If you dream of meeting the big five of the African jungle: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, these are the safaris that you cannot miss out.

The Word Safari comes from the Arabic word Safara which was later adopted by the Swahili language and became Safari which means, Travel, Excursion, etc. Africa is the Eden of the most fascinating animals in the wild. Only here you will be able to observe, in their natural habitat, the “big five” or Big 5: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros; in addition to other fascinating species, such as giraffes, antelopes, jackals, crocodiles, zebras, impalas, wildebeest, wild boar, hyenas, wild dogs, and much more.

To be able to be very close to them, it is necessary to make a safari through the different national parks of Africa, either by van, helicopter, or even by hot air balloon. Even if you have the option of visiting some national parks in your own car, the experience of making a “game drive” is incomparable, since you will have great experts in wildlife (rangers and trackers) accompanying you on the route and guiding you so that you get to see and learn everything about the Big 5.

Each national park has a particular ecosystem and very interesting characteristics, depending on its location. Many of them stand out for the amount of population of a specific species, such as the Maasai Mara that has the largest population of lions or the Chobe National Park that stands out for its elephant population.

You should also consider that doing a safari requires strict security measures, so it is important to inform yourself enough to know where and with whom to do it. Our years of experience allow us to recommend the best routes in the African jungle.

Where to go on a safari in Africa?

Here we detail the 6 most famous and recognized national parks for a safari in Africa.

This safari takes place in Kenya, in the Maasai Mara National Park, named after the most famous tribe in Africa, the Maasai, and for the river that crosses this area, the Mara River. This is the most representative safari in Africa, with a great diversity of species, where you will also find “the big five”: lion, buffalo, rhino, elephant and leopard.

If your dream is to meet the king of the jungle face to face, this is the perfect place, since approximately 3,600 lions live here. In fact, the cartoonists from the 1994 blockbuster movie “The Lion King” traveled to Kenya, specifically the Masai Mara, to inspire their illustrations, since much of this place is an African savanna.

On the other hand, one of the most impressive attractions of this safari is to see the Great Migration, a time when zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes desperately cross the Mara River. The stampede produces an impressive sound and the sight of these animals jumping over the precipices and crossing the river, is privileged.

Here you can find a wide variety of lodges that offer safaris in a van on foot or even in a hot air balloon.

The best season to do the Masai Mara safari is between July and October, since that is when migration occurs.

In the Serengeti National Park, in northern Tanzania, you can go on this safari, one of the most recommended in Africa. It is a great plain, that’s why it is known as “the endless plain”. Although it seems deserted at first glance, it is totally full of life.

Like the Maasai Mara, it has a complete diversity of species, “the big five”, a large number of lions and, of course, you will also be able to see the wildebeest and zebra migration, found here before they start. his annual trip to the Maasai Mara.

One of the striking features of this place is its granite rock formations in the middle of the vegetation, called kopje, which become perfect places for lions to rest and observe their territory.

The ideal, in all safari, is to stay in the lodges that are inside the park, so you can rest listening to the sounds of the animals and when you wake up, watch the sunrise from the savanna, an unforgettable view.

Another attraction that you can visit in Tanzania is the Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, an old extinct volcano with a crater of more than 20km, and with lakes inside, which have been taken by African fauna.

This safari can be done in Botswana, southern Africa, where you can find the Chobe National Park and the Moremi Game Reserve. If you are looking to see elephants, this place has no loss, since here is the largest concentration of elephants in Africa, with 120 thousand of them.

Chobe elephants are migratory, they move for up to 200 km in the Chobe and Linyanti rivers during the dry season, to the depressions in the southeast of the park, in the rainy season.

You will start this tour navigating the Chobe River, heading towards Namibia. This route will be incredible because you will be able to observe the elephants approaching to drink water, you will also see hippos, antelopes, a great variety of birds, giraffes, lions, and the inevitable crocodiles.

The best season to see the elephants and other animals in Chobe Park is in the dry season, from May to October.

The Kruger National Park is located in the northwest of South Africa. It is the largest wildlife reserve in southern Africa and is known as the King of National Parks.

This is the park par excellence to be able to see “the big five” since in this safari you will be able to see them with less difficulty and ensure a good photo of some of these fantastic animals. It also has 801 different species of wild animals.

The Kruger Park has two different areas: the part that is open to the public, which is less expensive, where you can access with your own car and camp inside, but you will not be able to get away from the roads, making it more difficult to find “The big five”. On the other hand, there are the private areas, with a higher cost, where the routes have greater freedom of movement and it is easier to see leopards, rhinos, lions, elephants, and buffalo.

You can visit the Kruger Park throughout the year, but the autumn-winter season is ideal to see the animals at a greater distance, since the pastures are lower, in addition, the animals are concentrated in many rivers and permanent sources or lakes, to drink.

Going trekking to see gorillas is a type of tourism that you cannot miss if you travel to Africa. This is one of those unforgettable experiences, as you will be able to walk in the lush forest and come face to face with a mountain gorilla and watch them as they move about in their natural habitat.

These safaris can be done in places like the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park in Uganda and the Volcanoes Park in Rwanda. Both have their own characteristics and different types of gorilla families. For example, in Bwindi the vegetation is thicker, but it houses the largest population of mountain gorillas, and in the Parque de Los Volcanes the roads are less steep, less dense, and shorter, but the cost of entry permits is more expensive than in Uganda.

You can visit them all year round, but consider that the rainy months (March to May and October to November) make walking through the forest more difficult. And if you prefer a season with fewer visitors, you can take advantage of the months of February and September.

On the other hand, Uganda also has several national parks for safaris, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park that is known for tree-climbing lions, unique in the world and that can only be seen there (if we are lucky), but it also has an area in the north of the country where you can see the Big 5. Kidepo National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.

You can find more details in our article on Tips to see Gorillas in Africa.

The Ngorongoro Crater is located in Tanzania, and is an extinct volcano, at 2000 meters above sea level and with a crater with a diameter of 20 kilometers.

Almost all the African wild fauna managed to colonize this crater and now they inhabit this place, with the exception of the giraffe which is difficult to access through the slopes of the crater. Here the animals have everything they need, with a lake and wetlands that provide them with water and do not need to migrate.

In the Ngorongoro safari, the most valued species are rhinos, of which only 24 remain, as they have been attacked by poaching.

The most recommended is to travel in the low season, between May and June, since in high season it is very crowded and there are crowds of tourists.

Meet other national parks in our list of The 5 least known, but impressive African safaris

If you want to go on a safari in one of these national parks, do not hesitate to contact us to organize your trip in the most personalized way possible and make sure that you meet the Big 5. Send us a WhatsApp at +27767687708 or an email to [email protected] and we will reply to you shortly.

Ever dream of seeing gorillas up close? Get to know the African national parks where you can get close to them and observe them in their natural habitat.

One of the most iconic attractions of Africa is the gorilla trekking experience . Seeing them is without a doubt, a great privilege. Being an endangered species they have managed to survive thanks to the help of tourism and the amazing conservation work carried out in the national parks.

Currently there is a population of just over 1000 mountain gorillas. Considering that in 1981 there were only around 251 left in the world, we can see that the conservation work is paying off.

The two countries we highly recommend to see gorillas  are Uganda and Rwanda. Both countries have  national parks for mountain gorilla studies and  tourism. To get to a gorilla family you will have to go on a guided hike. The duration of the hike will depend on the proximity of the Gorilla family you are visiting .You will need to follow a set of basic rules and recommendations given to you by the ranger when observing the gorillas. This is to ensure that they are not unnecessarily disturbed and your safety is maintained.

Where to see The Gorillas in Africa?

In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park,  you will find 13 gorilla families accustomed to human visitation.

Here the walk is somewhat harder than in Rwanda, since the vegetation is thicker, but half the world’s population of mountain gorillas live here.  This park was  declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

Uganda has many other activities to offer besides  the gorilla experience. We can arrange safaris, excursions to see the Chimpanzees or visit the Murchison Falls in the north of the country which is where the Nile River begins. Here  you will find incredible wildlife and  vegetation.

Uganda has many other activities to offer besides  the gorilla experience. We can arrange safaris, excursions to see the Chimpanzees or visit the Murchison Falls in the north of the country which is where the Nile River begins. Here  you will find incredible wildlife and  vegetation.

In the  Volcanoes National Park Rwanda you will find  10 different families of mountain gorillas, accustomed to human visitation. The largest silverback in the world lives in this park.

Permits to see gorillas in Rwanda are more expensive than in Uganda.  In Rwanda the cost per person per permit per day is USD 1,500 and in Uganda the cost is USD 700. The hikes in Rwanda are less steep, less dense and shorter than in Uganda. Also ,  as the vegetation is less dense you get better lighting for  photography.

We can also arrange other activities , such as an excursion to see the Golden Monkeys or a  visit  to the Dian Fossey Foundation and her grave.

Instructions to see the gorillas

The Gorilla visits in the national parks are done only once a day. The walks can last for a few hours, but once the Gorilla family is  found, you can only spend 1 hour with them. At the briefing session at each of the  national parks  the rangers will give you the necessary instructions. What to expect before you start:

•  You will be divided into groups of 8  or less and a gorilla family will be assigned to your group. You will then embark on a guided hike in search of your assigned gorilla family.
• It can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a couple of hours to find the Gorilla family assigned to your group. It is important to have a little patience to be able to enjoy this magical journey.
• Once the gorilla family is found , you will have a maximum  of 1 hour to be with them. Some basic rules, such as: keeping a safe distance,  not yelling,  not running, not imitating their movements, not using flash photography and of course not feeding them are required.
• The guides at each national park will give you more details and recommendations on how to act in different cases, during the expedition.
• Some recommendations for photography. Taking pictures of gorillas may not be such an easy task, due to distance and lighting.  We recommend you take good photographic equipment, such as a digital SLR camera that has a high ISO and a 24-70mm lens, a 70-200mm lens or a 200-400mm lens.
• Do not forget the spare chargers and batteries, as it can be a long time before you find  the gorillas.
• If you have a GoPro or similar make sure you have batteries to film the whole hour you are with the Gorillas, specially if you can mount the camera on your hat or your chest that way you can also take pictures with your camera, you will definitely capture some amazing moments.

Important information before your trip

• To visit Rwanda and Uganda, you must get a Visa. You can process the East African Visa online. The yellow fever vaccine is a requirement for the visa. It is also recommended to take Malaria pills.
• A very important note: If you have a cold or have any flu symptoms or something similar, you will not be able to visit the gorillas. This is to avoid putting the gorillas’ health at risk.
• What is the best season to visit mountain gorillas? You can visit them throughout the year, but consider that the rainy months (March to May and October to November) make the walk through the forest a little more difficult. And if you prefer a season with fewer visitors, you can take advantage of the months of February and September.
• It is important to note that to visit these parks, whether in Rwanda or Uganda, it is necessary to obtain a special permit, which you must do a minimum of 6 months in advance, as there are a limited number available for each day.
• For accommodation, Rwanda has the best luxury hotels, such as Bisate lodge or Gorilla’s nest by The One & Only or Kwitonda Lodge by Singita, these are however more expensive than the Uganda options. In Uganda we can recommend, Buhoma Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi lodge or Gorilla Forest camp.
• What to wear for the hike? We suggest wearing suitable clothing for a hike. The hikes are in a rainforest and long sleeves and long pants are a necessity . You should also have enough water and snacks with you on the hike. In general though the safari vehicles that do the transfers carry these in abundance. Check with your lodge before you leave.
• Make sure you bring good cameras and video equipment, since once you find the gorilla family, it would be a disaster to run out of battery or not be able to take the perfect photo!

Africa has a great variety of tourist options: Safaris, nature, animals, adventure sports and beautiful beaches. Below, we present you the most outstanding destinations in Africa. Do not hesitate to contact us if you want to meet them. We have been in the best lodges, so we will only recommend the best.

We start with the north of Africa, and without a doubt, Egypt is the first thing that comes to mind.

The Giza pyramids are definitely what is best known in Egypt, but that’s not the only thing you can visit. Built in 2700 BC .. The main attraction is the sphinx next to the main pyramids of Keóps (145 meters high), Kefrén and Micerinos, which were built as crypts for the pharaohs. By car and in less than an hour, you can get to know up to two more complexes that also have pyramids that will surprise you, and best of all, without as many tourists as those in Giza.

The tour of the pyramids can be done in less than a day, however, since you have gone to Egypt, it is recommended to invest at least a week to visit the rest of the country. After visiting Cairo (and its unforgettable museums) you should take a cruise in the Nile and visit many incredible temples, along the way including the Valley of the Kings, a hot air balloon flight is not a bad idea .

For those who enjoy scuba diving, the Red Sea is one of the best places in the world to practice it, so you should invest a few days to visit it.

If you are looking for paradise like beaches with turquoise waters, this is the right place. It is a series of islands found in the Indian Ocean, 36km from Tanzania. Here you can enjoy warm weather all year round, find accommodation of all prices, snorkel or scuba dive, fly over the Indian Ocean by parasailing or go on excursions on traditional boats and enjoy the sunset (depending on where on the island you are). If you have been on safari in any of the neighboring countries, coming to rest in Zanzibar is undoubtedly the best option.

Apart from relaxing on the beach, you can also get to know its culture while you visit its fishing villages and visit its spices markets, which is why Zanzibar is also called the island of spices.

Rwanda and Uganda are perfect places to observe these beautiful endangered animals, for this you must take walks that can vary between 30 minutes to a couple of hours. Depending on the physical level of the people they are assigned a family of gorillas either near or far. In these countries you can also visit and see chimpanzees in their habitat, very interesting too. We recommend that you make both excursions, and we do not doubt that they will be memories that you will have for life.

Uganda offers safaris and you can also see a kind of unique lions that climb trees. Are you going to miss it?

The highest point on the continent at 5895 meters, and the highest independent mountain in the world, is a must-see option located in East Africa. It is a volcano formed together with three others which are inactive: Kibo, Shira and Mawenzi.

Unfortunately its ice caps have been shrinking so it is better to hurry to visit it. If you choose Kilimanjaro as your destination, be sure to visit one or two of the national parks: Serengeti, Masai Mara, Tarangire, etc.

They have expeditions that last between 7 and 12 days depending on the tour taken. Consider that you will need a good physique to achieve it, but the experience will undoubtedly be unforgettable.

This incredible tourist attraction is 108 meters high on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. You can go directly to this destination and spend a couple of nights, but it is also a destination to enjoy during a day if, for example, you are visiting South Africa and you want to include these beautiful waterfalls in your trip.

Here you will not only be able to enjoy the waterfalls and the many adventure activities that are offered in the area, since there are also many National Parks options you can also be able to do safaris very close, the one that we most recommend is the Chobe National Park in Botswana .

One fact that not many know is that if you have a full moon day, take advantage and stay for the sunset, as a view of the moonlight will bounce off the Victoria Falls that will form a night rainbow. Not to be missed!

The oldest desert in the world at 65 million years old, located in the south of the continent. A good place to visit would be Sossusvlei, where you can see some of the highest dunes in the world and the impressive Kalahari desert, a bit further north is Skeleton coast, Cape Cross (where you can see the sea lion colonies) or the 22 hectare Etosha National Park expansion where you can find black rhinos (almost extinct species).

The best way to visit the impressive desert with red dunes is through a light plane or a hot air balloon to have a panoramic view, so it is time to lose your fear of heights and enjoy the view.

As a curiosity, in this desert lives also the oldest plant in the world, which is capable of living up to 1,500 years, and is called Welwitschia Mirabilis. There’s a “forest” of them.

An unforgettable stop to discover unique beaches and species: such as baobabs that only grow in this island, the world’s largest butterfly, the smallest lemurs and those that are the size of a 4-year-old child, among others.

To know its flora and fauna, you must visit its parks and national natural reserves such as: the Anja Reserve, the Ranomafama or the Andasibe-Mantadia, which is where you will be able to see the different types of lemurs more easily. You can also visit the Avenue of the Baobabs in Morondova, where you will see these trees with unique aspects, part of the identity of Madagascar.

You can also enjoy beautiful beaches in the north of the island, there are many of them to navigate, and get lost in the wonder of its landscapes. So do not hesitate to get on a 4×4 and go discover them.

Protected area, as one of the original eight volcanos is active, the Oldoinyo Lengai. Ngorongoro is one of the largest craters in the world (if not the largest).

You will be able to find up to 25,000 species of animals including the Big Five: The Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino, so it is a spectacular place to go on safari and be able to see animals in their own habitat.

The crater has a microclimate so you can find an abundance of wildlife that normally lives there all year round. It is also a World Heritage Site, according to Unesco.

Located in the south of the continent, it is the most popular destination in the South African country. Beaches, social life, nature, luxury vineyards and lots of adventure sports.

In Cape Town you have infinite plans to enjoy either as a tourist or as a local, because it has incredible restaurants and hipster areas with independent shops that you will surely want to visit.

And if you like to surf, you could not have chosen a better destination. The water is cold, but it is a wonderful destination that draws surfers from all over the world, not to mention the incredible number of trekking routes in and around the city. It’s a must on your trip to South Africa!

Botswana is another perfect destination to enjoy nature, since it has a very varied fauna. One of the must-see places in Botswana is the Okavango Delta, one of only two deltas that ends up on dry land and not in water. It is also one of the last remaining virgin areas in the world. Here you can enjoy an incredible view of elephants, hippos, giraffes, crocodiles, among others, in their natural habitat.

There is also a desert area with salt flats, very extensive, where you can sleep under the stars outdoors, do you dare ?

What did you think of these places in Africa? Surely more than one caught your attention for your next vacation, so do not hesitate to contact us to organize your trip in the most personalized way possible. Send us a whatsapp a +27767687708  or an email to [email protected] and we will reply to you shortly.