Travel Africa_Planning Your Safari

Planning Your African Safari

For most people, a safari to Africa is the realization of a dream of a lifetime. We understand that it can be an expensive adventure, and for that reason have put together some guidelines that will help you in planning your safari. Before you begin, there are several questions you should ask yourself ; The 8 safari essential questions:

How much time do i have to travel?

Travel Africa have different lengths of safaris, we recommend a safari of not less than 4 days.

What is my budget?

Travel Africa cater for all budgets so just let us know how much you want to spend.

What time of year shall i travel?

For many travellers to this vast and diverse continent, wildlife is the major attraction. One should always remember that the so-called 'peak season' is just that, and accommodation establishments tend to be booked well in advance.

Many Safaris Lodges are small, and therefore space is at a premium. If you want to experience the majesty of the great migration in East Africa, it is advisable to book well in advance, likewise, if your interests are travelling to Cape Town, and the Winelands in December.

It is important to understand how seasonal trends might affect your trip. Remember, however, that weather is variable and so it is quite possible to go for days without rain during the rainy season, or have thundershowers in the middle of the dry season!

Wet Season

The grass can be long in some areas after the rains; therefore, game viewing at these times can be difficult. In some areas, the wildlife will disperse during the rains due to the ample water supply, as they are not dependent on water holes.

Dry Season

The best game-viewing period in Africa is generally during the dry season. Permanent water supplies attract animals, the vegetation becomes thinned out, and trees don't have so many leaves to obstruct the view.

This optimum safari season usually includes winter (May-August) and the hot spring months of September and October. The climate is comfortable in the dry winter months of May, June, July and August. Daytime temperatures are mild and the nights get a little cool.

Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique)

In most parts of Southern Africa, the rainy season is generally from November to March. This is particularly true for the safari areas. The peak safari time is in the dry winter months as this is when the game concentrates around the water sources, although the summer months can be productive – especially for keen birders, as the migratory species breed during this period, and the Okavango Delta, for example, becomes a paradise.

Zambia tends to be more seasonal, as certain areas (Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa) can be made impassable due to bad road conditions. Certain properties do close between November and April.

The Western Cape area, including Cape Town, tends to experiences a winter rainfall, making the peak season to travel the summer months.

Where would i like to go?

>> South Africa

>> Namibia

>> Botswana

>> Zambia

What are my special interests?

>> Birdwatching

>> Photography

Are there any special activities i'm intersted in?

>> Walking Safaris

>> Horse Riding Safaris

>> Golfing Safaris