The experience of an African animal safari is a little hard to beat in terms of sheer adventure. Those who love adventure and those who simply love taking photos will find this type of safari perfect as a holiday idea in 2008.
Preparing for an African animal safari means more than just throwing clothes into a suitcase. Homework means doing a little research on the animals you intend to see. The “big five” comprise the African lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo.
As a first time visitor, choosing one location is ideal if you are going to be limited by time. If time is a problem, then trying to cram in several locations will simply leave you a little unsatisfied not to mention exhausted and frustrated by the constant moving around.
One of our best tips if you intend sticking around one area is considering South Africa as your one stop safari destination during this first trip. Southern Africa has a very diverse range of bird wildlife for one thing but offers visitors both the chance to rough it a little as well as more comfortable accommodation options.
Animal Wildlife Havens
South Africa is a great starting point for animal enthusiasts who plan to take in several of the major regions. Kruger National Park is the best known reserve in South Africa but others such as Cape Peninsula, Addo Elephant National Park and the St.Lucia Wetlands are certainly worth exploring.
If you have the time and the budget, then the following areas are well worth considering. You won’t be disappointed with an African animal safari in any of these countries:
Namibia, Zambia, Kenya and Zimbabwe are all well worth visiting during a long African animal safari.
If there are two places which you should consider must see attractions then put Kruger National Park and the Okavango Delta high on your must see list. Both offer an almost unspoilt wilderness environment, animals and some spectacular flora.
Not many would consider an African safari in Mexico high on their list of adventure trips but it’s certainly a good alternative to the real thing.
The fact is, an African safari doesn’t have to be your reason for traveling to Mexico and can simply be included as part of your itinerary. If that’s the case, consider Puebla as your safari destination.
Puebla is host to one of the most popular animal parks in the Americas and plays host to thousands of visitors a year. The African safari area is one of the more popular sections and has designated areas named after some of Africa’s popular destinations.
Animals In The Wild
Like many free range parks, leaving vehicle windows down is an invitation for trouble. Watchful tour guides patrol the park but even they cannot keep an eye on everyone.
There is an alternative to driving your own vehicle through the park and that’s taking the park bus which makes regular trips. It’s definitely a safer option given you’re guided by experienced tour operators
Outside Of Puebla
An African safari in Mexico doesn’t mean restricting yourself to the Puebla park. Puebla has several attractions and day trips are very popular. One of the more recommended day trips is from Puebla to Cholula.
One of the biggest tips for newcomers to Mexico is to be careful about renting cars. It takes people a little getting used to the Mexican driving landscape. Some of the restrictions are a little hard to come to terms with and if you’re even slightly irritable, then give it a miss until you are completely comfortable with the driving regulations in Mexico.
Meanwhile, if going on African safari in Mexico was your main mission, make sure you have plenty of film in your camera. While Puebla is a popular tourist destination, towns such as Cholula, Tlaxcala and Cuernavaca provide plenty of camera fodder.
A South African safari is high on the list of safari seekers and it’s not hard to understand why. Modern lifestyle and plenty to see make it an ideal destination for overseas visitors.
South Africa has one of, if not, the best highway system in Africa and while you would need to familiarize yourself with local road rule customs, it’s not difficult to get around.
Kruger National Park
As far as sights are concerned, South Africa has plenty to offer. If it’s wildlife you want to see on a South African safari then Kruger National Park is perfect. Does this mean it will be crowded. No, not at all and if crowds are a concern to you then don’t worry; Kruger provides one of the world’s most unspoilt wilderness areas.
Safari Options
A South African safari includes a number of options. For example, a stay at Kruger National Park could conceivably see you complete some of the most popular safari options. Here are just a few options.
- driving through the park and wilderness
- sleeping under the stars
- walking safari
- watch a live hunt
The big cats are number one on people’s lists of things to see in South Africa. South Africa appeals to many overseas tourists because of it’s progress and development and for first time safari seekers, is a great way to get a taste of what an African safari has to offer.
Your travel agent is a compulsory stop to find out more about what a South African safari can offer you.
