The African continent is a popular safari destination that never ceases to amaze tourists from all over the world. Visiting National Parks and Game Reserves is a dream come true for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers and wildlife watchers but during an African safari, tourists can experience numerous exciting activities including mountain trekking, water sports, fishing and, of course, amazing cultural experiences. Tourists can select African safaris based on their needs and desires and they can choose from game drives, walking safaris, riding safaris and water based safaris. Each of these safaris provide different experiences and activities tourists can try during their African adventure.
Game Drives Safari In Africa
Game drives are popular among people who want to see the big five game – African lion, African leopard, African elephant, Cape buffalo and rhinoceros. Using closed 4×4 or open vehicles, game drives take place during mornings or afternoons when the animals are more active. During this type of safari, tourists can admire the wildlife in the company of a driver and sometimes a guide who will sit up front helping the driver to find the animals faster. Game drives safaris are popular in all the countries that offer safari adventures and it is the most common type of safari. Those who want to bring their game drive safari to a new level can try night safaris when possible. Not all National Parks and Game Reserves allow night drives so it is best to ask in advance. However, if you have the opportunity to try a night safari, we highly recommend it since you will be able to see many nocturnal species that are as intriguing as the big-game. During the day you can always enjoy some unique foods you did not know came from Africa and make everything unforgettable.
Walking Safaris In Africa
While game drives are the most popular type of safari, walking safaris are the ones that are loved the most by nature enthusiasts. Experiencing the bush by walking and trekking is a great way to observe the vegetation and all the plant species. Birders love walking safaris since they allow them to admire bird species that cannot be seen by those who choose game drives.
Walking safaris are possible almost everywhere on the African continent however, those who want to experience some mountain trekking too have limited options. Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) and Mount Kenya are the most popular choices for experienced hikers who want to explore the highest peaks on the African country while enjoying a safari experience at the same time. Those who are looking for more accessible trekking trails can try the coastal hikes in South Africa or Rwanda’s Virunga Volcanoes.
Walking safaris and mountain trekking safaris are not possible without an experienced guide who will introduce tourists to the wonderful African regions and the wildlife while keeping the group safe.
Riding Safaris In Africa
There are a few places in Africa that offer riding safaris with South Africa, Kenya and Botswana that provide a variety of options for tourists including horse, elephant and camel riding safaris. This unique experience allow tourists to get close to the big-game and other animal species during the day. There are also multi-day riding safaris provided by some operators for those who are very courageous. These multi-day safaris include spending the night in fly-camps or mobile tented camps and exploring the bush to view the wildlife during the day.
Most African countries that deliver riding safaris offer the possibility of horseback riding however, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe also offer elephant safaris and Kenya is perfect for those who want to ride camels.
Water-Based Safaris
Tourists who love water sports can discover the wildlife from boats and canoes. A water-based safari allows tourists to discover the animal species that live in the water, such as crocodiles, hippos and otters but also numerous water bird species. Water-based safaris are possible only in the wetland regions of the African continent or the areas with permanent water. During this type of safari, tourists will also be able to admire elephants, buffalos and different species of antelopes.
Zambia, Botswana, Tanzania and Zimbabwe are the countries that offer the most boat safari experiences but there are other places on the continent where tourists can experience this thrilling adventure.
