If you’ve been inspired by Moo Deng, resident baby pygmy hippo of Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand, or Pesto, king penguin chick of Sea Life Aquarium Melbourne, to go on your own wild adventure, then a safari is likely the perfect choice of holiday for you. Here Max Schmidt, head of global camper tour operator CamperDays, shares his favourite safari road trips for everyone from touring beginners to those that like to live life on the wild side.
Max says: “With our social feeds being filled with the daily hijinks of all kinds of creatures from across the globe, the urge to pack up and experience the wonders of the natural world is hard to ignore.
“For those already planning 2025 holidays – particularly those keen on travelling to far flung destinations or wanting to explore the natural world – expense is likely top of mind. In fact, hiring a motorhome or campervan is a much more financially viable option than many realise with prices for off-road safari vehicles starting from £80, and is a far more common way to get out into the wild and experience nature.”
Below Max recommends five safari road trip ideas whether you’re keen to spot the big 5 or wanting to experience wildlife closer to home.
South Africa
The go-to for safari holidays with countless locations where you can spot South African wildlife, including the famous Kruger National Park. The Garden Route is a famous trail that offers the opportunity to see ostriches and explore elephant parks, while Cape Whale Coast provides the best views for whale and bird watching.
Luckily, there are plenty of malaria-free areas of South Africa such as the Madikwe Game Reserve and Pilanesberg National Park. Arguably the best part of a South African safari is the proximity to vibrant Cape Town and excellent regional wines.
Namibia
Namibia’s wintertime (June – October) is one of the best times for safaris due to the temperate climate, cloudless skies, and cool nights. A road trip to the Etosha National Park is a great opportunity to meet four of the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, and endangered black rhinos.
Alternatively, a road trip along Namibia’s spookily-named Skeleton Coast will take you to Cape Cross, home to one of the largest settlements of Cape fur seals. Travel anytime between December and June to witness the birth of seal pups.
Chile
As of October 2024, it’s now possible with CamperDays to pick up vehicles from stations in Santiago de Chile, Arica, El Loa, El Tepual, and Punta Arenas.
Near Santiago de Chile is the Torres del Paine National Park, home to the king of Patagonia, the puma. In addition to that, the guanaco, the largest wild mammal in Chile, can be found throughout the country, as well as Culpeo foxes, the largest predator in the Atacama region.
With some of the world’s most diverse landscapes boasting deserts, mountains, forests, islands and more, you’re bound to see all manner of wildlife on the road.
Iceland
The land of fire and ice, while famous for its spectacular landscapes, also has its fair share of wildlife spotting opportunities. Top spots to see furry and feathered friends include the West Fjords where puffins nest in the summer, the Hornstrandir nature reserve where many Arctic foxes live and play, and Húsavík, where you can take whale watching trips.
In your very own off-road jeep, you’ll be able to take the reins and design your own itinerary, with the chance to see other animals like reindeer, Icelandic horses, or maybe the gyrfalcon, Iceland’s national bird.
