There is no more essential aspect to a holiday in South Africa than that of the African safari tour and the sighting of the Big Five. Imagine driving across savannah plains in an open 4x4 vehicle, just metres away from grazing zebra or lions basking in the hot sunshine. Or sipping a gin and tonic at sundown while watching animals drink at a nearby watering hole. If you want to experience wild Africa at her best then a safari holiday is a must.
The infamous Big Five are the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, and were given this name as they were considered the five most dangerous animals to hunt. Fortunately there are still places in Africa that you can view all five of these majestic creatures and when you do see them be sure to treat them with the respect they deserve. South Africa and her neighbouring countries all have National Parks and private game reserves that contain the Big Five as well as many types of buck and other animals.
While it is possible to do a self-guided tour of these parks and reserves, an African safari tour is best experienced with a guide. They will know the likely whereabouts of the animals, be able to follow tracks and know how to react should an animal become curious and approach your vehicle. Another benefit to a guided safari is that someone else will be doing the driving, leaving you free to concentrate on catching a glimpse of the Big Five.
You may want to take the seasons into consideration when planning your safari tours in South Africa, especially if you are visiting the Kruger National Park. Here summers (October to March) are hot and wet and the vegetation grows thickly, providing camouflage for animals and making them difficult to spot. The winter season (April to September) is dry and mild and the vegetation becomes sparse which makes viewing game much easier.
Accommodation should not be an issue during your African safari tour as there are plenty of luxury lodges and protected campsites available within the parks. Keep in mind that shops and petrol stations are limited so you will need to stock up on most things before entering the park.
Contact a Thompsons travel consultant to tailor your Big Five safari now. |
