Delta has exceptional predator viewing and a water safari experience, and then conclude your trip in sophisticated Cape Town for shopping, fine dining and excursions to the nearby winelands or marine activities.
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