Somak ET Kenya Brochure

24 Somak Holidays So you’ve decided to go on an African safari, how do you go about choosing where to go, when to travel, and how to plan your trip? Some of the answers are straightforward: South Africa offers the best malaria- free safaris for young kids; Kenya is the most accommodating safari destination for tight budgets; Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe boast the best water- based safaris; July to September in the Masai Mara is the golden window for Great Migration river-crossings. Maybe you’re set on bucket list visits such as Victoria Falls or the Ngorongoro Crater. However, even once you know where you’re going there’s still a lot to be decided. We’ve put together all the information you need to begin planning the right safari for you. Know your animals If you’re on the hunt to see particular species, make sure you’re visiting the right parks and reserves! Your best chances of seeing the ‘Big Five’ are in flagship parks such as the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Kruger. If it’s flamingos you’re after then head to Kenya’s Lake Nakuru or Lake Bogoria. Gorillas can most easily be encountered in Rwanda’s Volcano National Park or Bwindi, Uganda, whilst Tanzania’s Mahale Mountains National Park is an excellent spot to track chimpanzees. Whatever your priorities, speak to our dedicated team who will help you put together the right itinerary. Drive or fly? The first thing to decide is what kind of safari you want. Vehicle-based safaris are where most people begin – your driver-guide will take care of you and the 4X4 will transport your belongings every step of the way. As well as the advantage of getting to know your guide very well over the course of the trip, this is also the cheapest form of safari. The only disadvantage is that some journeys can be up to 5 hours long, depending on road surface and traffic. For a premium, a flying safari can be organised, rapidly transporting you between parks via light aircraft (15kg luggage permitted). Moreover, you also gain an impressive aerial view of the rugged African landscape. Drivers from each lodge will meet you on arrival and conduct your game drives. All things Safari – What you need to know