What kinds of activities are accessible during a safari, then? Your safari experience should be greatly improved by each of the following activities. Seize the chance with both hands. Look at this:

1. Guided walks and game drives

This is nothing new. However, I couldn’t overlook either of these, could I? Ultimately, this is how the majority of you will enjoy your safari. It will either be on a walk with a certified guide, if available, or from the back of a game drive vehicle.

Game drives in a safari car while guests observe a lioness and her cubs

All safaris include game drives in either open or closed (with pop-top) 4×4 vehicles, which can be done in a private vehicle with your own driver/guide or as a group activity with other camp visitors.

Walks with a Guide

Most camps and hotels that permit walking also typically provide guided walks. The majority of safari walking is done in the mornings with a certified and armed guide, and it usually lasts only a few hours. Be advised that some of the walks advertised are actually just nature hikes and are either inside or close to the camp.

Trail camping and walking pathways are also available. The actual walking track, which involves traveling from camp to camp, has been substantially simplified in recent years. The safari now largely consists of a walking camp, from which wildlife drives are provided although walking is the primary activity. There aren’t many actual walking trails left.

The incredibly practical walking safaris in Kenya’s Laikipia and Loita Hills offer a slight variety. Here, local Maasai guides will lead you across the wide savannah while a string of camels (or mules) will carry all of your camping equipment for the night.

2. Mokoros, Rafting, Kayaking, and Canoeing

You should surely think about any of these possibilities if you’re the more daring among you. Each provides a very different animal experience. Imagine moving through the channels and open water while drifting softly downstream, searching for wildlife, amazing sunsets, open skies, and excellent birdwatching. What’s not to enjoy?

 

Canoeing
Above the Victoria Falls, on the Zambezi River, are canoe safaris. However, the most thrilling multi-day canoe excursions are found in the Lower Zambezi (below Kariba dam). From luxury camping (big tents and serviced by waiters/cooks and camp personnel) to participation camping (e.g., setting up your own tent and preparing your own food).

You must get over your fear of crocodiles and hippos before engaging in this thrilling adventure activity, which I heartily suggest! Every canoe safari has knowledgeable river guides, and mishaps are rare.

 

Rafting and Kayaking

Although it’s not your typical safari sport, you can raft the Kunene River in Namibia or kayak along the Orange River in South Africa. White-water rafting at the Victoria Falls is among the greatest in the world if you’re going there.

 

Mokoros
We must be referring to the Okavango Delta if it’s a mokoro, or dugout canoe. Although you might see something similar in Chobe, areas of Zambia, or along the Zambezi, it’s the only location that uses these classic dugout canoes. An experienced “poler,” who must be familiar with the network of channels, is typically responsible for “poleding” the mokoro along. Don’t pass this up.

3. Boating (houseboats included)

Motor boats and boating activities are available anywhere there is water. Many safari operators provide game viewing by boat, while occasionally boats are solely used to transfer visitors to and from camp. These include the Zambezi River, Lake Kariba, Selous GR, and the Okavango Delta, to mention a few. Compared to driving or walking, it provides a completely different viewpoint and frequently enables you to get much closer to the wildlife.

Houseboats will also be covered here. They’re a great alternative lodging choice that lets you live on the water and discover hidden places to stay overnight. The Chobe River in Botswana’s (and Namibia’s) far north and Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe are two of the best places.

4. Safaris in balloons

Safari is, in my humble opinion, one of the best places to take a balloon trip. It’s among the most enjoyable safari activities. Take a balloon ride over the Namib Desert’s breathtaking sand dunes in Namibia or the vast grass plains of the Masai Mara or Serengeti. And soon above the Okavango Delta’s gorgeous seas!

5. Riding Horses

The chance to see some of Africa’s wildlife up close on horseback may be the ultimate delight for a serious equestrian rider or even a skilled weekend getawayr. If this appeals to you, you should look for a reputable equestrian safari company with knowledgeable guides and well-trained horses.

The Okavango in Botswana, Laikipia, the Chyulu Hills and Masai Mara in Kenya, Kwa-Zulu Natal, the Kruger, and the Cape region in South Africa are all excellent places to visit. In addition, there are several lodges in South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania.

6. Helicopter and Microlight Flights

Small charter planes can transport you between game reserves (like Samburu and Masai Mara in Kenya) or between camps (like Okavango Delta) while on safari. You should always have your camera on hand because these flights provide an amazing aerial perspective of these areas. A polarizing filter, if you have one, a fast shutter speed, and a minimum exposure of 1/500.

However, I highly recommend a microlight flight if the chance presents itself. Or a helicopter flip (available throughout Botswana’s Okavango Delta with prior agreement). Another choice is to plan a comprehensive helicopter tour of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. It was a thrilling event with some absolutely amazing photo chances.

7. Mountain Biking and Quad Bikes

You could assume that neither of these would fit on safari. False! These are fantastic safari activities! Quad bikes are a fantastic experience in some places where they really shine. For instance, the greatest way to travel directly onto the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana and experience total solitude and openness is with a quad bike. Quad bike paths are also available for wildlife drives in certain of Namibia’s Kalahari game reserves. Additionally, you can plan quad biking excursions in the neighboring dunes in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

Mountain biking, typically accompanied by an armed ranger or guide, is available on very few wildlife reserves. These include Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana, Mihingo Lodge in Lake Mburo in Uganda, Remote Africa Safaris in South Luangwa, Zambia, and other private reserves in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa.

8. Wildlife Courses and Field Guides

Consider enrolling in a field guide’s training if you have a strong interest in Africa’s outdoors and wildlife. For both trainee guides and foreign visitors, several training organizations in South Africa have launched courses of varying durations. Find out about the African bush’s abundant biodiversity. as well as the components of ecology and diverse ecosystems, and the ways in which they influence and interact with one another.

You will increase your knowledge and experience through a series of daily lectures and hands-on activities in the field. Additionally, you have the option to pursue an industry qualification through courses authorized by the FGSA. Field guide training last two to six months, whereas general bush skills courses last seven to fourteen days. These are fantastic safari activities.

Furthermore, several safari operators invite their loyal customers to participate in their own yearly “guide training exercises,” which are held in their particular camps or lodges.

9. Safaris with Sound

I’m simply going to make this public. I only know one individual who has ever offered this, which makes it quite unusual. Safari operators, take attention! Derek Solomon of Kuyimba Trading in South Africa is that individual.

It’s exactly what it sounds like. Derek puts on headphones for everyone in the car and uses a parabolic microphone to record and describe the many bush sounds there. Is it possible? When a call comes in, your guide swings the microphone in that direction. It’s the raspy cough of a leopard. The amplified music is as clear as if it were sitting next to you when you listen to it through your headphones.

Or imagine that you are sitting in silence after dark, taking in the spooky night sounds that surround you. You attempt to determine which nightjar it could be, which are frogs, and which are bugs. Then, hold on, what was that?

Fantastic and unquestionably one of the greatest safari adventures.

10. Workshops for Photography

Whether it’s with our phones or the newest, most advanced DSLR, we all enjoy taking pictures when on safari. In all honesty, we all need a little assistance—not you, of course. Therefore, a photo workshop is the solution if you want to concentrate on taking better wildlife images while on safari.

They are often led by a professional photographer and last anywhere from four days to two weeks (photographic tour). In addition to providing helpful photography tips, these seminars allow you to hone your craft while taking advantage of all the safari’s attractions.

Morals
As you can see, I have left out things like strolling with lions and riding elephants. This is for valid reasons. It’s just incorrect (in a lot of ways). I acknowledge that humans have a great need to touch and feel enormous, dangerous animals up close. But I think it’s misguided, degrading, and disrespectful.

Even though the animals seem healthy, happy, and well-cared for, you have to consider whether they should even be kept in captivity. From where do they originate? When they become too large or too challenging to manage, where are they sent? They would fare better in the wild, wouldn’t they?

Remember that this “tourist attraction” is being created with your money. The entire process turns into a profitable venture once such attractions are developed and visitors pay to enjoy them. Additionally, ethics are frequently neglected.

There’s Much More

when there are plenty of things to do when on safari, few safari camps or lodges can provide more than one or two. primarily because of the location. You should discuss this with your Africa travel expert throughout the planning phase if you find any of them appealing.

I only discuss the activities that are available when on safari in this post. Show cruises around the islands of Mozambique and Zanzibar, as well as picturesque flights over the Victoria Falls, were not included in my list. Additionally, I did not include birding, which ought to be on everyone’s safari itinerary and can typically be done while strolling, going on a game drive, or engaging in any other activity.

And absolutely, I have no regrets about urging everyone traveling to Africa to start birdwatching and pursuing our amazing feathered companions.