Taking an African safari is an exciting holiday choice for many people, however, given the nature of such an adventure, there is a required amount of due diligence to perform before you actually take off for the wilds of Africa.

Below are highlights of some great African safari destinations. Your African safari should be a trip of a lifetime; it is a very special experience and should be custom made to suit your personality. Speaking with an experienced southern African tour operator will not only provide you with heaps of knowledge, but they will be able to tailor a memorable safari that is ideal for you.

African Safari Hotspots

Kruger National Park
Undoubtedly Africa's best known safari destination, Kruger has been officially in existence since 1926. Set in South Africa and formerly known as Sabie Park before being expanded and re-named more than 80 years ago, Kruger has been a safe haven for many animal species due to the threat of over hunting. This is a game park to visit if you want to be assured of spotting loads of wildlife.

It is a great family destination, with a range of accommodation as well as experience options to suit any pocket. Adjacent to the Kruger lies the more exclusive Sabi Sands Reserve which contains beautiful and luxurious private reserves.  Since being opened to visitors, Kruger has drawn visitors to it like a magnet however; there are certain codes of etiquette you'll need to observe.

Botswana Safari
For sheer contrast in landscapes Botswana is the ideal candidate. From the dry arid lands of the Kalahari Desert to the rich, life blooming Okavango Delta, Botswana offers many options. Because of its tremendous contrast, Botswana is a perfect choice for first time safari seekers. It has a deep history and the traditional culture is very much alive.

It also caters to the more adventurous safari traveller with options such as elephant back safaris and mokoro trips and bush sleep-overs in the Delta. Botswana is a superb destination to spot loads of elephant and leopard. It offers a choice of safaris ranging from mobile to fly-ins. Some of the most beautiful lodges are only accessible by air.

Kenya Safari
Kenya has been described as the "grand daddy" of African safari destinations because it is the birthplace of the traditional safari. Like Botswana, it offers plenty of diversity in both landscape and fauna. The Masai people are almost legendary around the world and the safari options are numerous. One of the favoured safari tours is the Gorilla tour. However, think of an animal in Africa and it's likely to be in Kenya... elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs... all you'll need is good working camera.

Kenya shares one of the most famous migrations with Tanzania, the Wildebeest Migration where Wildebeest cross the Serengeti to reach the Masai Mara in search of greener pastures. The precise timing of the Wildebeest Migration changes annually and it is a very unpredictable and spontaneous natural event. It has been called one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife spectaculars on earth. Speak to your African travel consultant about the best time to spot the migration.

Tanzania Safari
Tanzania is East Africa's largest country and conjures up images of a rich, exciting and sometimes violent past. What it has to offer both in landscape and fauna is quite staggering. Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, wildlife and some amazing national parks. In fact, if it's wildlife you're interested in then Tanzania is pretty hard to beat. Combining Tanzania with a beach holiday in Zanzibar is also a great way to round off your safari.

These are just four areas on the African Safari trail well worth considering, however, throw "into the mix" safari destinations in Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, plus consider short term safari options to major landmarks and areas and you begin to appreciate that vastness that is Africa.

Preparatory Tips & Advice

Are there any dangers? Well sure, but most southern African tour operators are extremely over zealous about the safety of tourists that this almost does not become a concern. Therefore it is of utmost importance that you choose your operator very carefully.

Preparation for an African Safari is paramount, and not only will you need to do homework on your destination, but there is a little matter of "housekeeping" to perform as well. What to take? Clothing: light or heavy, personal care items, passports, money, sun block treatments: Your safari tour operator should give you a shortlist to consider before leaving for your African safari. If the preparation and packing is done right your African safari experience becomes a whole lot more enjoyable and will lead to a lifelong memory to cherish. 

About the Author:

RoadTravel is an accredited and well established tour operator specialising in tailor-made travel and safaris to southern Africa. Their vision is to share the magic that is Africa; to encourage clients to return again and again and above all to create authentic and memorable experiences for their clients.