Planning a Safari?

Ian Le-Fevre on 11 November 2020
Whilst many have already booked their next holiday, travel might still be off the table for some of us right now. That doesn’t mean that you can’t plan - and book - your next trip, perhaps rolling the money you saved staying home this summer into an even more memorable experience in 2021 or 2022.

I believe Africa will be among the first long-haul destinations to reopen to international travel. A safari in the bushveld offers a perfect socially-distanced holiday and countries such as Uganda, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia have been virtually untouched by the pandemic as they closed their borders very early. The two largest destinations, South Africa and Kenya, have handled the pandemic well and have already introduced stringent Covid protocols. In recent weeks, I’ve had enquiries and bookings for 2021 and 2022, with more enquiries for private tours and exclusive-use game vehicles.

If you’ve always wanted to go on a safari, why not get planning now? Here are some of my ‘Best For’ safari locations to inspire you.

Best for… Witnessing the wildebeest Glimpsing the Great Wildebeest Migration through the Serengeti and the Masai Mara is the stuff of lifelong dreams for many, and with capacity filling up fast, you need to book quickly to secure your spot next year. You’ll see wildebeest returning from the Masai Mara, part of the nearly two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles that make the pilgrimage each year.

Best for… Getting off the beaten track For a safari with a difference, Namibia calls. Home to the only desert in the world where lions, elephants and rhinos all live, it’s an excellent bet if you’ve already done the bigger safari spots. Namibia offers a diverse landscape spanning dramatic canyons, craggy coastlines and crimson sand dunes, and a varied ecosystem to boot. Activities include rhino tracking and dolphin spotting, while game drives offer the chance to spot leopards, cheetahs, kudus and blue wildebeest.

Best for… Exclusivity From the swampy waterways of the Okavango Delta to the unspoilt wilderness of Chobe National Park, Botswana is a dream for clients seeking a safari away from the crowds, with boutique lodges and private game reserves offering exceptional wildlife-watching opportunities. Botswana is a dream for those seeking a safari away from the crowds, with boutique lodges and private game reserves offering exceptional wildlife-watching.

Best for… Adventure Safaris aren’t only about game drives, and if you’re looking to get a little more adventurous, there are many options. For one of the best, look to the Zambezi, where canoeing trips take you to glimpse hippos, elephants, waterbucks and more grazing by the water, and walking safaris add bigger game into the mix.

Best for… conservation involvement No safari list would be complete without South Africa, where the KwaZulu-Natal region sees the ‘big five’ roam the plains, while manta rays, reef sharks and humpback whales frequent the coastline. It’s not only about the viewing opportunities, for those interested in learning more about conservation and the local communities who live in the area, you can get hands-on with bird-tagging, rhino notching, wildlife tracking and other ranger activities with culturally immersive experiences organised in a responsible way. Learn photography skills, step out on walking safaris and sleep under the stars, with private game drives, a dedicated butler and personal chef on hand to add an extra helping of luxury.

My top tip is to book sooner rather than later as availability for 2021 is already extremely tight, particularly as most of my suppliers are currently offering very flexible booking conditions.

I’m a Travel Counsellor and with us it’s personal. If you want to travel with peace of mind get in touch with your holiday plans.