The call of the African wild is intense and she demands that you heed her call. A safari holiday is the best way to be introduced to Africa and to make the most of your travel- and safari experience. With the option of set tours, customised tours and, of course, self drive tours, you can explore as much of the wild as you like.

There are numerous South African safaris available for you to choose from, but you may wish to glance further afield. Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia are also excellent areas for game viewing in incredibly scenic areas. From arid desert to savannah plains and majestic waterfalls to lakes and rivers, wildlife (mammal, reptile, amphibian, bird, fish and plant) is prolific and the settings are breathtaking. An African excursion is something that every individual the world over should experience at some point in their lifetime.

For many the call of the wild is purely to see Africa's Big Five. Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo - these animals are considered the most dangerous and the most difficult to hunt. Although numerous conservation laws now protect these animals from being hunted, they still remain the most popular animals to see while in Africa. For this reason there are numerous Big Five safari tours that are conducted in areas that these animals are known to inhabit, thus maximising your chances of seeing these elusive creatures.

While safaris are very popular and desirable holiday excursions, many people are put off experiencing Africa because they fear astronomical costs. By opting for a tailor-made safari tour you not only have the opportunity to include certain areas that you wish to see in your tour, you can also limit the number of days, trips or game drives, as well as selecting which type of accommodation you prefer in order to keep costs down. There are numerous tour and travel agencies that will work within your budget to arrange a safari holiday that will open your eyes to the spirit of Africa.

Other individuals may prefer to explore a game park or reserve by themselves. In this case, planning a tour with a reputable travel company may still be a good idea, as they will take care of vehicle- and hotel reservations, provide route maps and offer a helpline should you require information or assistance en route. There are numerous benefits to a self drive tour as you needn't conform to a set itinerary. This gives you greater opportunity to explore the wild unencumbered and, because there is no guide, this tour type is a lot more private and intimate.

Set tours will cover the more well-known areas and make use of popular or established accommodation venues. The Kruger Park is the most popular reserve and South African safaris here are led by THETA registered and approved guides who are knowledgeable about the area and are experienced in tracking animals of various kinds. This means that you will have a better chance of seeing a variety of animals. Tours in other areas will also be led by experienced guides, who will ensure that your excursion is everything you dreamed of. Alternatively, travel outside of South Africa's borders for an even wilder African experience!

You may also prefer a tour that includes more than just being chauffeured while you look for elusive creatures. If you enjoy actively participating in all aspects of camp life, as well as game viewing, then there are tours which accommodate these preferences (these may also be cheaper than fully accommodated tours). Tented tours will see you camping in wildest Africa with nothing other than nylon or canvas separating you from various nocturnal beasts. Golf is a popular sport the world over and there are numerous packages that combine a Big Five safari tour with rounds of golf at some of the country's most acclaimed greens. Spend the morning searching the dry savannah land for game and then play on emerald green fairways - the contrast is breathtaking. For the ultimate luxury tour that comprises Old-World glamour and the charm of a bygone era, a rail tour will take you into the heart of Africa and back again for a luxury tour unlike any other.

With all the modern day conveniences and urban lifestyles that we take for granted it can be beneficial to take a break from the everyday rat race of the city to visit a place that is mostly untouched by human influence. An African safari will leave a lasting impression; from her stunning scenery to her beautiful creatures, there is plenty to explore and discover. Contact a reputable travel and tours agency today and plan your safari holiday for memories that will last a lifetime.