Have you enjoyed watching safaris in the movies or a fiction? Or the legendary Mowgli from Kipling’s epic The Jungle Book has fascinated you in any point of life? Well if both the answers are for yes, go on reading ahead. Today as we inhale the concrete air in of the cities and at one time or the other plan to get rid of the monotony that we are destined to and are engrossing inch by inch: we long for a break and fly off somewhere which more than often is again concrete. Long lost are the days when entering forests and getting lost in the wild were forbidden. A getaway to the wild has become a soothing mode of relaxation and getting charged. Seeing nature in movement and in action is all together a different story. Bringing you a list of exciting and relaxing safari destinations in Africa without which your tour diary is simply incomplete. Take a look-
- Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana:
Meerkats in Central Kalahari Game Reserve the second largest game reserve in the world, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the finest safari destinations. The reserve was established in the year 1961 and has a sprawling size of 52,800 square kilometers making it accessible partially. The place is still occupied by Bushmen and was restricted visitors until recently and even now a very thin amount of visitors are seen.
What to see: the park contains white rhino, South African Giraffe, Brown Hyena, Spotted Hyena, African leopard, Kalahari Lion, zebra, Chacma baboon, meerkat, cape hare, cape squirrel are some of the wild lives you probably can spot.
Where to Camp: Kalahari Plain Camp, located in the south-east of Deception Valley offers best safari. Cool looking tents, game seeing and fabulous relaxation. Tau Pan Camp is another great place to accommodate. Spacious rooms and beds with sight-seeing airy decks are added features. Deception Valley Lodge and Haina Safari Lodge are two other great places to camp.
When to Visit: any time of the year but rainy seasons are best.
- Chobe National Park, Botswana:
a great elephant concentration, Chobe National Park is located in northern Botswana and is also the first national park of the region. With real diversified ambiance the place is gifted with distinct ecosystem.
What to see: elephants, rhinoceros, zebra, kudu, warthog, impala, hippopotamus, antelope, African wild dog, birds.
Where to Camp: a pick for every taste, the Chobe Safari tours are simply great for family vacation or a romantic getaway or in case you wish to be all by yourself. Set amidst the scenic views of the wild, these safari lodges are just the perfect choice-Chobe Safari Lodge, Tilodi Safari Lodge, Chobe River Cottages, Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge.
When to Visit: May to September
- Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya:
Wildebeest and Zebra-The Great Migration one of the greatest wild life reserves of Africa, Masai Mara is located in south-west Kenya and is really spectacular game viewing spot. The place is popular for its annual migration of Zebra, wildebeest and Thompson’s gazelle from July to October. The reserve was established in the year 1961 as a wild life sanctuary.
What to see: Wildebeest, zebra, Thompson’s gazelle, topi, African elephant, lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, cape buffalo, hippopotamus, hyenas, cheetah, jackals, bat eared jackals are some of the wild lives to be found in the reserve.
Where to Camp: there is a wide selection of comfortable accommodations to pick from in and around Masai Mara. Some of the best lodges’ are- Saruni Mara, Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Basecamp Masai Mara, and Mara West Camp.
When to Visit: Late June to October. If you should see the Great Migration July to October is the best time.
- Etosha National Park, Namibia:
a beautiful abode of several endangered and threatened varieties, the Etosha National Park was officially declared a game reserve in the year 1907 and was proclaimed as a National Park in 1967. The place is popular for their reserves of black rhinoceros which are now not disclosed publicly are kept within protected boundaries of the park.
What to see: African bush elephant, zebra, Southwest African lion, springbok, black backed jackal, cape fox, bat eared fox, banded mongoose. Among the rare varieties are black footed cat, white rhinoceros, serval, dwarf mongoose. The cape wild dog and African buffalo are now extinct varieties.
Where to Camp: there are good selections of accommodation in Etosha National Park which are well facilitated with restaurants, swimming pools, shops and petrol stations. Some of the best accommodations are- Etosha National Park, Etosha Village, Halali Camp, Mushara Lodge, Etosha Safari Camp, Namutoni.
When to Visit: a year round destination but the best time covers May to December
- Kruger National Park, South Africa:
White Rhinoceros located across the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo in the northeast of South Africa, the Kruger National Park is a designated spot under the UNESCO. It was declared South Africa’s first national park in the year 1926. A great natural habitat of flora and fauna, the park has more varieties of large mammals than any other African game reserve.
What to see: African buffalo, lion, giraffe, elephant, blue wildebeest, white rhinoceros, impala, leopard, spotted hyena, water buck, hippopotamus, water buck. Kruger shelters 114 varieties of reptiles including African rock python, black mamba and crocodiles.
Where to Camp: get in to the wild with these comfortable and in nature accommodations- Lataba Rest Camp, Singita Lebombo Lodge, Imbali Safari Lodge, Viva Safaris, Kambaku Safari Lodge, Lukimbi Safari Lodge
When to Visit: all year round destination.
Safaris are a best way to enjoy nature and be close to the wild. Set on for one if you haven’t already.
