How to Plan an African Safari at a Wildlife Park and come back with amazing pictures!

by Nadege
(Cape Town)

The best time to plan an African Safari at a Wildlife Park is during the dry season, and here's why...

• Game must go to permanent water holes to drink, usually during the mornings and evenings, which increases your chances of seeing game and taking great pictures.

• Trees don't have as many leaves, the grass is low, and the bush is generally thinner. So you can usually see further, which increasing your chances of viewing game.

In the Western Cape and Cape Town, the prime time is between November to March, the summer months.

In Kruger Park, and the Kalahari, the best time is usually in the dry winter months from May to August. During those months the temperature is comfortable in the day and drop at nights so you can get a good nights sleep.



Which should you choose, a National or a Private Game Reserves for Your African Safari at a Wildlife Park?

National Game Reserves are usually bigger and you can do your own driving on game drives.

Private Game Reserves are generally smaller, which can often help to see more animals, there are less people, and they offer better services. You will be going on game drives with rangers and trackers in open vehicle.

Game drives are an exciting experience!

For few hours (it varies between 2 to 4 hours depending on the reserve), you will be looking for animals with the help of the ranger who is in radio contact with other vehicles, which alert each other about good animal sightings. Rangers will provide as much information as you like, so don't hesitate to ask plenty of questions.

When animals are spotted, the ranger will get as close as possible without disturbing them.

If you go for the early morning game drive, you will usually stop in the bush, halfway through, for sunrise coffee or hot chocolate break. If you go for a game drive in the evening, you'll stop at sundown for tea or a glass of wine.

If you have children and you are planning an African Safari at a Wildlife Park choose a National Game Reserve so you can drive your own vehicle. 2 or 4 hours can be very long for children even on the most exciting game drives.



Sounds like a great adventure Nadege. I've always wanted to go on and African Safari. Thanks for your article.

Lina