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Wildlife exploration is all about carrying out an excursion through the woods to enjoy the sublime beauty of nature. The Safari incorporates sightseeing, hiking and sometimes driving in the middle of nature’s loveliness to make it an experience of lifetime. However, the expedition is completely different when it comes to regions like India and certain parts of Africa. Wildlife enthusiasts, particularly those who wish to travel around the world would certainly have these explorations in their bucket list. Whether it is exploring within woods in India or driving through the grasslands in Africa, it is a good idea to consult the experts and get to know the right facts and figures.

In the era of new normal, there is a lot of information about a safari in India and that in Africa. However, it is tough to find out what needs to be expected at each of these places. The former is more of sighting the rarest wildlife creatures in the dense forest while the latter is of exploring major attractions like sighting the big 5 in the Savannah grasslands or witnessing the great wildebeest migration on the venture. While the luck-factor is involved in both the places, choosing the right park is way essential to make sure that the trip is a lifetime experience.

There are globetrotters who visit Africa first and then wish to visit the Indian national parks or the other way round. Nevertheless, the disappointment would be on, in case if the right itinerary or the choice of a national park is not chosen for the adventure. For instance, in Africa, the possibility of sighting the ‘Big 5’ is very high if you plan to head towards Ngorongoro Park but sighting a tiger in Ranthambore or Kabini would be a gamble if you are not accompanied by an expert tracker irrespective of the number of safaris drive you wish to have in the itinerary. Another instance, where the chances of sighting a black panther is highest during full moon or new moon in Kabini national park (this is the only park in the entire Asia where you can sight the black panther). The great wildebeest migration is indeed a view not to be missed if you have either Serengeti or Masai Mara in the itinerary, but if you choose the wrong month to visit, you may end up not finding any among the herd migration. This is where you need the right data and an expert who can help you out in framing the right itinerary.

Safari in India – What to expect?

In India, we have dense forests, there is thick undergrowth. The wildlife activities are under the control of the forest department and in any national park in the country, only 20% of the total forest area is allotted for the safari tour. The major factor for the safari in any major national park would be sighting of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger in the park. It is a breath-taking experience when you find the big cat’s ferocious approach while you are in the jeep. However, the sighting is never easy as described. A little amount of fortune involved in the sighting, the most required factor for the adventure is to have an expert tiger tracker. A tiger tracker is well trained to know as to which part of the jungle the tiger can be seen. Further, they can track a tiger’s path by identifying the pugmark seen while on the way and they do carry devices for better tracking.

 The sighting of tigers is never 100% guaranteed (Check The Sighting Index Before Book). However, the venture would never be a let down one, because there are hundreds of species that can be spotted while on the expedition. The variety of birds like peacocks, pelicans, or even cranes in flocks at certain places are indeed a bliss. Leopards and elephants are a common sighting. Not to forget, the view of the dense forest and a unique blend of flora is indeed a bliss. 

The safari drives usually happen twice a day at most of the national parks. 6 AM in the morning and 3 AM in the evening and each safari drive lasts for 2.5 – 3 hours. The most important point to be considered while planning for safari is that each of the parks has only a limited amount of travellers to be allowed on a particular day. Hence, checking the availability of safari drives indeed necessary to plan before heading out.

Popular national parks For sightings in India-

• Ranthambore National Park
• Sariska National Park
• Bandhavgarh National Park
• Tadoba National Park
• Pench National Park
• Jim Corbett National Park
• Kabini National Park

Safari vehicles –

Gypsyī or Bolero with no rooftop. There are Canter and even boats at certain parks. Most of them are shared, you can get a chance to opt for an exclusive jeep at a few of the parks.

Best time to visit Indian National Parks –

The best time to plan for the expedition would be from November to May. Most of the parks shall be closed between June to October during monsoon. For sightings, anytime between January and May would be ideally recommended.

Safari in Africa – What to expect?

Safari in Africa is an experience of a lifetime if the right parks are chosen for the adventure. While every other country from Tunisia to South Africa offers wildlife, it does not mean that choosing a random country would be ideal just for the sake of visiting Africa and expecting the venture to be the best. The popular venture is sighted in the eastern part of Africa. The globally famous national parks are Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara Reserve. Serengeti is located in NorthernTanzania, while Masai Mara is located in Kenya. Although they are located in 2 different countries, they are located adjacent to each other which means, one can plan for an itinerary that includes covering both of these parks provided there is enough time and money.

Safari can be planned anywhere between a minimum of 2-10 days, however, a minimum of 5-6 days safari is recommended for a better experience. In the case of cross campaign safari(covering Tanzania and Kenya)a minimum of 7-8 days safari is recommended.

Major attractions in African National Parks:

The great Wildebeest migration:

The migration route is sometimes thought of as a set circuit that occurs between Tanzania’s Serengeti plains in the south and Kenya’s Maasai Mara in the north between June and October each year. Witnessing the Great Migration will surely be a life-changing experience. The herds migrating and a major part can be viewed at river Mara that is between Serengeti and Masai Mara.The Great Migration greatly impacts the landscape of Tanzania and Kenya, but it’s vital to the region’s ecology. The cycle of grazing enables grass to grow and be consumed; the animals move on as the rain moves on. Without this natural balance of migration and munching, the Serengeti’s landscape would not look as it does.

Flamingoes:

The flamingoes are not of much hyped when compared to the big 5 or the migration, however, they can be found in the larger flocks at Lake Manyara Park, Tanzania and Lake Nakuru Park, Kenya.

When it comes to accommodation, there are options to camp in tents or stay at the lodges and most of the lodges are located inside the parks. The camping option involves setting up tents at the campsites. The campsites are absolutely safe and are isolated from wildlife. Staying in lodges or tented camps are of greater comfort level than staying in the tents.

Unlike India, there are no restrictions on the number of travelers entering a particular national park in Tanzania or Kenya. However, the stay would be a concern if the preferred lodges are not booked in advance. This can be booked through any licensed local tour operator. The licenses to organize safari are issued only to the local operators and there are over 200 operators with licenses, however, the number of reliable operators is limited. Hence, it is recommended to choose the right operator for the expedition.

The big 5:

The big 5 include Lion, Leopard Rhinoceros Elephant, and Cape buffalo and can be found in the bushes of Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks. There are high chances that you can find al the 5 in a single day at either of these parks.

Popular national parks for sightings in Africa-

Kenya:

• Masai Mara National Park
• Amboseli National Park
• Lake Nakuru
• Lake Naivasha

Tanzania:

• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro National Park
• Tarangire National Park
• Arusha National Park
• Lake Manyara Park

 Safari vehicle-

You can choose a safari van or 4 WD Land Cruiser for the safari in Kenya, however, only Land cruisers are available for the safari in Tanzania.

Safari timings-

Safari can be scheduled throughout the day; however, the operator needs to abide by the guidelines set by the park authorities and most of the parks operate between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Best time to visit African National Parks –

The safari parks are open throughout the year; however, the best time would be from June to October and from December to March.

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