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A game drive is the epitome of a timeless safari experience, while a walking safari allows you to be more intimate with Africa’s stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Discover the magic of African safaris with this guide. We delve into what to expect on a typical safari holiday and the different experiences you should plan to enjoy to make the most of Africa’s wild spaces.
What Does a Safari Holiday Usually Include?
A safari certainly is an adventure of a lifetime, offering a blend of game-viewing with unique wildlife encounters, luxurious accommodations, and immersive experiences.
First, let’s take a look at what you can typically expect to be included in your African safari travel package:
Accommodations:
- Luxury Lodges and Camps: High-end safaris often include stays in luxurious lodges or tented camps, equipped with all modern amenities. Expect spacious rooms, en-suite bathrooms, private decks, and often even plunge pools.
- Mid-Range and Budget Options: This would include comfortable lodgings such as basic camps or budget lodges, providing essential amenities to ensure a pleasant stay.
Meals and Drinks:
- All-Inclusive Meals: Most high-end African safari packages include three meals a day, often prepared by skilled chefs who will treat you to a variety of local and international cuisines.
- Beverages: Depending on the package, beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) might be included. Luxury packages often feature a selection of fine wines and spirits.
Guided Game Drives:
- Daily Excursions: Typically, two game drives per day are included—one early morning and one late afternoon—offering the best chances to spot wildlife when they are most active.
- Expert Guides: Safaris include the services of knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience with their expertise in tracking and understanding animal behaviour.
Park Fees:
- Entrance Fees: Most packages cover national park or game reserve entrance fees, ensuring you access to protected areas rich in wildlife. An expert safari travel advisor can help you plan and arrange all unexpected costs for different safaris.
Transfers:
- Airport Transfers: Many African safari packages include transfers to and from the nearest airport, making your journey seamless from the moment you arrive.
- In-Country Transport: Ground transportation between different camps or lodges is usually covered, often in specially equipped safari vehicles.
Activities:
- Varied Experiences: Depending on the destination and type of safari, additional activities may be included, such as walking safaris, night drives, boat safaris, cultural visits to local communities, and bird-watching.
Amenities and Services:
- Laundry Services: Some luxury safaris include daily laundry services.
- Wi-Fi and Connectivity: While many lodges offer Wi-Fi, the quality and availability can vary, especially in remote areas.
Conservation Contributions:
- Supporting Wildlife Protection: Many safari operators include a portion of the cost that goes towards wildlife conservation efforts, supporting local wildlife protection, and community projects.
By understanding what is typically included in a safari package, you can better plan your adventure and ensure a fulfilling and memorable experience in the untamed nature of Africa. An expert safari travel advisor can ensure you are not surprised by any unexpected costs for your chosen safari type.
Different Types of African Safari Lodges
Safari lodges come in various styles and levels of luxury, and choosing the right type of safari accommodation will ensure you enjoy the African wilderness to its fullest. Here’s a look at the different types of safari lodges you might encounter:
Luxury Safari Lodges:
- Definition: These lodges offer the pinnacle of comfort and luxury in the heart of the bush. They are designed to provide an opulent experience, often blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
- Features:
- Spacious and elegantly furnished suites or villas.
- En-suite bathrooms with hot showers, bathtubs, and sometimes outdoor showers.
- Private decks with plunge pools or Jacuzzis.
- Fine dining experiences with gourmet meals and extensive wine lists.
- High-end amenities such as spas, gyms, and sometimes even libraries or art galleries.
- Personalised services, including private guides and butlers.
- Explore: Singita Lebombo Lodge (South Africa), Sasaab Lodge (Kenya), &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (Tanzania).
Tented Camps:
- Definition: Tented camps offer an authentic and immersive bush experience while providing varying levels of comfort. They range from basic to luxurious.
- Features:
- Canvas tents set on raised platforms, often with wooden floors.
- En-suite bathrooms, sometimes with outdoor showers.
- Comfortable beds with quality linens.
- Dining tents or mess areas for communal meals.
- Some luxury tented camps include plunge pools and lounges.
- Explore: &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas (Tanzania), Porini Mara Camp (Kenya), Wilderness Little Kulala (Namibia).
Eco-Lodges:
- Definition: Eco-lodges focus on sustainability and minimising their environmental impact. They are often located in remote areas and are designed to blend harmoniously with the natural environment.
- Features:
- Use of renewable energy sources such as solar power.
- Construction with locally sourced and eco-friendly materials.
- Practices such as water conservation and waste recycling.
- Opportunities to engage in conservation activities.
- Often more rustic, with a focus on simplicity and harmony with nature.
- Explore: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve (South Africa)
Boutique Safari Lodges:
- Definition: Boutique lodges offer an intimate and personalised experience, often with a unique and stylish design.
- Features:
- Limited number of rooms or suites, ensuring privacy and exclusivity.
- Unique décor, often reflecting the local culture and environment.
- Personalised services, including custom safari experiences.
- High attention to detail in both service and amenities.
- Explore: AndBeyond Phinda Homestead (South Africa), Cottar’s 1920s Camp (Kenya), The Highlands (Tanzania).
Family-Friendly Lodges:
- Definition: These lodges are specifically designed to accommodate families, with facilities and activities catering to children of all ages.
- Features:
- Family suites or interconnected rooms.
- Children’s programs and educational activities.
- Babysitting services and child-friendly menus.
- Safe and engaging environments for kids to explore.
- Explore: MalaMala Sable Camp (South Africa), Kwandwe Ecca Lodge (South Africa).
Mobile Safari Camps:
- Definition: Mobile camps move from one location to another, offering a flexible and immersive safari experience that follows the wildlife you are hoping to see.
- Features:
- Temporary but comfortable tents with necessary amenities.
- Portable dining facilities and sometimes a communal campfire area.
- Intimate group sizes and personalised service.
- Focus on experiencing different regions and maximising wildlife sightings.
- Explore: Great Plains Conservation’s Selinda Explorers Camp (Botswana).
Classic African Safari Lodges:
- Definition: These lodges offer a traditional safari experience, combining comfort with a sense of adventure.
- Features:
- Comfortable rooms or cottages with classic safari décor.
- Central dining and lounge areas, often with views of waterholes or wildlife corridors.
- A mix of modern amenities and rustic charm.
- Good balance of luxury and authenticity.
- Explore: Elephant Plains Game Lodge (South Africa), Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp (Kenya), Vic Falls Safari Lodge (Zimbabwe)
Use these guidelines to choose the one that best fits your preferences and expectations, ensuring a memorable and comfortable stay throughout.
What to Expect on a Typical African Safari Day
A typical safari day should offer you a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and connection with nature. Keep in mind it’s all optional according to your preferences, speak to your Safari travel expert who can craft the right blend activities for you. Here’s what a typical day might look like.
Early Morning:
- 5:00 AM – Wake-Up Call: The day begins early with a gentle wake-up call. The cool morning air is the perfect time to spot wildlife as they are most active during the dawn hours.
- 5:30 AM – Light Breakfast: Enjoy a light breakfast of coffee, tea, and snacks at the lodge before heading out.
- 6:00 AM – Morning Game Drive: Set off on your first game drive of the day. The golden light of sunrise offers excellent photography opportunities, and your guide will help you track and observe various animals such as lions, elephants, and antelopes. Drives typically last 3-4 hours.
Mid-Morning:
- 9:30 AM – Return to Lodge: Return to the lodge for a hearty brunch, with a variety of hot and cold dishes to choose from.
- 11:00 AM – Leisure Time: Enjoy some downtime to relax. Many lodges offer activities such as:
- Guided Bush Walks: Explore the surroundings on foot with a knowledgeable guide, learning about smaller flora and fauna.
- Spa Treatments: Indulge in a relaxing massage or other spa services.
- Swimming: Take a refreshing dip in the lodge’s pool.
Afternoon:
- 1:00 PM – Lunch: A leisurely lunch is served, often featuring fresh, local ingredients.
- 2:00 PM – Siesta or Activities: The heat of the day is a perfect time for a siesta. Alternatively, you can engage in lodge activities, depending on what they offer, such as:
- Cultural Visits: Learn about local communities and their traditions.
- Bird-watching: Join a guide for bird-watching around the lodge.
- Craft Workshops: Participate in workshops to make traditional crafts.
Late Afternoon:
- 3:30 PM – Afternoon Tea: Enjoy tea, coffee, and snacks before heading out for the evening game drive.
- 4:00 PM – Evening Game Drive: Head out for another game drive as the temperatures cool down. This time is ideal for spotting nocturnal animals starting to stir. Sundowners are a special, traditional treat, where you can enjoy drinks and snacks while watching the sunset in the bush.
Evening:
- 7:00 PM – Return to Lodge: Return to the lodge, freshen up, and prepare for dinner.
- 7:30 PM – Dinner: Enjoy a sumptuous dinner, often served in an open-air dining area under the stars. Meals are usually a social affair, with guests sharing stories of their day’s adventures.
- 9:00 PM – Nightcap and Relaxation: After dinner, relax around the campfire with a nightcap. Some lodges offer night drives or stargazing sessions.
Night:
- 10:00 PM – Bedtime: Retire to your room or tent, falling asleep to the sounds of the African night, ready to do it all again the next day.
African Safaris Explained: Which is Best for You?
Now let’s dig into what to expect on the different safari experiences and which one suits your travel style best.
Guided Big Five Safari
Definition: Guided game drives are the heart and soul of the safari experience. Picture yourself in an open 4×4 vehicle, traversing the vast, untamed savannah at dawn. The golden light of sunrise casts a magical glow over the landscape, while your experienced guide expertly navigates the terrain, sharing fascinating insights about the ecosystem and its inhabitants as you track Africa’s iconic Big Five: lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and elephants.
Unique Features:
- Immersive Wildlife Encounters: Witness majestic Big Five including elephants, powerful lions, and elusive leopards in their natural habitat, often just a few metres away.
- Expertly Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides bring the wilderness to life, revealing the secrets of the bush and the intricate relationships between its residents.
- Scenic Landscapes: Drive through diverse environments—from open grasslands to dense forests—each offering unique sightings and photographic opportunities.
Countries:
- South Africa: Explore the renowned Kruger National Park, where each turn offers a new surprise, from herds of impalas to prowling big cats.
- Kenya: Experience the iconic Masai Mara, home to the dramatic spectacle of the Great Migration.
- Tanzania: Traverse the vast Serengeti plains, where endless horizons meet incredible African wildlife diversity.
- Botswana: Discover Chobe National Park, famous for its enormous elephant populations and serene riverfronts.
- Namibia: Venture into Etosha National Park, where the stark, white salt pans contrast with the rich wildlife around waterholes.
Explore these other Guided Safari Experiences:
- Kruger National Park Safari: Begin your day with the sounds of the African bush awakening. Your guide points out a family of giraffes grazing peacefully, while in the distance, a pride of lions prepares for the hunt.
- Maasai Mara Safari: Witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration, as millions of wildebeest and zebras brave the treacherous river crossings, with crocodiles lurking below and big cats waiting on the other side.
- Chobe National Park Safari: Navigate the lush riverbanks where large herds of elephants bathe and play in the water, creating an unforgettable spectacle against the backdrop of a setting sun.
Walking Safaris
Definition: Walking safaris offer an intimate and thrilling experience, allowing you to become one with the African wilderness. Imagine setting off at dawn, the cool morning air filled with the earthy scent of dew. Guided by seasoned experts, you tread softly through the bush, your senses heightened as you listen to the rustling leaves and distant calls of wildlife.
Unique Features:
- Up-Close Encounters: Experience the thrill of seeing wildlife at eye level, from towering giraffes to the tiniest of creatures like the dung beetle.
- Expert Guidance: Learn about the intricate details of the ecosystem, from tracking animal footprints to understanding plant life.
- Immersive Adventure: Feel the pulse of the wild with every step, gaining a deeper appreciation for the environment.
Countries:
- Zambia: Walk through South Luangwa National Park, known as the birthplace of walking safaris, where encounters with elephants and leopards are common.
- Zimbabwe: Explore Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
- South Africa: Discover Kruger National Park’s dedicated walking trails, offering a chance to see the Big Five up close.
- Kenya: Experience the iconic Masai Mara, home to the dramatic spectacle of the Great Migration.
- Tanzania: Traverse the vast Serengeti plains, where endless horizons meet incredible African wildlife diversity.
Explore these Walking Safari Experiences:
- South Luangwa Walking Safari: Feel the excitement as you follow in the footsteps of elephants and watch as giraffes gracefully move through the trees.
- Mana Pools Walking Safari: Traverse the lush floodplains, encountering hippos and elephants while learning about the delicate balance of this ecosystem.
- Selous Game Reserve Walking Safari: Embark on a journey through unspoiled wilderness, observing lions and wild dogs in their natural habitat.
Aerial Safaris
Definition: Aerial safaris offer a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Africa’s vast landscapes and majestic wildlife. Imagine soaring high above the savannah at sunrise in a hot air balloon, the horizon painted with hues of orange and pink. As you float silently over the land, you witness herds of elephants and zebra moving below, an unforgettable panorama stretching as far as the eye can see.
Unique Features:
- Dramatic Vistas: Capture stunning aerial photographs and enjoy unparalleled views of the landscape.
- Unique Perspective: Gain a new appreciation for the scale and beauty of Africa’s diverse environments.
- Exhilarating Experience: Feel the thrill of floating during a hot air balloon ride or flying in a helicopter over iconic wildlife territories.
Countries:
- Kenya: Soar over the Masai Mara, taking in the Great Migration from above.
- Tanzania: Drift over the Serengeti National Park, with its endless plains, spotting wildlife far below.
- Namibia: Fly over the towering dunes and the mysterious Skeleton Coast of Southern Africa.
- Botswana: Glide above the Okavango Delta, a lush oasis teeming with life.
- South Africa: Experience the dramatic landscapes of the Blyde River Canyon from a helicopter.
Explore these Aerial Safari Experiences:
- Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari: Experience the magic of sunrise over the savannah, watching as the Great Migration unfolds beneath you.
- Okavango Delta Helicopter Safari: Enjoy aerial views of the delta’s intricate waterways and abundant wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles.
- Namib Desert Scenic Flight: Marvel at the surreal landscapes of the Namib Desert, from the striking red dunes of Sossusvlei to the eerie Skeleton Coast.
Water Safaris
Definition: Water safaris provide a serene and unique way to explore Africa’s waterways and observe its aquatic wildlife. Imagine gently gliding through the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro, the silence is broken only by the sounds of nature. Your guide expertly navigates the channels, pointing out hippos submerged in the water and elephants drinking at the edge.
Unique Features:
- Aquatic Wildlife Viewing: Encounter hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species up close.
- Peaceful and Scenic: Enjoy the tranquillity of water-based exploration.
- Unique Access: Reach areas inaccessible by land, offering a different perspective on the wildlife.
Countries:
- Botswana: Navigate the Okavango Delta’s intricate network of waterways.
- Zambia: Canoe down the Lower Zambezi River, surrounded by wildlife on the banks.
- Zimbabwe: Explore the Zambezi River, famous for its vibrant aquatic life.
- Tanzania: Drift along the Rufiji River in Selous Game Reserve, Africa’s largest reserve.
Explore these Water Safari Experiences:
- Okavango Delta Mokoro Safari: Experience the serene beauty of the delta, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and colourful birds as you glide through the water.
- Zambezi River Canoe Safari: Paddle through one of Africa’s most iconic rivers, home to Victoria Falls, with elephants and buffaloes often seen on the banks.
- Selous Game Reserve Boat Safari: Explore the vast waterways of Selous, observing a variety of wildlife, from hippos to crocodiles and numerous bird species.
Horseback Safaris
Definition: Horseback safaris offer a unique and exhilarating way to explore the African wilderness, providing a closer and quieter approach to wildlife. Imagine riding through the open plains, the rhythm of your horse’s hooves blending with the sounds of nature. This immersive experience allows you to move silently through the bush, often getting closer to wild animals, than you would in a vehicle.
Unique Features:
- Silent and Stealthy: Approach wildlife quietly, minimising disturbance.
- Closer Encounters: Experience the thrill of seeing animals up close from horseback.
- Accessible to All: Suitable for both experienced and novice riders.
Countries:
- South Africa: Ride through the scenic Waterberg, Garden Route, and KwaZulu-Natal regions.
- Kenya: Gallop alongside the Great Migration in the Masai Mara.
- Botswana: Explore the Okavango Delta’s diverse landscapes on horseback.
- Tanzania: Traverse the Serengeti’s vast plains and rolling hills.
Explore these Horseback Safari Experiences:
- Okavango Delta Horseback Safari: Ride through the delta’s diverse ecosystems, encountering elephants, antelopes, and a myriad of bird species.
- Maasai Mara Horseback Safari: Gallop alongside the Great Migration, experiencing the thrill of riding through herds of wildebeest and zebras.
- Waterberg Horseback Safari: Explore the scenic Waterberg region, riding through valleys and over ridges, spotting game such as giraffes, zebras, and rhinos.
Primate Trekking Safaris
Definition: Primate Trekking safaris focus on encountering primates like gorillas and chimpanzees, involving trekking through dense forests and mountains for thrilling and up-close encounters with these fascinating animals. A quite a different experience from a traditional safari trip or game drive. Imagine trekking through misty mountains, the anticipation building as you approach a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Unique Features:
- Close Encounters: Witness the behaviours and interactions of gorillas and chimpanzees up close.
- Adventurous Trekking: Hike through challenging terrains, adding an element of adventure.
- Guided Expertise: Accompanied by experienced trackers and guides.
Countries:
- Uganda: Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kibale National Park.
- Rwanda: Explore Volcanoes National Park, home to mountain gorillas.
- Tanzania: Discover Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks.
Explore these Gorilla Trekking Experiences:
- Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari: Trek through the dense forests of Bwindi to encounter gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Safari: Experience the thrill of tracking gorillas in Rwanda’s stunning mountainous landscapes.
- Kibale Chimpanzee Safari: Discover the rich biodiversity of Kibale National Park, home to one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in Africa.
Photographic Safaris
Definition: Photographic safaris are tailored for photography enthusiasts, offering opportunities to capture stunning wildlife shots with specialised vehicles and guides who understand the needs of photographers. Imagine positioning yourself perfectly for that golden hour shot of a lioness with her cubs, your guide ensuring you get the best angle and lighting.
Unique Features:
- Customised for Photographers: Specialised vehicles and guides knowledgeable in photography.
- Optimal Viewing: Access to prime locations and lighting conditions.
- Exclusive Opportunities: Capture unique and rare wildlife moments.
Countries:
- Kenya: Masai Mara, with specialised photographic tours.
- Tanzania: Serengeti National Park, ideal for capturing the Great Migration.
- South Africa: Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town and the Kruger National Park.
- Botswana: Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.
- Namibia: Etosha National Park and the Fish River Canyon.
Explore these Photographic Safari Experiences:
- Serengeti Photographic Safari: Capture the Great Migration and other wildlife with expert guidance and specialised vehicles.
- Chobe River Photographic Safari: Renowned for its large elephant herds, Chobe offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
- Etosha National Park Photographic Safari: Experience the unique desert landscape of Etosha, with opportunities to photograph diverse wildlife in a stunning setting.
At Discover Africa, we offer a range of African safari experiences to suit every traveller’s needs. From the excitement of Big Five safaris to the serenity of mobile camping, our tours are designed to provide unforgettable memories. Explore our experiences page for more details.
Mobile Safaris
Definition: Mobile safaris involve moving from one campsite to another, offering a flexible and immersive safari holiday experience with comfortable yet mobile accommodations. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the bush in a new location each day, with the flexibility to explore different habitats and wildlife areas.
Unique Features:
- Flexible Itineraries: Adapt your journey to the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Close Encounters: Experience diverse habitats and wildlife.
- Comfortable Camps: Enjoy the comforts of mobile camps, with amenities such as hot showers and gourmet meals.
Countries:
- Botswana: Explore the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.
- Namibia: Traverse Etosha National Park and Damaraland.
- Zambia: Discover South Luangwa National Park.
- Tanzania: Follow the Great Migration through the Serengeti.
Explore these Mobile Safari Experiences:
- Botswana Mobile Camping Safari: Experience the diversity of Botswana’s wildlife habitats, moving through the Okavango Delta, Chobe, and more.
- Namibia Mobile Safari: Explore the contrasting landscapes of Namibia, from the arid deserts to the lush Etosha National Park.
- Serengeti Mobile Safari: Follow the Great Migration through the Serengeti, moving with the herds and experiencing different regions of the park.
Ready to plan your adventure? Discover our tailored safari tours and embark on a safari journey of a lifetime!
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Author: Antoinette van Heerden
Published: 19 July 2024
Last Update: 30 August 2024