Multi Country African Safaris/Combined Tours
It is a common misconception among first-time safari planners that all African wildlife reserves are the same. They could believe that witnessing tens of thousands of migrating wildebeest or herds of elephants crossing highways is something that can happen pretty much anywhere on the continent.
Absolutely not.
There are a number of good reasons why safaris through multiple African countries are the most sought-after and fulfilling vacation options. Because every country offers something special, it stands to reason that the best way to cover a lot of ground is to visit multiple countries. This is because each country has its own distinct culture and traditions.
Although organizing a safari across multiple African countries isn’t as difficult as it may seem, you should be aware that some of the continent’s infrastructure is still in its early stages of development. Traveling from point A to point B can still take some time, even if the distances aren’t that far. It becomes clear that some logistical expertise is required when one considers the very enormous size of Africa.
Safaris in Africa are an annual tradition for many thrill seekers. You, too, can, with the help of a plethora of helpful hints from the knowledgeable.
Tips for Planning Multi-Country African Safaris/Combined Tours.
List your most desired experiences (create your Africa safari bucket list!)
There is an unofficial bucket list of must-do African experiences that every nature and wildlife enthusiast has. Do you have any? Do you yearn to watch the Big Migration, take a morning hot air balloon trip over the boundless savannah plains, or glimpse the Big Five? Keep in mind the things you absolutely must see and do, and focus on those first and foremost.
Research where all those experiences are offered
Finding out where you can probably enjoy the experiences on your “Africa safari bucket list” is the next step after creating your own list. Visit Botswana if you want to see elephants on the side of the road; South Africa has the best odds of seeing all five of Africa’s major wildlife reserves in one area; Kenya offers hot air balloon rides over the landscape of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa; and Tanzania is the place to go if you want to witness the incredible wildebeest migration and go hot air ballooning.
What is the best and quickest approach to make an itinerary that everyone can follow? Put your African safari wish list in the hands of a Destination Specialist at Kabira Safaris, and they will craft a personalized schedule just for you.
Clusters of experiences in different sections of the continent will become apparent once you’re familiar with what’s on offer and where to find it. The moment has come to focus on the finer points.
Focus on two or more countries in ONE region of Africa
Most people and experts agree that the greatest way to plan a safari across many African countries is by region. Two parts of Africa stand out as having the best chances of seeing rare and exotic animals: Eastern and Southern Africa. You should choose neighboring countries to make the process getting-from-A-to-B easier and speedier since transfers might be time-consuming.
Safaris in East Africa often work best when combined with visits to neighboring countries like Kenya, Zanzibar, Rwanda, and Uganda.
South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia are in Southern Africa; they form a harmonious triangle with Zimbabwe and Zambia.
If you have enough time, you can incorporate all nine nations into one incredible safari.
Understand there’s more than one way to ‘safari’ in Africa
There is no better way to get a feel for an African safari than on a game drive. Additionally, there is more!
The best ways to view Africa are these:
Game Drives: Game drives, the quintessential safari activity, allow visitors to tour animal reserves in specially equipped vehicles that can traverse rough terrain while providing unobstructed views for each passenger. The best way to see animals in their native environments is on a game drive, which is led by a professional guide and driver team that is skilled at locating endangered species.
Walking Safaris: To get a closer look at Africa and a thrill out of it, plan a walking safari. In wildlife reserves that do not house large predators, you can find these. One of the most wonderful ways to experience the vast variety of plant and animal life on the savannah is on a walking safari.
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Hot air balloon safaris, a highly sought-after activity, provide a bird’s-eye perspective of the African plains and its priceless animals. You will be able to see herds of animals from a unique vantage point as you silently hover above the savannah at sunrise. Because of the peace and breathtaking scenery, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Gorilla Trekking: An opportunity to see mountain gorillas once in a lifetime awaits you in the dense forests of Rwanda and Uganda’s highlands. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure like no other by getting up close and personal with the docile mountain giants in their secluded natural environment.
Boat Safaris: There are a small number of remarkable aquatic habitats in Southern and Eastern Africa where animals flourish. The only practical method to explore and get deep into lakes, rivers, and deltas is on a boat safari. Taking a safari to the next level by seeing crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of birds from the luxury of a safari boat is an incredible idea.
Sundowner Excursions: This is a time-honored safari custom that you can expect to see in every African country. On a safari sundowner expedition, you can sip your favorite drink while taking in a breathtaking sunset, listening to the first sounds of the night as wildlife wakes up, and generally relaxing in a gorgeous wilderness location, such as a popular waterhole (among animals, of course!).
Cultural Visits: The complex tapestry of African civilizations is truly remarkable. Cultural tours, where you can meet indigenous people, see their homes, and learn about their traditional practices, are an integral part of the most enriching safari itineraries. Cultural interactions on safari in Africa provide light on the continent’s illuminating history and fascinating people.
Don’t forget that for every ‘famous’ reserve, lodge or destination, there are countless others which are just as special
If you’re looking into where to go for any of those amazing experiences, you’ll probably find that everyone recommends the same one or two spots. However, this in no way limits you to certain locations for their enjoyment. One of the most well-known and beloved safari activities is, without a doubt, a hot air balloon flight over the Serengeti. However, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the Masai Mara in Kenya, the Sossusvlei Desert in Namibia, Kafue in Zambia, and Tarangire in Tanzania are also fantastic places to go hot air ballooning.
If you’re planning a safari, there are innumerable lesser-known attractions in Africa that may be more easily incorporated into your schedule.
Looking to add a specific safari activity to your schedule but not sure how to do it? Get in touch with us, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
SERENGETI BALLOON SAFARI An unforgettable experience in TANZANIA
Join me on a GAME DRIVE in the Kruger National Park
Botswana: Explore the Magical Okavango Delta in a Traditional Mokoro Boat
A sundowner in the wild.
Exploring Kenyan Culture at Bomas of Kenya
Know the best and most Popular Country Combinations
Knowing the most common and effective combinations of countries might serve as a source of inspiration for your Africa safari itinerary:
All of this is merely scratching the surface of what Africa has to offer. A plethora of additional customizable options are available to cater to individual tastes and the kinds of wildlife encounters you’re hoping to have.
Kenya and Tanzania:
Watch as herbivores like millions of wildebeest make their way through the Serengeti-Mara environment as part of the Great Migration. Both nations are home to world-renown parks and game reserves that are second to none. The Serengeti, Amboseli, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Maasai Mara are all part of this group.
Botswana and Zimbabwe:
Thanks to its beautiful rivers and abundant wildlife, Botswana’s Okavango Delta is a one-of-a-kind safari location. An unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime opportunity awaits you: a multi-day canoe adventure into such pristine environment. When you combine it with Zimbabwe, you may see the world-famous Victoria Falls and the elephant-rich Hwange National Park.
South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia:
This package provides the most variety of African experiences. The Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park in Botswana provide alternative ways to see wildlife than riding shotgun in a 4WD, while South Africa’s Kruger National Park is well-known for its incredible variety of animals. Walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park are two options for tourists visiting Zambia.
Uganda and Rwanda:
If you have always wanted to go mountain gorilla trekking, a combination of Uganda and Rwanda is the way to go. These majestic, elusive, and critically endangered species call Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda home. The Kibale Forest is a great place to do chimpanzee tracking, and Queen Elizabeth National Park is a great place to see wildlife.
Tanzania and Rwanda:
An African wildlife safari that combines Tanzania and Rwanda offers the best of both worlds: a chance to witness the Great Migration and gorillas in their native habitats. If you include a detour to Madagascar to observe lemurs, you will have seen every species of African wildlife!
Namibia and South Africa:
With stops in Namibia’s Etosha National Park—renowned for its rich wildlife—and the Namib Desert and Skeleton Coast—renowned for jaw-dropping scenery—this itinerary combination delivers a wonderful blend of stunning vistas and wildlife experiences. South Africa is home to the magnificent Kruger National Park as well as other neighboring private reserves.
Zimbabwe and Zambia:
You may create an amazing, compact itinerary by combining the national parks of Zimbabwe (Mana Pools and Hwange) and Zambia (South Luangwa), with a stop at Victoria Falls in the middle of your journey.
The best time to go on a safari in Africa
High Season
Like any other place, there is a “best time” to go on an African safari, and that time happens to be from July to October. The Great Migration in the Serengeti, which is a must-see for most tourists, and the dry season, when getting around and seeing wildlife is easier, both occur during this busy time. Animals gather in greater numbers along the edges of a smaller number of drinking holes when the savannah is dry.
Safaris in Africa during the peak season can be a bit of a bummer. Crowds, prices, availability, flexibility, potential wildlife behavior disturbance, and authentic cultural experiences are all hit hard. But there are definitely huge benefits, like the best opportunities to see wildlife and the possibility to see rare and spectacular wildlife phenomena.
It all comes down to your own priorities and tastes when deciding whether to visit during peak season or not. There are vacationers who would rather have it somewhere in the middle of “optimal” and “tranquil” since they hate crowded places. Time options that combine the two are available, which is great news.
Shoulder Season
If you’re seeking a fantastic compromise and limitless rewards, we highly recommend off-peak travel to Africa. As far as safaris go, the best-kept secret is to go during the shoulder months, which vary per destination. Traveling outside of the extreme peak season allows you to take advantage of lower pricing, more availability, easier last-minute itinerary alterations, and, most importantly, more opportunities for exceptional and personal experiences with wildlife. When you’re on a walkabout or at a watering hole, you can be the only one there.
A more intimate and private encounter awaits you, complete with more individualized attention from advisors. Are you okay with a little rain when on safari? Certainly, but tropical rainstorms often only endure a few hours, greatly reduce air temperatures, and usher in the blossoming of lesser flora and wildlife.
In addition, the stunning landscapes seen during off-peak season are a photographer’s dream.
March, April, and May, as well as November and the beginning of December, are some of Eastern Africa’s most pleasant shoulder months. Southern Africa’s best safari months are April–May and September–October, when you won’t have to worry about crowds while still seeing incredible animals.
Places To Visit in Tanzania – Travel Guide
Places to Visit in Rwanda
But don’t get too hung up on timing your African safari ‘just right’
Although any kind of traveler may find the perfect safari moment, the reality is that most people’s schedules aren’t so accommodating. Put your Africa adventure on hold just because you have to take a holiday at a certain time of year; it might not be worth it. No matter the season, Viva’s Destination Specialists can advise you on the ideal substitute safari experiences. Lots are available at all times!
Keep in mind that there are intricacies related to individual experiences as well. For instance, if you’re determined to witness the most number of newborn animals, it would be wise to visit between the months of February and April.
Remember that you’re depending on Mother Nature and her lovely creatures, none of which are reliable, when you plan a multi-country Africa safari. That should drive the point home! No one, no matter how kind, could ever promise you a certain experience, no matter where you went. Never fear, though, if you find that arranging your African schedule between July and October is an insurmountable task. Regardless of the season, Africa is a year-round playground for incredible, life-changing adventures.
Want to begin making plans for your own Africa safari? Reach out to Kabira Safaris’ Africa Destination Specialists today and let their wealth of knowledge guide you in selecting the perfect safari experience.