Which is the best destination? A comparative question that crosses the minds of many safari enthusiasts is weighing in-between options.
Africa tops in the world safaris from the zig-zag deltas, unremitting savannah plains, sunbaked deserts, and plethoric wildlife.
Kenya has more landmass allocates for the wildlife reserves and national parks as opposed to South-Africa.
Tourists out for a wilderness itinerary, then Kenya is the perfect match. On the other hand, Kenya if less suited for budget-constrained tourists.
South Africa presents lower risks for contracting tropical diseases and thus favors mostly the first-timers, families and health-conscious safari enthusiasts.
With its rich diversity both in wildlife and culture, South Africa presents a must-visit bucket list destination.
Is Kenya or South Africa better safari?
Masai Mara National Park.
Renowned for its prolific population of the big cat family, and the great annual migration of the wildebeests, zebras, and the Thompsons gazelles.
The extensive savannah plains are co-shared by the wildlife and the Maasai people who have preserved their culture over the ages providing a perfect blend between nature and culture.
Masai Mara is a birders paradise with various flora coverage offering a sanctuary to a vast array of birdlife.
Safaris within the park can be enjoyed on games drives in the national reserve or via float over the park on a hot air balloon.
Top-notch accommodation options are available like deluxe lodges, campsites all ensuite, and offer exquisite cuisines.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Nestled on the floor of the great rift valley, enveloped by pockets of acacia woodlands, a waterfall, and flanked by rocky scarp.
A bird lovers paradise, illustrious for its teeming population of flamingos, black and white rhinos, and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, as well as other wildlife.
Accommodation is available with a variety of luxury lodging options and campsites.
Other attractions you can enjoy during your visit here include the hells gate at mount Longonot, Menengai crater, and for birders, there a couple of vantage points Lake Elementaita, Lake Baringo, and Lake Bogoria.
Amboseli National Park
The name Amboseli derived from the Maasai dialect meaning ‘salty dust.’
Renowned for its teeming numbers of elephants and crowned by the Mount Kilimanjaro nestled on its southern boundary, which offers picturesque views.
The park offers a vast array of activities for tourists, for nature enthusiasts; there are a couple of hotspots they can visit, the shriveled bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulfur springs, and savannah woodlands.
You can also visit the Maasai community living within the park for a taste of their untainted cultures.
For birds’ lovers, Amboseli is your desired destination with a prolific and diverse birdlife; your experience here is nothing short of astonishing.
Accommodation is top-notch with a variety of deluxe lodging and camping options, and receptive staff.
Tsavo National Park
It is constituted of twin parks yet distinct parks, the Tsavo West National Park and Tsavo East National Parks.
A vast and extensive arid wilderness interspersed with acacia forests, hills, and montane forests.
The name Tsavo is drawn for the Kamba language meaning ‘slaughter,’ which was brought out by the leonine predators _’the man-eaters’ that preyed on the locals during the railway construction.
The park is famed for its profuse population of mane-less lions and herds of elephants. Some of the major attractions include; birding, fish watching, and prolific wildlife.
South Africa’s Top Safari Destinations
Kruger national park
South Africa represents a perfect example of an African safari itinerary, starting with the illustrious Kruger National park.
With an impressive rich flora and fauna diversity and its colossal size, the park offers a habitat to a variety of wildlife.
Ranging from the big cat’s family, the big five, and phenomenal birdlife, like eagles, stocks, and vultures.
With a comprehensive road network set in place, mobility within the park is simplified, especially for the self-drive safaris.
Guests here are spoilt for options with a variety of tailor-made safari options on offer, ranging from classic safari, budget safari, and combo safari, among others.
Accommodation and lodging options are befitting, ranging from luxurious lodges to rest camps with prodigious cuisines and hospitable staff.
Malamala Game Reserve
A private game reserve that shares an untrammeled border with the Kruger national park on the eastern side and enclosed by Sabi Sand game reserve on all the other sides.
Malamala game reserve offers a sanctuary to prolific wildlife amongst them, the illustrious big five.
The shared unfenced border allows for unimpeded movement of wildlife between Malamala game reserve and Kruger National park, and this raises the opportunity to some privy wildlife sightings.
Phinda Private Game Reserve
Nestled in the lush KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and sandwiched between ISimangaliso Wetland Park and Mkuze Game Reserve.
Renowned for its privy sightings of the elusive cheetah and endangered white and black rhinos roaming in the park.
It is encompassed by seven distinct habitats that provide sanctuary to different kinds of wildlife, often Phinda is described as “Seven Worlds of Wonder.
Phinda reserve presents tourists with an impressive tour because it packed with awing wildlife, the famous big five, and splendid birdlife.
Adventure here is always lurking, predatory cats prowling in the bushes stalking prey, which are in plenty.
A pristine nature encompasses Phinda game reserve with riverine forests, mountain ranges dotted with forests, and marshland.
With unspoiled beaches and impressive coral reefs, Phinda offers guests with a tranquil environment for adventure.
Parting Shot
South Africa and Kenya a paint a quintessential African wildlife safari packed with adventure coupled with luxury.
For the best game viewing and interactions with wildlife head over to Kenya as opposed to South Africa.
Kenya’s regulations are more lenient because tourists can approach animals in their natural habits.
On the other hand, South Africa offers tourists with options for self-drive and private game safaris with clearly marked out trails and a diversified road network, which are quite limited in Kenya because of the game park sizes.
In terms of facilities and accommodation options, South Africa has the upper hand. In Kenya, you will have to dig deeper into your pocket for that fancy lodging.
