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Kenya VS South Africa: Which Safari is Right For You?

Written by Nick Cabugos | December 11, 2018

With so Many Safari Options to Choose From, Deciding Which Country in Africa You Want to Visit Can Be Quite the Challenge.

Traveling to Africa is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Home to iconic animals such as lions, giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, zebras and countless more, as well as being home to some world's most breathtaking landscapes, an African safari will truly take your breath away. We've narrowed down your options to two of the most popular safari destinations and this guide will help to make the final decision.

Kenya

Kenya, in East Africa, is home to world-famous national parks and reserves and is the perfect destination for those seeking a fully immersive wildlife experience. The Masai Mara is Kenya's most famous national park and is where the wildebeest migration takes place annually.  For a true savanna experience, Kenya is an ideal location. 

On a Kenya safari, you'll be able to visit remarkable national parks and wildlife reserves in search of giraffe, cheetah, zebra, leopard, lion, elephant, rhino, gazelle, hyena, Cape buffalo, and more—all in their natural habitats. Imagine the thrill of seeing these majestic animals as they sunbathe on grassy land and roam across the vast savannah grassland. 

Begin your safari  in Samburu National Reserve, home to many rare animals that aren't seen in other parts of Kenya. Commonly referred to as the Samburu “Special 5,” they include the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and the gerenuk—a long-necked antelope that feeds while standing on its hind feet.

Lion, cheetah, elephant, and Nile crocodile are also commonly spotted here. Spend two nights in Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most famous game area. In addition to several game drives here, you will also enjoy an exclusive bush breakfast.

Explore Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, and Lake Nakuru, a small but diverse park known for its alkaline lake. All of this and more await you on this amazing Africa safari

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South Africa

South Africa is a vast and diverse country full of outstanding natural history, charming wine country and vibrant cities. The climate in South Africa is far more faried than Kenya. Kruger national park is its most famous wildlife reserve and is where many luxury safaris take place.

On a South Africa tour you'll see everything from fascinating cities to the enthralling game drives and breathtaking scenery. This once-in-a- lifetime experience begins in Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Ride a cable car to the top of iconic Table Mountain (weather permitting) for stunning views over the city and venture outside the city to see a colony of African penguins and beautiful Cape Point Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its rich and unique flora. You’ll also visit Bo-Kaap, a lively area founded by former slaves to learn more about their culture—a Globus exclusive!

Your journey continues in Makalali Private Game Reserve near Kruger National Park. Here, enjoy six game drives in an open-air, 4-wheel-drive Land Rover. A professional ranger and skilled tracker will help you search for a remarkable number of species, including 42 mammal species and 350 bird species. You’ll have a great chance to see the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo.

Have your camera ready because you may also see impala, giraffe, hippo, spotted hyena, cheetah, wildebeest, and more. Even stop for sundowner drinks in the bush! Other highlights include Johannesburg’s unforgettable Apartheid Museum and Soweto, the country’s largest township, where you will visit the former home of Nelson Mandela and stunning Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) also known as Victoria Falls, spanning the border of Zimbabwe & Zambia. Take a guided walk along the falls, which is roughly twice the height of Niagara Falls, and cruise on the Zambezi River at sunset.

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About Globus Journeys

In 1928, a young man purchased a rowboat to transport visitors across Lake Lugano, Switzerland. Who would have thought that this single rowboat would launch one of the world's leading travel companies? Today, the Globus Family of Brands is a global company reaching every corner of the world, yet remains family-owned and steeped in the values Antonio had when he set out across Lake Lugano—to enlighten travelers by showing them the very best of the destinations we know so well.

VIP Yourself With Top Industry Recognized Service

When you book your Globus Journeys Experience with Montecito Village Travel, you'll have access to experiences you aren't able to find elsewhere. Enjoy private dinners with Michel Star Chefs, world-renowned museums with no crowds and VIP recognition. Our VIP complimentary amenities and perks can save you thousands and the tailor-made itineraries are assembled with your unique needs in mind.

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