Whats better, East Africa or Southern Africa
 

When people talk of Safari the first impression that pops to mind is Kenya. Why? Is it the movies, the history, the great migration?
What about Zambia, South Africa and Botswana.

Love to hear your thoughts.
Markie

What sort of experience do you wish to have, assuming you are planning a trip? "Better" depends on expectations and also depends on what time of year you are traveling.

Some of us have spent decades, months of travel and thousands of dollars trying to figure out that question. And we do not have a definitive answer!

Wildebeest crossing Mara River--Kenya (more people, less cost) or Tanz (less people, more cost).

Walking safari--Zambia or Zimbabwe

Calving wildebeest--Tanzania in Ndutu, south of Serengeti.

Canoeing--Zambia and especially Zimbabwe

Easiest/fastest place to view the popular Big 5 (lions, eles, buffalo, leopard, rhino)--Sabi Sands adjoining Kruger in South Africa.

Most exclusive, secluded lodging and brilliant blues and greens of delta--Botswana

Sand dunes and animals around water holes--Namibia

Gorillas--Uganda, Rwanda

Chimps--Mahale in Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda

I think Kenya has done a great job of marketing, has tremendous variety, and is less costly than some other destinations.

Some past comments on this very topic.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=34837132


http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...4&tid=34972854


http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=35155484
(I think the 1st two links are also in this 3rd one)


Fish Eagle questionnaire on East and Southern Africa
http://www.fisheaglesafaris.com/choosedestination.htm

MarkieSafari on May 31, 14 at 11:03am

Hi cupidstunt
I have to totally agree with you. <b>I have been involved in the safari industry for over 20 years and have seen this. </b>Unfortunately its no more about conservation but how much can we pocket and run by accountants. SO SAD

Just saw your other post. My comments assumed a different "audience" so they may not be applicable to what you were looking for.

markiesafari: I sure hope this isn't a prelude to you posting links to your tours. Advertising (even 'back door' advertising) isn't allowed on Fodors. When folks post questions we assume they are looking for info/advice, and aren't long-time players in the industry . . .

We are photographers & have been to South Africa 5 times and are returning again in 2015! The concentration of animals in South Africa at the private game reserves is far superior to east Africa where you have to drive forever, and in East Africa unless you ara t a PRIVATE game reserve instead of the national parks they don't limit number of vehicles & people at sightings whereas in the reserves in South Africa they only allow 3 vehicles at a time & are very respectful of the animals. The Sabi Sand area of South Africa has the most leopard. If you need recommendations let me know!