Discover Incredible Wildlife On African Safari Holidays

If you love the idea of visiting Africa, spending time in the incredible bush and sighting some of this planet’s most incredible species of wildlife, you'll do well to choose from one of the many excellent African safari holidays on offer. Safaris are part and parcel of the continent, and the romantic notion of exploring the game reserves in an open topped jeep, feeling as if you can touch the real heart of this beautiful natural environment, is one easily realised. If you book your African safari holidays with a reputable and established company, it can truly be the experience of a lifetime.

What to Expect

If you're a wildlife enthusiast, this continent simply has to be on your list of places to visit. There is nothing quite like witnessing a Lion protect its kill, and watching vultures circling overhead while the Hyenas wait in the background. The ever-present "circle of life" becomes a reality before your eyes and the memory of the incredible wildlife, including the big game, is one that will stay with you always. Although African safari holidays are focused on the Big Five, there is a huge array of other wildlife to look out for, including some of the world’s most beautiful birds and mammals.

The beauty of African safari holidays is that the sheer size of the continent’s game reserves and the abundance of wildlife mean that sightings are frequent. The environment is made of extensive plains and savannah grasslands, which also make viewing easier.

Experienced companies will include a local naturalist guide and often a tour leader from the UK as well. The naturalist guides are expert in sighting the animals, familiar with their behaviour patterns of, and are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to answering any questions. This kind of safari tour might see you staying in one of the reserves’ luxury lodges; however if you prefer a more rustic experience, the organised but basic wild campsites are the perfect option.

What You Will See

No trip to this amazing continent could leave you feeling disappointed. With photo opportunities in abundance and exciting wildlife sightings around every corner, there is plenty to keep you busy. You'll be kept busy looking out for the Elephant, the Lion, of course, and the Buffalo. This big game dominates the reserves, along with the Wildebeest, the Giraffe and the Hyena. Some lucky visitors may spot the elusive Leopard or Cheetah as well. As far as birdlife goes, the Ostrich and the Secretary Bird offer great viewing spectacles, while the skies teem with all manner of other wonderful bird species.

Whether you choose to visit Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Namibia’s Etosha or the Kruger in South Africa, you are bound to have a truly memorable wildlife experience and one that will be treasured always.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you’re looking for African safari holidays, Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to polar expeditions and tours to other spectacular regions on Earth.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.