Question 1

Which country is best for a first safari?

Accepted Answer

That depends entirely on what you're looking for. Botswana  is ideal if you enjoy adventure, self-drive and a pure safari experience in the heart of nature. South Africa  combines excellent game reserves with wine, gastronomy, coastline and comfortable accommodation. Zimbabwe  offers wonderful safaris with relatively few visitors and an authentic atmosphere. Zambia  is perfect for those looking for small-scale safaris, walking safaris and unspoilt nature. Namibia  is more about impressive landscapes, with Etosha, the desert elephants and the Caprivi  giving you that safari feeling. During a Travel Consult, we look together at which country or combination of countries best suits your wishes.

Question 2

When is the best time to go on safari?

Accepted Answer

There is no truly bad safari season, but each season offers a different experience. During the dry season, animals more often gather at waterholes and are generally easier to find. During the green season, the landscapes are at their most beautiful, many young animals are born and it is a paradise for bird lovers. So the best time depends on what you would like to experience. We are happy to advise you on this.

Question 3

How likely are we to see the Big Five?

Accepted Answer

That varies by park and whether you visit the park at the right time of year.  In some areas, such as parts of the Kruger or certain private reserves, the chances of seeing the Big Five are very high. In other parks, especially just after the rainy season, it can be more difficult. Try not to focus solely on the Big Five, but enjoy everything the bush has to offer!

Question 4

Should we choose camping, lodges or a combination?

Accepted Answer

Both are possible and do not have to be mutually exclusive. Camping in the middle of nature is an experience in itself. There is little more special than waking up with elephants near your camp or listening to the sounds of the bush around the campfire in the evening. At the same time, a characterful lodge can be wonderfully relaxing after a few days of camping. Enjoying a good dinner, a hot shower and perhaps even a swimming pool completes the trip. That is precisely why we combine campsites and special lodges on many of our trips. This way, you experience the best of both worlds.

Question 5

Why plan a safari with Beyond Routes?

Accepted Answer

By now, we have driven more than  100,000 kilometres  through Southern Africa and visited dozens of national parks and wildlife reserves. This means we know not only where you can see the most animals, but above all which park suits the way you like to travel. One person dreams of the Big Five, another wants to spend hours observing birds, tracking wild dogs or simply enjoying a peaceful safari without dozens of other vehicles. We help you make the right choices based on your interests, the season and the number of travel days available. We also know from personal experience the differences between self-drive safaris, guided safaris and luxury safaris. Together, we design a trip that not only looks good on paper, but also works in practice.

Safari & wildlife