Witness wildlife spectacles on an African safari
The BBC and David Attenborough have come up trumps yet again with their latest nature series, Africa. Brits up and down the country have been watching in awe at horny rhinos, battling giraffes and kick-boxing frogs.
Pic: Getty
If the stunning sights and scenery have whet your appetite for a wildlife trip to the dark continent, here are some of the safari breaks that just might give you the chance to see Africa's awesome nature with your own eyes.
Related Searches
The Cape
If you plan on taking in the sights and sounds of South Africa, a spot of whale watching is a must. Though we can't promise you'll get to witness the astonishing sardine run, a three-hour boat trip along the coast's whale route should give you a chance to see Humpbacks, Southern Rights, Brydes and Killer whales in all their majesty, as well as dolphin, African penguins, Cape fur seals and black oystercatchers. Between June and November is peak time to see Southern Right whales as they migrate to these warmer seas as they nurse their young.
Alternatively head inland and take in the Meerkat Magic conservation project, where you can get within metres of these entertaining and endearing creatures.
The desert
Desert landscapes across the globe are home to some of the weirdest, most wonderful and adaptable creatures on the planet, as determined species developed extraordinary methods of survival in these harsh climates.
Africa's hitherto unseen footage of black rhino meeting up to socialise was one of the series highlights. And a rhino tracking trip in the Kalahari Desert will likely prove your best chance of seeing these rare animals. As you follow the trail through the red sands of the desert, you can expect to spot white rhino, lions, cheetahs and wild dogs too.
The savannah
For many, an African safari means a glimpse of the big five - lions, elephants, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros. The plains of Kenya offer the perfect opportunity to do just that, not to mention zebra, giraffe, hippos, cheetah, hyenas, baboons, wildebeest and many more amazing species. Wildlife holidays in Kenya range from a family-friendly safari, to a luxury adventure break that takes in the Masai Mara, the flamingo-laden shores of Lake Nakuru, and the Amboseli National Park.
For the ultimate savannah wildlife experience though, take a safari that follows the spectacular wildebeest migration through the Serengeti. With Venture Savannah, you can join a mobile camp and witness the huge herds crossing the plains as they nurse new calves (February or March), fight for their females (May or June), or brave monster crocodiles as they make the perilous Grumeti River crossing. An awesome and unforgettable sight.
%VIRTUAL-AFCSponserAds%
The jungle
Africa's extraordinarily diverse landscape is one of the reasons the continent is home to so many widely varied species. And fans of not just the Africa series, but David Attenborough's many forays into the wilderness will no doubt remember his various encounters with gorillas. Recently featured were the dense tropical forests of the Congo, home to the rarely seen Lowland Gorilla. However, there are a number of travel firms that now organise gorilla-tracking safaris in the area, including World Primate Safaris and JPS Luxury Safaris.
Visitors should be prepared for some potentially challenging walking and, in some cases, quite basic accommodation, but the incredible forest wildlife will be well worth it.
Have you been on an amazing African safari? Tell us about your experience below...
