South Africa vs. East Africa Safari - Which is Better?
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- Опубліковано 13 лип 2024
- Deciding where to go on your African safari can be difficult. In this video, safari specialist Lori Robinson compares two of the most popular safari destinations giving you the pros and cons of each. For more information visit SavingWild.com
Nothing beats the magical, raw, au natural feeling of being in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti! A truly stunning natural wonder to be preserved at all cost!
Kenya and Tanzania has the authentic, Safari experience that you cannot buy, you have to be there to experience it, can't wait to go back home once we return to some form of normality!
Thanks for showcasing Africa's beauty!
Beautifully said. Thanks for commenting.
Don't forget Botswana and the Okavango Delta....I just finished a self drive safari that was absolutely incredible.
I’m going to Botswana and Zimbabwe soon. I can’t wait.
safari njema!
Kenya .... what a fantastic place !!!
One of my favorite spots.
After years of watching wildlife programmes Kenya and Tanzania were my first choice for safari and I wasn't disappointed. After that I did a safari in Zambia on the lower Zambezi and Kafue NP. My next visit to Africa was a 4 week conservation project in South Africa.
East Africa: The savannah with umbrella acacia is always the mental picture I hold when I think of Africa. The wide open plains make it easier to spot the animals but a downside is that vehicles are not allowed to leave the designated tracks so the animals could be some distance away from your vehicle. One issue with the Serengeti and Masai Mara is the number of safari vehicles. It was easy to spot where the more elusive animals were because they were usually surrounded by ten or more safari vehicles. I enjoyed the cultural aspects. We spent time with Masai and Hadzabi tribes and it was definitely interesting learning about their cultures. However, although they were very welcoming it did feel a little intrusive, particularly with the Hadzabi. A major downside for me is that my body does not react well to anti malarials. Although I tried different types for both East Africa and Zambia, on each occasion I was ill with diarrhoea from about day three and for a week or more after I returned home. Most of East Africa is a malarial zone so going without medication is a risk not worth taking. Tsetse flies were a nuisance in the Serengeti. Apart from the risk of sleeping sickness that they carry, their bites are very painful.
South Africa: I spent 4 weeks on a private game reserve (PGR) in Kwazulu Natal. The big plus for me is that it is classed as malaria free or low risk so I needed no anti malarials and had absolutely no stomach issues for the whole of my stay. As you say, instead of the wide open savannah the terrain is quite dense bush. Most animal sightings were around watering holes and/or clearings. The PGR I stayed at did not have metalled roads like the Kruger but I believe the terrain is very similar but there were not dozens of safari vehicles. Unlike the Kruger the leopards were very elusive and despite doing game drives about 8 hours each day I did not see a single leopard in the whole of the 4 week stay. We lived and worked alongside members of the Zulu tribe and I really enjoyed my time with them without that feeling of intrusiveness.
Zambia: The terrain is more like SA, particularly in Kafue NP. We did a canoe safari on the lower Zambezi and I would definitely recommend that to anyone. When I saw it on the itinerary it almost put me off the Zambia trip but it actually turned out to be the best part of the holiday for me, despite the dangers of hippos and crocodiles. Kafue is among some of the last truly wild game parks. It also offers guided game walks and night time safaris which I also enjoyed. Kafue had a huge number of Tsetse flies which made game drives in an open top vehicle a very painful experience.
I would love to visit East Africa again but memories of my reaction to anti malarials does deter me. Both safaris involved wild bush camping in campsites with no fences to keep the animals out and with few or basic amenities. Having to get up in the early hours to dash to a toilet that has no lights is not only inconvenient but dangerous.
East Africa safaris reign 💃💃💃💃. Thank you for the credits Lori............
I would have to agree but South Africa has its benefits for certain travelers. For example, as I mention, for those who must see leopards. I love being on safari anywhere anytime.
DEFINITELY GOING TO EAST AFRICA, THANKS SO MUCH!!!;)
Excellent description Lori. For me personally , hands down I would prefer East Africa any day. For the photography opportunities, backdrops, and landscapes. Plus the quality of wildlife sightings, especially the big cats, and big tuskers. But I agree, Southern African rangers and private lodges are much more well trained to handle clients. Especially the ones in Sabi Sands.
Thanks for you comment. I love the more wild side of East Africa rather then the polished sophistication of South Africa.
For me too its about thr abundance of game, the backgrounds, sceneries and overal majesty of the East which keeps me returning every year.
There is Nothing in this World can be compared to SERENGETI IS THE BEST PLACE FOR SAFARI . TANZANIA 🇹🇿
Yes, I love the Serengeti. The same animals traverse through the Masai Mara and the Serengeti so they are very similar in that sense. Thank you for commenting. LvL
I love South Africa due to diversity of animals and I think you can get closer to them, like lions walking next to your car. On top of that, there are plenty of tented camps in SA as well: luxury and rustic, whatever you are looking for.
Well presented. I am glad Africa has the diversity to offer for different tastes. I personally being South African prefer east African safari, but it would be great if South Africa offered the same experience. If we celebrate the difference, we will see how blessed we are. I think the contrast should have been between Southern and Eastern, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia are worth their weight.
Kenya & Tanzania have the best safari experience on Earth...East Africa is much better
I tend to agree but also love many other countries for their unique safari experiences. Thank you for your comment. Love hearing from you.
I’ve heard many say they prefer the Botswana one especially the Dutch, Swedish etc because it’s more exclusive or even South Africa’s Kalahari and Sabi Sabi. However, I look forward to visiting East Africa.
Uganda is a really hidden game, it will give you an experience better than many countries even better than Kenya
East Africa for Best experience combine KE, TZ safari then beach experience Lamu, Diani (ke) zanzibar.
Nice summary of the two styles of safari offered in East Africa vs. South Africa. Thank you!
So glad you liked it and thank you so much for commenting.
East Africa is vast and has very different terrain in many places. Mt Kenya and the Aberdares areas are also very different from the mentioned Maasai Mara and the Serengeti. Also, Diani has the best beaches in the world if it's the coast experience that tourists are looking for.
magical kenya
I would add Luangwa Kafue and Lower Zambezi in Zambia Hwange and Mana pools in Zimbabwe and Ruaha in Tanzania .In Kenya there is the northern area of Meru and Samburu.All are a most incredible experience.You will want to do it more than once.
Hi, yes I agree to all of what you say and love all of those areas. I was just giving a general comment about Kenya vs SA and the most popular areas so people could have a reference. Thank you so much for your wonderful comment.
South Africa
what a wonderful piece of information
great job
Your explanation re South Africa and East Africa is very helpful.
Plan to visit East Africa , may be next year.
Very Helpful! Thank you!
In east Africa, you can visit any day of the year and get what you came for unlike in South Africa where you experience different climatic conditions
Very well explained differences. Thank you! Fingers crossed for SA in May.
Best of luck! I think it will be fine.
Magical Kenya 🇰🇪 can use these suggestions to plan ahead. Kenya is changing from 2022 onwards. Welcome.
I can help answer all your questions to design a life-changing safari.
Great. Well put and it clearly tells and proves that indeed you've been traveling and touring for a while. What about the hospitality of the locals? I think East beats South in many fronts. All in all, both woodlands and grasslands as all savannahs and beautiful. The people, the animals, and the climate are all adorable. I miss home, though I love how country it is in Georgia here 👏
You look so much like Byton Katie. Thanks for this video.
You can tell you really love East Africa for safaris and that anyone going to South Africa is waisting their time and money. I looked at both and I am going to South Africa and I am staying in a tree hut (little room in the trees - right near the water where lots of animals go for drinks)... and I am going to go to Tanzania and Kenya soon but I am going to South Africa first and i am looking forward to it all...
East Africa is the best! Greetings from Tanzania the Land of Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and Wonderful Zanzibar!
Thank you Lori for your nice explanation. Can you please tell me about visiting East or South Africa in January. I mean the pros & cons. I am a wildlife photographer.
The last point I guess you are wrong too.Because in East africa when you come to kenya,there is a national park within the city and it has great things to offer because there are lodges too and those spa and whatever you think of is there so I guess in the last point,it should be neutral
I think East Africa is amazing but there are more budget options in South Africa
There are budget friendly safari options in both South Africa and Kenya but I have never compared them to see which is less expensive. I imagine SA as you say. Thanks for your comment. LvL
People forget Nairobi national park, Nairobi Kenyas capital is the only capital in the world with a national park within its borders
Very useful survey!!!! What about Zakouma in Chad? I have seen wonderful pictures
Very informative. Excellent explanations. I find South Africa the best choice due to diversity. There are many game reserves other than Kruger and they offer unique experiences. I feel like East Africa is one of those places you wanna visit once and that's it, and that's for the great migration.
thats not true. they have amboseli for a concentration of elephants. they have marine parks with whales and dolphins also migrating. and then theres the northern desert parks with different flora and fauna. i believe theres more game reserves in east africa as well
Not true ,we got a ton of national parks and game reserve hear in kenya.If wildlife is your thing nothing beats East Africa
serengeti . maasai mara. ol pejeta. amboseli. Tsavo. and plenty private parks. east Africa has more diversity and more animals than the south. plus east doesn't encourage game hunting unlike South.
East Africa has more diversity.
1. Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya (the highest and second highest mountains in Africa),
2. Some of the best beaches in the world with a warm sea in Diani & Watamu in Kenya and Zanzibar Tanzania
3. Historical towns like Lamu, Mombasa
4. Largest lake in Africa - Lake Victoria
5. The Great Rift Valley
7. The only National Park in a City anywhere in the world - Nairobi National Park
8. Best cultural experiences- The Maasai
10. You can experience the Jungle, desert, mountain, savannah, Islands, sea, lakes, Rivers all in one country
And much more
south africans always acting foolish. the migration is not what takes tourists to kenya. I've been to SA and kenya but kenya is better in terms of safari drives. there's giraffe manor and so much more
Can you please do a video on Botswana?
Yes I will. I love Botswana. Thanks for the suggestion.
This is a great video but can you compare between east africa and botswana ?
Good idea. I will put that on my list for a future video. Thanks for the idea.
Nice job keep it up am from Kenya 🇰🇪 👍 👏
Thank you! Will do!
The Kruger National park also has village visits to meet with the local Shangaan population. I truly hope the lodges you are visiting in South Africa put local people first and please always tip the tracker more. They are our bridge to nature and risk their lives. Kruger has been facing a lot of racial discrimination to push the natives out but I’m very glad that the elite people I’ve referred and those who’ve gone from the US make note of this and care to help where it’s necessary. People before profits is always a slogan. ❤
Such a great point you make and YES, I use places that are run by locals who get the benefit of the tourists dollars, and often the places are sustainably built and run even the higher end places. I am a conservationist so your points are well taken. Thank you for commenting. Lori
Thats really useful thank you but i think the leopard is easy to find in central serengeti in seronera and in masai mara as well i saw leapard in both in my first day safari
That is great that you saw leopards there. They are the hardest to find of all the big cats, except in Sabi Sands in South Africa where there are multiple close encounters almost everyday. Thank you for your comment.
Kenya is by far the number One
Good vlog, but a note on cost is warranted.If you say South Africa offers more luxury, as it can give the impression that SA is more expensive. The reality is the polar opposite.
You didn’t mention cost, and only seem to compare South African private lodges (hence the repeated use of the word luxury). But the Kruger itself (as opposed to private lodges in the “greater” Kruger) has a wide a range of accommodation, including more rustic accommodation than South African private lodges, and to say Kruger itself works out a lot cheaper than East Africa is an understatement. That is not to mention the cost and logistics of getting there. For the Kruger you can simply fly to Johannesburg, it is a relatively easy 4 hour drive to the Kruger with a rental car. You can combine self drive (which has it’s own thrill) with guided night drives to have incredible value of bang for buck.
Authenticity is a bit subjective. Yes many Kruger roads are tarred, yes the infrastructure is developed. I’ve been to a few guided trips elsewhere in Africa, and you get shown an animal by the guide, it is “oh yes great”. In the Kruger if you self drive with a map, nothing beats the thrill of an unexpected sighting, an animal jumping out of the bush, that you’ve found yourself. It also means you can linger at a sighting for as long (or as short) a time as you want.
Another thing not mentioned is not only the variety of options, but the variety of landscapes and habitats in the Kruger itself, let alone other reserves. The Northern Kruger is a different place compared to the Southern and Central Kruger. Each visit is different. Each season is different. That is why people return to the Kruger for their 2nd, third, foruth or 20th visit. Many people see the Serengeti as an ultimate bucket list tick item: The Kruger is more the type of place you never tire of.
Hi, thank you for your comments. I have a few other videos about staying in Kruger in everything from the basic government owned and operated places to the luxurious.
@@LoriSavingWild
Thank you Laurie. Great work promoting African safaris! The point, I hope for others researching this, is that Kruger (in relation to East Africa) does not necessarily mean more luxury or more shielded (from wild nature). Kruger proper is everything but that.
Spot on.
South African parks do not feel like you are in the wild because they constructed tarmack roads inside the parks.
Yes, that too but there are still plenty of non tarmac roads in Sabi Sands (which I think is one of the best areas in S Africa for safari).
@@LoriSavingWild Bostwana and Namibia very good.
There ard plenty of sideroads you can take...
I am worried about the teste fly how can you protect yourself
Kalagadi Transfrontier Park, is unique. Huge lions
great video. im east african living inUK and planning a sfari. i think I'll be heading to east Africa! thanks...maybe will see you there!! anf good packages u can recommend for EA??
Hi, I dont know of operators in the EA. So sorry. Only in USA
@its Nine, as Kenya Travel Planner I will collaborate with you to figure out what you are looking for in your vacation. We'll discuss your budget, your destination and the type of accommodation you are interested in. I will present you with lodging options, transportation, sights to see and/or things to do to provide a day-by-day itinerary.
Hi lori, thanks for your video.
We'll be in honeymoon in August 2024. Where do you think we can have the best safari experience in August?
Thanks
Hi, I do one hour long consults for $100. Visit my Savingwild.com site to find out more. I can answer all your questions and help you plan the honeymoon of your dreams. Congrats.
Uganda
I love Uganda but it does not compare to Kenya for sure except for chimps and gorillas. So happy the wildlife is now coming back to Uganda.
Is it a good idea to save up for at least 3k if your taking a trip to Kruger national park and if you don't mind me asking when is the best time to see the elephants?
Hi, the 3K idea is a good ideas except if you stay only a couple of nights in the Park run lodging you need less than 1K. As for elephants, its funny you asked this because I am today working on a blog post about where to see elephants for my site, SavingWild.com.. As for elephants in Kruger... they roam around and you can see them at anytime. But when the bushes are full and lush and water holes are abundant they are more dispersed and hidden. So better to go in the drier summer months May - Sept.
@@LoriSavingWild excellent because I want to see the great tuskers
If you don't see elephants, something went wrong.
So we are more likely to see the big 5 in SA but it won’t have the overall African experience like Kenya? Thanks
You will see the big five: elephant, buffalo, lion, rhino, leopard, in either place but in Kenya you will have to go to more than one Park which is great to do anyway. Also, the quantity of animals you will see in Kenya is much much higher. I hope that answers your question. Thanks for asking.
Have you been in Zambia,Malawi and Mozambique? THEY have SAFARI too
Yes I have been to 11 different African countries and love them all. Not Malawi yet although its on my list because I have heard wonderful things. Asante Sana!
You forgot Botswana and Swaziland there
@@LoriSavingWild asante sana
What are your prices for an African tour three or four day
Hi there, I am not a safari operator but have used most of them so I can recommend the best ones. You can look around my site, SavingWild.com and sign up for a one hour consult with me to answer all your Q if you would like. The cost depends on where, when and how you are doing your safari. I help people figure that out in my one hour consults. Thanks. I charge $100 for an hour.
Was this filmed at Londolozi?!
Yep!
Where would you rather go in February/March among these 2? Planning honeymoon and cant decide on either
Oh Santiago this is a great question and it depends on your preferences not mine. I am happy to have a phone conversation with you to go thru all of your questions and explain in detail all the differences so you can get clarity. Send me an email. LoriSavingWild@gmail.com and we can set up a consult.
CAR has 8 lions but they had 3k before the war...sad
I am seriously considering doing this. Is it safe to go alone?
I am happy to help you have a perfectly safe journey on your own. Email me and we can talk about it if you would like. I can answer all of your questions. Visit my site, SavingWild.com for more info and contact details.
I will be in touch with you in the next few weeks!
@@K.I.M.7777 Ok.
Yes very safe. I did it by myself a few years ago. East Africa was amazing. Can’t wait to do it again
Hello Lorisavingwild, do you have a tour company that organises safaris for tourists in East Africa?
Kenya is more wildlife friendly & has diverse wildlife.
I would have to agree. Kenya has more variety and larger numbers of animals but as the case anywhere you go you have to visit the right places at the right time of the year.
I wonder why no one mentions Uganda the Pearl of Africa?
I love Uganda. This video was only comparing two very popular places but I certainly know there are many more wonderful countries to visit in Africa. I will do something on Uganda one day. Thanks for mentioning it. Lori
You're talking about the common tourist places
The difference between the two is that in Kenya 🇰🇪 there is a lot of diversity
Not just safaris
There is more to do in Kenya and Tanzania than Safaris. But the diversity of South Africa is in a class of it’s own. It is quite accessible and affordable too.
comms
And please indicate now the differences in pricing for the average Joe (kidding) .... beause after COVID prices has boosted up... !
Well it's not a joke as the prices go up in general about 10% each year. I tell my clients not to wait to go. But since Africa is buzzing again as a tourist destination the prices went up more like 18%. It's alot but it's because the price of everything, gas for the bush planes and safari vehicles, food, salaries, have gone up. Thank you for your comment. Lori
Its a requirement by kenyan law not to have modern infrastructure inside national parks and conseversy areas and so on due to not interfere with the eco system. Kind like its a wild sanctuary with minimal human activities
Really? I have not heard that and have seen some very large, very modern and fancy places in Kenyas National Parks. Thank you for your comment. I appreciate the information. LvL
The wind noise was irritating as hell. Just step back into the hotel to post.
I would never go South Africa because residents can drive their private cars to Kruger. Wildlife documentaries I have watched show hordes of cars jamming the roads. 😂
Hi, yes that is true but it really depends on where you go. There are private concessions with all the animals and few vehicles where no private cars are aloud. It really is essential do know what you are doing when you plan a safari. Thanks for watching and commenting. Best, Lori
Safari yes but never in South Africa never...
Yes, South Africa has barbaric laws like canned hunting... and I do not lead safaris there. East Africa is so much better. Thanks for your comment.
I’m from South Africa and this is an uneducated comment… canned hunting is illegal here… are you sure you came to South Africa?
Very uneducated comment. LOL
@@bianca5873 There are more than 300 farms in South Africa where lions are bred in cages for the hunting industry. This cruel and cynical activity is legal in South Africa, and it is called canned hunting. Hunting in a can. Instant. No chase, no escape, no mercy. Shot in a fenced camp.
@@Samkeliso_Nkwanyane the Guardian journal; Moreson ranch is one of more than 160 such farms legally breeding big cats in South Africa. There are now more lions held in captivity (upwards of 5,000) in the country than live wild (about 2,000). While the owners of this ranch insist they do not hunt and kill their lions, animal welfare groups say most breeders sell their stock to be shot dead by wealthy trophy-hunters from Europe and North America, or for traditional medicine in Asia. The easy slaughter of animals in fenced areas is called "canned hunting", perhaps because it's rather like shooting fish in a barrel. A fully-grown, captive-bred lion is taken from its pen to an enclosed area where it wanders listlessly for some hours before being shot dead by a man with a shotgun, hand-gun or even a crossbow, standing safely on the back of a truck. forHe pays anything from £5,000 to £25,000, and it is all completely legal.
South africa isnt even comparable with Kenya Tanzania and Uganda they have even patrol stations inside Krüger like wtf East Africa is the big winner
The Kruger is around 400 km long and if you do self-drive, I guess at some point, you will need petrol... It is strictly forbidden to walk. 😂
But for the feeling of the wild, you can either go into one of the private lodges within Greater Kruger or take untarred sideroads when self-driving. Kruger has plenty of options.
Beautifully explained. Very clear , very honest and very informative. Thank you. i have subscribed
Thank you so much Sammy. Nice to have you as part of the SavingWild tribe. LvL