Welcome to the Big Tuskers: The Ultimate Safari Experience Awards 2018, where you help crown Africa’s ultimate safari experiences. In the safari world, the ultimate animal without peer is the African Elephant. Not only is it the largest land mammal in the world, its strength and raw power unmatched, but elephants also possess notable intellect and emotional intelligence. A ‘Tusker’ is a term fondly given to a male elephant with impressively large tusks, and a Big Tusker represents the largest of the Tuskers. There are only a handful of Big Tuskers in the wilds today, and these animals generally spend their time away from the herds. As such, only a select few individuals have the special privilege of seeing them in the wild. We felt that the Big Tuskers best embodied what we were looking for– safari experiences that stand out from the crowd and provide guests with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
The Safari Index team of safari experts were tasked with nominating an elite selection of "ultimate safari experiences" in various categories. The nominees have been deemed to be the "Tuskers" of the safari world. But we need your help to crown the ultimate safari experience- the Big Tusker in each category. By voting for your favourite Tusker, you stand a chance of winning some great prizes, including a stay at a luxury game lodge, as well as other safari-related prizes. You can only vote once in each category. Ts & Cs apply.
1. Ultimate Safari Hotspots - Best Parks and Reserves in Africa
Africa is blessed with a vast amount of game rich wilderness areas many of which are protected int he form of national parks, game reserves and conservancies. With so much to choose from its rather difficult to choose where to go. Help crown your favourite national park, game reserve or safari area as Africa's ultimate safari destination for 2016 by voting for your lodge here.
2. Ultimate African Safaris - Life Changing Safari Experiences
Everyone has their say on what is the ultimate African safari experience. With a plethora of different safari experiences on offer we want you to help us nail down just which is the pinnacle safari experience. Is it a Big 5 safari one of Africa's best game lodges, or what about primate hiking safari in the heart of Africa's jungles in search of the big apes, is it a tented safari following the Great Migration,. or could it be exploring the Okavango Delta by traditional 'Mokoro' canoe....
3. Ultimate Family - Best Safari Experiences for Kids
We all know that travelling with the family can result in parents needing a holiday after a holiday. Well not if you head to one of these ultimate safari destinations where the kids are looked after, educated and kept entertained whilst the parents can relax, unwind and enjoy a full uninterrupted safari experience. We need you to help us crown the ultimate safari experience for families with young children.
4. Ultimate Value: Best Value Safari Experiences
The Big Tuskers of the budget safari travel world! Here are our finalist nominations for Africa's finest budget safari experience. Help us choose who rules the roost when it comes to cheap and affordable guided safari experiences. From game lodges, to overland tours. And remember if you visited or taken part in any of the nominated safari experiences then your vote counts twice. You also stand a chance to win a 2-night stay at a luxury gamer lodge in South Africa. The nominees for 2016 are:
5. Ultimate Romance - Best Honeymoon Safari Experiences
Some of the most dreamy and alluring romantic destinations on the planet are found on the African continent. From paradise beach lodges to secluded bush camps in settings of pristine natural splendor, Africa no doubt brings out that loving feeling. Safari Index hereby introduces the list of nominees for the Big Tusker award for the ultimate romantic safari destination in Africa in 2016. Go ahead and vote for who you think is the heir apparent to this title.
6. Ultimate Luxury: Africa's Exceptional Luxury Game Lodges
For those who like to do it in style , there is nothing like being in a remote piece of paradise on safari in Africa and have your every desire met at the click of a finger. These superb game lodges combine the very best in service, lodging and safari activities to create the pinnacle of luxury safari experiences that need to be seen to be believed. So go ahead and flick through the nominees for this years Big Tusker award in the "Lavishly Luxurious" category.
7. Ultimate Self-Catering: Best African Camps & Lodges
For those that love DIY holidays such as self-drive safaris and bush holidays in Africa, you will no doubt be aware of some the special gems of camps we have in Africa. These self-catering lodges and camps and are vitally important for local travellers and those on tighter budgets and as such we decided that they needed to be put on a pedestal. We need your help to crown Africa's ultimate self-catering camp or lodge so add your voice and vote now.
8. Ultimately Unique: Truly Different Safari Experiences
For seasoned safari goers there is nothing like experiencing or seeing something new and it is generally the well travelled safari goer who looks for the out of the box safari experiences. Whether going on safari using different modes of transportation, staying in a safari lodge that breaks the traditional game lodge mold, or heading to unusual safari destinations that are off the beaten tracks... Here is a collection of some amazing once in a life time safari experiences.
9. Ultimate Adventure - The Best Adventure Safaris in Africa
Africa is a continent blessed with amazing natural resources, in particular its wildlife, its people and its natural splendour. Arguably the best way to experience true Africa in its rawest form is on an adventure of some sort. Not only will you have stories to tell afterwards, but you get to touch, taste, feel, hear and smell Africa more than you ever would from inside the protected confines of a lodge or hotel. Here are some of the best African adventures you can take part in.
