Must do in South Africa 2010: The Unique and Unbeatable African Safari

South Africa Car Hire Option 1: Book your 2010 / 2011 South Africa Car Hire with First Car Rental here.

South Africa Car Hire Option 2: Book your 2010 / 2011 South Africa Car Rental with Europcar South Africa here.

Few nature experiences can rival that of an African safari. Once the term used for expeditions bent on bagging trophies, the modern safari is geared towards appreciating the wonders of wildlife. Safari tourism also contributes to the conservation of threatened African creatures and habitats. The African landscape and its rich wildlife, on foot or from the comfort of a luxury lodge, offer the opportunity for a truly unique and eternally memorable holiday.


Safari choices

The traveller keen to experience wild Africa has many choices. Destinations include national parks and small reserves, and the visitor has the option of luxury accommodation in well-appointed camps, or a closer-to-nature experience, trekking through the bush and camping en route. Reasonably priced accommodation in serviced rest camps is also available. The choice depends on budget and individual adventurousness. Game drives are ideal for some, either on a self-drive basis or accompanied by knowledgeable guides. Foot safaris that may involve close encounters with animals are not for the very timid, though operators take all possible steps to ensure safety, including skilled and watchful armed rangers.

For an authentic experience, travellers might wish to choose between those animal reserves that are unspoilt nature that has been fenced for protection and others (often private reserves) that have been specially stocked with reintroduced animals. Some of these parks are highly managed and hence slightly more artificial.

Many safari tourists are eager to see the ‘Big Five’. These are the five animals most prized by hunters, not for their size but because they are the most difficult and dangerous to hunt. The Big Five are the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Though often considered Africa’s most dangerous animal, the hippopotamus is therefore excluded from the list. Both species of rhino (black and white) qualify, though the white rhino is a threatened species that enjoys special legal protection from hunters. Countries in which all five of the Big Five can be seen in one location include South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.

Specialist safaris can also be taken, to reserves that specialise in particular animals, or in birdlife. Some are located in particular and unique habitats and environments. A number of reserves run conservation programs that visitors can get involved in during their stay – ideal for those who like hands-on holidays.

Top African safari destinations

Every African country has its national parks, some more accessible and fauna-rich than others. The best-known may have the most developed tourist infrastructure, but many smaller reserves offer unique experiences in less well-known locations. Some of Africa’s most famous safari destinations are the following, located in East and southern Africa:

- No game reserve in Africa has more animal species than the Kruger National Park (picture right), which boasts almost 150 mammal species alone. Located in the north east of South Africa, the Kruger Park has become part of a much larger conservation area, the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which includes areas of Mozambique and southern Zimbabwe. The park’s species-richness is partly due to its diverse ecosystems and habitats. The park offers a wide variety of accommodation, from privately run luxury lodges to camping along nature trails.

- The acclaimed Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province offers fabulous luxury in the peace of the wilds. Favoured by royalty, VIPs and celebrities, this private reserve offers the ultimate bush experience for those who want creatures plus creature comforts. Also hosts a big cat sanctuary in partnership with the Born Free Foundation.

- The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park was opened in 2000, not only as a conservation area but also as a ‘peace park’. It straddles the South Africa-Botswana boundary, on the Namibian border. Thanks to international co-operation, animals can move freely across political boundaries. Like many reserves, the visitor has the option between serviced accommodation and basic ‘wilderness camps’.

- Established in 1907 and once the largest wildlife reserve in the world, Etosha, in northern Namibia, (picture left) offers a unique experience. The region consists of a large dry salt pan. Animals gather in concentrations at the waterholes, making easy viewing.

- Chobe National Park in northern Botswana, named after the principal river, is one of the biggest national parks on the African continent, with a very large elephant population. The landscape is dry and relatively open, making animal-spotting relatively easy. Wildlife enthusiasts might also want to visit the animal-rich Okavango Swamps nearby. Canoeing through its maze of waterways offers an unforgettable safari experience.

- The Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania is world famous for its rich animal life in an area of almost 15 000 square kilometres. Its miles of unspoilt savanna, as well as riverine and woodland environments, support the Big Five as well as many other animals. It adjoins the Masai Mara National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.


- Tsavo National Park in Kenya, established sixty years ago, is a biodiverse area. Tsavo East is principally savanna and riverine country, while is mountainous and well-watered Tsavo West park is known for its black rhino and extraordinarily rich bird life.


For many, Africa may be a long way to go but the African safari offers an acquaintance with nature second to none. There is no better place for shooting animals – but with a camera rather than a gun. The extraordinary and unspoilt African landscape with its legendary creatures, including many threatened species, will never be forgotten by anyone who has been lucky enough to experience it.

South Africa Car Hire Option 1: Book your 2010 / 2011 South Africa Car Hire with First Car Rental here.

South Africa Car Hire Option 2: Book your 2010 / 2011 South Africa Car Rental with Europcar South Africa here.

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