Safari is a Kiswahili word that means “walking trip”, it is a way to visit and explore the most important reserves and national parks and leave testimony of that beautiful nature with photographs.
It does not matter if you do not have sophisticated equipment or a high photographic level, in a photographic safari what you are looking for is to observe and enjoy nature and the animals in your environment.
These safaris are carried out touring the reserves and parks in specially conditioned vehicles with an open roof, from which you can have close encounters with wild animals.
It is very easy to observe lions, leopards or cheetahs hunting , the impressive herds of the great migration of wildebeest and zebras, their crossings through rivers full of crocodiles and many other scenes that we have only been able to see in documentaries.
The Best Photographic Safaris in Africa
1. Masai Mara Reserve, Kenya
Lions in Kenya
The Masai Mara reserve, located in the southwest of Kenya, is one of the most impressive safaris you have to visit, especially if you do it between July and October.
It is at this time that more than a million wildebeests, zebras and antelopes migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the reserve, the natural habitat of the Maasai tribe. They all seek to flee the arid Tanzanian lands during this time in search of water and better pastures.
To complete the impressive scene, the feared predators make their appearance, prowling around in search of their daily menu. You will also be able to observe large elephants, despite their fear of the Maasai.
2. Reserve in Botswana
Chobe National Park, Botswana
The Botswana reserve, located in the Chobe National Park, covers 10,500 km². There are more than 450 species of birds and one of the largest concentrations of fauna on the planet in which we can contemplate leopards, lions and wild dogs, currently in danger of extinction.
These safaris follow the Chobe River, which starts in Angola and runs through Botswana under different names, where you can even stay at a resort near the river .
A safari that is done from a makoros, a kind of canoe , that crosses the waters while impalas, antelopes and endless herds of elephants or buffalo can be seen in the distance.
3. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger Park, South Africa
The Kruger National Park is one of the most incredible reserves on the African continent , despite rampant hunting by settlers and multitudes of opportunists.
Starting in 1960, water wells began to be built that attracted large animals, which is why it is one of the best areas to see the big five: leopard, lion, rhinoceros, buffalo and elephant.
The month of October is usually the best time to visit it , although in the dry season, between the months of June and August, it is usually easier to spot the animals.
4. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Tanzania is one of the most popular destinations for those looking for a safari, there you will find the Serengeti National Park, in the heart of the savannah. The Serengeti, “endless plain” in Maasai, is an extensive refuge of natural life where the lion is king with more than 3,000 specimens. You can see them in Lake Manyara, where there is a lot of vegetation, up in the trees, something really spectacular.
You will also be able to observe the wildebeest migrations and a great variety of species such as zebras, giraffes, gazelles, antelopes and elephants that crowd the shores of the lake. There, in addition, predators such as the lion, the leopard, the cheetah, the jackal or the hyena lurk. All living with more than 500 species of birds in this incredible place.
5. Doñana National Park, Huelva
Doñana National Park
It is considered the largest ecological reserve in Europe. In the months of July to September, guided or supervised visits are usually made to the wetlands, where a great diversity of African and European birds can be observed.
6. Sierra de Andújar National Park, Jaén
In the heart of Andalusia, you can admire a great diversity of wildlife , in comfortable 4×4 vehicles you can spot the beautiful Iberian lynx, the black vulture and the imperial eagle.
7. Cabañeros National Park, Ciudad Real and Toledo
Known for being the kingdom of the deer in all its Iberian species , it has a marked period of summer drought and spring and autumn rains. You will also be able to observe the colonies of black vultures.
8. Monfragüe National Park, Cáceres
This national park is a paradise for birds of prey , it has numerous viewpoints and observation posts where you can witness their life in their natural environment. You will be able to see the black vulture, the booted eagle, the black stork, the Egyptian vulture and the peregrine falcon.
Lose yourself in the wildlife by taking one of these beautiful photo safaris where, regardless of whether you are a professional photographer or not, you will have endless opportunities to leave testimony of the spectacular nature.