5 AFRICAN SAFARI HABITATS AND LANDSCAPES

Likely what most people envision when they think of an African safari, savannah grasslands offer a quintessential safari experience. These sweeping areas offer distinct seasonal experiences, each of which bring their own drawcards for visitors. From lush celadon landscapes providing ample feeding and cover for young animals during the green season, to the infinite golden-hued plains of the dry season. Savannah grasslands are typically home to plains game like zebra, wildebeest and gazelle, along with herds of larger species like elephant and buffalo. They all share their territory with iconic predators and famous big cats like lion, leopard and cheetah.

Best Savannah Grassland Destinations: Tanzania and Kenya

Where to stay: Usawa Camp, Serengeti

A vibrant display of Africa’s bountiful and exuberant nature, her wetlands and waterways are characterised by the ebb and flow of both seasonal and year-round rivers. These lush landscapes typically provide shelter to diverse wildlife including elephants, hippos, crocodiles and sometimes packs of African wild dog. Loved by our travel experts and clients alike, we recommend choosing these locations for your safari if you are seeking diversity of experience, as you can not only embark on classic 4x4 game drives, but also water-based safaris onboard boats, canoes or in Botswana’s traditional mokoro.

Best Waterway and Wetland Destinations – Botswana, Rwanda and Zimbabwe

Where to stay: Vumbura Plains in the Okavango Delta, Magashi Camp in Akagera National Park and Chikwenya in Mana Pools.

A haven for primates and birdlife, Africa’s vast rainforests and jungle environments offer off-grid, immersive wildlife experiences. Not a typical “big-game” safari, these habitats are home to more specialist excursions like gorilla tracking, chimp trekking, golden monkey spotting and exotic birdwatching. Arguably the most dramatically different from Africa’s other landscapes, these areas boast unyielding greenery from the canopies above to the creeping roots and branches underfoot and ever-present rainfall – all making for a journey of true sensory overload.

Best Rainforest and Jungle Destinations: Rwanda, Uganda and Republic of Congo

Where to stay: Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National Park

Vast wilderness, scorching heat and inadequate rainfall await in Africa’s deserts. Wildlife populations tend to be less dense due to the harsh environment, however this doesn't impact the ability to see unique desert adapted wildlife. The majority of species can usually be tracked and spotted by following the scarce water sources, where safari goers can often witness predators and prey hydrating alongside each other. Desert habitats are home to both species who have adapted to the environment and those who thrive only in arid landscapes, including antelopes, giraffe, desert fox and brown hyena.

Best Desert Destination: Namibia

Where to stay: Kulala Desert Lodge in the Sossusvlei and Desert Rhino Camp in the Damaraland.

Offering diversity of flora and fauna, open spaces transforming into dense forest and thrilling wildlife sightings around hidden each corner. Africa’s bush and woodlands are dominated by botanical loving species like elephant, giraffe, primates and thriving birdlife. Attracted to the diversity are also elusive predatory species like leopard. An exciting point of difference for seasoned safari goers in these environments can be the different behaviors of certain species, notably tree-climbing lions seeking rest bite and shade in the trees.

Best Bush and Woodlands Destinations: South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana

Where to stay: Shumba Camp and Busanga Bush Camp in Kafue