Safari Series: East Africa vs South Africa Safari
East Africa vs. South Africa Safari:
Which Destination is Right for You?
An African adventure is one of the most challenging trips to plan. It is halfway around the world and there are many countries to choose from, each with their own benefits and nuances. The continent stretches from the rocky coasts of South Africa up to the arid deserts of North Africa. All of these options can get overwhelming quickly, so I am here to help ease your worries and catapult you towards planning that dream trip to Africa.
One of the first major decisions at the start of the planning process is choosing where to go on safari. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to visit Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe - four key safari destinations. Though these countries share the same land mass, they vary more that you might expect. I’ll specifically outline the differences between East Africa and South Africa, as these are the two most popular safari spots for first timers. Then, think about your own personal travel style (a rustic tent or luxurious lodge) and the types of animals you are interested in seeing the most (the Big Five on a classic safari or sea life on an aquatic safari). From there, you’ll be able to choose what best suits your needs.
EAST AFRICAN SAFARI
The countries that make up East Africa are Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Kenya and Tanzania are iconic for their classic safaris, specifically in the Greater Serengeti - Maasai Mara ecosystem. Rwanda and Uganda are more so known for gorilla and chimp trekking. You can add this onto a safari trip or focus solely on one country for a more in-depth experience.
Kenya and Tanzania get the bragging rights for the “original safari”. If the thoughts of endless plains dotted with acacia trees and rocky escarpments entice you, then pack your bags for an East African adventure.
International Gateway
Nairobi or Kilimanjaro
Transportation Style
Long drives are required for the traditional safari circuit, but you get to see all of the varying landscapes along the way. Most roads are not tarred, so get ready for some bumpy, exhilarating rides. The vehicles are primarily closed Toyota Land Cruisers with sliding windows and a pop up roof. These types of vehicles can be more comfortable for the longer drives and are particularly helpful when it rains. Small bush planes can also be used to cut down the length of these drives.
Safari Style
Kenya and Tanzania are for the safari purists. You can go on full day game drives for multiple days in a row and not get tired of the scenery. The wildlife is plentiful; you will find massive herds and diverse species. Fencing is limited so that wildlife can roam as nature is intended. East Africa also boasts the biggest showcase of the natural movement of wildlife - the migration of wildebeest and zebra from Kenya to Tanzania.
Though the focus is primarily on safari, you can mix in cultural encounters too. You’ll have one on one interactions with a Maasai while at camp, while he safely escorts you to/from your room. You can visit an authentic village to learn more about their daily lives and their gender-driven roles. You will notice the Maasai on the sides of the road with their vibrant red chukas, tending to their cattle and selling items like honey or jewelry.
Note - Your driver must stay on the roads while in the national parks like the Serengeti and Maasai Mara. Though, there are some private concessions and conservation areas where you can go off-roading.
Accommodation Style
Traditional tented camps are very popular and provide you with an authentic bush experience. You need to be okay with the basics - do not expect air conditioning & get ready for “bucket” showers. Though it is worth it as the canvas walls make you feel even closer to the animals. One night, I heard hyenas and lions and it sounded like they were right outside of my door - thrilling to say the least! Mobile tented camps are common; they move where wildlife is most abundant, usually once or twice a year. If luxury lodges are more your style, you can still find them throughout Tanzania too, but be prepared to plan your trip farther in advance as space can be limited.
Best Time to Visit
June-October
SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI
Southern Africa consists of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Out of these five countries, South Africa is a favored safari destination for first timers. South Africa has a plethora of luxury safari lodges to spoil you from sunup to sundowners. You can choose one property and stay for 3-4 nights, or add an additional property to extend your safari experience.
International gateway
Cape Town or Johannesburg
Transportation
You can fly on a commercial aircraft into a safari hub like Kruger Mpumalanga, Skukuza, or Hoedspruit, so tiny bush planes and long transfers are not required. You can also fly directly into some on the airstrips of private concessions, so you are just minutes away from your lodge. Toyota Land Cruisers with open tops and sides are the most common vehicles, so get ready to feel that African wind in your hair.
Safari Style
I recommend the private concessions in the greater Kruger region (examples are Singita, Mala Mala, Sabi Sands, Kapama, Timbavati). Here you can go off-roading and get extremely close to the animals. You’ll usually have a morning and afternoon game drive (3ish hours each) - and these tend to be more fast-paced than an East African safari. Further, since you are on private land, you’ll see less vehicles and it feels more exclusive.
The landscapes of South Africa are incredibly diverse, so you do not have to focus on a safari only. You can mix in the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, as well as the Winelands. The South African coastline also offers intimate wildlife encounters with sharks, whales, penguins, dolphins, and seals.
Note - Safari purists prefer to skip regions in South Africa, as there is some contention that fences halt the natural movements of animals. However, others argue that it is actually in the animals best interests, due to poaching and conservation efforts.
Accommodation Style
Tented camps are harder to come by and classic lodge style properties are absolutely more common. Also, there’s a large offering of ultra luxury lodges in South Africa.
Best Time to Visit
Year round, though the months May-November are better for game viewing.
There does not have to be a competition between East Africa and South Africa. Though Africa is a bucket list destination, it is not a one and done destination. It’s a dream trip for most but I promise you, it will call you back again and again.
Do you have a preference between East African and South African safaris?
xx Kathryn