Amazing Animal Encounters in Africa

 

Africa offers a wealth and variety of Animal experiences, whether it involves going on a luxurious safari and viewing animals whilst on a game drive or close up animal encounters such as tracking Gorillas by foot, walking with Lions and Cheetahs, or visiting Elephants and Giraffes in a sanctuary.

Here are our favourite posts by some amazing travel bloggers about their experiences.

Kenya

Kenya is an amazing Safari destination, and if you time it right, you can watch the annual Wildebeest Migration, which has even been named as the 8th Wonder of the world, as it is truly spectacular. We love The Safarist’s experience of the Wildebeest Migration, which you can read about here

You may have seen the now world famous Giraffe Manor featured on BBC 2’s  ‘Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby’ or photos from Giraffe Manor, all over Instagram. Our friend Luxury Travel Blogger Angie had an unforgettable stay at the Giraffe Manor, which you can read about here. Having Giraffes peek through the windows of your bedroom is definitely a once in a lifetime experience!

As an alternative, and definitely one of the most unique high teas in the world, you can have Afternoon Tea on the lawn of the Giraffe Manor, in the company of friendly Warthogs and majestic Giraffes like Binny, Food and Travel Blogger, did. What a dreamy setting!

If Afternoon Tea is not your thing, just next to the Giraffe Manor is the Giraffe Centre, a place you can visit to learn more about Giraffes, feed them, and if you are brave, even kiss them! Read about Lucy, author of The Travel Journo’s visit to the Giraffe Centre here. Spending time with Giraffes in such close proximity is definitely something to add to that bucket list!

Kenya is also home to The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), founded in 1977 in memory of David Sheldrick and it is run by Dame Daphne Sheldrick and her daughter Angela Sheldrick.

Visiting times are between 11:00am and 12:00pm when you can watch the groups of orphaned elephants during their feeding time, having their milk and playing with each other.

You can also book private time with an elephant you have fostered during the evenings, but this is dependent on many factors so worth researching well in advance. The entrance fee goes towards their care.

It is a must do if visiting Nairobi and some of the Bloggers who have visited The DSWT include Angie from SilverSpoon London, which you can read about here, and Kenyan blogger Jaini from Jaini’s Diaries regularly visits the orphanage and has fostered many of the elephants. You can read about one of her beloved fostered elephants, Mbegu, here.

Tanzania

If you are considering a luxury safari for your honeymoon, Selous in Tanzania is an unspoilt gem and one of the largest game reserves in Africa. You are guaranteed to see elephants, as it has the the world’s largest concentration, as well as a large population of buffaloes, crocodiles and hippos, so a fantastic place to choose.

Blogger Shika, from the blog ‘Why Waste Annual Leave,’ chose to honeymoon in Selous and you can read all about her magical time here.

If you are considering Tanzania for your honeymoon, we have lots of information, which you can find here:

https://www.somak.com/tanzania

Rwanda

Rwanda is a country that has been blessed with natural beauty, and it is the perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts to have the experience of a lifetime, gorilla trekking.

Kenyan Travel Blogger, Harpreet, had an amazing time on a gorilla trek in the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda, which you can read about here. She said it definitely blew all her expectations.

She was also fortunate to experience seeing the endangered Golden Monkeys, in a similar trek, where you can spend an hour observing them playing, and swinging from tree to tree.

If the idea of Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda has sparked an interest, find out more on our website here, and we can help you put together the perfect trip:

https://www.somak.com/rwanda

Uganda

Although Uganda is one of Africa’s smallest countries, it is home some of its biggest stars, such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and the thunderous River Nile. Similar to Rwanda, you can go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda too, and Travel Blogger Silvia, from Heart my backpack, has written about her trek here.

If reading about her trek has resulted in Uganda being added to your travel radar, visit our webiste here for more inspiration:

https://www.somak.com/uganda

Zimbabwe

This sub-Saharan country is one filled with natural wonder, ancient human history and fantastic wildlife.  From the stunningVictoria Falls, or seeing the ‘Big Five’ whilst on safari in any of the national parks to seeing the outstanding rock paintings in the Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe is a country filled with excitement, beauty and lots of culture.

Travel blogger, Eppie, had the adrenalin rushing, brave experience of a lion encounter in Zimbabwe, where you can get up close to the lions, even being able to pet them depending on their temperament, as well as being able to walk with them. Read about this incredible experience on Eppie’s blog here.

If you are a big cat lover and the idea of a lion encounter alongside a safari holiday enthuses you, read more about our Zimbabwe holidays here and let us work with you to build a fantastic itinerary:

https://www.somak.com/zimbabwe-holidays

South Africa

South Africa has it all, from stunning mountain backdrops, and magnificent wildlife to colonial architecture and gorgeous vineyards. As well as amazing safaris, you can have various animal encounters in South Africa, such as visiting an elephant sanctuary like Sima from The Curious Pixie did. She visited the elephant sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay, which you can read about here.

The lovely duo from Hand Luggage Only visited the Addo Elephant Park, which is approximately 30 minutes from Port Elizabeth. You can read about their fantastic time with the gentle giants here.

For an experience with the King of the jungle, you can spend a day with Lions like Savi and Vid from the blog Bruised Passports did at the Johannesburg Lion Park.

For a seriously cute factor, you can get up close and personal with a colony of African Penguins that lives on Cape Town’s Boulders Beach. The duo from Hand Luggage Only fell in love with these snuggly and very cute penguins and they highly recommend visiting the penguins while in South Africa. Read more about their experience here.

Do you love Meerkats? You will love Erica from Erica in Wonderland’s experience with meerkats in Oudtshoorn, just north of South Africa’s Garden Route, where you can see meerkats in their natural habitats. Definitely a unique experience to add to your adventure trip to South Africa! You can read more about her time with the Meerkats here.

South Africa is one of our most popular destinations and we can put together an amazing itinerary for you, ensuring you get the best out of your trip. Find out more here: https://www.somak.com/south_africa

To make a booking to any of our destinations, call us on 020 8423 3000 or complete an enquiry form to receive a quotation from our booking experts.

https://www.somak.com/booking-enquiry