Travel Africa

The only international magazine dedicated to exploring Africa's diverse attractions, national parks, wildlife, culture and history. Travel Africa draws on some of the world's top photographers, writers and experts to create an inspiring and practical resource for anyone interested in the world's most exciting continent.

Karibu

Travel Africa

SHADOW BOXING

TIME WITH ELEPHANTS

MOMENTS IN TIME

WHY DO WE LOVE WILDLIFE? • What keeps us returning, time and again, to Africa in search of animals? What drives our desire to see all the more elusive species?

PLANNING

THE STARTING POINT • What sort of safari is for you? We look at the questions you should think about before you book

WHAT ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT? • There’s more to be gained than lost, but you should make sensible choices, says Emma Gregg

COUNTING CARBON

HOW BEST TO BOOK? • As a prospective safari-goer, how do you decide whether to organise it on your own or book through an operator? Whether you’re a first-time Africa traveller or an avowed safari addict, can you arrange a safari as you might a holiday in your home country, or do you need a specialist advisor? With experience travelling independently and working as a tour operator, Richard Trillo weighs up the arguments.

CHOOSING A SAFARI COMPANY: QUESTIONS TO ASK

Why use a specialist operator?

TIME FOR STABILITY • Building confidence will help travel, says Kate Kenward

GOING SOLO • Some people opt to organise a safari themselves. How might this work for you and what are the challenges? Travel Africa reader Anne Wilkinson shares her experience.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR GAME VIEWING? • Does it really matter which season you travel in? How do the seasons influence your wildlife watching experience?

AMBOSELI THROUGH THE SEASONS • Amboseli National Park in Kenya experiences the striking seasonal variations you’ll encounter in many of Africa’s parks and reserves. How does it influence your wildlife watching?

SAFARIS FOR ALL • There’s no reason why you shouldn’t feel you can’t enjoy a wildlife-watching holiday in Africa – no matter your circumstance. Companies are increasingly geared up to cater for all niche requirements

MIX IT UP! • Most safaris are vehicle-based, traditionally with two game drives per day. But there are a host of other ways to experience wildlife, and combining several of these activities will give you a broader perspective and appreciation for the wilderness

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW… • Don’t get caught out peering quizzically into the trees when others are admiring a lounging leopard

CHOOSING A FIELD GUIDE • Looking for reference material to help you identify and learn more about the animals you spot? We sought the advice of Martin Mbewe Sekelani, senior guide and safari manager at Kafunta Safaris in Zambia

PACK LIKE A PRO

WHERE?

THE B!G PICTURE: UNDERSTANDING A DESTINATION • East and southern Africa’s main safari destinations all offer an enticing range of parks and reserves, together with non-wildlife activities such as beaches and cultural sites. When considering which country or countries to visit, the choice can be overwhelming. And once you’ve decided on one, you still need to wade through the myriad options within it. Travel writer and guide book author Philip Briggs has traversed Africa over the course of the last 35 years. Since few people have such extensive experience, we thought we’d ask him for some pointers to help with the process of assessing a destination – and for an overview of each main safari country.

LAND OF PLENTY • As a wildlife-viewing destination, South Africa stands out for its DIY-friendly national parks, excellent network of private (and in most cases malaria-free)...