Safari

Safari is a Swahili word, which originally derives from the Arabic word for travel, safara. - but basically any place where one can observe animals in their true habitats can be a safari destination. Safaris are usually conducted mostly by motor transport. Watching animals from the security of a vehicle allows one to come more closely to the animals with less danger to both animals and humans.

Walking and mobile safaris are another option to experience the wildlife. These are led by armed and experienced rangers and trackers. Guests may camp out for a night in tents or semi-permanent camps. These are usually the cheapest way to take a safari, but they do have their privations. For example, access to toilets and ability to bathe or shower may be quite limited.

Apart from the game viewing activities by vehicle, some lodges also offer boat trips (Botswana or Zambia), some offer interaction with elephants, or even an elephant back safari, and most of the luxurious lodges also offer spa wellness facilities.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI:

This safari involves a specialized photographic safari vehicle. The standard Land Rover has been adapted with comfortable changeable seats that are able to rotate 180 degrees allowing four guests maximum flexibility to achieve various different camera angles and therefore to create exceptional images. Vital to the success of the safari is the quality and experience of the ranger/guide and tracker. The specialist ranger/guide is required to be both a game ranger and photographic instructor and his mission is to deliver an enjoyable adventure that challenges guests to take great pictures on an African safari.

The selected specialist tracker is an important member of the team and his role is to read the language of the land and guide the photographer to the action. He is a vital link in achieving a successful photographic safari.

It is to be noted, that these type of specialised safaris need to be booked well in advance.

MOBILE SAFARI:

The Classic Mobile Safari: Live out the adventure of a lifetime as close to nature as you can get in the relaxing solitude of the African bush. A safari crew travelling in a separate vehicle erects the comfortable camp. A professional safari guide / ranger conducts early morning and late afternoon game drives. Guests are accommodated in fully serviced tented luxury accommodation. The tents feature comfortable linen-clad beds, en-suite toilets, hot bucket showers and various other mod-cons to ensure an elegant and enjoyable stay. You will have time to relax and absorb the magnificent wilderness atmosphere of the secluded private bush camps. To experience a culinary twist, your chef prepares excellent bush cuisine, enjoyed in the dining tent or under the stars. Africa in style.

Mobile Safaris can be divided into two distinct types of travel : Luxury Mobile Camping safaris, which are geared towards the affluent traveller, and Adventure Overland Tours, which attracts mostly young travellers.

WALKING SAFARI:

Walking on safari is one of the finest ways to get the real feel for the African wilderness. Walking Safaris in Africa can range from a few hours to a few days with different types of accommodation. Some walking safaris offer luxury lodges as the base to explore the surrounding areas (a few hours walk), others have bush camps situated in remote areas of national parks (a few days walk).

Guests will be accompanied by an armed, experienced and accredited walking guide who will take them on an informative and adventurous walk through the African bush.

When choosing a walking safari that lasts for a few days, you either sleep under hides or in tents. Long drop toilets and hot bucket showers will provide the ablution facilities. Dinners at the hide will be home cooked style meals on the open campfire. Beautifully appointed dining tables and chairs will help complete the dining experience.

Perfect for those who enjoy adventure vacations, the walking trail experience allows guests to get their feet on the ground and really feel, smell and touch Africa. The walk lasts for several hours a day, but it is not a strenuous walk and can be enjoyed by all guests. The absolute silence, except for the nocturnal sounds of the insects and wildlife which one can experience by sleeping "out in the bush" is a magical one that all guests will mark as one of the highlights of their African safari.

The recommended season for a walking safari which involves sleeping in the bush is from March to October, as these are the cooler months in Southern Africa.

ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI:

An elephant back safari is not just a ride on the largest animal in Africa, it's an unforgettable experience where one gets to interact with the elephants as well as enjoying a ride through wilderness and beautiful riverine scenery.

The elephants are prepared with a comfortable saddle and you’ll be seated behind an experienced elephant handler. An elephant back safari will usually last around an hour and 30 minutes. Granted, your initial few minutes on the back of this monstrous animal will be endured with more than a little apprehension, but rest assured that as the safari begins and you become accustomed to the rhythmic and calm movements of the elephant, the experience that follows will be incredible.

South African elephant back safari is a truly wonderful experience. Being immersed so deeply in nature and interacting with such powerful creatures is deeply rewarding and satisfying and is an opportunity that should not be missed. Where to find these? South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe...

FAMILY SAFARI:

A family safari to Africa may be easier than what one may think. There are numerous comfortable lodges that welcome families with children. Special features would include baby-sitters, kiddies’ activities, treasure hunts, and various other activities that are not only adventurous, but at the same time provide a learning experience. There are various malaria-free game reserves in South Africa, which are happy to accommodate children.