Question 1

Which country is most suitable 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, coastlines 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 untouched nature. Namibia  is more about impressive landscapes, with Etosha, the desert elephants and the Caprivi  giving you that safari feeling. During a free travel consultation, we’ll 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 really no bad safari season, but each season offers a different experience. During the dry season, animals tend to gather more often 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 period depends on what you would most like to experience. We’d be happy to advise you on this.

Question 3

How likely are we to see the Big Five?

Accepted Answer

That differs from park to park and depends on 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 only on the Big Five, but enjoy everything the bush has to offer!

Question 4

Should we choose camping, lodges or a combination?

Accepted Answer

You can do it all, and the two do not have to be mutually exclusive. Camping in the heart of nature is an experience in itself. There is little as special as 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 charming lodge can be wonderfully enjoyable after a few days of camping. Enjoying a good dinner, a hot shower and perhaps even a swimming pool can complete 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  across Southern Africa and visited dozens of national parks and game reserves. This means we know not only where you can see the most animals, but above all which park suits your way of travelling. One person dreams of seeing the Big Five, while another wants to spend hours observing birds, tracking wild dogs or simply enjoy 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