Safari in early June

Sean^DCT4

Hi all,

I am looking to book a safari for next June.

We are stuck deciding between the Serengeti or Kruger national parks.

It will be our first time going on a safari and we were wondering if anyone had any thoughts or experiences with either of the two locations.

We are looking for the best animal viewing/experience.

We are planning on spending anywhere between 3-7 days on safari and another 7 days relaxing in possibly Mauritius or Zanzibar (depending on which safari we go on).

finbarrk

Here you go. Bits of info on each of them from tripadvisor forums.
http://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowTopic-g293740-i9186-k7780288-How_to
_do_Kruger_A_comparison_of_Private_Reserves_and_KNP-South_Africa.html

http://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowForum-g293751-i10776-Serengeti_National_Park.html

faceman

Personally I'd go Serengeti over Kruger (disclaimer though I haven't been to SA). With Serengeti you could also take a trip to the Ngorogoro crater which is a safari park inside a volcanic crater.

Oh bear in mind too that June, July August are rte colder months of the year there so don't expect tropical heat. You'll also miss the Wildebeast migration that time of year.

East Africa is beatiful. Incredibly impoverished but beautiful. I lived there for a few years.

uck51js9zml2yt

From talking to family who've been to Zanzibar. Its a kip and a place to avoid.
Why not go to cape town or port Elizabeth.
Avoid Jo burg.

Sean^DCT4

finbarrk wrote: »

Here you go. Bits of info on each of them from tripadvisor forums.
http://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowTopic-g293740-i9186-k7780288-How_to
_do_Kruger_A_comparison_of_Private_Reserves_and_KNP-South_Africa.html

http://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowForum-g293751-i10776-Serengeti_National_Park.html

I was just about to reply I've read everything and anything online about these parks but I actually missed that one somehow Thanks for the links.

faceman wrote: »

Personally I'd go Serengeti over Kruger (disclaimer though I haven't been to SA). With Serengeti you could also take a trip to the Ngorogoro crater which is a safari park inside a volcanic crater.

Oh bear in mind too that June, July August are rte colder months of the year there so don't expect tropical heat. You'll also miss the Wildebeast migration that time of year.

East Africa is beatiful. Incredibly impoverished but beautiful. I lived there for a few years.

I think the Serengeti would be great but since we are heading to one of the islands afterwards I am wondering if we will lose less time travelling by going with Kruger.

Sienna White Labyrinth wrote: »

From talking to family who've been to Zanzibar. Its a kip and a place to avoid.
Why not go to cape town or port Elizabeth.
Avoid Jo burg.

Yeah, we have heard this from several people who have lived in or around the surrounding countries. We are looking at the Seychelles now as an alternative. Thanks

ScottSF

The advantage of Kruger is that you can do a self-drive safari if that is of interest. You can rent a place outside the national park and drive in with the family. Clearly that is the more budget-friendly option.

You didn't mention your travel budget. If you are looking to spend a bit, the private game reserves in Kruger are spectacular - but very pricey. The advantage there besides the luxury accommodations, great food and top-notch service is the private game drives. In those places like Sabi Sands lodges, you get to stay in one place and embark on morning and evening game drives. The guide will take you off-road to follow the animals and you'll more likely be able to track down the Big 5 and much more.

One issue to consider is weather. June would be colder in South Africa than Tanzania as it's winter and much further South.
https://www.safaribookings.com/kruger/best-time

bungaro79

i did both and if i had to choose i would go with serengeti. you need to factor in the drive from arusha to serengeti (over 8 hours if i remember correctly but we did tarangire and lake manyara on the way to the serengeti) or from jo-burg to kruger which is a good 4/5 hours. ngorongoro is on the way to the seregeti too and it was absolutely amazing!! there private game reserves where you have a lot better chance of seeing animals but they are pricey like previously mentioned.

i liked the beach in zanzibar and stone town was nice but there was something about it that i didn't like, a lot of people really trying to take advantage of you at any chance they can. even in the airport its non-stop hassling for tips

seagull

ScottSF wrote: »

One issue to consider is weather. June would be colder in South Africa than Tanzania as it's winter and much further South.
https://www.safaribookings.com/kruger/best-time

Typical temperature in Kruger in June is high of mid-20s up to low 30s. It can be quite cold at night - down to about 8. Probably as hot as you'd want it if you're planning on any bush walks. We were in Nelspruit in July this year, and it was 34 one day.

June is about the ideal time to visit Kruger. It's dry season, so the vegetation isn't obscuring the view, and the animals congregate at the waterholes more.

MaryMD

We went on Safari in August and the rangers were all saying that the viewing is usually better from June-August!

5p9arw38djv2b4

I would say Serengeti and Ngoro crater any day, its exceptional. Kruger doesn't compare in my opinion.

South Africa is good, but I'd go to Tanzania. Zanzibar depends where you go, the beaches up north are brill. Stone Town can be a little harassing but the history is really interesting, there are tiny islands off the coast (near turtle island) with private eco resorts\ marine conservation areas that are beyond amazing.