Have you wondered what it is you actually do while on safari? A safari in Africa is a deep dive into wild beauty, rich cultures and thrilling adventures. There’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences waiting for you in Africa and even if you’re a seasoned Africa explorer, we might have some new ideas for you! Here, we’ll explore some of the adventures you might choose to enjoy while on safari with us.
Nearly every safari includes game drives in a 4×4 vehicle. Guided by our expert rangers and trackers, you can search for Africa’s Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino – along with countless other animals like cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and warthogs. Drives usually take place in the mornings and late afternoon/early evenings when animals are most active. Some parks and reserves also allow night drives for the chance to try and spot nocturnal species such as leopard, porcupine, aardvark and genet.
Journey Specialist Tip: Don’t leave home without a good pair of binoculars – or better yet, one pair for everyone on the trip – and if you enjoy photography, a good zoom lens.
For travelers craving a deeper connection with nature, walking safaris and bush walks are a great way to immerse in Africa’s wild nature. Led by expert guides that receive special qualifications for walking, these walks let you explore the terrain on foot — discovering tracks; learning about animal behavior; appreciating the smaller wonders like insects, bird calls, and medicinal plants; and if your guide determines it can be done safely, sometimes approaching big game from a distance. It’s an exciting way to experience the African wilderness out of the vehicle.
Safaris aren’t just about animals. Depending on the country you choose to visit, we can include the chance for you to spend time in a local village where you have the chance to engage with communities like the Maasai in Kenya and Tanzania or the Himba in Namibia. You’ll have the chance to learn about traditional customs, dances, crafts and gain insight into people’s daily lives.
In places like the Serengeti or the Masai Mara, you can float above the earth in a hot air balloon at dawn. You’ll hover silently above herds of wildebeest, perhaps spot predators below and witness the vastness of the landscape in the beautiful morning light. We like to finish the activity off with a Champagne breakfast in the bush – cheers!
It could be the chance to try your hand at catch-and-release tiger fishing in the quiet waters of the Okavango Delta, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, a placid dhow ride on the Swahili Coast, diving with whale sharks in the Indian Ocean or a whitewater rafting adventure – there are dozens of ways to enjoy a water safari in Africa. Ask our Journey Specialists for ideas and inspiration!
For those who want to give back, we can include conservation activities in your customized safari. You can track rhinos with anti-poaching units, assist in wildlife monitoring or learn from researchers on the ground. These are immersive experiences that will give you a deeper appreciation of African ecosystems and conservation efforts.
In a class by itself, a primate safari is a fascinating chance to get a closer look at Africa’s great ape species – mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Spending time with great apes ranks among the most cherished wildlife experiences on earth. You will head out into the forest with an expert guide to find and spend time with either mountain gorillas or chimpanzees (or you can plan to see both in different parks on the same trip). The exhilaration of observing our closest relatives in their wild homes is an incredibly moving experience!
While we’re all about the activities, we would be remiss in not mentioning your accommodations, as they are so much a part of your safari! From dreamy treehouses and beautifully appointed tented camps with outdoor showers enjoyed under starry skies to luxurious eco-lodges with private plunge pools, where you stay is part of your safari adventure. Different camps and lodges also offer different amenities – some have wonderful programs for families, others have wellness programs and many offer spa treatments. Be sure to let your Journey Specialist know your interests so that they can help you choose the right accommodations for your safari. Once you’re there, you can fall asleep to the sounds of roaring lions or hooting owls while enjoying all of the creature comforts your heart desires.
If you’re ready to plan your own customized African safari, contact one of our Journey Specialists. You can also subscribe to our newsletter below for more safari information, stories and trip inspiration.
Photos courtesy AAC Livingstone Club members Debbie R., Katelyn B., Joshua R. and David S.; AAC President Kent Redding; AAC Senior Journey Specialist Diana Garcia Hernandez; Imvelo Safari Lodges; AAC Senior Journey Specialist Sara Stark; and AAC Livingstone Club member Ashley P.