Safari Holiday Guide

Welcome to the Safari Holiday Guide:
Planning for a Safari Holiday can sometimes seem a little overwhelming, I have done it and the problem is every safari company you visit promises you magnificent views, an unforgettable experience, the Big 5 ... what they promise you is everything you want to hear! So which one do you trust and what type of safari is right for you? Is it a luxury hot-air balloon safari over the Masai Mara in Kenya, a Canoe Safari on the Zambezi River in Zambia, a Botswana safari holiday, cheap safari holidays to Kenya or a Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park in South Africa?

These were my frustrations and that is why I have set up the Safari Holiday Guide which is completely independent and all the views expressed on it are my opinions or those of people who have advised us based on a lot of research and places we have been and seen for ourselves.

A Little About Me
I currently live in the UK, but was was born and grew up in Zimbabwe, I am a qualified FGASA level 1 field guide (safari guide) and have worked in South Africa on game lodges as both a field guide and assistant manager to a lodge. Whilst I would never pretend to know even a fraction of what Africa has to offer, I have traveled extensively throughout Africa and been on many safaris and feel I can give you a unique perspective of what makes a great Safari holiday.

Sport and Safari Holidays in Africa
The aim has also been to include ideas for sporting or other activities in combination with a safari holiday as many people want to get the most out of their African experience and not only be restricted to a safari holiday, good examples are the Golf and Safari Holidays in South Africa, Diving and Safari Holidays in Kenya or even a sun, beach and Safari holiday!

What about the children? - Family Safari Holidays
Wherever possible I have tried to include ideas and interesting options for the whole family, Africa can seem a daunting place for those that have never visited the "dark" continent before and may not seem initially as the ideal family holiday destination, I totally disagree as there is a huge amount culturally that you and your children can learn from africa. A family holiday in Kenya and The Gambia are ideal starting points if you want to go on safari with your children. I have also recently added two family friendly lodges one self catering in the Djuma Game Reserve, which forms part of the Sabi Sands Game reserve bordering the Kruger National park in South Africa another family friendly safari is the Duma Manzi private Game reserve in Natal, South Africa.

If you are not sure which is the best National Park or Game reserve for you in South Africa, our reserve & national park guide points out what options are available and hopefully help you decide.

The Safari Planner
A small section at the moment but with time the idea for this section is for it to be a resource on "everything else safari", so not about the safari destinations themselves, but information on things like choosing the best binoculars for going on a safari, the best digital camera for Safari, hiking boots for walking safaris. There is a guide on what types of safari there are, which animals form the Big 5 and why, interactive maps of safari destinations and animal guides, including where to go to find them and what interesting things you may be able to tell your guide about them!

What's New
Try our new Safari Holiday Shop where you can organise your ultimate safari online, choose from over 650 Africa travel packages or if none of those suit you, you can design your own Africa travel itinerary. There are great special offers and late deals with big discounts on Safaris all around Africa.

Tanzania
I have added a guide to the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania. Named after a famous British explorer and hunter turned Naturalist, this is one of the largest wildlife areas on earth and definitely one of my top five game reserves in Africa and said to have over 50 000 African Elephants! There is also an independent guide to the islands of Zanzibar, just of the Tanzanian coast. The mystical island paradise of a turquoise blue ocean, pearl white sands and coconut trees that comes with bag loads of culture and sunshine, the perfect African winter holiday destination.

Holidays in Gambia
Whilst the Gambia could never be described as a Big 5 Safari Destination, if you know where to go, there is a large amount of wildlife to view. I traveled to The Gambia and organised a river safari up the Gambia river, it was a wonderful experience and one that I would highly recommend. Apart from the fantastic birdlife, we spotted dolphins in the estuary, hippos, chimpanzees, baboons, monkeys and crocodiles. For more on check out my Gambia holiday guide or packyourbags.com who have good selection on Holidays in Gambia.

African Wildlife Photo Galleries
Photography is a enjoyable hobby of mine and I have decided to start adding a few of my best wildlife photos to the site. If you are looking for some free african wildlife photos, I usually allow people to use them as long as you credit me. So check out my Photos of The Gambia and Elephant photos.

Kenya Safaris
I have just finished writing an article on organising a cheap safari holidays to Kenya and one for the more independent traveler on taking a self drive safari from Nairobi to the Masai Mara.

Ever wanted to lay next to an open fire under the stars in Africa, try my guide to camping holidays in Kenya

I hope that the Safari Holiday Guide helps you find your Safari Holiday of a lifetime! Should you have any comments or suggestions about places you have been please don't hesitate to me.