What would you do on a safari in Africa? Game viewing : In Africa, game drives is either open- or closed-top 4×4 vehicles are where you can see the majority of large game. Closed vehicles always have roof hatches in addition to regular windows, while open vehicles may or may not have a shade roof. Minibuses are not typically used for game viewing on the safaris unless specifically asked. In order to escape the heat of the day, the animals are least active, game drives typically take place in the early mornings and late afternoons. However, longer half-day or full-day drives may be doable or necessary in some areas. You can traverse a lot of ground and get close to large game on game drives.
Driving ‘off road’ is sometimes permitted in game conservancies and private conservancies but is typically not allowed in declared national parks and reserves. Nearly often, your guide will operate the vehicle, though occasionally, he or she might be assisted by a “tracker” or “spotter” who would sit in the front and aid in locating the animals. The majority of game drive vehicles can accommodate between 4 and 10 passengers, however many tour safari operators have strive to limit the number of passengers per vehicle to no more than 7. Many national parks provide transport option with their Kenya Wildlife Service branded vehicles for an additional fee, which gives you total discretion and exclusivity when viewing game.
During Night game drives you are expressly looking for nocturnal animals that you are unlikely to spot during the day, night drives are frequently feasible and enjoyable. A strong flashlight will be used by your guide or his “spotter” to locate the animals. The animals are located by the reflection of their eyes, and while the quality of viewing and photography opportunities may be less favourable at night, night drives do occasionally produce truly exceptional and unusual sights. Given that many national parks and game reserves also provide exceptional night game drives.
Walking safaris
Walking is very common in Africa and gives you a whole different perspective on the bush than a game drive. Your senses come alive when there isn’t any engine noise, and you can hear, smell, and see things that a car makes you overlook. Walking safaris provide you the chance to learn about the tiny details of the bush, such as flora, tracks, insects, birds, and excrement, in addition to getting a little exercise. Of course, spotting large wildlife on foot might occasionally send your heart racing and be really satisfying.
While there are a few more severe walking paths in Africa that can include trekking over several days and camping in rather rudimentary “fly-camps” in the wild, many safari estates offer nature walks as standalone activity for just a few hours. There are also several permanent camps that specialised in walking but provide decent safari accommodations. The guide is an essential component of any walking safari, both from a point of view of fun and safety. When there are a variety of laws and rules governing the carrying of firearms, it is typical for either your guide or an armed ranger to accompany you when you are on foot. There are some locations where walking is done without a gun.
There aren’t many possibilities for more difficult mountain trekking in Africa. The two tallest mountains in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Kenya, both require strenuous hikes. The enigmatic, far-off Ruwenzori ‘Mountains of the Moon’ in Uganda are not for the faint of heart However, there are excellent hiking opportunities all over Africa, including (but not limited to) the Virunga Volcanoes in Rwanda, the Ngorongoro Highlands in Tanzania, the Mathews Range and Laikipia Plateau in Kenya.
Riding safaris
Only a few locations in Africa provide riding safaris. While most nations will provide some opportunity for riding, Kenya, Botswana, and South Africa are particularly renowned for the range of choices they provide. It is a true joy to explore the bush on horseback, and it can lead to some interesting encounters, particularly when you’re close to plain wildlife.
Horseback riding is available as a solo activity at some camps and lodges that have stables instead of nature walks or game drives. Although you have the freedom to decide how much riding you undertake, keep in mind that these riding safaris typically accommodate a range of riding skills and are therefore less likely to satisfy more experienced riders.
Multi-day riding safaris are available from a select few operators and are best suited for more seasoned and devoted riders. Spending up to 7 hours a day in the saddle on these longer safaris is typical, and the nights are spent in the bush in more daring “fly-camps” or “mobile tented camps,” which enhances the overall safari experience.
Specific interest
While there are many different types of wildlife to see in Africa, some of the main ones that can be specifically targeted for attention include the big five and the big cats (lion, cheetah, and leopard), black and white rhinos, wild dogs, gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, and black and white rhinos. While some mammal species may really captivate your imagination, several bird species might serve as the main focus of a safari. Although it is clearly far more difficult (or impossible) to guarantee seeing rarer species, we have the knowledge to be able to advise you on where to go if you want to view them. It’s crucial to let us know if there are any particular animals or birds you are particularly interested in seeing or just want to see because not all animals and birds can be found in all safari locations.
Cultural experiences
Many African vacations will include some type of cultural engagement without any specifically planned cultural activities because Africa is almost as well recognised for its colourful peoples as it is for its animals. Though the wildlife may have initially piqued your interest in Africa, there are times when the continent’s inhabitants can make for some of your most memorable experiences.
Even though there are typically no nearby communities where you are staying in designated National Parks & Reserves, you will encounter locals in the form of personnel and guides. Local guides in particular will be able to provide insight into both their daily life and the natural world. Most of the land is owned and/or used by local residents outside of these specially designated wildlife sanctuaries. Even if they are just inside a game reserve, these safari camps and lodges typically have close relationships to the local population, so you may frequently visit villages and get as much information about them as you like.
Water sport activities
Fantastic diving and snorkelling chances can be found in South Africa, Madagascar, Mozambique, Seychelles, Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Tanzania. The east coast of Africa is quite tidal and frequently has an outlying reef that makes snorkelling difficult from the shore in most locations (snorkelling from boats, however, can be fantastic). This is wonderful for diving but limits snorkelling opportunities. However, on a number of islands off the coast of East Africa and in the Seychelles, wonderful snorkelling from the shore is feasible. There are many places where you can take diving courses, but some of the highlights are swimming and snorkelling with dolphins (dolphins are common along the entire African coastline), seeing turtles, seeing good shark sightings in Mozambique, South Africa, and the Seychelles, seeing colourful cichlid fish in Lake Malawi, and possibly seeing whale sharks, mostly in Mozambique and the Seychelles.
