Safari Blog
Stories, planning tips, and wildlife updates from the SafariPlnr team.

4 October 2026
The Best Time of Year to Go on Safari: A Month-by-Month Guide
The best time to go on safari depends on where you are going and what you want to see. This month-by-month guide breaks down the dry and wet seasons across East Africa, Southern Africa, and Central Africa so you can match your trip to your priorities.
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26 September 2026
Uganda Gorilla Trekking: The Complete Guide
Uganda offers the world's most accessible mountain gorilla trekking, with permits available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This guide covers permits, fitness, what to expect on the trek, and how to plan your visit.

19 September 2026
Gorillas vs Chimpanzees: Africa's Great Apes Compared
Both gorillas and chimpanzees live in Africa's equatorial forests - but they are remarkably different animals. From body size to social structure to what they eat, this guide compares the two great apes and tells you exactly where to see each one in the wild.

12 September 2026
12 Facts About the Hippopotamus: Africa's Most Dangerous Mammal
Hippos look slow and placid in the water, but they are responsible for more human deaths in Africa than almost any other large animal. Discover the surprising biology and complex behaviour behind Africa's most misunderstood megafauna.

4 September 2026
Serengeti vs Masai Mara: Which Migration Park Should You Choose?
Both parks host the great wildebeest migration, but they offer different experiences, different timing windows, and different trade-offs on price, accessibility, and wildlife variety. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide.

26 August 2026
15 Facts About the African Elephant: Giant of the Savanna
African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth - and among the most emotionally complex. From their extraordinary memory to their role as ecosystem engineers, here is everything a safari-goer needs to know.

19 August 2026
10 Facts About the Giraffe: The Tallest Animal on Earth
Standing up to 5.8 metres tall, the giraffe is unmistakable on the African skyline. But beneath the iconic silhouette lies a sophisticated biology - from a two-foot heart to a surprisingly silent social life - that makes this animal endlessly fascinating.

12 August 2026
Solo Safari Travel: Is It Safe and How to Do It
Solo safari is more accessible than most people assume. Reputable group join-in safaris, established lodge networks, and well-organised national parks in Southern Africa make solo travel in Africa both safe and rewarding. This guide covers safety, cost, logistics, and the best destinations for solo travellers.

4 August 2026
Self-Drive vs Guided Safari: Which Is Right for You?
Self-drive safari puts you in control - no fixed timetable, no group, maximum flexibility. Guided safari brings expert knowledge and access to areas off-limits to independent visitors. Here is how to decide which approach suits your trip.

26 July 2026
South Luangwa: Home of the Walking Safari
South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is where the modern walking safari was born. Dense wildlife, year-round resident predators, and the legendary Luangwa River make this one of Africa's most compelling safari destinations - and the best place on Earth to experience the bush on foot.

19 July 2026
Walking Safari vs Game Drive: Which Experience Is for You?
Game drives and walking safaris both deliver extraordinary wildlife encounters - but they are completely different experiences. One puts you in a vehicle elevated above the bush; the other puts you on the ground, at eye level, in the landscape. This guide helps you decide which suits your safari.

12 July 2026
The Great Wildebeest Migration: Complete Month-by-Month Guide
A comprehensive month-by-month guide to the Great Wildebeest Migration - where the herds are, where to stay, and how to witness Africa's greatest wildlife spectacle.

4 July 2026
The Best Family Safari Lodges in Africa (2026)
A curated guide to Africa's best family-friendly safari lodges - from malaria-free reserves to lodges with dedicated kids' programs and no minimum age.

26 June 2026
Safari Photography: The Best Camera & Lens Setup for Every Budget
From smartphones to professional rigs - the best camera and lens combinations for safari photography, plus settings, composition tips, and editing advice.

19 June 2026
The Complete Safari Packing List: What to Bring (And What to Leave Behind)
Everything you need to pack for an African safari - clothing, camera gear, medical supplies, and documents - plus what to leave at home.

12 June 2026
Botswana vs South Africa Safari: Compared
Botswana's exclusive wilderness vs South Africa's accessible self-drive parks - a detailed comparison to help you choose the right Southern African safari.

4 June 2026
Kenya vs Tanzania Safari: Which Should You Choose?
A head-to-head comparison of Kenya and Tanzania safaris - covering wildlife, costs, parks, crowds, and which country suits your travel style.

26 May 2026
How Much Does a Safari Cost? 2026 Price Breakdown
A detailed breakdown of safari costs in 2026 - from budget camping to ultra-luxury lodges, with country comparisons, hidden costs, and money-saving tips.

19 May 2026
Your First Safari: Everything You Need to Know
A complete beginner's guide to your first African safari - from game drives and accommodation types to packing, tipping, safety, and booking timelines.

12 May 2026
10 Best Private Game Reserves in South Africa
South Africa's private game reserves offer exclusive Big 5 encounters, expert guides, and luxurious lodges - without the crowds of the national parks. Here are the ten finest.

4 May 2026
10 Facts About the Nile Monitor: Africa's Largest Lizard
Growing up to 2.4 metres long and found across most of Africa, the Nile monitor is a powerful, intelligent reptile that few safari visitors know much about.

26 April 2026
The 8 Safest Countries for Safari in Africa (2026 Guide)
Safety is the number-one concern for first-time safari travellers. Here are the eight safest African countries for a wildlife holiday - with practical advice on what to watch for in each.

19 April 2026
10 Facts About the Greater Kudu: Africa's Most Elegant Antelope
With its magnificent spiralling horns and ghost-like ability to vanish into the bush, the greater kudu is one of the most prized sightings on any southern African safari.

12 April 2026
10 Facts About the Gemsbok: The Desert Warrior of Southern Africa
With rapier-like horns and extraordinary heat tolerance, the gemsbok is the ultimate desert survivor. Here's why this striking antelope deserves a place on your safari wish list.

4 April 2026
10 Best Islands Off the African Coast You Need to Visit
Africa's coastline hides some of the most beautiful and biodiverse islands on Earth - from the spice markets of Zanzibar to the lemur forests of Madagascar. Here are ten you shouldn't miss.

26 March 2026
15 Facts About the Spotted Hyena: Africa's Most Misunderstood Predator
Far from mere scavengers, spotted hyenas are intelligent, social hunters that kill 95% of what they eat. Here's why they deserve far more respect.

19 March 2026
12 Facts About the Nile Crocodile: Africa's Apex Aquatic Predator
The Nile crocodile is responsible for more human deaths in Africa than any other large animal. Here's what makes this ancient predator so formidable - and where to see them safely.

12 March 2026
The 15 Best Safari Parks in Africa: The Ultimate Guide
From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the waterways of the Okavango Delta, these 15 parks represent the finest wildlife experiences Africa has to offer. Here's where to go and when.

4 March 2026
15 Facts About the Leopard: Africa's Most Elusive Big Cat
Secretive, adaptable, and staggeringly strong, the leopard is the hardest of the Big Five to spot - and the most rewarding. Here's what makes this cat so extraordinary.

26 February 2026
20 Facts About the African Lion: The King of the Safari
The lion is the most iconic safari animal and one of Africa's most endangered big cats. From pride dynamics to conservation challenges, here's everything you need to know.

19 February 2026
8 Best Game Reserves Near Cape Town for an Unforgettable Safari
You don't need to fly to Kruger for a Big 5 encounter. These eight game reserves within driving distance of Cape Town offer world-class wildlife experiences - from luxury lodges to budget-friendly day trips.

12 February 2026
The Shoebill: 12 Extraordinary Facts About Africa's Most Bizarre Bird
Standing motionless for hours before striking with explosive force, the shoebill is one of the rarest and most sought-after birds in Africa. Here's everything you need to know.

4 February 2026
15 Fascinating Facts About the Ostrich: Africa's Largest Bird
The common ostrich is the world's largest living bird - flightless, impossibly fast, and far more fascinating than most people realise. Here are 15 facts every safari-goer should know.