Which is better? The answer? Neither!
Both regions are very different and offer different attractions. East Africa is 80% wildlife and 20% other (history, culture, cuisine, spas etc…) while South Africa is 20% wildlife and 80% other so the two destinations may be easily combined to create an outstanding journey to offer the very best of Africa. Wildlife Safari can design a combination itinerary to suit most preferences, depending on the time and budget available.
Eastern Africa
EAST AFRICA’S main attraction are the wildlife sanctuaries covering thousands of square kilometers with savannah grasslands that support large populations of herbivores (zebra, gazelle, wildebeest) together with large numbers of predators (lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena). This is the best region to witness wildlife in huge numbers, especially during the wildebeest & zebra migration between the Serengeti & Masai Mara from May to October (northwards) & November to February (southwards).
Wildlife viewing in East Africa is usually conducted in closed vehicles. Wildlife Safari uses only 4WD Toyota vehicles with either four (classic) or six (stretch) passengers per vehicle and window seats for everyone with access to the open roof hatch for the entire safari. We aim to maintain the continuity of the same guide for the entire safari (Wildlife Safari Guides are on permanent staff) Wildlife Safari offers maximum flexibility with game viewing times between 6:00am and 6:00pm.
Wildlife Safari also includes some non wildlife attractions & activities in East Africa such as an insight into the history of early man at the reopened Nairobi Museum, opportunities to visit authentic Samburu or Masai villages and learn about their traditional lifestyle, visits to tea & coffee plantations (both are important exports from the region), lake, river and ocean & fishing or just relaxing at a luxury resort on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
Southern Africa
SOUTH AFRICA’S wildlife viewing in South Africa is limited mainly to the Greater Kruger Park region. The Kruger National Park is relatively large with sealed roads and game viewing is usually conducted in larger vehicles that cannot venture off road. However, a patchwork of private wildlife sanctuaries surrounds Kruger where wildlife moves freely between concessions as well as the main Kruger National Park. Each private sanctuary is around the size of a typical farm in Australia, with the usual diversity of species. But you won’t experience the teeming herds of East Africa anywhere in Southern Africa. The topography and vegetation in South Africa is also very different to East Africa, instead of wide open plains there is more dense vegetation, so wildlife is more dispersed.
Wildlife viewing in Southern Africa is usually conducted in open vehicles which can be uncomfortable – hot by day in the summer and cold on night drives in the winter. Also, safari camps in Southern Africa insist on early morning (5:30 to 9:30 am) and late afternoon (4:30 to 8:30 pm) with the rest of the day to relax by the swimming pool, or in your room or take a spa treatment. Safari guides maintain the middle of the day is not best for game viewing as the wildlife hides but the first and last hour of a game viewing day is in darkness with a spotlight.
South Africa is 80% non wildlife with a selection of activities too large to include here, but with a fascinating history, various African, European & Asian cultures & cuisine, a selection of excellent wineries, magnificent scenery, luxury spas, some of the world’s best hotels and resorts, and a first world infrastructure.
