South African Safari
If you’re considering visiting South Africa, whether to volunteer or to travel, then you shouldn’t leave without a taste of the traditional safari experience. The chance to explore an area where over 300 species exist in their natural habitat is simply too thrilling to be passed up.
If you want to splash out then there are thousands of tour operators offering all-inclusive safari packages, but for a cheaper and more independent way to travel consider car hire. If you hire a car from a company such as Holiday Autos in Johannesburg or Cape Town, you can look forward to a thrilling drive towards the game reserve of your choice.
But where in South Africa should you go to enjoy a fulfilling safari experience? Here are three of the best.
1. Kruger National Park: If you’re keen to view the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant) then Kruger is an obvious choice. The variety of animals, birds and ecosystems you can see here are virtually unparalleled, and the excellent infrastructure means that it’s easy and comfortable to get around. The park itself is larger than Ireland – stick to the central and southern portions for the best wildlife viewing.
2. Sabi Sands Game Reserve: Located on the western side of Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands is one of the most famous private reserves in South Africa. Viewing is almost as good as in Kruger, while the chance to engage in off-road game tracking can mean safari at Sabi Sands is an even more thrilling experience. Stick to the area along the Sand and Sabi Rivers, where the wildlife is more abundant, particularly during the dry season.
3. Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park: For the viewing of endangered species, Hluhluwe is virtually unparalleled. It boasts the largest population if white rhino in the world, as well as a slowly increasing population of black rhino. Over 400 bird species have been identified within the park – and, sue to the large number of resident elephants, you’re more likely to experience direct encounters on the roads as they cross before you. To make the most of Hluhluwe, leave your car behind and go for a bush walk in the company of an armed ranger, or book yourself on to an extended hike in the southern Umfolozi portion of the park.