YOUR ULTIMATE SAFARI ITINERARY
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YOUR ULTIMATE SAFARI ITINERARY
By Sorrel Ashton of Travel Counsellors
An African Safari experience can be the trip of a lifetime , here are my top Safari itineraries for 2024 and 2025 .
Pilanesberg and Mauritius
The ultimate Bush and Beach getaway . Pilanesberg is one of my favourite national parks in South Africa , Malaria free and relatively small compared to its more famous sister Kruger . You will see the Big 5 here and you are likely to see a huge amount of wildlife in a relatively short amount of time . The lodges in the park are also great for all budgets and its proximity to Johannesburg makes it an easy destination to get to my favourite beach escape - the luxurious Mauritius .
Cape Town , Garden Route and Safari
This self-drive itinerary is perfect for the whole family , there is beach time , nature , adventure , and a family-oriented safari experience . Cape Town is a great starting point , with lots of activities on offer from white sandy beaches to penguin sightings on Boulders Beach . Both Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route offer fantastic boat-based wildlife experiences during whale season . A stop in Kynsna is perfect for adventure seekers with plenty of nature walks and ziplining through the indigenous forests . The town also has fabulous natural lagoons as the river meets the sea , so it is a great place for swimming and canoeing . End your trip in a fabulous game reserve on the Eastern Cape for Big 5 viewing – my favourite is Shamwari but there are lots of options dependent on budget and your group requirements .
Gorillas in Rwanda
Travel from the vibrant cultural Rwandan capital Kigali , through plains , wetlands and rainforests to take in premium African scenery and wildlife . Guided exploration will bring you close to Hippos , Crocodiles , and Chimpanzees before heading into Volcanoes National Park in search of Mountain Gorillas . Whilst this unique opportunity of seeing Gorillas in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience , be aware that permits to the national park are limited and therefore cost a premium .
The Ultimate Migration Safari
The holy grail of safaris is the Masai Mara River Crossing in the Serengeti . This amazing experience sees two million animals migrating across the Serengeti at different times of the year . This is my top pick and can be seen in Kenya or Tanzania depending on the time of the year . For an even more immersive experience , ask me about the bush rovers ( see picture ) which I can only describe as luxury on wheels and a great way to see wildlife in complete privacy .
Looking to embark on your own safari adventure ? Get in contact anytime for tips and advice and make sure to follow me at @ Sorrel _ travel as I will be heading out on my own safari experience to review some of the best game reserves of Kruger national park in early March .
Contact for new enquiries at sorrel . ashton @ travelcounsellors . com
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