East vs. South Africa - Where Should You Go on Safari?

[@ericdudley4169]

In East Africa (Kenya & Tanzania, ie., Serengeti, Maasai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Amboselli) I saw endless giant elephants - and whole herds of them! (Tens of thousands of other large animals (Widebeast, Zebra, Antelope etc) are all around! So many lions! In East Africa you can "do it all" in one trip as my family and I did -- and we landed in and visited the city of Nairobi Kenya near the Maasai Mara and Serengeti, where we began our trip. There are also endless beautiful Lodges in east Africa as well where the Masia People often perform wonderful traditional dances! (not just tents 😮). I saw both White and Black Rhinos in East Africa... I could go on, I definitely recommend East Africa! It has it all! Great video!

[@gaboroot4599]

hey Eric, quick question, i am planning my first safari trip and i am not sure about something. Do you recommend to fly there and book tours and experiences on site in the country? or rather book everything in advance?

[@ericdudley4169]

@@gaboroot4599 i definitely recommend planning everything you can in advance. To do just the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti, two of the most famous safari parks, you’d be navigating two different countries (Kenya and Tanzania, in this case)so planning is a must. While both national parks are physically connected, they are politically separated by the border of Kenya and Tanzania, and entering each park means entering each country. Just an example of why I feel planning is needed. 👍🏽

[@janineleitch2772]

What time of the year did you go to East Africa?

[@brucewilliamsstudio4932]

I was a commercial pilot in Kenya and Tanzania back in the early 80's and was fortunate enough to go on multiple safari's. The biggest change is that today you must pay a horrendous daily fee ($80-$100 USD per day) for any of the National parks. When I lived there it was free to enter most of the parks. Honestly, the wildlife is amazing but the fees are a total rip off. Only the uber wealthy can afford these fees. If you are wealthy, but all means go, but count on $1000 a day for your trip.

[@sabine2297]

I love that you are able to self-drive in South Africa so easily. Make the Safari experience much more affordable.

[@Victoria-dg1fu]

I am planning a trip to Africa next year. It`s been my dream since birth. I`m now 70 and finally going. There are so many choices and for being my first time it`s nice to have info and suggestions on the best suited place for each person. Thank you for this video! I will watch all the rest of your videos right now!

[@robbiePlanetaSano]

I have done both. Prefer east Africa, masai Mara . I saw more animals in 10 minutes in masai Nara than in a week in Kruger …

[@wezvandez]

Then you're definitely gonna love the zoos in the USA!

[@esem135]

Many love the multi-award winning Maasai Mara, Kenya, because of that very reason, easier to spot animals.

[@janvandenbulck44]

Saw the Big 7 in Kruger on a self drive in one day

[@gaboroot4599]

hey Robbie, quick question, i am planning my first safari trip and i am not sure about something. Do you recommend to fly there and book tours and experiences on site in the country? or rather book everything in advance?

[@robbiePlanetaSano]

@@gaboroot4599 i would shop online and book when I got to Kenya .?

[@blonr]

East Africa has the best safari hands down Kenya & Tanzania to be specific

[@ericdudley4169]

Absolutely true! and you can visit so many famous parks in one trip because they are relatively close to one another. Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Amboseli, Tarangeri, Ngorongoro Crater... East Africa has it all...

[@GoldenGlobeGuide1-s]

@@ericdudley4169 at the same time the kruger is about 10 times as big as masai mara so you could see just as much

[@Jonathantuba]

I’ve done many safaris to both east and southern Africa and would definitely recommend for anyone new to Safari to go to Kenya and see that’s the best place to start. The Mara is probably the very best place to go for your first Safari.

[@abasijohn8800]

serengetivistaexplorations.com/

[@laureltoms9464]

I agree! We have been on 6 safari’s in Kenya and I fell in love with the land and people. We are already planning on going back.

[@flowyscreations]

I went to the Mara and Serengeti in 2021 and looked it even though I didn't see the Rhino. Also didn't get to witness the migration. Went in JULY. I am hoping to go to Kruger in 2025.

[@selinandanu5649]

​@laureltoms9464 welcome back to Kenya

[@TratUsYT]

Thank you for the insight. This was the kind of information I was looking for. Planning on going on my first safari summer of 2024. I’m totally clueless and appreciate the video.

[@shrutiarora7181]

Me too planning my first safari experience in 2024

[@adampowell8804]

Wondering if you went?

[@flowyscreations]

How was it? Share your experiences

[@caledoniatocapetown]

2 points, the Cape of Good Hope is not the southernmost point in Africa, it's Agulhas and you CAN most certainly self-drive in the parks in Kenya and Tanzania, we were stuck in Kenya for 7 months during COVID and drove the Maasai Mara, Tsavo and Amboseli parks and towed our camping trailer. We even wild camped, unfenced in the Mara so it is possible.

[@flowyscreations]

They said SW, not S.

[@caledoniatocapetown]

@@flowyscreations I think you'll find at 0:58 he said the southernmost point....which is Cape Agulhas.

[@Dawho99]

wow, im 6 minutes in and you have perfectly described south africa safari. We got up early, absolutely freezing in may, game drives were so involving trying to spot animals and not being able to see more than 60-80m in front due to the bush. It was extremely rewarding to see the animals and like you mention, 90% of the time it was only us there... We had such an amazing experience, thinking about going to tanzania, but im worried the easyness of it all might not be as amazing as our experience in south africa was... still got half the video to go, but congrats on getting it spot on so far

[@Dawho99]

Ok finished the video, i have to agree south africa with the safari, cape town and the wineries made an great honeymoon. Im still left wondering if you get the same sense of awe when safaring in kenya, im afraid it just might be so easy to see so many things, maybe you dont really get to appreaciate them as much, and its sorta like a wildlife episode on tv

[@LRaine73]

Great advice. I’ve done the southern region but plan on Kenya in December. This is helpful.

[@Jeff_Hyer]

Thanks for watching! Don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you need help arranging a Kenya safari itinerary: jeffhyer.com/safari-inquiry-form/

[@b.k.5659]

You left out all exciting things: 1. The East Africa great region is dotted with majestic lakes with lakes, crocs, birds 2. Beaches- East Africa has the best beaches, where you can dive in scenic corals and watch marine life 3. East African coast: Ancient and hypnotizing, with experiences such as sailing an ancient dow from Mombasa to Zanzibar 4. Swahili Civilization and culture: the East is old with ancient majestic cities and towns established as early as the second century 5. More scenery: The biggest mountains in Africa Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mr. Kenya are in the East. 6. Bigger and reserves and more parks...You can drive or ride for days in East Africa surrounded by only the wild

[@tutotutot5193]

but he did mention those things

[@wezvandez]

South Africa has lakes and crocs, South Africa has better beaches including World Surf League stops, South Africa is home to the Cradle of Humankind - the biggest collection of ancestral fossils in the world, South Africa has masses of culture including the ancient Khoisan people, South Africa may not have the biggest mountains but there are a few massive ranges with snow, and don't forget the many vineyards littered throughout the Cape...and don't forget the Kalahari desert and the Namib desert in Namibia with the world's largest sand dunes and the largest Aquarium in Africa located in Durban etc. etc.

[@esem135]

​@wezvandez FYI. Kenya and TZ are both considered the cradle of mankind too!! In Kenya m, the Koobi Fora is the cradle of mankind and in TZ it is Olduvai Gorge!! Kenyan and TZ beaches have won awards numerous times, Diani, Kenya and Watamu, Kenya and Zanzibar in TZ as leading beach destinations in Africa. Maasai Mara keeps winning the best game reserve in Africa uncountable times!! The two are also ranked as the most beautiful countries. Cape Town seems to be the city that gives a name to beautiful to SA cities. Nairobi is considered the Safari Capital of the world. So, East Africa is definitely a force to reckon with!!

[@kemmoneR]

@@esem135 have you seen mpumalanga ? Or the Drakensberg mountains, the snow resorts in the lesotho highveld. Cape town is not the only thing down here. Never mind the kalahari desert and that Namibian coast or victoria falls. Southren Africa is the girl she thinks she is

[@ericdudley4169]

Absolutely true about East Africa! It has it all! The Serengeti (mass migrations), The Maasai Mara (mass migrations), Tsavo (where "The Ghost And The Darkness" Lions are from!) Amboseli (Where you get those spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro!) Tarangeri (where you see those other worldly Baobab Trees and Tree Climbing Lions 😮) and the unbelievably magnificent, sublime, breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater National Park, where many believe it is the actual Biblical Garden Of Eden... And you fly into Nairobi Kenya a fun African big city, to get to them all! They are all relatively next to each other!

[@danielmeier8321]

Im going to capetown this October with my girlfriend and it’s very stress free to go on a safari from there. You get picked up at the hotel etc. I guess it’s the “safari light” version, but I’m nevertheless extremely excited for it!

[@wezvandez]

If the safari park is called Aquilla then I think you'll be disappointed.

[@danielmeier8321]

@@wezvandez its called the "garden route game lodge", but the park i have no idea

[@wezvandez]

okay I've heard some really good things about that place...enjoy!@@danielmeier8321

[@Deontjie]

When you come here to Cape Town, you should do the beaches and all the wine routes. These two safari parks are excellent. Especially for food and accommodation. But it is not wild, not even close. We have many wild places close to Cape Town, but not really comparable to animal wild places like Kglaligadi Gemsbok or Kruger Parks. The animal encounters at Garden Route is definitely better than at Aquila, although Aquila is more luxurious.

[@danielmeier8321]

@@Deontjie hey :) unfortunately we are already back from capetown...the first vacation where I didn't want to leave again 😅 We actually did two wine tours, one of which was with the wine tram and it was awesome 😄 the other one was a guided tour where we met a lot of nice people from all around the globe ^^ The beaches were excellent 😄 our favorite has to be clifton ^^ we went there several times for swimming and sun bathing. We could actually walk there pretty easily, since our hotel was in seapoint ^^ I already miss capetown and South africa 🇿🇦 in general 😅 a lot of friendly people and the country is just mesmerizing. Can't wait to ne back!

[@tinotendakunaishe7952]

Come to Zimbabwe. Plenty of wildlife and no traffic jams in the national parks

[@wezvandez]

Is Boss Robert still in charge?

[@tinotendakunaishe7952]

@@wezvandez He's been dead for 4 years already

[@wezvandez]

doesn't mean he can't run things@@tinotendakunaishe7952

[@gaboroot4599]

hey tino, quick question, i am planning my first safari trip and i am not sure about something. Do you recommend to fly there and book tours and experiences on site in the country? or rather book everything in advance?

[@tinotendakunaishe7952]

@@gaboroot4599Book in advance. Where in ZIm are you planning to go ? At this time of the year, Vic Falls is at its peak flowrate, Hwange National Park is close by but I would also recommend Mana Pools National Park anytime from April through end of October

[@ivylin2368]

I’m so addict on ur chanel! Thx for everything u share, it’s truly helpful❤

[@Jeff_Hyer]

So happy to hear that! Glad you're enjoying the content, thanks for supporting my channel!

[@joshuaallen9777]

I’m considering doing a trip to Africa with my kids in two or three years. This video is very helpful.

[@laureltoms9464]

My husband and I have been to Kenya twice and South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe once for a total of 9 safari camps and a stay at the Giraffe Manor. I prefer Kenya and can’t wait to go back.

[@TheMeganDaily]

These videos are fabulous! Thank you so much!

[@sshivash]

East Africa (Kenya & Tanzania): Best animal sightings (especially Masai Mara), more affordable, easier access but very touristy. South Africa: Good animal sightings but not as prolific as Masai Mara, slightly more expensive, a long way to get there, very nice side trips (Cape Town is a must), moderately touristy. Botswana: Fewer animal sightings, most expensive among the three, getting there takes a long time (no direct flights into Botswana, you have to transit in South Africa and take a connecting flight to Botswana), very exclusive, low number of tourists, it's the real Africa experience if you want privacy and exclusivity. If you can afford it, its definitely recommended. Final recommendations: If budget, time, accessibility, and prolific animal sightings are a priority, then East Africa is the choice. If you want something more exclusive, secluded, and private, then Botswana is the choice. If you are a first time safari goer, then just go to Masai Mara. If you fall in love with the experience, then save up money, and plan your second safari to Botswana.

[@GoldenGlobeGuide1-s]

also kruger is 10 times larger than masai mara

[@esem135]

East Africa takes the crown, with Kenya leading the pack!!

[@Robertbacklun]

Great review, thanx! 😊

[@deshaunbethea5254]

That’s an easy question John. You should do both South East Africa’s wildlife equally!

[@ethybubs]

Hi Jeff, I just found you channel and I love your work, I'm hoping you still see comments on older videos. Do you have any videos on ethical tips for safari tours, I'm a bit concerned about the ethics of cultural experiences and also finding tours that feed money directly into the african communities.

[@neshnesh4674]

check safari n smiles!

[@mwas4299]

The video is biased to favour South Africa. -Kenya is the top destination of tourism in Africa. -The word Safari comes from Kenya and Tanzania since it’s Swahili. -accommodation kenya Safari is not only tent now everything depends on your pocket. Road in a national park is a joke. You need to live the natural habitat of the animal be not tempering with the environment. - Tour Gide is important you need to be explained what is what and the history of the park or specific pack of animal. -South African beach is beach to admire since swimming in a beach full of sharks 🦈 is a hazard but when you go to Zanzibar,Mombasa,Lamu islands In East Africa it’s white beaches u can swim and enjoy without sharks 🦈 but in east Africa you can swim with dolphins 🐬 -wild beast immigration happens in only kenya 🇰🇪 and Tanzania 🇹🇿 is a natural wanders -infrastructure we have airstrips in kenya and Tanzania so you can do a lot of tour you can do safari, beach ,mountain climbing and etc. We don’t build road in the park because we try not to interfere alot with the natural savanna environment. And etc

[@Jeff_Hyer]

Take what you will from the information in this video. This is my interpretation and while I agree Kenya + Tanzania are spectacular destinations I’m not crowning either, or South Africa, the best. All the mentioned destinations have many wonderful things to offer.

[@freedomm]

I think this is just his interpretation given what he experienced and was exposed to in Eastern and Southern Africa. For example, in Kenya, conventional wisdom is you should never pave (tarmac) roads in a national park because the experience should be as authentic to nature as possible, while in South Africa they want to make the it more accessible and convenient as possible to people used to modern amenities. Almost a zoo experience, but that's just my opinion.. He's showing people they have a choice based on what they prefer. I agree with you the East African coast has warm ocean currents ideal for swimming and water sports all year, but he does explain South Africa's cold currents, while not ideal for swimming, brings a variety of life we're not used to in East Africa such as sharks, penguins and seals. I'll concede he was wrong about the safari lodge/tented camp comparisons because, in Kenya at least, we have both. Most people just default to camps because they're cheaper than lodges. But those who prefer comfort always opt for lodges which run the gamut from luxury to affordable. They're both definitely available and it's just down to your budget. But he was right in most of the other stuff so bravo, Jeff 👏🏾 You forgot to mention one thing though, South Africa is more of a commercialised ranch culture where hunting is allowed and even canned trophy hunting for are organised while in Kenya, hunting is completely forbidden, not tolerated and has been abolished for over half a century. So while South Africa has more rhinos and elephants, their population has been declining while Kenya has all but eradicated mass poaching (still exists but on a very small scale) and the recent wildlife census shows populations of virtually every endangered species increasing.

[@AliAsadMo]

Even the word "safari" is Swahili (Kenya, Tanzania). Anyhow, the big difference for me is South Africa is a big National Park the other (Kenya, Tanzania) are authentic experience. Plus, true benefits to the local community not to "foreigners" as Hyer says, can only be found in Kenya, Tanzania. 👍

[@alfredmaina9357]

on point my G,,,, KENYAN SAFARI IS CULTUREE🥵♨♨

[@georgewabwire824]

Thanks for the rebuttal! I was thinking the same thing. Dave Mani (a Canadian tourist in Kenya 🇰🇪) is always showing us permanent structures in Maasai Mara and big Elephants in Amboseli. I wondered why he said that the safari in East Africa is mostly limited to animals???? Since president Magufuli taught Tanzanians to hate Kenya, how do you categorize us as one? Why not just talk about safari in South Africa.? Then talk about Kenya separately and Tanzania separately? I’m sorry but he’s not representing kenya 🇰🇪 well.

[@mrsleannejh]

Wow, so much info-now I'll have to figure it out, watch again ! Thanks

[@Jeff_Hyer]

Thanks for watching! Don’t hesitate to reach out to my team (link in description) if you need help designing a custom safari itinerary, we’d love to plan your ideal trip !

[@ZoeMcMillan-ix9fi]

Such a useful video, thank you :)

[@shrutiarora7181]

Very informative and clear for me to decide, which one I should pick 😊

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

Contrary to what you report you can drive your own vehicle without a guide in East Africa and not all parks are plains in East Africa; a lot have bush too, mountains, lakes...

[@hoverboy]

In Kenya, depends on what you wanna see. If you wanna see huge herds of elephants, you go to the Tsavo. If you wanna see Rhinos, you go to Lake Nakuru National Park. You wanna spot the big cats, you go to the Masai Mara.

[@saintsalieri]

What about need for malaria prophylaxis? Is it true its not necessary in Kruger but is in Tanzania?

[@Aaddffhjjhhhn]

East Africa for sure ❤❤

[@isoboy1000]

Another positive point about Southern Africa is the you can travel between South Africa - Namibia - Botswana - Zim - Mozambique - Swziland and Lesotho on well maintained roads with no hiccups with a normal vehicle.

[@ppakala]

Jeff - Love your videos. I am curious if mid-July is a good time in eastern serengeti for a couple of nights? Ty

[@flowyscreations]

I should be going to Southern Africa in 2025 and its not so much for the Safari experience as i already did Mara and Serengeti in 2025. That was a National Geographic experience, travelling across endless plain of grassland especially in Serengeti. I thought the drive would never end. Im hoing to South Africa to see Cape Town and the landscape + culture then to Kruger to experience a bit of their safari but the big pull is really to Namibia. I just need to stand on those massive dunes close to the sea as well as to visit deadvlei. Maybe in another 5 years ill do my 3rd trip to visit Ghana where my foreparents were sold into slavery across the Atlantic to Jamaica. ❤ 🇯🇲

[@katief6027]

Exactly the information I was looking for! Also not too dense or too lengthy!! thank you :)

[@kwaaikat100]

This is a good informative video. There is however a perspective that is touched upon here, that I need to elaborate upon. As for what else there is to do, we can compare lists all day. But the bottom line is, in practice, nobody combines the beaches of Zanzibar, a Kilimanjaro experience, the Serengeti and a a visit to the shores of the great lakes in one visit. The infrastructure means it is just not realistic to do more than two of these things, unless you have a lot of money and time. This is where Southern Africa is radically different. Combining the Kruger with the panorama route, Cape Town, and the winelands, and/or the Garden Route, or even Vic Falls is easily done, and regularly done. Proper commercial flight connections, roads, car rental options abound. Supermarkets where you can buy everything you can buy at home (but often ridicilously cheaper) are in every town. Just the Kruger, Panorama Route and Cape Town & surrounding winelands already give you a sophisticated world city, culture, food, wine, waterfalls, (different) mountains, some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in addition to a world class game park in one trip. All bookings easy to book and modify yourself, all prices originally based in local currency. Countries like South Africa and Namibia, unlike Tanzania and Kenya, have most of their tourists as domestic tourists, who know when things are not authentic, and who don’t want to pay an arm and a leg. You don’t even need a travel agent, you can book the flights online, compare fares from more than one airline. It is as easy as travelling in North America. Which brings me to the next thing, and that goes back to the game reserves themselves. This video, like many such comparisons on the internet, focuses on comparing guided safari vehicle travel. The Kruger itself actually has little of that, so what vlogs and blogs really describe is the private reserves adjacent to the Kruger, the other reserves in the so called greater Kruger where colonial style pampering is the aim. That is more like East Africa and the obvious to compare, but it is not what the Kruger proper really is about. What the Kruger shines in, what made it famous, is the self drive heaven that it is. And how incredibly accessible and easy it is, how vast and varied the Kruger is, how the infrastructure allows ordinary people to arrive with 20kg baggage and proceed to rent a car, buy their supplies as they travel, and make their own calls where to explore, and how long to linger. Kindle your own fire at night, and reminisce about the days surprises. (There are restaurants in all the big camps too). And you can still do the odd sunset drive to get a guide’s perspective if you want, and get to see animals that are more difficult to spot on day time self drives. I actually recommend that. But there is a thrill of inter active travel and self discovery of sightings, that I never got on the many work trips in Africa at establishments where all viewing is from the back of a safari vehicle. And the unpredictability means every Kruger experience is different. That is why most visitors are return travellers, it takes several trips to experience the charm of each region in the park. And that is not to mention the other wildlife destinations further from the big cities, like Etosha or the Kgalakgadi which are actually even bigger than the Kruger, and vastly different more open landscapes. The same goes for the coastline. In East Africa it most probably means self contained often all all inclusive resorts, in a place like Zanzibar or Mombassa. Tropical paradise, cocktail a few steps from your room, with the odd excursion who picks you up at your hotel. I like that don’t get me wrong. But in South Africa the variety is greater, it means surfing towns, like Jeffereys Bay, or scenic coastal drives like Chapman’s Peak, or long walks on deserted beaches like Kosi Bay with no curio trader in sight, or riviera style sophisticated trendy coastal city neighbourhoods like Camps Bay in Cape Town, or wildlife at the sea like St Lucia, or fishing hamlets forgotten by time like the West Coast. An East African safari is an iconic bucket list experience, with the vast herds and far vistas. If you want to imagine be on the set in Lion King or Out of Africa, you’ll get more of that in East Africa. But authentic depends on what you mean. It is South Africa where you don’t pay in US Dollars, where things you eat and drink are produced in country, where the mere sight of you does mean locals see yiu as a cash machine, where you brush shoulders with local tourists and locals who are not tourist establishment staff. East Africa is memorable but expensive, the cheaper options are still quite expensive for what you get. Self drive is possible, but complicated. You can combine that with Zanzibar, but the trip adds up in expenses and risks of difficulties. Many Southern vs East Africa vlogs sort of conclude that it comes down to which habitat you prefer, supposedly South Africa being all woodland, East Africa being all grassland. (most of South Africa is treeless steppes or grassland, and that is even more true if we add other Southern African countries like Botswana and Namibia). What it really comes down to is what type of traveller you are and what you are looking for in a holiday.

[@gedenironald8635]

South Africa is a country and East Africa is a region.

[@Jeff_Hyer]

Yes I’m aware 😂 if you’re commenting on the video’s title I’m referring to eastern and southern Africa both as regions.

[@danogeto78]

Southern

[@gedenironald8635]

@@Jeff_Hyer Then the correct wat of putting it is, Southern Africa v East Africa, South Africa is a country in Southern Africa, just the same as Kenya is a country in East Africa. I am glad you know the difference but other people do not and so it may mislead other people into thinking South Africa is a region and I speak from experience as other people here in the US do not know the difference. Great video.

[@christineopiyo7769]

​@@gedenironald8635 good to clarify, many Americans always think Africa is a country instead of a continent. Maybe they were sleeping in geography class😂 Well it's a continent of about 54 countries 😊

[@mengichlagat]

Botswana, south Africa and Namibia are southern Africa

[@smilli6415]

what are best safaris in august to visit please

[@gaboroot4599]

thank you for your video. Quick question, what is better, book safari tours in advance from my hometown or take a flight, arrive there and book something on site? Thanks for your reply in advance!

[@Jeff_Hyer]

I would definitely recommend booking your safaris well in advance, availability can be very limited. Feel free to reach out to me here if you want to reserve your safari experience 😄: jeffhyer.com/safari-inquiry-form/

[@Po10ntial]

Quite insightful 👌🏾 😊

[@travelwiththehales]

Is there any particular tour group you like / prefer to use ?

[@Jeff_Hyer]

I work with several different tour operators across both regions. They each specialize in different trip styles, so to answer your question, it depends on the itinerary! If you have an upscale budget and are looking to book a full safari itinerary somewhere, I’d be happy to help design a trip for you. If interested, I invite you to fill out our online travel form. Once this is submitted, somebody on our team will be in touch with you shortly about the next steps : travelbymitra.com/get-started/travel-by-mitra-form/?amp=1

[@sarahbi8811]

I like how direct the content was!

[@fandangofandango2022]

Great Doco Sir.

[@oh_itravel]

Great video! 🤗 helped so much

[@walterrussell7584]

Yeah it was helpful a lot to think about

[@ddphotoadventure2657]

Hey Jeff, Why are some safari vehicles open sided and others just have the roof that pops up? And do you feel safe in the open sided?

[@Jeff_Hyer]

I feel safe in both. The open-sided vehicles are usually owned by hotels/lodges and are driven within the parks/reserves only. The pop-up roof vehicles are typically used as transport between parks as well as a safari vehicle when it enters one. So in East Africa, if you book a multi-day itinerary in several parks you'll likely get a Range Rover or safari van that will be your one vehicle the entire trip. The roof rises when in safari mode and closes when you're in transit. Whereas if you go on game drives through your hotel only you'll likely use their branded, open-sided vehicles. Depending on your itinerary you can have a combination of both types.

[@ddphotoadventure2657]

@@Jeff_Hyer Thank you

[@smilli6415]

can you help book a safari trip in august fro Uk

[@Jeff_Hyer]

Most definitely! Kindly fill out the safari inquiry form linked here to get started: jeffhyer.com/safari-inquiry-form/

[@sean_mazwi]

How much risk of maleria infection & how is easy it is to travel to both from abroad?

[@derykdero3501]

pretty easy... visa on landing for east Africa

[@InnocentZungu-eb1rd]

Thank you for the information on safari

[@Newtruth777]

I’m recently retired and very interested in going with a group I’m traveling alone

[@namazzilydia5150]

You are most welcome to Uganda in East Africa. You can use our company to book African Safari Trails Limited and enjoy the mountain gorillas

[@places5592]

How is it safe when you drive in a vehicle with no protection and do the guides have weapons? How dangerous is it when you are following the trails of these big 5?

[@Jeff_Hyer]

@@places5592 it’s not as dangerous as you might think. If you don’t bother the wildlife, they won’t bother you. Experienced guides will know how to safely observe animals without putting you at risk.

[@jaquelass5735]

Great video!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@LameezBrown-on8cr]

I was never ever out off Cape town

[@jonesmapani9898]

South Luangwa in Zambia is equally good.

[@danielkimuyu3044]

Both and all over Africa.

[@uzairjamshaid7017]

Are animals given anesthesia or similar kind of drugs in safari’s because they do not attack humans when they see them kindly clarify @ Jeff

[@cobusthomas2568]

😂😂😂😂

[@JPTPot]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@w-james9277]

Iv been to both and like both very much. East Africa is more "picture book" Africa with the open savannahs and herds of game while southern is more varied. One minuet you're in thick bush and the next you're in open plains. Predator viewing is equal in both but feels more rewarding in Southern and you also have a better chance of seeing Leopard and Wild Dogs than you do in Eastern. You also see more Rhino's in Southern but there are reserves in Kenya where you'll have a good chance of seeing introduced Southern White Rhino's. Iv had fantastic Elephant sightings in both but East African Elephants look more regal and the beautiful surroundings add to the sighting. I personally find the people in Eastern are allot more hospitable than in Southern, unless they're involved with your tour, they don’t want anything to do with you. But Southern guides are more knowledgeable not just about the big 5, but also the birds, plants and insects. Especially birds, every Southern African guide has raved about the birds. Another difference iv noticed is the Lions and Cheetah in Southern Africa are much bigger than in the East. Lions in Eastern Africa are shorter, more stocky and have more red in their fur while Lions in the South are more pale but are much taller, longer and more regal. And Cheetah in South Africa are WAY bigger than the Cheetah you see in the Mara/Serengeti. When I first saw Cheetah in the Mara it was a male coalition I thought they were subadults. If you do your safari right you'll reap the rewards no matter which region you go.

[@frankchong5585]

I watched the video with conclusion of both pros and cons. But after read the comments and seeing how EA "supporters" bash his "bias", that easily concluded to me SA is the better choice. :) So Kruger it is

[@jankoedam1123]

Great deduction! As a first timer you cannot go wrong on either of them as they are both great. Also, within SA there are big differences: In Kruger, as in most places in East Africa you need to stay on the roads, which can limit the optimal visuals but in most private game reserves in SA the guides drive across the bush when "needed" to track the animals. It is clear that in numbers you will see more in EA than in SA but when it comes to diversity, especially including smaller animals and birds, SA wins hands down. It will also be more easy to tell your guide what you would like to see in SA, whereas in EA it is all about the big numbers. And, speaking about numbers, the biggest turn-off I find in EA is the number of vehicles at one siting. they can add up to the dozens at a large cat sightings, and even more at the great migration. In the private game reserves in SA there is a policy of a restricted number of cars per sighting. Other cars will wait out of sight to give a better view and better photo opportunity. Still, both regions are great and neither will disappoint.

[@abelnoowe5918]

Of course east africa

[@justafriend3408]

You can't compare east Africa to southern Africa when it comes to wilderness. East Africa is likely to have more as a result of having a mixture of climates including equatorial, tropical as well as a semi arid landscape. Nature itself does most of the work; humans can only do so much.

[@boazyisraeltv4099]

East Africa is the best especially Tanzania which has Serengeti national parks and other parks you will really won't regret visiting Tanzania

[@esem135]

Maasai Mara keeps beating Serenegeti in tourism numbers. The fact that it is smaller than Serengeti actually gives it an edge over Serengeti because it is easier to spot animals in the Mara than the larger Serengeti. Mara gets double tourist numbers the Serengeti numbers!! Secondly, TZ is a larger country than Kenya, but Kenya has more parks than TZ. As for the beaches, Diani, Kenya keeps getting the votes as the best leading beach destination, and Watamu keeps getting great ranks, too. Lamu,Kenya is the oldest and most well-preserved Swahili stellement on the East Africa coast. So you may want to talk down Kenya but the numbers and stats say otherwise. TZ only did well with tourism numbers during COVID-19 because Kenay shut down, but even so, Kenya overall had better vistor numbers.

[@RafaelsII-x1j]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Masai Mara is literally a Reserve it's like an extension of the ecosystem BTW check the Awards Serengeti has won best for 4 years consecutively

[@paulchika4121]

Its not a biased report. Its just not being to the secluded placed kept secret in East Africa. Especially in Kenya. The places which arent advertised but are fully booked the entire lifetime

[@CJEarthboundMentor]

Thank You

[@Saia_xx]

Price please?

[@Jeff_Hyer]

Hey! I’ve got a video on my channel breaking down the cost of a typical safari. You can check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nny6g5KwgcaWiLMsi=DEBRg-0eOu5bDR9v

[@Saia_xx]

@@Jeff_Hyer so you couldn’t just answer it here ? You had to try to get me to get you another view Smfh let go google it

[@pw-t2c]

you can self drive in kenya but the roads are terrible terrible terrible in many national parks but not in all of them

[@koza1998]

during our stays in south africa , cape alguhas was the southernmost point and not the cape of good hope 😉🇿🇦

[@Deontjie]

It changes all the time.

[@freedomm]

Interesting perspective.

[@JPTPot]

South Africa for sure more developed and more to see and do.

[@DotiVirtuoso]

Tourists don't visit countries to experience development which they already have. It's the rich wilderness

[@isoboy1000]

@@DotiVirtuoso Why are they going to Cape Winelands if thats true?

[@kabuginjimu8573]

East Africa Kenya and Tanzania is way better. More animals in Masaai Mara and Serengetti than all of South Africa. Open grassland savannah in Serengetti and Masaai Mara and the highest mountain Kilimanjaro

[@haddock54]

Africa is a must visit place........ at least once.

[@namazzilydia5150]

Most welcome

[@Gattiboy]

I'm from east Africa so I choose south Africa

[@ewm4266]

😂😂, sio lazima usimp hivyo

[@williamwatitwa3534]

The opposite of local guide is foreign guide,

[@derrickowino1071]

in east Africa different game reserves specialize in different animals. For example if you are interested in seeing large herds of elephants you would go to Amboseli and not Masai Mara etc. So the analysis can be cascaded further to the individual game reserves

[@tealsquare]

Or you could just go to Uganda where they are all in one place

[@Roos3979]

⁠@@tealsquare same in Kruger South Africa, the national park with arguably the biggest diversity, also South Africa can be way more affordable than East Africa who is ridiculously expensive, if you want a comfortable safari in East Africa it is close to $6500 for a week for a couple while South Africa is more like $2300, yes South Africa can be expensive two but that is for ultra luxury. Kruger you are more likely too see more different animals than East Africa were it’s big herds of the same animals. Kruger has 3 local communities bordering the park the Venda,Pedi and Tsonga peoples so if you make effort you will get more of a diverse culture experience, one thing in South Africa is we generally don’t commercialise peoples cultures The same is true in South Africa were parks like Kgalagad(probably one of the most underrated parks probably because sightings aren’t like a fast food restaurant but the sightings is generally more rewarding and intimate as you are likely to be the only car at sightings) way different than Kruger as it is more dessert like but with the big five and some other very nice species as well So if you are willing to pay more for seeing more volumes of sightings East Africa is definitely for you If you aren’t willing to spend as much and is willing to patient for good sightings ( most of the time with less cars around , you will get traffic jams sometimes ) which you will have, and a wider variety of animals South Africa is for you

[@tealsquare]

@@Roos3979 it's true what you say about the sightings in Kruger and Some of the footage I've see from there is unbelievable. The distinction I'm making here is Uganda from "East Africa" which for most tourists means the Serengeti and the Mara. Those two and other major parks in those countries are very vast and also teeming with tourists (not as jammed as SA but they have their seasons). Uganda on the other hand is very poorly marketed and won't be helped by that incident with tourists in one of the parks. Unless you are going there to see mountain gorillas which is I think $700 which is the cheapest fee of the only three countries where they are found, Uganda is the cheapest place to have a proper safari and I'm damn sure it's a lot cheaper than the figures you quoted there.

[@fabianjoy12875]

Both good Kenya elephant orphanage.

[@worldsonline6804]

Why do you pave roads in a national park in Africa? East Africa gives you the experience of Africa away from Europe! And that's what it should be, adventurous, and the real feeling of a safari, remembered the word safari itself is from East Africa!

[@darkgalaxy5548]

Dirt roads kick up a lot of dust, which isn't pleasant at all, and a bit of an environmental hazard to plants & animals.

[@worldsonline6804]

@@darkgalaxy5548 It wouldn't be interesting to have paved ways in national parks.

[@JamesBrown-ij1px]

I agree. Natural roads are much preferred for me. Paved roads make it too commercial and feels like a zoo. I want to visit the animals in their natural habitat and not the other way around.

[@thenativeconservationist]

Our game reserve has paved roads because it was an army base for the brutal Apartheid regime. As a people we were robbed so much so we decided to give back to Mother Earth we gave to her other majestic and little creatures that live amongst us. Please don’t judge a story by a simple paved road because that is the danger of a single story. Be blessed dear.

[@petrakobert6620]

There are not only paved roads but plenty of dirt roads as well.

[@erickabuthia3213]

It's an intentional effort by the government to keep the roads as natural as the scenery for the benefit of the animals. Hot tarmac roads would be a very bad idea for the wild animals in the midday sun. This may result in animals trying to avoid tarmac crossings.

[@tutotutot5193]

The best self drive Safari experience in the world is in Botswana....Even South Africans prefer Botswana Parks more than theirs.

[@JO_Artificial]

bro, you made it seem like Uganda doesn't have the same or even more wild life than any other country in East Africa, Uganda has that you've mentioned and more, social media politics is making it seem like only mountain gorillas exist. Try White water rafting on the Nile with beautiful lodges, more game packs than any other country in the region with even the famous tree climbing lions etc.

[@tuckingfwit]

Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited and I have travelled extensively in Africa and elsewhere

[@fistosravenscroft6651]

East Africa is for rich people only South Africa is for every budget, you can also camp

[@Jeff_Hyer]

@@fistosravenscroft6651 both regions can accommodate any travel budget, based on my experiences I can attest!

[@DotiVirtuoso]

East African residents are charged way less and a beggar can afford, other nationals are not charged that much either considering they traveled that far

[@MabudahsySbudah]

Wow I like animals

[@darlingtonchaibva2193]

East Africa is rich in natural medicine

[@nycp1969]

What advice do you have for LGBTQ travelers? South Africa is the only country on your list that has broad protections for the LGBTQ community (although Botswana isn't bad from the perspective of traveling.) I'm planning a safari, and I want to feel safe from the two-legged animals! Which do you think is best for me? I'm leaning towards South Africa, as I also enjoy wine a lot. Thanks. This is a great video.

[@evans5232]

you will be safe in Kenya. people don't care about your sexuality. it's just in the Media

[@thenativeconservationist]

Botswana has also decriminalized LGBTQ. We welcome you in South Africa 🇿🇦 and Botswana 🇧🇼

[@jeffryjeff3278]

That's nasty. Africans don't embrace it. It's ungodly

[@Hiddengems116]

You can even kiss your Gay partner in public in South Africa

[@GoldenGlobeGuide1-s]

kruger park has more animals than masai mara

[@gideongouvs5559]

In South Africa you will get robbed of your camera --- your wallet --- even your chocolate

[@isoboy1000]

In the wild? why are people still flocking there is thats true?

[@walterrussell7584]

I would hate to travel halfway around the world just to see a turtle

[@sunandamukherjee2520]

Please try to understand Please stopped hunting innocent animal life If you hunting animals you reduced animals species Saved animals life And the forest Help me to this

[@dennisndirangu2536]

Safari is swahili which is spoken in East Africa so how does it make sense for you to say that South Africa is better yet we are the one's who invented it. You're not God to determine which country is better 🚮😂😂😂 so sit down! why should a foreigner compare african countries?

[@kemmoneR]

Urgh kenyans mud slinging. Its fine Safari is swahili, so what? We don't care.

[@kwaaikat100]

@@kemmoneR Yip, agree pointless mud slinging is what it is. Safari being Swahili is as meaningless as pointing out that the word wildebeest is Afrikaans (a.k.a Southern Africa).

[@kemmoneR]

@@kwaaikat100 Is like we took their bread

[@loyisoqaqane9774]

Why are the east Africans so hurt by this?

[@korirvtl]

such a biased report

[@georgekibe7566]

South Africa is a big country compared to Kenya

[@Starsky1413]

You must mention the crime in South Africa It’s a pretty dangerous place if you don’t know what you’re doing. Make a wrong turn in Cape Town and that could be the end of you