Safari
A safari is an overland journey. It usually refers to a trip by tourists to Africa, traditionally for a big-game hunt and in more modern times to watch and photograph big game and other wildlife as a safari holiday. There is a certain theme or style associated with the word, which includes khaki clothing, belted bush jackets, pith helmets or slouch hats, and animal skins—like leopard's skin.
Entering the English language in the late 19th century, the word safari means "journey" in Swahili. Originally from the Arabic سفر (safara) meaning travel The verb for "to travel" in Swahili is "kusafiri", the noun for the journey is "safari". These words are used for any type of journey, e.g. by bus from Nairobi to Mombasa. The person generally attributed to having used the word in English is Sir Richard Francis Burton, the famous explorer.
Locations
- Kenya
- Amboseli National Park
- Lake Nakuru
- Masai Mara Reserve
- Mount Keny National Park
- Samburu Reserve
- Tsavo National Park
- Tanzania
- Ngorongoro Crater **Jan 2005**
- Serengeti National Park **Jan 2005**
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park **Jan 2005**
- Gombe National Park
- Botswana
- Chobe National Park
- Okavango Delta
- Namibia
- Etosha National Park
- Namib Desert; Damaraland
- South Africa
- Hluhluwe Game Rezerve
- Kruger National Park
- Zambia
- South Luangwa National Park
- Zimbabwe
- Victoria Falls
Guides
- Abercombie & Kent
- Big Five Tours and Expeditions
- Ker and Downey
- Mountain Travel Sobek
- David Anderson Safaris
- Adventure Center
- African Travel, Inc.
- Borton Overseas
- International Expeditions
- Overseas Adventure Travel
Camera Tips
It used to be safaris were all about the hunting of the animals. Now the end game of the stalking results in shooting your camera only.
- Bring at least a backup camera
- Make your lenses zooms if possible.
- you'll be shooting from a vehicle so you'll need the abilty to crop in camera that a zoom gives you.
- Bring mostly long lenses. The longer the better.
- 400mm is the best bet.
- 300mm is good too.
- Bring one wide lens just for landscapes.
- Bring lots of cards or film.
- Bring a dust bag if possible
When To Go:
- Winter: June - August
- Most tourists visit during this time. Moderate temperatures hghs in 70's and lows iin 50's.
- Spring: September - November
- Best time to see newborn animals and blossoming flowers.
- Summer: December - March
- The great migration. It's hot, 90-100 degrees F, but not as bad at altitude where the game reserves are.
- Fall: April - May
- Rainy season. Off season Rates. Not as crowded.
Note: If you are doing a climb as well, you will need to coordinate the best times for a climb with the best times for a Safari.
Books
- The African Safari: The Ultimate Wildlife and Photographic Adventure
- Lonely Planet East Africa
- The Safari Companion