July 5, 2024
Where Will You Seek Out the Big 5?
Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, rhinos: get ready to check these animals off your bucket list when you head out on safari. But which country and which style of travel suits you best? True North Travel can help you sort through the vast array of offerings.
Luxurious Safari Retreats
For outdoor bathing, fine dining, and five-star service with your game drives, consider a lodge in Zimbabwe. In South Africa, splurge on glamour with private suites overlooking a river, where deep outdoor tubs and pools let you soak in the views of elephants grazing nearby.
Want to get airborne? A private hot air balloon viewing of Botswana’s verdant Okavango Delta sets the right mood for your Big 5 bucket list. Botswana is also a great spot to seek wildlife closer to the water by gliding through the marshes in a mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) as a guide poles you along. Consider it the safari equivalent of a decadent gondola in Venice.
Family-Friendly Safaris
For ease of travel and timing, Kenya is your best bet. Not only does the Great Migration pass through during summer holiday time, but the country has many family-friendly lodges around the Masai Mara National Reserve. Meeting the Maasai people, who have retained many cultural traditions, is not to be missed and will offer endless cultural and educational opportunities.
At Jack’s Camp, overlooking the Kalahari in Botswana, your teens will find little to complain about and much to love. After the morning game drives, head out for quad biking or horseback riding; everyone will fall in love with the local meerkat community, and a highlight is exploratory walks with a local Bushman.
Or explore South Africa’s Kruger National Park, which offers top animal viewing and is not far from Blyde River Canyon for white water rafting. The surrounding area is also rich in cultural heritage sites, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical exploration.
Beach Safaris
In Mozambique, not only can visitors embark on a land-based safari to witness the majestic Big 5 on the island, but they also have the chance to explore miles of wild coastline and the stunning coral reefs of the Quirimbas Archipelago.
This unique combination makes it a prime destination for both wildlife enthusiasts and aquatic adventurers. Five-star camps and luxury living make it a great country to unplug and unwind, too. Beyond the water, the vibrant local culture and cuisine invite travelers to immerse themselves in a unique blend of African traditions and Portuguese influences.
