Planning a Drive on the Garden Route

More and more safari-goers are choosing the self-drive option, as it gives them the freedom to explore the gorgeous scenery that you can only find in Africa. If your safari is going to include a stop in South Africa, and you’re interested in driving yourself around the country, you might consider taking a ride on the Garden Route.

 

One of the most popular roads for tourists in South Africa, driving the Garden Route is a great way to view the country’s natural beauty while having an unforgettable adventure. Here are some tips for planning a drive on the Garden Route that you should keep in mind when you’re booking your next African safari.

 

Why Drive the Garden Route?

Before we go into planning your journey on the Garden Route, it’s important to explain why you should consider including this drive on your African safari. The benefit of driving this beautiful stretch is being able to see the wide range of scenery that has made South Africa one of the most popular travel destinations in the entire world.

 

On this drive, you’ll see towering mountains, lush forests and pristine beaches, everything you could want out of a scenic drive. The Garden Route also features several world-class wineries where you can stop in for a delicious glass of wine.

 

Planning Your Drive

The Garden Route is a nearly 200-mile drive from start to finish, taking you through both the Eastern and Western capes of South Africa. Because the drive is so long, it can be hard to see everything that you want, particularly if you’re working with limited time. Before you hit the road, it’s important that you plan out your trip so that you don’t miss any of the sights.

 

What you can see on drive depends on where you start your journey. For example, if you start your drive on the Western Cape, and are looking for invigorating physical activities, your first stop should be Swellendam, where you can find several excellent hiking trails. The best adventure spot on the eastern end of the route is Storms River, which offers mountain biking, kayaking and even bungee jumping.

 

If you’re not sure about where you should go on the Garden Route, it’s a good idea to ask a local or an experienced traveler about the best spots to visit. With a little advice, you should be able to plan an exciting drive you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

 

Is It Safe?

The most common question about the Garden Route is if driving on this road is safe for first-time visitors. Fortunately, this drive is very safe, even if you’ve never been to South Africa before. The roads are well-paved and generally easy to navigate, so you shouldn’t have any trouble driving on this road. To make sure you have a smooth trip, you may want to make sure your vehicle comes equipped with a navigation system.

 

Driving the Garden Route is a great African safari activity for travelers with an adventurous spirit. Plan your safari to include a trip on this road, and you’re sure to have one of the best vacations of your life.

 

Hacks for a Fun and Safe Botswana Safari

Getting ready for a vacation requires a great deal of planning and preparation, and this is especially true if your next trip is a safari in Botswana. Going on a safari is unlike any vacation you’ve ever had, and if you want to make sure you fully enjoy your holiday, learning a few travel hacks is the best idea. Here are some simple and effective travel hacks that will help you stay safe and comfortable while having a great time on your upcoming safari in Botswana.

 

Picking Your Luggage

Although there are several travel hacks that can make your next safari easier, the most useful advice is to pick light, soft luggage. When you visit Botswana, you’re going to be doing a good deal of flying, especially if you plan to visit more remote areas of the country. This means that you’ll be frequently loading and unloading your luggage, which can get burdensome if your luggage is heavy.
The best idea is to pick a small, soft bag to take from place to place. In addition to easy transportation, a smaller bag will force you to think about what you should pack and what you should leave behind, making it more likely that you’ll only be bringing along the necessities.

 

Pack for a Wide Range of Weather

A mistake that many people make when going on a safari in Botswana is assuming that the weather will always be warm and sunny. If you pack under this assumption, you will likely end up being uncomfortable on your trip, as the weather in Botswana can change very quickly, and it is often downright chilly.

 

When you’re packing your luggage before your trip, you need to be sure to include both warm weather and cool weather outfits. In the early morning, and in the evening after the sun has set, you’ll be glad that you have warm clothes to change into. The open areas of the country can also be very cool, so you should consider packing a hat and earmuffs to keep your head warm. Also, make sure that you’ve invested in a pair of sturdy hiking shoes. Your shoes should provide adequate support for your ankles so that you can avoid sprains, and should be waterproof if possible.

 

Protect Your Health

When it comes to travel hacks, nothing is more important than making sure that you stay healthy throughout your trip. For example, while you’re on your safari, you’ll likely spend a great deal of time in the sun, which is why it’s crucial that you pack sunscreen with a high SPF. Nothing is worse on vacation than dealing with a severe sun burn, and applying sunscreen regularly should prevent this problem. Because you’ll be exposed to the wind, you should also pack lip balm to prevent and soothe chapped lips.

 

Finally, it’s crucial that you bring along any medication that you’ll need while on your holiday. Make sure that you have a full supply of any prescriptions, and that all your medicine is packed before you leave.

 

Keep these easy travel hacks in mind, and you’re guaranteed to have a great time on your safari in Botswana.

What You Should Keep in Mind Before Going on a Walking Safari

Going on a safari is an amazing experience, and even if you view Africa from inside a car, you should still be able to have a great time while making memories. If you want an even more thrilling experience, however, then you should consider booking a walking safari.

Taking this unique type of safari is a once in a lifetime adventure where you’ll be able to fully experience the magic and wonder of Africa. Before your trip, however, there are some things that you need to keep in mind to make sure that you have the best time possible. Here are some factors you need to consider before going on a walking safari that should help you decide if this holiday is right for you.

Think About Your Fitness Level

Out of all the different factors that you must consider before going on a walking safari, the most important is your physical health. Going on this type of safari is a great deal of fun, but it is also very strenuous. No one wants to embark on their journey only to find that they don’t have the energy to continue after just a few hours.

If you’re not comfortable walking for long distances on a daily basis, then a safari where you’ll be on foot probably isn’t right for you. Instead, you can book a traditional African safari where you can enjoy the scenery from the comfort and safety of an automobile.

How Much of Africa Do You Want to See

If you’re going on a safari for the first time, then you likely want to see and do as much as possible. While this is certainly understandable, it also means that a walking safari may not be the right option for you. On this type of safari, you’ll focus on exploring a small part of whatever area of Africa you are visiting. While you’ll certainly be able to see unique sights and create lifelong memories, you won’t be able to see quite as much of Africa as you would on traditional safari.

Think about how much of the continent you want to see, and you should be able to decide whether or not booking a safari where you’ll be traveling on foot is the right choice.

Picking the Right Tour Guide

The best thing about going on this type of safari is being able to learn about Africa by immersing yourself in the environment. The quality of your safari, however, depends on your tour guide. Before you go on any safari, you need to make sure that you’ll be accompanied by an experienced, knowledgeable guide. The right guide can make your walking safari both fun and educational, giving you valuable information about the scenery and pointing out sights that you may not have noticed yourself.

With the wrong tour guide, your safari won’t be nearly as enjoyable, and you may return home feeling like you’ve missed out on something important. If you want the best safari adventure possible, make sure you’ll be traveling with a quality tour guide.

Consider these different factors before booking your walking safari to make sure you have the exciting trip that you deserve.

What Activities Make for a Truly Unique Safari?

A safari is one of the most interesting, exciting vacation choices in the entire world. If you’re like many travelers, however, it’s the activities, not the destination, that make or break a trip. Before you book your next African safari, you need to learn about a few of the unique activities that you could choose for a once in a lifetime trip. Here are some unique safari activities that you can choose for your holiday so that you have the most memorable, fun trip of your entire life.

Experience Africa on Foot

When you book your safari, you’ll be able to choose several ways to see Africa. For the most unforgettable experience possible, however, you should consider booking a walking safari. Seeing Africa on foot is a unique experience that you’re guaranteed to enjoy. On foot, you’ll be immerse yourself in the gorgeous African scenery, and you’ll feel like you’re on an actual adventure. If you don’t mind a little physical exertion, a walking safari is the perfect choice for your next holiday.

Spend Some Time on the Water

While there are several unique safari activities that you could choose, one of your best options is going on a canoe ride. Africa is well-known for its beautiful waterways, and regardless of which countries you visit, you should be able to spend some time enjoying the water. A canoe ride is a particularly great choice if you’re able to boat past a watering spot, as you may be able to see exotic animals up close and in person.

Hit the Skies in a Balloon

Because there is so much natural beauty in Africa, it can seem like there’s no way to enjoy it all. Fortunately, if you want a bird’s eye view of one of the most gorgeous locations in the entire world, you can take to the skies in a hot air balloon. A balloon ride is a thrilling safari activity that too many travelers overlook. From inside of the balloon, you’ll have a breathtaking view that stretches in every direction, allowing you to fully appreciate the scenery that can only be found in Africa.

If you decide to take a balloon ride, make sure you bring along your camera, as there will be plenty of opportunities for taking photographs.

Plan a Horse Ride

If riding horses is one of your favorite activities back home, then you should take part in your hobby in a new setting by booking a horseback ride for your safari. Going on a horseback ride in Africa is a one of a kind experience, both because of the scenery and the possibility that you’ll encounter other animals such as zebras. Even if you’re a novice rider, you should still have a great time viewing Africa from the back of a horse. Make sure, however, that you have an experienced guide with you so that your ride is as fun and safe as possible.

If you’re thinking about going on a safari, there are several excellent activities you could choose. Book one of these unique safari activities and you’re guaranteed the trip of your life.

The Best Things to Do on a South African Safari

When you’re planning your next holiday, you should seriously consider going on an African safari. A safari is a one of a kind vacation, particularly if you choose the right activities and destinations. For example, if you want one of the best experiences of your life, a great solution is booking a safari in South Africa.

While visiting South Africa, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of sights and sounds you won’t find anywhere else in the world, not to mention being able to enjoy world-class activities. Here are a few of the most exciting things that you can do on a South African safari that will guarantee you have the vacation of a lifetime.

Go Whale Watching

Whales are some of the most majestic creatures in the entire world, and if you’ve always wanted to do some whale watching, your South African safari will provide the perfect opportunity. On the country’s Whale Coast, you can view these large mammals swimming in the waters as they migrate south. In some locations, such as Walker Bay, you may not even need to leave the land to see whales.

For the best experience, you should head out on a whale watching boat so that you can see these animals up close and personal. August is the best time of year to visit South Africa if you want great whale watching opportunities.

Drink World-Class Wine

The best part of going on a vacation for many people is sampling world-class food and drink, and, if you’re a wine connoisseur, you’re going to love visiting South Africa. Many people are surprised to learn that some of the world’s best wine comes from this country. It’s a fact that while visiting South Africa, you can enjoy rich, delicious wines that you may not be able to find anywhere else.

Some of the best wine in this country is found in the Cape Winelands, which are found just outside of Cape Town. There are countless wine estates in this region where you can stop by for a quick glass or to purchase a whole bottle. Make sure to carve out some time in your trip so that you can fully explore this area and sample the different wines available.

See Penguins at the Beach

Seeing exotic animals in their natural habitat is the goal of many people going on an African safari. If you’re interested in interacting with animals that you can’t find at home, you should head over to Boulders Beach to frolic with the African penguins.

Boulders Beach is home to an African penguin colony, and there is a special walkway that will give you a great view of these birds while they waddle along the beach and swim in the ocean. Best of all, this interesting spot is just a quick drive from Cape Town, meaning you should easily be able to find the time to visit these playful creatures.

South Africa is one of the most exciting destinations in the world, offering beautiful scenery and fun activities. When you’re booking your South African safari, make sure you include a few of these activities so that you can have a great time.

 

Book a Luxury Safari on a Budget

If you’re like many travelers, you prefer luxury vacations where you can enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences, which is exactly what you’ll get on an African safari. One of the great things about choosing a safari for your next vacation is that, with the right tips, you can easily book a luxury trips — even if you’re dealing with a tight travel budget. Find out how you can book a luxury safari on a budget so that you can enjoy a high-quality vacation at an affordable price.

Plan for the Off-Season

As with any popular travel destination, the best way to save money on your trip is traveling during the off-season. If you’re interested in a luxury trip to Africa but don’t want to break the bank, booking your holiday for the low season is the best idea.

When we talk about low and high seasons in Africa, what we’re discussing is the amount of rain. The high season is the highest time of year, which means there will be less vegetation and easier game viewing.

The low season is the greener, wetter season, and because of the increased rain, this time of year doesn’t draw as many travelers. Because there will be fewer tourists, prices will be a lot more affordable, making it easier to book luxury experiences for an excellent price. Also, while there will be thicker vegetation, you should still be able to see exotic animals on your vacation.

Choose a Self-Drive Safari

If you’re interested in going on a luxury safari on a budget, one of the most effective ways to save money is by booking a self-drive safari. Instead of booking a guided safari tour, which can get expensive, you can find an affordable rental car and drive yourself around Africa.

Before you book your self-drive safari, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. For example, the ease with which you’re able to drive yourself around depends on the country that you visit. In some countries, such as South Africa, driving yourself around should be very easy, as there are major roads that are well-maintained. In other countries, you’ll need to navigate remote, bumpy trails, which can be difficult, especially if you’ve never visited Africa before.

Work With the Right Company

Although there are several ways you can save money while booking a luxury experience for your safari, your best option is working with the right safari travel company. If you’ve never been on a safari before, booking a trip on your own can be tricky, and you may end up paying a lot more than you should.

Working with an experienced safari company means you’ll have access to the best safari activities, and you should also be able to find great deals on your trip. You can even get advice about what activities you should book and which aren’t worth the time or money.

If you’re looking for a high-end holiday, booking a luxury safari is an excellent idea. With a little preparation and the right advice, you should be able to book a trip filled with exciting experiences while staying within your budget.

 

Benefits of Going on a Guided Safari Tour

If you’ve never had the pleasure of going on an African safari, there are several factors that you should consider when booking your trip. In addition to deciding which countries you’ll visit, you must also choose whether you’ll drive yourself or reserve a guided tour. While self-drive safaris do provide more freedom, guided safaris provide a number of benefits that you should keep in mind. Check out these enticing benefits of going on a guided safari tour so that you can decide what type of safari is right for you.

A More Relaxing Trip

One of the primary benefits of going on a guided tour on your next safari is that it will be a lot easier for you to relax and enjoy your vacation. On one of these tours, you won’t have to do any driving, which means you can concentrate on the breathtaking landscape that makes Africa such a popular travel destination.

The safari vehicle that you ride in on your tour will also provide you a significantly better view of your surroundings than you would get in a rental car. In a safari vehicle, you’ll sit much higher than in a normal vehicle, which means you’ll have an unobstructed view of the scenery.

Learn Something New

If you’re like most people visiting Africa, you’re probably interested in learning something new, and accomplishing this goal is a lot easier when you book a guided safari tour. On your tour, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced tour guide who can tell you everything that you want to know about your surroundings. You can ask as many questions as you want, so there’s virtually no limit to what you can learn on your trip.

Traveling with a tour guide is also beneficial because they’ll have inside knowledge that will make your trip more enjoyable. For example, an experienced guide will know exactly where to take you to see certain animal species, such as lions and elephants.

Better Access to Activities

Another benefit of booking a guided tour instead of going on a self-drive safari is that you’ll have better access to the interesting sights and sounds in Africa. Many of the most popular game parks in Africa restrict where private vehicles can drive, so if you’re driving yourself in a rental car, you’ll only be able to visit certain areas. Guided tours generally have fuller access to these game parks, making it easier to see exotic animals.

If you’re interested in going on a night drive in a game park, for example, a guided tour is your only choice. No parks allow you to drive yourself at night because it would be a safety issue. On a safari tour, your guide is allowed to take you into some areas of game parks at night, meaning you may be able to see lions on a hunt and a variety of other events that only happen after the sun goes down.

As you can see, there are numerous benefits to reserving a guided safari tour instead of choosing a self-drive safari. On your tour, you’ll be able to enjoy Africa to a fuller extent than you’d be able to while driving yourself.

Advice for a First-Time Safari Goer

The days leading up to your first-ever safari can be a very exciting time. In addition to packing your clothing and making sure you have all your documents in order, you’re probably doing as much research as you can so that you can have a great trip. A safari is a one-of-a-kind vacation, and if you’ve never been before, getting a little advice can help maximize your enjoyment. Here is some safari advice for first-timers that you should be sure to take to heart so that you can have the exciting trip you deserve.

Give Up Control

With a typical vacation, you’ll have almost complete control over what you get to see and do. On an African safari, however, things rarely go according to plan, so you should be sure to be as flexible as possible and keep an open mind.

Safari drives can be unpredictable, and while your guide will do their best to help you see interesting sights and sounds, sometimes nature simply won’t cooperate. On some drives, you’ll need to wait to see exotic animals, and on others, the animals may not come out at all. If you give up your preconceived notions of what a safari should be, you’ll have a much better time on your trip.

How to Stay Safe

Helping you stay safe is the basis of most safari advice for first-timers. Because you’ll be in close proximity to wild animals, there is more risk involved with a safari than with a traditional vacation. Fortunately, it is very easy to stay safe on safari as long as you keep a few things in mind.

First, and most importantly, you should obey all the rules your safari guide gives you, without question. Your guide is familiar with the process of exploring Africa, and their instructions are meant to keep you safe, not to interfere with your good time.

Second, you must be certain to keep your distance from the animals. While it’s understandable that you would want to get as close as possible for the best view, this can also be very risky. Before your trip, buy some high-quality binoculars so that you have a clear view of the animals from the safety of your safari vehicle.

Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up

If you want to get the most enjoyment possible out of your first-ever African safari, the most important thing you can do is to ask your safari guide as many questions as you can. Your guide is a font of knowledge when it comes to the sights you’ll see on your safari. They can tell you about the different animals that you encounter so that you’ll have a richer experience.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask the guide to stop your vehicle, particularly if you think you’ve spotted an animal. Regularly engaging with your guide will make your safari one of the most memorable vacations of your life.

Keep in mind this safari advice for first-timers, and you’re guaranteed to have the thrilling vacation that you’ve been waiting for. You may even enjoy the experience so much that you’ll want to book a safari for all of your holidays.

Everything You Need to Know About Seeing the Big Five

There are several great reasons to make your next vacation an African safari. If you’re like most people, the only motivation you need is being able to see the Big Five, a group of exotic animals that include lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceros. If your main goal for your safari trip is seeing these well-known animals, then there is some information that you need to consider to make sure you’re booking your trip correctly.

Here is some advice that will help you plan an African safari that will allow you to spend some time with the Big Five and have a great vacation.

Time of Year to Visit

If you want to book an African safari where you can see the Big Five, the most important thing to consider is the time of year you’re traveling. In terms of seeing these animals, the best time to go on a safari is during the cooler, dryer months of winter, which is between July and October.

Seeing these big animals is much easier during this time of year for several reasons. First, because there is less moisture, the vegetation is considerably thinner than during other times of year, which means there are less places for these animals to hide from view. Second, animals tend to congregate more heavily around watering holes during these dry months, making it much easier for you to see multiple members of this group at one time. Booking your safari for the winter months in Africa is the best choice if you want to do some animal watching.

Where to Find the Big Five

In addition to booking your safari for the right time of year, you need to be certain that you are visiting the right location. Not every spot in Africa will feature every member of the Big Five, so you need to be careful about how you’re planning your trip if you want to see all of these animals.

Probably the best place to view the Big Five for first-time safari goers is Kruger National Park. Found in South Africa, Kruger National Park is a popular safari destination where you can see the Big Five in a mostly controlled environment. Madikwe Private Game Reserve, which is also located in South Africa, is another spot where you can see all of these magnificent creatures. When booking your safari, make sure you include a view of these popular game viewing spots.

Tips for Taking Pictures

Most travelers want to make sure they document their glimpses of these animals by taking photographs. If you want the best pictures possible of these beautiful creatures, there are a few tips you should follow. First, you need to make sure you maintain your distance to protect both yourself and the animal. Second, you should use a wide-angle lens so that you can capture both the animal and the surrounding environment. Third, take multiple pictures so that you can make sure you’re capturing the animal from different angles.

If you want to see the Big Five on your next trip, you must keep these important factors in mind when booking your African safari.

Surprising Reasons to Go on an African Safari

If it’s time for you to start planning your next vacation, you have several options from which you can choose, including going on an African safari. For travelers who have never gone on a safari before, it easy to assume this vacation is just like any other. However, nothing could be further from reality, as a safari is a unique experience that is unmatched by any other holiday option.

Before you book your next trip, it’s a good idea to learn about some of the reasons you should go on a safari and a few of the benefits of this type of trip. Here are some surprising reasons to go on an African safari that you should think about when you’re planning your next vacation.

Take the Stress Out of Planning

Planning is the most difficult part of any vacation. With most types of trips, you’ll need to plan out your itinerary step-by-step, including finding and reserving activities. Not so when you choose to go on a safari. After your safari has been booked, the only thing you’ll need to do is make travel arrangements; your safari guide will handle all the rest.

As you might imagine, this removes most of the stress out of planning your trip. All you need to do is spend some time researching safari packages, and you can reserve the holiday that fits you.

Surprisingly Affordable Vacations

When it comes to surprising reasons to go on an African safari, affordability is near the top of the list. Contrary to what you might assume, going on a safari can be an extremely budget friendly, meaning you’ll be able to have a great vacation without having to drain your savings.

You can easily find a variety of budget safaris, all of which will include once in a lifetime experiences. The only real limit is your imagination.

Unforgettable Activities

Although this may not be particularly surprising, one of the best reasons to choose a safari for your next vacation is being able to enjoy unforgettable activities that you wouldn’t be able to find on your typical holiday.

For example, while you can definitely see exotic animals on other vacations, only on an African safari will you be able to experience these animals in their natural habitat. With an African safari, you’ll be able to take part in activities that you may have never dreamed possible.

The Best Pictures

Many people’s favorite thing about going on a vacation is being able to take photographs that they can show off to their friends and family after returning home. If you’re a shutterbug looking for a vacation where you can take the best pictures of your life, there’s no better decision than booking a safari.

The environment in Africa is unlike anywhere else in the world, featuring breathtaking sights that are ideal for photographs. When you’re on safari, you’ll be able to take hundreds of gorgeous pictures that you will always cherish.

Keep in mind these surprising reasons to go on an African safari when you’re planning your next vacation, and when you’re ready, book the affordable, exciting safari that perfectly matches you.