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Top 10 tips: safari holidays

2.02.15 | Nathan Collins

Safaris are a fantastic way of seeing all that Africa’s vast wildlife has to offer. ‘Safari’ translated in Swahili means’ journey’ and it is definitely one journey that everyone should take!

Here are our top 10 tips for your safari holiday…

1. Decide when and we will tell you where’s best…..
Africa is the second biggest continent in the world and so therefore weather conditions vary from destination. Deciding on when to go to Africa for a safari depends on what countries you would like to visit. Eastern Africa enjoys a temperate climate whereas Southern Africa tends to have a more tropical climate.

2. Decide what you want to see and do
Africa is huge and there are an abundance of safaris on offer with certain areas populated by different wildlife. Decide on what it is exactly you hope to see and do and plan your itinerary from there. The Maasai Mara is famous for the big cats and the great wildebeest migration, whereas further south in the Okavango Delta you will find an abundance of hippo, buffalo and zebra, to name a few.

3. Invest your time in local guides
Local knowledge is priceless while on safari in Africa. Many guides have grown up in in the bush and therefore can provide excellent knowledge of animal traits as well as use tracks to find even the most elusive of animals!

4. Don’t’ chase; embrace!
The first time you see elephants and giraffes on the African plain it is pretty exciting. The next 10 times you see them can sometimes be taken for granted while on the hunt for the lions, leopards and cheetahs. However try not to take for granted seeing those elephants taking a sip from the watering hole for the tenth time, as it is a spectacular sight no matter how many times you see it!

5. See it from the sky
Safaris are a fantastic experience and exhilarating when you get close to wild animals in their natural habitat. If you are in the Maasai Mara or the Serengeti during the wildebeest migration, take a hot air balloon ride over the reserve at sunrise where you can be rewarded with the magnificent view of thousands of wildebeest making their annual journey. There are also options available to land in the reserve and enjoy a dinner in the bush, making it a truly fantastic experience.

6. Experience a night game-drive
During summer months it can get very hot and it is not just the tourists that feel it. Lions can become very lazy and you will often see them cooling down in the shade of a tree until the sun starts going down. Experiencing a night-game drive is a fantastic way of seeing wildlife come to life.

7. Take a trek!
Some of the best experiences in Africa are off the beaten track. Combining a safari with a trek to see gorillas in their natural habitat provides an extra special experience. Although it can be very hot and humid as well as tiring, the time spent observing gorillas in the wild is an amazing experience that is well worth it!

8. Equip yourself
Although many of the African safari countries enjoy a hot, dry climate, game drives often take place early morning in order to be out of the midday heat. Therefore always ensure you pack light jumpers and trousers for these early morning drives. Many of the safari destinations advise you to take precautions against malaria. It is advisable to see your GP before you leave to arrange the most suitable form of protection for yourself.

9. Try and get the best view from your room
There are a variety of accommodation options while on safari, ranging from luxury camps to lodges overlooking game reserves. Upgrading your room so you are overlooking water holes or the reserve itself is highly recommended. As the sun goes down you may be lucky to experience wildlife.

10. Twin-centre your safari
There is no denying that safaris are fantastic but they can be very tiring. Combining a safari with a beach break will provide you with relaxation before heading home. There are a number of options available such as the beautiful island of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania, or perhaps the idyllic Seychelles, or for someone wanting more than just a beach, Mauritius may be a great option. We can tailor a holiday to suit your personal requirements.

To plan and book your Safari holiday call Nathan or Oliver who have been themselves on 01543 258 631 or email vip@rbcollection.com.

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