I have been asked by friends and clients which is better, a safari in eastern Africa or one in South Africa? The answer is so very simple…either is fabulous!
The major attraction of the East Africa Safari is the opportunity to experience the vast migrations. Thousands of zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, gazelles or lions crossing rivers and traversing rolling grasslands and wooded savannas. It’s incredible to witness.
The best area to visit in Kenya is the Masai Mara Reserve from late June through October. Its sweeping countryside of the Great Rift Valley takes in striking Mt. Kenya, second highest in Africa, and vast Lake Victoria, the second largest freshwater lake in the world. The area is also the ancestral home to more than 40 tribal groups. You can visit the villages of the Massai and converse with their elders and students. Their relatively nomadic life, traditional dress and reverence of their cattle provide a rare cultural experience.
In Tanzania you will be witness to what is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, the Ngorongoro Crater, a collapsed ancient volcano, thousands of feet below the surrounding landscape, which is home to the largest concentration of animals in Africa. If you see no other place in Africa, you must visit Ngorongoro! Tanzania offers a myriad of ecosystems including swamps, grassland, lakes and forest. This wildlife-rich country boasts the famous Serengeti Reserve – an extension of the Masai Mara and, in fact, the origin of the great migration. Beyond the fabled Serengeti, Tanzania tours offers still more – Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro; largest wildlife sanctuary, Selous; and deepest lake, Tanganyika.
South Africa is a contrast in life style, ecology, economics and ethnicity. Flying into Cape Town or Johannesburg I was amazed at the modern architecture and world-class commerce. Nairobi cannot compare as a business or cultural city. Diamonds and coal, wine and agriculture have thrust South Africa into the 21st world community. Both countries have more social problems, poverty and political unrest than can be easily reconciled, but these do not impinge on the tourist’s sojourn. South Africa offers restaurants with exceptional cuisine, historic architecture, upscale accommodations and luxurious railways. But chances are you’re not traveling to South Africa to visit the cities. You will see vast seascapes; waves dashing on boulder-strewn beaches; penguins strutting into and out of sandy coves. Acres of ripening grapes in lush vineyards (and be sure to sample the great regional wines!)
If you’ve come to South Africa primarily for a safari, you will be well rewarded. The lodges are comfortable and modern, the vehicles roomy and as comfortable as open-air vans can be on rutted roads and open bush countries, and the animals seem to be much more comfortable around humans than those in Kenya and Tanzania. You will see lots of lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, rhino and elephants. It is not uncommon to come across a family of elephants ambling down the dusty road that you are on, or see a pride of lions stealthily stalking a gnu. Speaking of families, many South Africa hotels, lodges and camps are family friendly with special programs and activities catering to younger children’s interest.
In South Africa you will not see the migrating herds. Much of South African land is privately owned and discretely fenced. You won’t be aware of the fences, but the animals are somewhat contained in areas within Kruger National Park and the numerous private game parks surrounding Kruger. With only an average of 16 to 20 people in groups, it is very possible you will spend all day driving around and encounter nothing but wilderness and wildlife. In contrast on an East Africa safari you would probably see several safari vehicles crowded around wildlife sightings.
The weather varies between the regions. South Africa camps tend to stay open year round, with the rainy season generally being November through March. In East Africa they reference to “long rains,” in April and many safari camps close during this time. Temperature are about the same, with the cooler months being May through August.
East Africa has a larger population of tourists year round, where in South Africa you might get more of a private safari experience. In East Africa you will find a lot of hotel-styled lodged. In South Africa there are more luxury tented safari camps. That being said, there are more and more luxury camps being built in East Africa, primarily in Tanzania.
The best times to visit East Africa are June through September and December through March. Best time for South Africa is May through September.
Whether you go on either an East Africa or South Africa safari, you will experience magnificence.
