If you’ve been dreaming of a luxury travel adventure to Africa, in search of magnificent wildlife sightings in the wild, consider these superb destinations below.
Africa boasts great locations as can be seen in this luxury African safaris guide, but the most popular are the Kruger Park in South Africa, Serengeti in Tanzania and The Okavango Delta in Botswana.
The Kruger Park
The Kruger Park in South Africa is home to more than 140 large mammal species and over 500 bird species, the most in Africa. This abundance of wildlife attracts visitors from all corners of the globe with a wide range of accommodation available.
The best luxury accommodation in greater Kruger is found in the private reserves of the Sabi Sabi and Timbavati. These magnificently conserved conservation areas feature world-class lodges like Royal Malewane and Singita, often booked out 12 months in advance during peak season and can reach rates of $2,500 or more per person per night. This does however include all drinks and the finest cuisine in absolutely unique settings.
The best time to visit The Kruger Park is from July to September when the temperatures are slightly cooler, but not as cold as the winter months. This results in better game viewing to less dense vegetation and more active wildlife than in the hot summer months.
The Serengeti
The Serengeti in Tanzania is home to the largest animal migration on earth, commonly referred to as The Great Migration. More than 2 million animals including over 1,4 million wildebeest move in a circular pattern throughout the Serengeti, following the seasonal rains in search of greener grazing pastures.
This mighty animal migration results in a spectacular cat and mouse game between hunter and prey. The plains game move in search of better grazing and the predators like lions, hyena, crocodile and cheetah hunt them in turn.
The best way to view this spectacle is with a luxury-tented safari. Don’t think camping at your favourite location though, think white canvas, Egyptian cotton, outdoor dinners and romantic sunsets in off-the-track locations.
These luxury tented safaris start at around $750 per person in the low season, and depending on the accommodation required, can go to around $2,000 in the high season.
The Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Africa’s most special gems. The wildlife reserves of the Chobe boast more than 50,000 elephant including all of the Big 5.
But the Okavango Delta is more than just wildlife, it is a unique blend of tranquil environment and five star luxury. The premier safari lodges are dispersed along the waterways and channels of the Delta, conveniently located for you to enjoy wildlife encounters from the comfort of your private deck and pool.
Safari experiences are also more intimate in the Delta, where you can experience a traditional mokoro safari (canoe) and get up close to the banks where the animals come to drink, creating sublime photographic opportunities.
The cost for a luxury safari in the Okavango starts at $1,000 per person per night at the elite lodges, and due to the location you will need to budget for private air transfer too.
For more information on these locations and many more, including an insiders guide to best lodges in South and East Africa, visit African Safari Home. They have more than 20 years experience planning luxury safaris for worldwide travelers and offer the best value in the industry.
