{"id":45678,"date":"2019-04-03T09:01:44","date_gmt":"2019-04-03T16:01:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=45678"},"modified":"2023-04-07T13:13:26","modified_gmt":"2023-04-07T20:13:26","slug":"africa-safari-adventure-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/africa-safari-adventure-travel-guide","title":{"rendered":"Where to Go on African Safari"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"cb-itemprop\" itemprop=\"reviewBody\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From mega-sized to minute and marvelously diverse, African wildlife is awe-inspiring to witness. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Un<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tamed herds, solitary predators and innumerable species garnish the rolling hills of the African savanna: a sea of tall grass, thorn bush and acacia groves. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a single day, explorers on safari can witness lions mate or feast on impalas. Cheetahs lounge on tree branches, baboons gallivant and the zebra and wildebeest braid into each other as they gallop. Wild boar\u2014with mohawks, sideburns and inert, rigid tails\u2014look like balanced trapeze artists as they speedily zip through the brush. Giraffes\u2019 long necks gracefully sway, high above their bodies, as they canter. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re considering a once-in-a-lifetime African safari, this guide will cover:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#why-go\">Why Go on Safari?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#top-safari\">Top Safari Destinations in Africa<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#so-af\">Southern Africa Region<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#e-af\">Eastern Africa Region<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-to-plan\">How to Plan Your Trip<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-to-prep\">How to Prepare<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_45683\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45683\" class=\"wp-image-45683 size-article_body\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/04\/BAS_102617_66862.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"A sky of stars twinkle down on an REI Adventures camp deep in Botswana. \" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45683\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A luminous arm of the Milky Way shines down in Botswana.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a name=\"why-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Go on Safari?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why take a safari? Because magical moments are behind every corner (and blade of grass) in the African wilderness. Each country and region across this enormous landmass has a unique combination of geography, geology and culture that creates an intoxicating cocktail of adventure. And although zebra, giraffe and lion thrive in most locations, there is a convoy of wild creatures roaming from one mile to the next. So regardless of precise location, you\u2019re bound to have an experience of a lifetime.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThat\u2019s how people get hooked on safaris: they\u2019re each nuanced and you don\u2019t know where the dice will fall with each wildlife encounter\u2014sometimes you get to see the kill, or a termite mound. Seeing these diverse ecosystems thrive makes you feel very small and have a greater appreciation for our planet,\u201d says Jeff Stivers, REI Adventures program manager.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite the unpredictability, many safari-goers\u2019 bucket list is comprised of the \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldwildlife.org\/blogs\/good-nature-travel\/posts\/ten-wild-facts-about-the-big-five\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Big Five<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,&#8221; the continent\u2019s five most sought-after mammals: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African Cape buffalo. The term \u201cBig Five\u201d was initially coined due to the challenge that hunters faced when they pursued these animals, which are considered dangerous for humans to approach. <\/span><br \/><a name=\"top-safari\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top Safari Destinations in Africa<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The terrain, ecosystems and wildlife vary greatly across the African continent\u2014which is larger than China, Europe and the United States combined. Regardless of where you venture, each safari trip is an unmatched experience that\u2019s influenced by the geography and culture of the peoples who have long occupied that place.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, safaris are categorized by two regions: Southern Africa and Eastern Africa.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_45693\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45693\" class=\"wp-image-45693 size-article_body\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/04\/BAS_011718_75813-2-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C768\" alt=\"An elephant stares at a safari guide from just feet away.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45693\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A safari group gets up close and personal with a pachyderm.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a name=\"so-af\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Southern Africa Region<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Southern Africa is generally much flatter than Eastern Africa. The region spans from Zambia and Malawi to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This diverse landscape is farther from the equator than Eastern Africa, which causes it to see more dramatic temperature shifts, ergo a more limited time range for a safari experience. In general, the wildlife travels in smaller herds\u2014although that fact doesn\u2019t decrease your chances of spotting animals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few spectacular options for Southern African safari adventures:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zambia<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b><i>Best for:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walking Safari and Boat Safari<br \/><\/span><b><i>Unique Wildlife Opportunities:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leopard<br \/><\/span><b><i>Best Time to Visit: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May to October<br \/><\/span><b><i>Top Locations: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue, Mosi-oa Tunya (Victoria Falls)<br \/><\/span><b><i>Highlights: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zambia is the proclaimed birthplace of the walking safari and nowhere are the guides more adapt and the landscape more ideal. Connect lodge-to-lodge hikes near South Luangwa\u2019s meandering riverways. Catch the massive grasslands of Kafue bustling with game. Boat and jeep safari along the Lower Zambezi, once private reserve of the king, and visit the majestic Victoria Falls. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Namibia<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b><i>Best for:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walking Safari, Classic Safari, Biking<br \/><\/span><b><i>Unique Wildlife Opportunities:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Desert Adapted Rhino and Elephant<br \/><\/span><b><i>Best Time to Visit: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May to October<br \/><\/span><b><i>Top Locations:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Etosha, Skeleton Coast, Namib-Naukluft, Fish River Canyon<br \/><\/span><b><i>Highlights:<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Namibia offers seemingly endless desert landscapes with barren sand dunes as far as the eye can see. Travelers can enjoy marine musings and remote exploration along the protected Skeleton Coast, tracking desert rhino and hiking to the ancient petroglyphs of Twyfelfontein in Damaraland, and catching the amalgamation of wildlife in Etosha National Park\u2019s water-filled pans in the dead dryness of winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_45708\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45708\" class=\"wp-image-45708 size-article_body\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/04\/EAF_042018_14888.jpg?resize=1024%2C683\" alt=\"A half-submerged hippopotamus opens its maw wide.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45708\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A half-submerged hippopotamus opens its maw wide.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Malawi<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b><i>Best for:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emerging Safari Locations, Hiking, Kayaking, Lake Islands<br \/><\/span><b><i>Unique Wildlife Opportunities:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Classic Safari Wildlife, Black Rhino<br \/><\/span><b><i>Best Time to Visit: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May to October<br \/><\/span><b><i>Top Locations: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lake Malawi, Majete, Mt. Mulanje, Liwonde<br \/><\/span><b><i>Highlights:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The narrow, elongated country of Malawi hugs a spectacular combo of highlands and lakes, including the massive Lake Malawi\u2014which accounts for more than one-fifth of the country\u2019s landmass. Travelers can explore the country\u2019s four basic regions including the Great Rift Valley, central plateaus, and mountains in addition to the highlands. The Rift Valley is what holds Lake Malawi, and the western and southern shores are full of lagoons and swamps. Animals to spot are hippos, crocodiles, antelope, fish and hundreds of species of birds.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zimbabwe<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b><i>Best for:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walking Safari, Classic Safari, Tiger Fishing<br \/><\/span><b><i>Unique Wildlife Opportunities:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leopard, Elephant, General Game<br \/><\/span><b><i>Best Time to Visit: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May to October<br \/><\/span><b><i>Top Locations: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Victoria Falls, Mana Pools, Hwange Matusadona, Matobo<br \/><\/span><b><i>Highlights: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Filled with impressive reserves, Zimbabwe has been and remains a premier destination for safari in Africa. Mana Pools National Park along the Zambezi River is a remote and fun place to canoe past hippos, elephants and Nile crocodiles. Hop on a houseboat and go explore Matusadona, or explore the cave art and wildlife of Matobo.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_45696\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45696\" class=\"wp-image-45696 size-article_body\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/04\/DSA_050818_16932.jpg?resize=1024%2C715\" alt=\"A rainbow shines over a misty Victoria Falls.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"715\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45696\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Zimbabwe&#8217;s Victoria Falls casts a rainbow.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After or before your safari in Zimbabwe, check out the adventurous activities in the Victoria Falls area. Raft whitewater on the lower Zambezi River, canoe the upper Zambezi, take a helicopter flight or go bungee jumping.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Victoria Falls alone is a profound sight. \u201cWhen you fly in, you can see the spray from Victoria Falls from miles away as it rises up\u2014it\u2019s a giant gash in the earth,\u201d says Stivers. \u201cIt\u2019s really fun and impressive to do a hike along Victoria Falls. It\u2019s not super strenuous. In April, May and June the water is higher, so you get blasted by the spray as you walk along the edge. It\u2019s exhilarating to be near the sheer awesome power of the falls.&#8221; <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Botswana<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b><i>Best for:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Classic Safari<br \/><\/span><b><i>Unique Wildlife Opportunities:<\/i><\/b>\u00a0L<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ion, Leopard and Large Herds of Giraffe, Kudu, Vervet Monkey and Baboon<br \/><\/span><b><i>Best Time to Visit: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May to October<br \/><\/span><b><i>Top Locations: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moremi, Chobe, Makgadikgadi, Kalahari, Northern Tuli, Okavango Delta<br \/><\/span><b><i><\/i><\/b><b><i>Highlights: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the largest and least populated expanses of wilderness, the Okavango Delta is a superlative safari destination. The flat pans of the Makgadikgadi and Nxai host an alternate migration to that of the famed Serengeti, and the Kalahari is a unique wilderness that springs to life in spectacular fashion with the coming of the summer rains. Tiptoeing into Chobe for a day tour doesn\u2019t count; go all the way in to really experience Botswana. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Okavango Delta is one of the most pristine wildlife<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> locations on the planet. It\u2019s quite remote and the cr\u00e8me de la cr\u00e8me of safari in Southern Africa,\u201d says Stivers. \u201cYou can fly from camp to camp or drive around the fingerlike panhandle as the delta ebbs and flows throughout the year.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_45716\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45716\" class=\"wp-image-45716 size-article_body\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/04\/Botswana.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"An outdoor dinner table shines from candlelight as the sun sets over a nearby pond.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45716\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A camp readies to dine under the setting Botwana sun.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The perfect time to visit the Okavango Delta in Southern Africa is from May to November, when it&#8217;s the dry winter season and the game-viewing is excellent. \u201cThe temperatures are very \u2018cold\u2019 at night\u2014down in the 40s\u2014and in the day time, they shoot up to the 70s and 80s, like the Southwest of the U.S. The Kalahari sand doesn\u2019t retain a lot of heat,\u201d says Stivers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South Africa<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b><i>Best for:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Luxury Safari, Multisport, Family Travel, Cycling<br \/><\/span><b><i>Unique Wildlife Opportunities:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Big-Five Game Reserves<br \/><\/span><b><i>Best Time to Visit:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Year-Round<br \/><\/span><b><i>Top Locations:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kruger, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, Maloti-Drakensberg Park, Table Mountain<br \/><\/span><b><i>Highlights: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A plethora of small game reserves offer unique, localized getaways. KwaZulu-Natal is a completely different ecosystem and incorporates stunning wetlands, coastal forests and wildlife reserves. The history of apartheid and the struggle for equality is palpable with a visit to Cape Town, which is a unique juxtaposition against the dramatic scenery of Table Mountain, rolling vineyards of the winelands and the hip culinary restaurant scene which makes Cape Town one of the world&#8217;s most iconic locations to visit. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_45694\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45694\" class=\"wp-image-45694 size-article_body\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/04\/SAA_051316_59162.jpg?resize=1024%2C669\" alt=\"A hiker enjoys the views from the top of Table Mountain with Cape Town far below.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"669\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45694\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cape Town&#8217;s Table Mountain offers top-notch hiking and superlative views of the tip of Africa.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In South Africa you\u2019ll find a greater number of private game reserves and concessions. These private reserves give travelers a more exclusive opportunity for wildlife encounters\u2014at a higher price point. But beyond these private operations, the safari industry in South Africa is more developed in general, which means that camps and lodges are available for a range of budgets, from catering to luxury to family groups.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South Africa\u2019s safari crown jewel is\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sanparks.org\/parks\/kruger\/default.php\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kruger National Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is the largest and one of the oldest national parks in the entire region of Southern Africa. Visitors can combine their safari with wine tasting and cycling in the Cape Province, as well as hiking in the Drakensberg Mountain Range and a must-do hike for Cape Town visitors to the top of Table Mountain. Post-safari, trail-lovers can also delve into mountain biking and wave-lovers can enjoy the beaches of Cape Town and those of Mozambique, which neighbors South Africa.\u00a0<\/span><br \/><a name=\"e-af\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eastern Africa Region<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eastern Africa is covered by the iconic grasslands of the Serengeti-Masai Mara Ecosystems, which bands together the Serengeti region, in northern Tanzania, and Kenya\u2019s Masai Mara. The Mara River winds through the plains of Kenya and Tanzania before entering Lake Victoria, and the river\u2019s flow is the heroic frame of the Great Migration wildlife crossings. The idyllic migration vision that most travelers carry is closer to Eastern Africa\u2019s sights and experiences than Southern Africa. In this region, wildlife generally travel in larger herds or gatherings.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_45709\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45709\" class=\"wp-image-45709 size-article_body\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/04\/KIL_051517_001b-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C776\" alt=\"A giraffe smiles at the camera with an imposing Kilimanjaro rearing in the distance. \" width=\"1024\" height=\"776\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45709\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A giraffe roams casually under the dominant flanks of Kilimanjaro.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An array of habitats creates the mosaic of Eastern Africa, from Tanzania and Kenya to Uganda and Rwanda. The Rift Valley\u2019s soda lakes\u2014Nakuru and Manyara\u2014attract large flocks of flamingos. The baobab forests of Tarangire National Park,\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in Tanzania<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, shelter big herds of elephant.\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ngorongorocrater.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ngorongoro<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crater is the world\u2019s largest unbroken caldera. Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa\u2019s highest mountain. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two key factors distinguish Eastern Africa from Southern Africa: the former\u2019s close proximity to the equator, and the rugged, robust terrain of the Rift Valley\u2014which is powerful enough to create a towering mountain like Kilimanjaro, one of the world\u2019s Seven Summits at 19,341 feet. In this region you\u2019ll also find Lake Victoria, one of the African Great Lakes, is held by three countries: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, due to Eastern Africa being closer to the equator, the temperature shifts are not as dramatic and there are greater opportunities for year-round safaris.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll notice safari vehicles that are enclosed rather than open-sided. The reason? In Eastern Africa, a larger number of safari operations combine open-road driving with safari drives, as a way to link up national parks. By contrast, safaris in Southern Africa tend to incorporate more fly-in safari options, thus safari vehicles have no need to be driven on open roads beyond the parks. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few stellar options for Eastern Africa safari adventures:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tanzania<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b><i>Best for:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Classic Safari, Cultural Heritage, Great Migration<br \/><\/span><b><i>Unique Wildlife Opportunities:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Classic Safari, Cheetah, Lion, Elephant<br \/><\/span><b><i>Best Time to Visit: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May to February<br \/><\/span><b><i>Top Locations: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Kilimanjaro, Ruaha, Selous, Zanzibar<br \/><\/span><b><i>Highlights: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Close to the equator, Tanzania is punctuated by the volcanic activity of the Great Rift Valley. Check out the Great Migration in the Serengeti or see the entire Big Five on an epic day in the Ngorongoro Crater, the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/wwf.panda.org\/knowledge_hub\/teacher_resources\/best_place_species\/current_top_10\/ngorongoro_crater.cfm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">largest unbroken caldera in the world<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Learn about human evolution at Olduvai Gorge, catch the great elephant migration in Tarangire or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/how-to-travel-to-and-climb-kilimanjaro\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">climb Kilimanjaro<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Craving a cultural experience? Learn about the fascinating number of tribes which make up the tapestry of Tanzania, which the famous Maasai are only one of hundreds. \u201cEveryone blows by the foothills of Kilimanjaro on their way to climb to the summit\u2014but it\u2019s the homeland of the Chagga and other tribal communities; there are dirt roads around the mountain and waterfall stop-offs. There are so many unique cultural elements that a lot of people miss,\u201d says Stivers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to get off-track? Follow Jane Goodall\u2019s footsteps to Gombe Stream for chimpanzees, or try out the massive and less visited southern parks of Ruaha and Selous. And don\u2019t forget to take some time to get underwater on the Swahili coast or an offshore island like Zanzibar or Pemba. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kenya<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b><i>Best for:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Classic Safari, Cultural Heritage, Great Migration<br \/><\/span><b><i>Unique Wildlife Opportunities:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Classic Safari, Private Wilderness Areas<br \/><\/span><b><i>Best Time to Visit:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May to February<br \/><\/span><b><i>Top Locations:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Masai Mara, Amboseli, Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta, Shaba, Lake Nakuru<br \/><\/span><b><i>Highlights: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kenya boasts massive and diverse landscapes, from the shores of Lake Victoria to the incredible highlands of Mt. Kenya, to the desert landscapes of Turkana, the country is steeped in history, breathtaking scenery and is the commercial heart of Eastern Africa.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See the Great Migration in the Masai Mara where countless wildlife documentaries have been filmed and lion activity is world renowned. Trek on foot with the Samburu tribe through the highlands, or see rhino up close in a protected conservancy and witness the many herds of elephants sip cool waters seeping up from the glaciers of Kilimanjaro in Amboseli. Additionally, Kenya contains a variety of small private reserves which offer unique and tailored experiences. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uganda<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b><i>Best for:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Classic Safari, Trekking Safari, Birding<br \/><\/span><b><i>Unique Wildlife Opportunities:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Classic Safari, Mountain Gorilla, Chimpanzee<br \/><\/span><b><i>Best Time to Visit: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">June to August and December to February<br \/><\/span><b><i>Top Locations: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley<br \/><\/span><b><i>Highlights:<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Uganda rests against the northern edge of Lake Victoria and it\u2019s western border is occupied by the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldatlas.com\/articles\/tallest-mountains-in-uganda.html\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rwenzori Mountains<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The range rises from dense forest to high-alpine peaks topped off with snow. Watch the Nile River tumble over Murchison Falls in the morning and scope out a shoe billed stork through your binoculars in the afternoon. Trek to see the region\u2019s mountain gorillas, one of the top wildlife experiences in the world, held in\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ugandawildlife.org\/other-parks\/bwindi-impenetrable-national-park\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bwindi Impenetrable National Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cUganda is lush and known as the pearl of Africa,\u201d says Stivers, and adds, \u201cNo one ever complains about their experience of seeing family groups of mountain gorillas\u2014which share common ancestry with ourselves\u2014in the wild.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rwanda<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b><i>Best for:<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trekking Safari, Cycling<br \/><\/span><b><i>Unique Wildlife Opportunities:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mountain Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Colobus Monkey<br \/><\/span><b><i>Best Time to Visit: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">June to August and December to February<br \/><\/span><b><i>Top Locations: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest, Akagera<br \/><\/span><b><i>Highlights: <\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a relatively small country geographically, Rwanda punches above its weight. With developed roads, excellent wildlife viewing and a hip, vibrant capital, Kigali, Rwanda is a growing safari destination. Trek through the Nyungwe Forest to find one of the 13 species of primates or 275 species of birds in the country. Explore the towns and cycle the roads surrounding Lake Kivu or try a traditional safari in Akagera. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.volcanoesnationalparkrwanda.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Volcanoes National Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0lies a few hours south of Uganda\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ugandawildlife.org\/other-parks\/bwindi-impenetrable-national-park\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bwindi Impenetrable National Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Known for less arduous hikes but higher permit costs, Volcanoes is another top destination for viewing mountain gorillas. <\/span><br \/><a name=\"how-to-plan\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Plan Your Trip<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Motorized or Human-powered?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Among safari options, explorers can choose drive-only tours (no walking permitted) that are operated by a guide with a pre-developed itinerary. In this case, any traveler can join a group.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_45704\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45704\" class=\"wp-image-45704 size-article_body\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/04\/SZM_092818_63185.jpg?resize=1024%2C620\" alt=\"A cyclist passes by a giraffe in the African savanna.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"620\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45704\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Whether walking, biking or riding in a vehicle, up-close wildlife encounters are to be expected on a trip in Africa.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond drive-only tours, a handful of areas allow safari walks or bike rides. On foot or bike, you won\u2019t be able to cover as much ground in a single day, but the experience of being so close to large game is a thrilling one. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Park or Private Reserve?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National parks are open to the public, and as in the U.S., they\u2019re owned and managed by the government. Whereas, a private game reserve or concession is privately owned and managed. Both national parks and private reserves in Africa uphold the same regulations regarding land conservation and wildlife protection. But beyond their similarities, there are several key differences between the safari operations within a national park versus privately owned or leased land.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>National Parks: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, safaris in national parks offer a greater spectrum of options for accommodations. Trip-goers can choose from a menu of flexible, multiday itineraries and various lodge options that fit a range of travel budgets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.botswana.co.za\/Wildlife_Conservation-travel\/public-versus-private-concessions.html\">scope<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of activities in a national park is more limited compared to a private reserve, due to a park\u2019s stricter regulations, such as\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverafrica.com\/blog\/whats-the-difference-between-krugers-private-reserves-parks-and-concessions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">designated<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> opening and closing times. Night drives, off-road exploration, and on-foot safaris are also not permitted in national parks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The established dirt tracks inside national parks allow people to travel safely in a safari vehicle while being in a close proximity to wildlife. In addition, the vehicles all follow the same paths, which mitigates environmental impact. The tradeoff to driving on set routes is that most vehicles funnel to the same locations when a wildlife sighting occurs (the drivers communicate via radio).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Private Game Reserves: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compared to national parks, private reserves limit the total number of excursionists, resulting in a more exclusive experience, which is reflected in a higher cost. That limited capacity creates a profound sense of solitude for explorers who seek a quieter, more isolated adventure. The capped number of entrants also helps to protect the ecosystem from high traffic.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_45726\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45726\" class=\"wp-image-45726 size-article_body\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/04\/SZM_092818_10137.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"A woman on an REI Adventures trip swims with dolphins off the coast of Mozambique.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45726\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A swimmer encounters dolphins off the coast of Mozambique.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another key difference? Unlike in a national park, folks can tour off-road and at night in a private game reserve.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Private Concession: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A private concession is an area of land that is leased to specific safari operators for private use. These designated parameters include land that\u2019s leased from within a national park\u2019s boundaries. The property also often lies on a park\u2019s periphery. In general, the cost of accommodations in private game reserves and concessions is higher than the overnight options in national parks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s the Best Time for an African Safari?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you choose your travel dates, consider the cycles of migrations and the weather patterns, but rest assured that the prevalence of wildlife is consistent year-round. No matter when or where you go on an African safari, you\u2019ll enjoy the company of incredible wildlife.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Weather in Southern Africa:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The weather patterns in Africa are particular to each country. Each location\u2019s climate is influenced by its proximity to the coastline, mountain ranges and the equator.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>In general, Stivers says, the best time for a safari in Southern Africa is May to November, however some locations vary. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Farthest south, the weather in the country of South Africa is influenced by both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, so its weather patterns are mostly unique to the region.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Weather in Eastern Africa:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eastern Africa has a handful of rainy seasons that loop throughout the year and each one arrives with its own personality.\u00a0<\/span>&#8220;Travel during the green season can offer travelers still-excellent wildlife viewing, far less visitors, and a more appealing setting: fresh green shoots of grass and leaves,&#8221; explains Stivers. &#8220;It\u2019s a little warmer from Nov to Feb, but one of my favorite times to be on safari.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The high travel season is June to August, when the region is cool and dry. Be aware that late March to May is the long rainy season. \u201cYou can still have good safari; however, if it does rain heavily, the roads get really slippery and the soil is particularly sticky and muddy and tough to drive on,\u201d Stivers continues.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Great Migration<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The annual rain patterns of Tanzania and Kenya influence one of the most massive, stunning movements of wildlife in the world: the Great Migration. During this natural event, 1.3 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle follow a circuit from Tanzania\u2019s Serengeti National Park to Kenya\u2019s Masai Mara National Reserve.\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripsavvy.com\/experience-east-africas-annual-great-migration-1454106\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their clockwise route<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> covers close to 1,800 miles each year.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_45742\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45742\" class=\"wp-image-45742 size-article_body\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/04\/FTZ_090117_71674.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"Migrating zebras and wildebeest graze for sustenance.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45742\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Migrating zebras and wildebeest graze for sustenance.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt\u2019s interesting that they have a symbiotic relationship: Wildebeest have bad eyes but good hearing, and zebra have good eyes but worse hearing. They\u2019ve teamed up to help protect each other to have the best eyes and ears to keep them safe,\u201d says Stivers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The basic route:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In August, herds depart Tanzania, cross the Mara River and fill the Mara plains until November, when the rains start up in the south. By December, herds return to Tanzania to birth young until March. In April, the rain in Tanzania intensifies, so herds move west and north. In June and July, the movement returns northbound.<\/span><br \/><a name=\"how-to-prep\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Prepare<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clothing and footwear<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wearing light, breathable fabrics such as <a href=\"\/s\/travel-clothing\">linens and synthetic apparel<\/a> is ideal for warm, dry climates. Generally, synthetic fabric handles both higher humidity and cooler temperatures well. Be sure to check the overnight lows and consider packing a lightweight or midweight <a href=\"\/c\/down-jackets\">down jacket<\/a>. For walkable and drive-only safaris, bring a lightweight, <a href=\"\/c\/hiking-shirts\">long-sleeved shirt<\/a> or pullover; ones with hoods offer extra sun protection. Also, be sure to bring <a href=\"\/c\/hiking-pants\">long pants<\/a> as they shield your ankles from brush if you\u2019re on a walkable safari.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neutral-colored clothing is best so that you are camouflaged with the landscape rather than loudly standing out to wildlife. Choose a pair of breathable <a href=\"\/c\/hiking-boots\">hiking boots<\/a> with tall ankles to act as a buffer against abrasive grass, especially on walking tours. No matter what type of safari you do, you\u2019ll be standing quite a bit\u2014even on a game drive\u2014so choose supportive footwear and <a href=\"\/c\/insoles\">footbeds<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accessories<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On drive-only safaris, the tops of the jeeps have openings that allow riders to stand up and take photos or enjoy the breeze. As passengers stand, they\u2019re more exposed to the sun and wind. To protect your skin and eyes from dust and sunshine, bring a light <a href=\"\/c\/bandanas\">neck scarf<\/a>, <a href=\"\/c\/sun-hats\">brimmed hat<\/a> and <a href=\"\/c\/sunglasses\">sunglasses<\/a>. Also, don\u2019t forget to pack <a href=\"\/c\/binoculars\">binoculars<\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flights<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you search for flights, you might find it helpful to work with a travel agent one-on-one, in order to ensure the most efficient travel route. For example, Swiss International Airlines operates a flight from Nairobi, Kenya, to Zurich, Switzerland (where folks can catch an overseas flight back to the U.S.). However, a handful of those flights (11 hours, 35 minutes) include an unadvertised stop-over to scoop international passengers in another country, which can add 2-3 hours to the flight.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visa and Passport<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to check the visa requirements for the country where you choose to safari. Some countries allow acquisition of a traveler\u2019s visa upon landing at the airport. In which case, be sure to confirm the currency that the passport control accepts. If they accept U.S. dollars, bring freshly printed bills. A handful of airports, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaa.go.ke\/airports\/our-airports\/jomo-kenyatta-international\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jomo Kenyatta International Airport<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Nairobi, only accepts U.S. dollars that were printed after the year 2006.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Camera<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The wildlife sightings that you\u2019ll likely experience will be rare and incredible, so bringing a top-notch camera should be a priority. Consider buying or renting a first-rate DSLR camera (one that you enjoy operating), a wide-angle lens for landscapes, and a telephoto lens for zooming in to capture the animals in detail. Pack extra batteries and memory cards. Bring a comfortable camera bag and power adapters, too. Before you depart, attend a <a href=\"\/events\/a\/outdoor-skills-photography\">photography workshop<\/a> with a nature or wildlife focus in order to brush up on your skills.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hydration<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you walk or drive, safaris are often unshaded and you experience exposure to the elements: sun, dust, wind and water. Packing <a href=\"\/c\/drink-mixes\" data-wplink-edit=\"true\">electrolyte tablets<\/a> and a reusable, insulated <a href=\"\/c\/camp-hydration\" data-wplink-edit=\"true\">water bottle<\/a> can help you stay energized. Also, be sure to pack a <a href=\"\/c\/portable-water-treatment\">water-filtration device<\/a> of your choice.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before your trip, meet with your primary health care provider and research the guidelines (for your planned itinerary) of the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (CDC) to decide which vaccinations you need. Be sure to book your health care appointments a month or two before your trip departure date. On occasion, vaccinations can be in limited supply or expensive, and some health care offices experience a high volume of patients. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furthermore, vaccinations can potentially cause folks to feel under the weather within a week of the shot, so it\u2019s best to not risk feeling subpar as a passenger on your safari. Remember to pack your sunscreen and SPF-chapstick to help prevent sunburn. Consider using insect repellent or insect-repellent clothing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From mega-sized to minute and marvelously diverse, African wildlife is awe-inspiring to witness. Untamed herds, solitary predators and innumerable species garnish the rolling hills of the African savanna: a sea of tall grass, thorn bush and acacia groves. In a single day, explorers on safari can witness lions mate or feast on impalas. Cheetahs lounge [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":45749,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[388],"tags":[920,1715,707,1550,1659,12,1773],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-45678","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-africa","tag-biking","tag-hiking","tag-international","tag-safari","tag-travel","tag-wildlife"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/travel\/africa-safari-adventure-travel-guide","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Where to Go on African Safari","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/africa-safari-adventure-travel-guide","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/africa-safari-adventure-travel-guide"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/04\/EAF_051316_60149-1-e1554159786274.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/04\/EAF_051316_60149-1-e1554159786274.jpg?fit=2800%2C1376"},"articleSection":"Travel","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Beckindale"}],"creator":["Beckindale"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["africa","biking","hiking","international","safari","travel","wildlife"],"dateCreated":"2019-04-03T16:01:44Z","datePublished":"2019-04-03T16:01:44Z","dateModified":"2023-04-07T20:13:26Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"Where to Go on African Safari\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/africa-safari-adventure-travel-guide\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/africa-safari-adventure-travel-guide\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2019\\\/04\\\/EAF_051316_60149-1-e1554159786274.jpg?resize=150%2C150\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2019\\\/04\\\/EAF_051316_60149-1-e1554159786274.jpg?fit=2800%2C1376\"},\"articleSection\":\"Travel\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Beckindale\"}],\"creator\":[\"Beckindale\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uncommon Path \\u2013 An REI Co-op Publication\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"africa\",\"biking\",\"hiking\",\"international\",\"safari\",\"travel\",\"wildlife\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2019-04-03T16:01:44Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-04-03T16:01:44Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-04-07T20:13:26Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/rei.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/04\/EAF_051316_60149-1-e1554159786274.jpg?fit=2800%2C1376","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45678","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45678"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45678\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":187948,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45678\/revisions\/187948"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45749"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45678"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=45678"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45678"},{"taxonomy":"internal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-tag?post=45678"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}