THE SAFARI SOUTH AFRICA

Go in search of wildlife's stunning Big Five – and enjoy the first-rate wineries and beaches, too

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HOW DO I CHOOSE WHERE TO GO?

Of all these trips of a lifetime, perhaps a safari demands the greatest amount of research and the biggest financial outlay. However, don't worry: an expensive safari doesn't guarantee sightings and a budget trip can still be astonishing. That's the beauty of wildlife travel - the animals are in control.

First, decide what's most important to you. If it's a specific species, educate yourself. For mountain gorillas, you must look to Rwanda or Uganda; for tigers, your attention will be on India; and for orangutans, it's Borneo.

However, if you want the archetypal safari experience, with Big Five sightings, tented camps and classic game drives, it has to be Africa. We suggest South Africa for a malaria-free safari that's ideal for first-timers and families with children.

HOW DOES A SAFARI WORK?