Luxury Guide to Stylish Safaris 

Are you thinking of embarking on your first luxury safari? When you start researching your trip, you’ll likely find plenty of information that can get confusing.

So, if you need help planning your first safari adventure, this guide is for you. Hopefully, this will give you an idea of when the best time to go on a safari, the different types of luxury safaris to consider, and what to pack for your trip.

The Best Time to Go on Safari

There are several factors to consider with regards to the best time to go on a safari, with the destination being the most significant consideration. While Africa is the most popular safari destination, you can also go on a safari in places like India. 

In general, the best time to go on a safari is during the dry seasons, especially if you plan to trek the lush jungles in search of gorillas. In addition, the dry season allows you to view many wild animals as they gather around at waterholes and rivers. Plus, the thinning vegetation makes spotting wildlife easier. 

For gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, the dry season is from June to August and December to February. Meanwhile, if you are game viewing in Africa’s national parks, such as the Masai Mara, Serengeti or Mala Mala National Park, schedule your trip between May and September, which is the dry season.

The dry season, which runs from October to February, is also the best time for a safari in India. Most national parks in the country will start opening up in October after several months of monsoon.

The Different Types of Luxury Safaris

When people think about a safari, they immediately assume it’s about riding a traditional vehicle safari in search of wild animals. But a safari can come in many different forms. Here are the different types of luxury safaris to consider.

1. Gorilla Trekking Safari 

Gorilla trekking offers an unrivalled wildlife encounter. The gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda will take you to the lush jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where the world’s largest living primates live. Seeing the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is such an incredible experience.

When trekking the forest of Uganda in search of mountain gorillas, expect to walk through challenging terrains with steep ridges and valleys. You will follow your guide in search of these amazing animals, which should take about 3 to 4 hours. Since the gorillas prefer to dwell in the highlands, the trek becomes more challenging due to the steep gradients. But sometimes, you could come across the gorillas within 45 minutes.

After finding the gorillas, your guide will let you spend an hour with the primates. You’ll see them feeding their young and playing with fellow gorillas, making the arduous journey worth it.

2. Safaris to Spot the Big 5  

Seeing the Big Five is the highlight of your African safari. These refer to elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffalos. They are characterised for their dangerous behaviours, especially when they feel threatened, and seeing them close and personal can make for a fascinating safari experience!

Africa is home to many national parks to spot the Big Five. One of these is the Masai Mara in Kenya, one of the most popular game reserves in Africa. It attracts visitors seeking a Big Five Safari experience while staying in luxurious accommodations.

The Masai Mara safari in Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a unique opportunity to witness one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife migrations. Located in southwestern Kenya, the Masai Mara is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, and wildebeest, among many others.

Visitors to the Masai Mara can explore the vast savannahs on guided game drives, hot air balloon rides, or walking safaris, and witness firsthand the breathtaking natural beauty of the region. The Masai Mara is also home to the Maasai people, an indigenous tribe known for their traditional way of life and colorful dress. A safari in the Masai Mara is an unforgettable adventure that offers an unparalleled glimpse into the heart of Africa.

3. Tiger Safaris in India  

India may be more famous for its cultural diversity, rich history, and heritage, but it is also becoming one of the world’s best safari destinations. While the vast country can be overwhelming to explore, you can partake in luxury travel holidays to India for a more enjoyable safari experience.

India has one of the world’s richest biodiversity, with over 300 species of mammals and thousands of bird species. But the highlights of your safari to India are the tigers, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and monkeys – all of which roam in the country’s central and southern plains.

One of India’s most popular places for a wildlife safari is the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. And although the tigers are the main animals you can spot here, you can also spot sambar deer, leopards, foxes, mongoose, and more. In addition, the park’s beautiful landscape of rolling hills and lakes will make for an even more incredible safari experience.

What to Pack for Safari

Packing for a safari is not like packing for any other trip. And if your safari involves flying to some remote locations, you must consider the weight restrictions. If you need help, refer below for tips on what to pack for a safari.

• Luggage- when taking small planes for your safari, you must adhere to strict weight limits. Therefore, avoid bringing large luggage and choose soft-sided ones. Always check before you fly because many small planes don’t allow hard back cases.

• Pants and long sleeves – pack pants and long sleeves to protect from the sun on your safari. They also help to protect you from insect bites and scrapes during your gorilla trek. It is best to stick with earthy hues. Avoid bright-coloured clothing that will attract flies and other insects.

• Utility jacket and back pack – game drives usually begin early in the morning when the temperature is cold. Therefore, pack a light weight, padded jacket to keep you warm and comfy. Uniqlo has ones. A small back pack is also useful to carry all of your daily items.

• Scarf and hat – the scarf can help keep you warm early in the morning. Later in the day, you can use it for sun protection. A hat protects from the suns searing heat.

• Comfortable shoes – you don’t need to pack bulky hiking boots. But comfortable walking shoes or trainers are a must.