Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris: with South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda & the Seychelles (Full-color Travel Guide) (2015)

The Complete Guide to African Safaris Maps

Main Table of Contents

KENYA

Masai Mara National Reserve

Amboseli National Reserve: West

Amboseli National Reserve: East

Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo East National Park

Laikipia National Plateau

Nairobi

Mombasa

Malindi

Lamu

TANZANIA

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Lake Manyara National Park

Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park

Selous Game Reserve

Gombe Stream National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park

Dar es Salaam

Arusha

Zanzibar Island North and Mnemba Island

Zanzibar Island South

SOUTH AFRICA

Kruger National Park: North

Kruger National Park: South

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

KwaZulu-Natal Parks

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

BOTSWANA

Okavango Delta

Moremi Wildlife Reserve

Chobe National Park

Kwando Reserve

NAMIBIA

Namib-Naukluft Park

Damaraland: North

Damaraland: South

Etosha National Park: West

Etosha National Park: East

Windhoek

Swakopmund

VICTORIA FALLS

Livingstone

Victoria Falls (Town)

SEYCHELLES

Mahé: North

Mahé: South

Victoria

Praslin

La Digue

Experience an African Safari

Main Table of Contents

What’s Where

If You Like

Top Experiences on African Safari

Finding the Big 5

African Safari Fauna

African Safari Flora

What’s Where

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Kenya. Part of East Africa, you can expect golden lions, red-robed warriors, snowcapped mountains, pristine white beaches, orange sunsets, and coral-pink dawns. You’ll also experience some of the world’s most famous safari destinations—Masai Mara, the Rift Valley—and world-class beach destinations like Diani Beach and the tiny town of Lamu.

Tanzania. Also part of East Africa, Tanzania attracts far fewer tourists than Kenya and South Africa, even though it boasts some of Africa’s greatest tourist attractions—the Serengeti, the Great Migration, Olduvai Gorge, Ngorongoro Crater, Selous Game Reserve, and Lake Victoria.

South Africa. Africa’s most developed country, at the very tip of the continent, is many worlds in one: modern bustling cities, ancient rock art, gorgeous beaches, fabulous game lodges, well-run national parks, mountain ranges, desert, and wine lands. It’s home to Kruger National Park and the KwaZulu-Natal reserves.

Botswana. The country itself is a natural wonder with terrains that vary from vast salt pans to the pristine waterways of the Okavango Delta. Expect lots of game, few tourists, and stars brighter than you’ll ever see—the Kalahari Bushmen say that you can hear them sing.

Namibia. From the Namib Desert—the earth’s oldest—to the fog-enshrouded Skeleton Coast, from the great game park of Etosha to Damaraland’s stark beauty and desert elephants to bustling small cities with a fascinating mix of colonial and modern, you’ve never been anywhere like Namibia.

Victoria Falls. Shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe, Vic Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world, unsurpassed by anything. The adventure center of Africa, adrenaline junkies can try everything from bungee jumping and white-water rafting to canoeing, rappelling, and Jet Skiing.

Seychelles. In the Indian Ocean 932 miles off Africa’s eastern coast, this archipelago of 115 islands lies just northeast of Madagascar and has some of the world’s best-preserved natural habitats and pristine beaches. The main island, Mahé, is home to the international airport and the capital city, Victoria.

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If You Like

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THE OUT OF AFRICA EXPERIENCE

Turn back the clock to the great, glorious days of the early safaris, when Ernest Hemingway and Teddy Roosevelt stalked the golden grass of the plains with the Big Five in their rifle sights. Forget the rifles, but shoot as much as you like—with cameras. We have the perfect spots.

Cottars 1920s Safari Camp, Kenya. For an original safari replay it doesn’t get much better than this—claw-foot tubs, antique rugs, wrought-iron candlesticks, old gramophones, polished butlers’ trays—all under white safari tents.

Finch Hattons, Kenya. Live your every African dream at this classy camp where you’ll dine at a table sparkling with silver and crystal as strains of Mozart softly fill the African night.

Il Moran, Kenya. Situated where Kenya’s first colonial governors used to twirl their handlebar moustaches and sip their G&Ts while on safari, you’ll enjoy the exclusive location, teeming game, and bygone elegance.

King’s Pool, Botswana. From the ancient tree dominating the main deck to the lush accommodations, everything is on a regal scale—a tribute to the European royalty who used to hunt in this area.

Sabi Sabi Selati Camp, South Africa. Formerly a private hunting lodge, the early-1900s ambience stems from genuine train memorabilia. Old leather suitcases, antique wooden chairs, and signals recall the days of an 1870s train line.

TO SEE THE GREAT MIGRATION

No matter where you stay during the Great Migration, you’ll be assured of unforgettable sights. But we’ve highlighted a few camps where sightings may be even more spectacular. Remember that world weather cycles are changing—there’s no guarantee that at that particular place and time your game-viewing will live up to the National Geographic TV Channel.

Grumeti River Camp, Tanzania. Watch out for galloping wildebeest at this exclusive camp on the banks of the famed Grumeti River, where you’ll be perfectly positioned to witness one of the greatest shows on earth.

Little Governors’ Camp, Kenya. A ferry ride across the Mara River and a short walk escorted by armed guides takes you to this lovely camp sited directly in the path of the wildebeest migration.

Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Kenya. If you get tired of looking at the endless grasslands where the migration takes place in front of your eyes, then spot game at the lodge’s own busy water hole.

Naibor Camp, Kenya. Situated in a particularly game-rich area 20 minutes away from one of the legendary migration river crossings, this is the perfect base for watching the migration.

Sayari Camp, Tanzania. This camp is perfectly poised for watching the Mara River crossing, when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest plunge into the crocodile-infested water on their journey north.

Serengeti Under Canvas, Tanzania. This luxury mobile camp follows the migration, staying put for a couple of months and then moving north with the herds. Not cheap but worth every penny.

DROP-DEAD LUXURY

So you want the whole game experience but don’t want to rough it? No problem. Our favorites will tempt you to defect from the real world and live like kings and queens.

Banyan Tree, Seychelles. One of Seychelles’ most romantic resorts, the Banyan Tree’s white Victorian-style buildings and truly impeccable service lend this gem a colonial feel.

Great Fish River Lodge, Kwandwe, South Africa. Colonial luxury with genuine antiques combine with stunning river views in this malaria-free Big Five reserve

MalaMala Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa. One of the oldest and most distinguished of all Southern African bush lodges, this is the haunt of royalty, celebs, and the jet set.

Mombo Camp, Botswana. The spacious, graciously decorated en-suite rooms of this legendary camp may have a tented feel, but they’re ultraluxurious with great game-watching views.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania. The theme here is Great Zimbabwe ruins meets SS Titanic baroque, and your abode will be palatial and the game-viewing equally fabulous.

North Island, Seychelles. This private island of granite cliffs and powder-white beaches hosts 11 villas that are each as large as most peoples’ homes, kitted out in a Robinson Crusoe-envisioned-by-Galliano dream.

Singita Sabi Sand, Kruger, South Africa. Hide yourself away at these multi-award-winning bush getaways, with superb game and service to match.

Thanda Main Lodge, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. This exquisite lodge has beehive-shape dwellings that blend elements of royal Zulu with an eclectic pan-African feel. Shaka never had it this good.

Vlei Lodge, Phinda, South Africa. Six sumptuous secluded suites with private plunge pools look out over an open wetland stretching to the horizon. Expect game galore, magnificent birdlife, and superb service.

TO GET AWAY FROM THE CROWDS

We can’t whisk you away from all civilization and people, but we know that if you choose any of the following camps and lodges you’ll be assured of privacy and exclusivity.

Duba Plains, Botswana. Based deep in the Okavango Delta, this tiny camp on an isolated island has superb game-viewing. Only two 4x4 open game vehicles operate in the whole reserve so you’re assured of exclusivity.

Jack’s Camp, Botswana. If you’re bold-spirited, reasonably fit, and enjoy a rugged pioneer experience, then Jack’s is for you. Try quad-biking, sleeping out under the stars, or walking with the bushmen.

Mnemba Island Lodge, Tanzania. For the ultimate beach escape where time stands still and where sand, sea, and horizon melt into each other, this exclusive lodge with only 20 guests is hard to beat.

Nduara Loliondo, Tanzania. Get away from the big lodges and busy safari routes and put yourself in the expert hands of your guide, cooks, waiters, and camp attendants, and experience a true old-style private safari.

Sand Rivers Selous, Tanzania. Above a wide bend of the Rufiji River—hundreds of miles away from touristy Africa—this lodge is just about as isolated and exclusive as you can get.

Sarara Tented Camp, Kenya. At this small remote tented camp below the Mathews Mountains in the 75,000-acre Namunyuk Wildlife Conservation Trust, the only strangers in the night you’ll see are the wildlife residents.

!Xaus Lodge, South Africa. Located in one of South Africa’s most remote parks, !Xaus (pronounced Kaus) provides great hospitality, game drives, desert walks, and introductions to the local bushmen.

AN ANIMAL ENCOUNTER

If you’ve set your heart on one particular animal, these camps will provide incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Addo Elephant Back Safaris, South Africa. Be introduced to a small group of trained African elephants. Take a short elephant ride, go for a scenic walk through the bush with them, touch them, feed them, and watch them bathe.

Cousine Island, Seychelles. Tiny Cousine’s rehabilitation has resulted in the return of thousands of nesting seabirds. A stay in one of the four luxurious villas is a birder’s delight.

Desert Rhino Camp, Namibia. If it’s rhinos you’re after, especially the rare black rhino, then this remote tented camp in the heart of the 400,000-hectare (1-million-acre) private Palmwag Reserve is a must.

Greystoke Mahale, Tanzania. About 60 of the area’s 1,000 or so wild chimpanzees live in the forest near this gorgeous lodge on a deserted beach, so you have an excellent chance of spotting them.

Londolozi, South Africa. This is the place to see leopards. The most beautiful and successful of all feline predators, watching a leopard move through the bush is a truly awesome sight.

Ol Kanjau Camp, Kenya. The focus is on elephants, which have been studied here for nearly 40 years. You’ll never forget the thrill of your first nose-to-trunk introduction to one of the 52 great matriarchal herds.

TO INTERACT WITH THE LOCALS

Of course you want to see lots of game, but may want to meet the local people, too. Although many of the cultural and village visits aren’t entirely authentic given the need for tourist dollars, we’ve tried to find you the genuine article. Go with an open mind, a nonjudgmental approach, and a friendly smile.

Deception Valley Lodge, Botswana. At this lodge in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve you’ll meet the desert-dwelling Naru people, who built it entirely by hand. Expect pure magic during a three-hour walk with the bushmen themselves.

Forest Lodge, Phinda, South Africa. Learn about the fascinating customs, traditions, and beliefs of the legendary Zulu nation on a village tour. The local sangoma (traditional healer) will even foretell your future.

Il’Ngwesi Lodge, Kenya. Learn about hunting, gathering honey, animal trapping with indigenous poisons, and fashioning beadwork at the nearby Masai village.

Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, Tanzania. Take a guided walk to Mto wa Mbu, a small town that’s home to more than 100 different tribes. Here you’ll visit homes, a school, a church, the market, and a banana-leaf bar.

Ol Seki Hemingway’s Mara, Kenya. At this eco-friendly camp you’ll visit authentic, nontouristy Masai villages, where you might be lucky enough to witness a genuine betrothal or post-initiation ceremony.

Serra Cafema, Namibia. Only the nomadic Himba people share this awesome remote area, and a visit to a local village will be a life-changing experience.

TO GO TO THE BEACH

Going on safari isn’t only about seeing game these days; it’s also about where you’re going to go before or after your safari. Luckily there are plenty of beach resort options to choose from.

Four Seasons Resort, Seychelles. Located on one of Mahé Island’s most beautiful bays, this gorgeous resort helps visitors enjoy its perfect slice of white sand with fantastic beach service, plenty of ship-shape equipment from snorkeling gear to kayaks, and one of the island’s best snorkeling areas.

Kiwayu Safari Village, Kenya. Located northeast of Lamu, this village is one of the most romantic spots in all of Kenya. The area is known for its deep-sea fishing, and the hotel is close to the Kiunga Marine National Reserve, a great place for snorkeling. Book far in advance.

Mnemba Lodge Tanzania. For the ultimate beach escape head to this tiny island off the tip of Zanzibar. You can dive and snorkel off a pristine coral reef, and you might just rub elbows with the rich and famous.

Oyster Box, South Africa. A South African icon for more than half a century, this gorgeous hotel, which seamlessly blends old colonial decor with contemporary African art, sits on a golden beach guarded by a lighthouse.

Ras Nungwi, Tanzania. You’ll find this resort on the northern tip of Zanzibar overlooking the Indian Ocean’s turquoise waters. The balmy breezes and numerous lounge areas beg you to just sit down and relax; if you can’t, there are water sports, a spa, and local tours to Stone Town, spice plantations, and Jozani Forest.

Rocktail Beach Camp South Africa. If you’re in the mood for pristine beaches, surf fishing, amazing scuba diving, and snorkeling, then coming to this lodge nestled in the Maputaland Coastal Reserve will be the perfect beach getaway after your safari.

TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE

Game drives are thrilling but sometimes, particularly if you’re a second-time visitor to Africa and have ticked off your Big Five, you’d like to get up close and personal with the African bush and its inhabitants. Here are some of the best ways to really get down to nature.

Footsteps Across the Delta, Botswana. Learn the secrets of the Okavango—on foot and by mokoro (canoelike boat)—with outstanding guides. Enjoy game drives, night drives, boat trips, and fishing as well.

Lewa Wilderness Trails, Kenya. Game drives here are action packed, but try game-spotting from a different angle—on top of a camel or from the back of a horse—or on your own two feet.

Offbeat Safaris, Kenya. Riding alongside thousands of plains game is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but only if you’re an experienced rider and fit enough to ride four or six hours a day.

Olduvai Tented Camp, Tanzania. Go walking in the Ngorongoro Highlands with genuine Masai warriors at this no-frills camp that’s just south of the Serengeti border.

NATURAL WONDERS

Sub-Saharan Africa is home to amazing game, welcoming people, and awe-inspiring natural wonders.

The Great Migration. This annual journey of more than 2 million animals through Kenya and Tanzania is a safari seeker’s Holy Grail; some consider it to be one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

Mt. Kilimanjaro. Kili, as it’s fondly called, is the continent’s highest peak and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. It’s one of the easier mountains to climb; about 12,000 people each year set out for the summit.

The Namibia Dunes. Located in Namib Naukluft Park, the largest game park in Africa, lie the mythical Namibia sand dunes. Said to be the highest dunes in the world, this is an adventure seeker’s dream.

The Ngorongoro Crater. Nearly 3 million years old, this World Heritage site in northern Tanzania is a haven for wild game. Though it does get busy during high season, your experiences far outweigh the annoyances.

Okavango Delta. At its peak, the world’s largest inland delta covers some 16,000 square km (6,177 square miles) of northwest Botswana.

Skeleton Coast. Littered with the skeletons of old boats, this part of the Namibian coast is beautiful, but bleak. The bushmen call it “The Land God Made in Anger.”

Victoria Falls. More than 91 meters (300 feet) high and visible from 50 km (31 miles) away, the Falls are one of the world’s seven natural wonders.

Vallée de Mai. Located on Praslin Island, in the Seychelles, this World Heritage site protects some of the last ancient virgin Mascarene forest in the world, and is the only place on earth where the unique double coconut, or Coco de Mer, palms grow wild and abundantly.

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