Your First African Safari: Destinations, Seasons, and What to Expect

Ever dreamed of seeing animals in the wild? Has an African safari been on your travel agenda, but you’re unsure of how to get there and what to expect?

flynas opens the doors to the wide African plains with our superb flight packages, making your first African safari a dream come true! We fly directly to Nairobi, the gateway to Africa.

As the Middle East’s leading budget airline, your holiday starts the minute you sink back into your comfy flynas seat!

Our award-winning services also include personalized options, such as pre-ordered flight meals and seat selection to enhance your flight.

Browse our cheap flights to Nairobi to help you budget for your wildlife tour. If this is a special trip or you want nothing but the best, check out our premium class flights to Nairobi.

Best First-Time African Safari

Nothing spells adventure like getting up close and personal with wildlife in their natural environment. Let’s take a closer look at what to know before your first African safari.

Destinations

Kenya lies in eastern Africa, more or less in the middle of the continent, making it the ideal departure point for African explorations. North, south, or west, from here the doors are open!

Nairobi

Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, is a gem when it comes to African wildlife. The Nairobi National Park is home to rhinos, lions, leopards, and more. It’s the perfect place to learn more about these animals and their behaviours before setting off into the open.

This country has some of the best safari parks in Africa. It’s definitely worth it to check out organised tours to places like Mara National Reserve, Mount Meru National Park, and Samburu National Reserve. The best time for an African safari in Kenya is the dry season between June and October.

South Africa

This country’s amazing Kruger National Park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Apart from the Big Five (rhino, elephant, buffalo, lion, and leopard), there are also rare bird species, a horde of different antelope, zebra, and more!

The camps are comfortable, with some even tipping the scales in favor of luxury. The flight from Nairobi to Skukuza via Johannesburg is approximately five hours long. The best time to go on a South African safari is between May and October, when the vegetation isn’t that thick.

Botswana

South Africa’s neighbour, Botswana, is another prime destination for an African safari. Here, you can explore the Okavango Delta in canoes, witness the mammoth elephant herds in Chobe, and come face-to-face with predators in Moremi and Linyanti.

These places accommodate small groups to give their visitors a luxury African adventure they won’t forget. A non-stop flight from Nairobi to Gaborone, Botswana’s capital, is about six hours long.

Best Time for an African Safari

Rainy seasons in Africa can be very wet, and the vegetation is dense, making it difficult to spot animals in the wild. The best time of year to go on an African safari is the dry, winter months. Things may be less green and a little duller, but it’s ideal for viewing wildlife. Plus, insects, such as mosquitoes, are less bothersome during this time.

Packing for an African Safari

Pack casual, comfortable clothes for your trip. Even in winter, sun protection is important, so remember hats! There are many little markets and street sellers where you can buy an appropriate hat, too. The winter nights can get chilly, so be sure to pack something warm.

Injections

Depending on the country you’re visiting, you may need to get several vaccinations against certain diseases. These include yellow fever and malaria. Be sure to ask your travel agent and doctor about these well in advance (four to six weeks) before your journey.

Food

African dishes are unique to geographies and countries. They’re all, however, packed with mouthwatering flavours. You’ll also find international cuisine and familiar franchises throughout Africa.

Early Mornings and Sunset Drives

The best time to see wildlife is early in the morning or as the sun is going down. That means you’ll have to get up before dawn to get ready. But it’s worth it!

Almost all safari camps offer night drives to experience the wild after the sun’s gone down. This is simply unforgettable!

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