There's plenty of genuine wilderness out there if you're willing to get a little rough and tumble. The trick is getting the timing right. Take Tanzania, for example. A few strolls in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro (along with a close encounter with a bull elephant or two) is a sublime experience, but wildebeest have a schedule just like everyone else, and if you're going to catch them on the move, you'd better take heed.
You've probably heard about the rainy season and the dry season, but if you're on safari, the rain is the least of your worries. Our pick is the tail end of the rainy season, from March to May, when the rains get longer and the vegetation gets a chance to stretch its legs. Of course, you'll be ahead of the pack, so you can expect offseason rates from hotels and airlines as a bonus.
But naturally, the real show is far from the hotel. The end of the rainy season sees the mating rituals of most of the safari set, including lions, cheetah, giraffes and impalas. At the same time, millions of wildebeest and zebra are out grazing the Serengeti to take advantage of the fresh grasses. If you're looking for an ecosystem in action, this is the jackpot.
You'll need a good guide, of course, so we suggest Mark Thornton of Thornton Safaris. He'll take you out into the wild without the convenience and protection of a Land Rover, so you'll need to stay quick on your feet...and get even quicker if the wildlife takes too much of an interest. Thornton only hosts 100 guests a year, but he has a line on some of the most lively parts of the country, so it's a list you'll want to be on.
That is, if you can get the timing right.
Thornton Safaris
http://thorntonsafaris.com
011-256-78-754-1686