Game drives are how most people imagine spending their time on safari. Being in a specially built safari vehicle is an incredible way to approach and see Africa’s wildlife. Animals are acclimated to vehicles and are generally easy to observe and photograph from the safety of your seat. You can also cover a lot of ground, easily moving from sighting to sighting or following animals on the move.
We love game drives, but sometimes what we love the most on safari is getting out of the vehicle, planting our boots onto the ground (or bodies into boats!) and immersing ourselves in nature. An African safari provides a diverse array of activities that will get your heart pumping with excitement. We’ll explore our favorites here.
Experiencing the African bush on foot couldn’t be more different from a game drive. You have the chance to slow down and really feel the nature around you. On a walking safari, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal to the small things, such as learning about tracking; diving deeper into the ecosystem’s smaller players (who are just as important!); smelling, touching and sometimes tasting Africa’s wild places; and all at a speed that lets you absorb every detail. It’s also possible to walk and see big game. Your expert guide will determine what is safe for your group based on the conditions that day.
Walking safaris run the gamut from nature walks with kids and shorter half-day game activities to multi-day camp-to-camp trekking excursions. We are fans of all of them – what we will plan for you depends on your interests. Talk with your Journey Specialist about the kind of walking you would like to experience on your safari.
Getting out on the water is a very special way to experience a safari. There are many types of boats that you could consider depending on your location. Mokoros (dugout canoes) are a wonderful way to experience Botswana’s Okavango Delta and certain other areas. You’ll ply silently through calm waters observing the bush from a low angle, seeing everything from fingernail-sized frogs to elephants grazing on the shores.
Canoe safaris are another non-motorized option used in some areas, including the Lower Zambezi in Zambia and Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. This is a fantastic way to enjoy the incredible scenery as well as see big game, plains game and a huge array of birds with just the sound of your paddle and nature to accompany your game viewing.
Motorized boats are used many places around the continent and allow you to venture farther, whether it be on one of the continent’s mighty rivers or deep into the Okavango Delta. Upon encountering game, the engine can be cut so that you can float peacefully while enjoying observing the animals.
Houseboats are an option in areas like Chobe National Park in Botswana and Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. This unique live-aboard option lets you enjoy a full-on water safari and the chance to escape busier areas of the park to enjoy the scenery and wildlife.
Ask your Journey Specialist about the many options for getting on the water in Africa. They’ll be sure to find something that matches your travel style!
ATV’s are found in some safari locations in Africa. A few of our favorites include the dunes of the Namib Desert in Namibia and the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana. These fun vehicles allow you to venture deep into the bush with the wind in your hair and nature all around you.
Trekking to observe Africa’s primates – including gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys and lemurs – is a truly unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience. These treks can be short and sweet, or you may earn your time with the primates – you never know! Each type of primate has a different set of rules for approaching and how long you can stay, but every experience is unique and humbling. To spend time in the forest with these mammals is extraordinary.
Mountain gorillas and golden monkeys can be observed in Rwanda and Uganda while our favorite places to trek chimpanzees are found in Tanzania and Uganda. Lemurs are only found in Madagascar.
While it might not be the first thing to come to mind, city touring is another great way to get moving while on safari. Africa’s cities are vibrant and exciting, and deserve to be explored. We have outstanding guides who will get you under the surface, learning about history, art, culture, cuisine or whatever your interests might be.
The options to get out of the vehicle on safari are many and your Journey Specialist can walk you through what the options are in the destinations you choose. They are wonderful, unique and exciting ways to experience Africa!
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Photos courtesy AAC Journey Specialist Nell Pollak, AAC President Kent Redding, AAC Marketing Director Beth McCabe, AAC Safari Concierge Ciara Manning, AAC Senior Journey Specialist Sara Stark and AAC Livingstone Club member Beth L.