If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing wild animals up close and personal, a luxury safari is the perfect option.

Unlike the zoo, these trips are truly one-of-a-kind! They are often more affordable than you think too, especially when you consider that they include all meals.

Plus, they often come with top-notch guides/drivers that are nature experts!

1. The Big Five

As the name suggests, the Big Five – African elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros and buffalo – are the main focus of any safari. They are not only fascinating to see, but seeing them in their natural habitat is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

These animals are not invincible though. They are classed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and their numbers are dwindling. As a result, spotting them in the wild is becoming an increasingly rare experience.

A luxury safari means staying in the finest lodges/camps with the best guides and vehicles. The guiding team is the most important factor in a successful safari. They will not only be able to track and find the Big Five but will also be able to take you to the best places for wildlife sightings.

2. An Incredible Bush Experience

Despite all the material trappings of luxury safari lodging – impeccable service, understated design and fine dining – it’s your guide/driver who will make the most difference to your experience. Whether searching for wildlife on game drives or taking you on bush walks, their knowledge, passion and personalities will leave an indelible mark.

The best guides/drivers are experts in their field, able to explain and interpret the complex interactions between wildlife, plants, and the surrounding environment. They will also be able to teach you new skills such as tracking, which will greatly increase your chances of spotting animals on a bush walk!

For a truly magical bush experience, consider a private reserve safari. These safari camps are smaller than their mass-produced counterparts, and are often built to be more intimate, with only a handful of tented suites overlooking the surrounding savannah. This allows you to immerse yourself in the African wilderness without being interrupted by hordes of tourists.

3. Get Up Close With The Big Five!

A safari isn’t about ‘checking off the Big Five’ from your list of things to do, it’s about experiencing the wildlife in their natural habitat. It’s about immersing yourself in the wild and getting a taste of Africa’s incredible nature and history.

For an immersive experience that isn’t crowded, head to Botswana for luxury safaris. Zarafa Camp in the Selinda Concession of the Okavango Delta is a frontrunner for its low-volume, high-quality ethos and stunning luxury tented rooms with private pools overlooking the Zibadianja Lagoon. They also provide top-of-the-range cameras and binoculars for your use on the twice-daily safari drives, to help you get up close and personal with the animals.

The Big Five are the lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros. These are all known to be dangerous and it was once considered a feat for hunters to bring home one of these animals. Today, tourists who photograph the Big Five play an important role in conservation by generating income that helps protect parks and reserves. You can even become directly involved by volunteering with wildlife!

4. An Unforgettable Experience

A safari is a magical experience that will leave you with fond memories. Whether it be a moment of elation when you see the world’s most supreme predator stalking its prey or feeling humble as you look up at a billion stars, a luxury African safari is an incredible adventure like no other.

Adding to the magic are opulent safari lodges with top-of-the-range facilities, guaranteed stunning vistas and world-class personalised service. These safaris also offer cultural enrichment and the knowledge that you are contributing to a sustainable and holistic conservation model.

Summary:

Choosing the best time for your safari depends on what you want to see and where. The dry season, which typically occurs in the winter months (although it varies by region), offers clearer sightings as vegetation is less dense and animals tend to congregate around water sources. However, it is important to remember that every safari will be different, as wild animals are unpredictable and sightings are not guaranteed.