A Guide on African Safaris for First-Timers

Have you ever dreamed of an African Safari? Africa offers a variety of breathtaking destinations and unforgettable experiences, making the decision quite overwhelming.

That's where eXplore Plus Travel and Tours comes in, offering invaluable guidance for newcomers to the safari scene.

This guide breaks down some of the top first-time safari tips and destinations for new travellers, highlighting the can't-miss wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes each has to offer.

TANZANIA:

• Wildebeest Migration: Witness the spectacle of nearly two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle making their way through the Serengeti in search of greener pastures. 
• Ngorongoro Crater: The world's largest inactive volcanic caldera is a natural enclosure for over 25,000 animals. Safaris here almost guarantee close encounters with wildlife.
• Mount Kilimanjaro: While not traditionally a "safari," scaling Africa's tallest free-standing mountain offers the chance to hike through five vastly different ecological zones and catch glimpses of antelope, buffalo and even leopards.
• Serengeti National Park: The Serengeti hosts one of Earth's last major overland migrations. As the stomping ground for the Great Migration, lion prides and cheetah sightings.

KENYA:

From the wildebeest's thundering migration in the Masai Mara to the majestic elephants of Amboseli, Kenya offers a safari experience teeming with iconic wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. 

• Masai Mara National Reserve: See the Great Migration River crossings at their most dramatic from July to October in this iconic grassland habitat. You’ll also spot resident hippos, elephants, big cats and more iconic species year-round.
• Tsavo National Park: Divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, these parks comprise four per cent of Kenya's total land area. Take a safari to scout the red soil landscape for elephants, Masai lions, buffalo, rhinos and 1000+ bird species.
• Mount Kenya: Scale Africa's second tallest mountain for incredible vistas of glaciers, moorlands and forest belts where elephants and zebras roam below.
• Kenyan Coastline: After wildlife viewing inland, head to the Kenyan beaches along the Indian Ocean. Snorkel among the coral reefs, kayak with dolphins or relax with an exotic cocktail in hand.

BOTSWANA:

Enjoy intimate encounters in Botswana. The Okavango Delta awaits mokoro canoe adventures, vast elephant herds in Chobe, and starry nights under endless Kalahari skies.

• Chobe National Park: Spend sunsets drifting down the Chobe River, watching staggeringly large herds of elephants bathing and slaking their thirst on the shores. Over 120,000 elephants reside here.
• Okavango Delta: Safari by mokoro canoe or motorboat through the lush waterways and papyrus-fringed islands dotting Africa's largest inland delta. During rides, you'll paddle alongside bathing buffalo, grumbling hippos, and yawning lions.
• Zebra Migration Tours: Over 50,000 zebra migrate across the Makgadikgadi Pans from December through April in the world's second-largest overland migration. The salt flats also host meerkats and brown hyena families.
• Chobe Houseboats: Multi-day houseboat cruises down the iconic Chobe allow you to camp alongside the river, gazing across Namibia by night and seeking out wildlife daily. It's ideal for first-timers craving a relaxing, scenic experience.
• Chobe National Park: Witness unforgettable sunsets as you drift down the Chobe River, marvelling at large herds of elephants, bathing and quenching their thirst along the shores - a sight that will leave you breathless.

ZIMBABWE:

Witness thundering Victoria Falls, track elusive black rhinos in Hwange, or explore Mana Pools' hidden waterways teeming with elephants and hippos.

• Mana Pools National Park: Specialising in walking safaris and canoe excursions, visitors can dive deep into Mana’s floodplain habitats alongside expert guides to track lions, African wild dogs, hyenas, leopards and herds of elephants across open grasslands fringing the Zambezi River by foot.
• Victoria Falls Tours: From helicopter, joyrides giving you a birds-eye perspective over the majestic falls to adrenaline pumping while whitewater rafting through its rapids, Zimbabwe's iconic World Heritage Site will leave you captivated from every angle.
• Zambezi River Floating Tours: You'll gently drift on the majestic Zambezi River, with the untamed wilderness on either side. It's an ideal adventure for first-time travellers seeking both the tranquillity and excitement of Zimbabwe's unique landscapes.

RWANDA:

Rwanda's blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking beauty makes it the perfect choice for your first safari adventure.

• Unforgettable wildlife encounters: Track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park or embark on a chimp trek in Nyungwe Forest.
• Safety and security: Rwanda enjoys exceptional stability and is renowned for its warm hospitality, making it an ideal entry point to the continent.
• Diverse landscapes: From the misty volcanoes to lush rainforests and shimmering lakes, Rwanda's scenery is a feast for the senses.
• Cultural immersion: Discover the beauty and variety of local traditions, visit genocide memorials, and learn about Rwanda's remarkable resilience journey.
• Luxury and comfort: Choose from world-class lodges and eco-friendly camps, ensuring a comfortable and unforgettable safari experience.
  

SOUTH AFRICA:

South Africa is the go-to destination for first-time visitors to the continent. It’s known for its accessibility, affordability, pride in local wines and exceptional lodgings. 

• Kruger National Park is South Africa's top national park because of its incredible diversity and density of wildlife, including the Big 5. Its accessibility by road, enabling excellent self-drive safaris, makes it prime for first-timers.
• Big 5 Safari: Spot the Big 5 roaming across private areas encircled by luxury lodges.
• Wilderness Safaris: Imagine the thrill of spotting elephants, lions, and leopards in their natural habitat. South Africa’s Wilderness Safaris offer a unique blend of adventure, education, and relaxation, making them an ideal choice for those new to the safari experience.ng everything from leopards to lions, African wild dogs, and 400 species of birds.
  

Whether you’re planning to travel to Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Rwanda or South Africa, eXplore Plus Travel and Tours offers superb first-time safari adventures packed with spectacular wildlife sightings, comfy lodging options catered to various budgets, and unrivalled beauty that is waiting to be discovered.