Fodors - Fodors the Complete Guide to African Safaris. Full-color Travel Guide Series, Book 3

Kenya. Part of East Africa, you can expect golden lions, red-robed warriors, snowcapped mountains, pristine white beaches, orange sunsets, and coral-pink dawns. Youll also experience some of the worlds most famous safari destinationsMasai Mara, the Rift Valleyand world-class beach destinations like Diani Beach and the tiny town of Lamu.

Tanzania. Also part of East Africa, Tanzania attracts far fewer tourists than Kenya and South Africa, even though it boasts some of Africas greatest tourist attractionsthe Serengeti, the Great Migration, Olduvai Gorge, Ngorongoro Crater, Selous Game Reserve, and Lake Victoria.

South Africa. Africas most developed country, at the very tip of the continent, is many worlds in one: modern bustling cities, ancient rock art, gorgeous beaches, fabulous game lodges, well-run national parks, mountain ranges, desert, and wine lands. Its home to Kruger National Park and the KwaZulu-Natal reserves.

Botswana. The country itself is a natural wonder with terrains that vary from vast salt pans to the pristine waterways of the Okavango Delta. Expect lots of game, few tourists, and stars brighter than youll ever seethe Kalahari Bushmen say that you can hear them sing.

Namibia. From the Namib Desertthe earths oldestto the fog-enshrouded Skeleton Coast, from the great game park of Etosha to Damaralands stark beauty and desert elephants to bustling small cities with a fascinating mix of colonial and modern, youve never been anywhere like Namibia.

Victoria Falls. Shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe, Vic Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world, unsurpassed by anything. The adventure center of Africa, adrenaline junkies can try everything from bungee jumping and white-water rafting to canoeing, rappelling, and Jet Skiing.

Seychelles. In the Indian Ocean 932 miles off Africas eastern coast, this archipelago of 115 islands lies just northeast of Madagascar and has some of the worlds best-preserved natural habitats and pristine beaches. The main island, Mah, is home to the international airport and the capital city, Victoria.

Turn back the clock to the great, glorious days of the early safaris, when Ernest Hemingway and Teddy Roosevelt stalked the golden grass of the plains with the Big Five in their rifle sights. Forget the rifles, but shoot as much as you likewith cameras. We have the perfect spots.

Cottars 1920s Safari Camp, Kenya. For an original safari replay it doesnt get much better than thisclaw-foot tubs, antique rugs, wrought-iron candlesticks, old gramophones, polished butlers traysall under white safari tents.

Finch Hattons, Kenya. Live your every African dream at this classy camp where youll dine at a table sparkling with silver and crystal as strains of Mozart softly fill the African night.

Il Moran, Kenya. Situated where Kenyas first colonial governors used to twirl their handlebar moustaches and sip their G&Ts while on safari, youll enjoy the exclusive location, teeming game, and bygone elegance.

Kings Pool, Botswana. From the ancient tree dominating the main deck to the lush accommodations, everything is on a regal scalea tribute to the European royalty who used to hunt in this area.

Sabi Sabi Selati Camp, South Africa. Formerly a private hunting lodge, the early-1900s ambience stems from genuine train memorabilia. Old leather suitcases, antique wooden chairs, and signals recall the days of an 1870s train line.

No matter where you stay during the Great Migration, youll be assured of unforgettable sights. But weve highlighted a few camps where sightings may be even more spectacular. Remember that world weather cycles are changingtheres no guarantee that at that particular place and time your game-viewing will live up to the National Geographic TV Channel.

Grumeti River Camp, Tanzania. Watch out for galloping wildebeest at this exclusive camp on the banks of the famed Grumeti River, where youll be perfectly positioned to witness one of the greatest shows on earth.

Little Governors Camp, Kenya. A ferry ride across the Mara River and a short walk escorted by armed guides takes you to this lovely camp sited directly in the path of the wildebeest migration.

Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Kenya. If you get tired of looking at the endless grasslands where the migration takes place in front of your eyes, then spot game at the lodges own busy water hole.

Naibor Camp, Kenya. Situated in a particularly game-rich area 20 minutes away from one of the legendary migration river crossings, this is the perfect base for watching the migration.

Sayari Camp, Tanzania. This camp is perfectly poised for watching the Mara River crossing, when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest plunge into the crocodile-infested water on their journey north.