Anyone done a safari in Africa...is it worth it?

[usergoogle1]

Thinking of going next year...money well spent? if so would a week be too long? I've heard mixed reviews!

We did two weeks in Tanzania in 2017. I could have happily stayed longer.

I've done it twice in Tanzania and both times were amazing but only did the day trips both times to Tarangire. I don't think I (or the kids) could have hacked the proper 3 day safaris to Ngorogoro or serengeti but it depends how much you enjoy being out in the bush and whether you get abit bored after seeing the same animals over and over. If you go to Tarengire you are more or less guaranteed to see elephants (whereas my friend who did serengeti saw everything but).

I have a family member who owns a safari company in Tanzania (Arusha) if you want to PM me I could put you in touch.

Lockcodger I have a friend who has a safari company in Arusha too. It was she who arranged my two week trip. Wonder if she is your relative!

We did Tarangire, then Ngorogoro (stayed in a nice lodge on the rim), then we did a big drive to the Serengeti and to the Mara river to see the migration. we got lucky and a massive herd of wildebeest and zebra were about to cross the river just as we arrived!

Best holiday of my life.

Jaci's tree Lodge in South Africa. You only need 2/3 nights. Then go somewhere cheaper for the rest of your stay. Everyone should experience safari once in their life.

Oh and we also stayed in Karatu for three nights and went out hunting with a nomadic tribe who's name I cannot rmember (the ones with the clicky clicky tongue language). And a long ramble through some jungle to the Elephant Caves and a stunning waterfall... all inaccessible by vehicle.

I did just under weeks in Botswana and it was amazing- saw pretty much everything but rhino and cheetah, including wild dogs. I'd love to go back! We saw huge herds of buffalo and wildebeest too.

I would definitely say it was worth it, and I definitely didn't get bored, but we moved camps a lot in that time which helps avoid the boredom, and flying over Africa by light aircraft is amazing. Having more time as well meant we weren't rushing around trying to see everything, and didn't mind if there was one quieter day.

I would say some camps were better than others, so I would suggest you read reviews and ask an agent for advice when booking.

Yes I have been to the Masai Mara during migration season. It was amazing, but hard going, and emotionally difficult. You have to harden your heart when seeing young and weak animals picked off and killed by lions crocs and cheetahs. We had four days in a tented camp, which was enough, with three drives a day. We combined it with a beach holiday in Zanzibar and some time in Stone Town. Definitely worth it.

Ooh! This is my dream!!
I worry about safety though, so many tales of violence and mugging.
Those who've been, did you feel safe?

thanks all! looking in kruger national park at the moment (as it fits with wider travel plans!)

what about anti-malerials, are they ok?

Thenight my family member is a he so maybe not . Its good to have someone who can give you a good honest deal though isn't it!

Me and my 3 DC were fine on doxycycline for 2 weeks. Some areas (like anywhere) can be dangerous so make sure you listen to your tour guide and respect local cultures and you will be fine (bear in mind that zanzibar is predominantly a Muslim island so if you wander off a resort wearing skimpy clothing you could get in trouble).

P.S you may want to move this thread out of relationships (although I would have never found it to reply if it wasn't posted on here 😊)

We did a 12 night South Africa trip with our DDs including 8 nights safari, which was just right for us (DD2 mad on animals, I was very keen too). 8 days is longer than most seem to do but it was fab. Did Pilansberg & Madikwe. Higher up, malaria free.

Maybe ask for this to be moved to a more appropriate topic though?

I’ve been to Jaci’s too. Loved it. But also the Ant Collection. Predominantly a riding Safari so we were out on horseback everyday. Our lack of riding skills weren’t an issue, they just gave us plodders. The horses live wild so you could ride among animals such as giraffes and they just ignored you. They just saw horses who are part of the grazing population. Was magical. We only did five star lodges and the food and hospitality were amazing too.

I have been to Kruger national park OP. Are you planning to self drive or stay in lodges? We Stayed in two different lodges. Happy to recommend them to you if your interested. I love wildlife and the fact that we went back less than 12 months after our first trip says enough. The first trip we did three days on safari but the second we did six days.
Agree with PP is should be something everyone gets to experience at least once.

thanks - sorry for posting in wrong topic! didn't realise there was a travel one.

we are planning to stay in lodges and go for 6 nights. they take us out on drives apparently...bit worried about the anti malerials as well!!

Riding safari is a definite lifegoal of mine! DH afraid of horses though, even the 11hh ponies we have so might be going solo.

Africa is amazing and a safari was an incredible experience.

My daughter is going to moholoholo and Kruger on a college trip next month....I'm so jealous.
July is off season for mosquito's

I've done loads of safaris. Took anti malarials a couple of times many many years ago but never had a problem with them. Haven't taken them for a long time though. Depends which type you need which depends on where you're going etc. Maybe book an appointment with a travel health clinic to see what they say about what you would need for your proposed destination.

I love sub-Saharan Africa and safaris etc. So much so that we're moving there in 2 months. Can't wait. 😁

You'll have an amazing time.

frenchy is she not taking any then? Ive been told that in kruger you need to take them all year round

Depending on where you stay you may not need anti malaria's. In our area the risk was considered low. We decided just to be extra careful not to get bit and got really strong spray the one with 50% deet. When we got there most of the other people said they were doing the same. I did speak to one couple who were taking them and just send they had very weird dreams.

Truly love South Africa not just for the safaris either. The food and hospitality was out of this world at the lodges.

It is the best thing I have ever seen in my life! Just changed me! Worth every penny although it is ridiculously expensive now.

usergoogle1 She had her jabs this week and they said that anti-malarials were not necessary

thanks all!

I get so worried about travelling! but really want to do some things and go to places...just takes a lot to get me to book!