Safaris and Safari Types - An African safari is an amazing adventure for all ages and budgets. We can offer all types of safaris eg. canoeing, walking, photographic, etc

What is a wildlife African safari? The word 'Safari' means an overland journey for the purpose of viewing or hunting animals in their natural environment. A typical African safari can be anything from 2 days upwards.

The draw to Africa for a safari is the wildlife. Africa is home to the 'Big Five' - Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Leopard, Rhino plus all the other wildlife and the many species of birds.

Bird watching is very popular with many different species found in Africa. Africa A-Z can design a Specialized Birding Safari package for all ornithologists / bird lovers.

The main safari destinations in Africa which are recognized for their abundance of wildlife are Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

There are many Safari Parks/Game Reserves in Africa, the most well known include Serengeti, Okavango Delta, Chobe, Masai Mara, Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe, Addo Elephant National Park, and Shamwari Game Reserve, Etosha National Park, etc.

You can choose to do an organized safari at any of the reserves or drive yourselves to many of these magnificent sites.

A safari conjures up images of khaki clothing and belted bush jackets. But this is not really necessary and the main thing is clothing on safari should be practical and comfortable - casual/smart casual 'wash & wear' clothing. Neutral clothing is recommended so you can 'blend' into the environment. Depending on the type of safari you choose to do, luggage can be restricted to 12kgs in soft bags (ie. not suitcases) and we will explain any of the requirements to you when we send you your suggested African Safari Itinerary.

It is a good idea to pack clothing that can be worn in layers so you can remove layers as the temperatures rise. Differences in temperatures can be as much as 20 degrees celsius in a day.

The recommended items of clothing to take on safari are:

 

 

Not only do you get to interact with these mighty giants, but you are also able to get up close to the wildlife as they are not disturbed while you are perched on the back of a 6 ton elephant (the scent of the elephant is greater than humans so you go almost unnoticed).

There are also walking with elephants tours which can be quite humbling as they tower over you.

 

 

 

Get a birds-eye-view of the African landscape and wildlife (where applicable) as you float silently amongst the treetops.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris typically leave just before sunrise (As the day heats up thermals and wind generally get stronger) and the actual flight lasts between 45 minutes to 1 hour. It is usually followed by a gorgeous champagne breakfast.

All Hot Air Ballooning Safaris are weather dependent and due to their popularity, it is advisable to book at least 2 weeks in advance.

Some of the best places for Hot-Air Ballooning in Africa are:

Sossusvlei Dunes in Namibia,

Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya,

Serengeti Plains in Tanzania,

Kafue National Park in Zambia,

Okavango Delta in Botswana,

Chobe National Park in Botswana,

Cape Winelands in South Africa,

Oudtshoorn in South Africa,

Pilanesberg in South Africa,

Magalies River Valley (70km's north of Johannesburg, South Africa) which, incidentally, boasts some of the safest and most reliable ballooning weather in the world.

Please note that we do not only book the Hot Air Balloon on its own and will need to book the accommodation too.

 

 

We can arrange mobile safaris for 2 people to 200 people (depending on where you would like to be). This means it is great for honeymooners, wedding parties, and bush conferences or incentives.

 

Mobile Safaris can be done in most of the National Parks in Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, and Tanzania.

Luxury private tented camps are set up for you. All your needs are accommodated (as much as possible) such as child carers, menu requests, entertainment, photographers, special activities such as hot air ballooning, cultural visits, etc.

As this type of safari is customized to your requirements, email us for your This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We also have a number of set departure Botswana mobile safaris available now.

 

 

 

Whether you are a professional or amateur photographer, we will find the most suitable Photographic safari for you.

There are scheduled (set departure dates) and customized photographic safaris available.

Being able to share good quality pictures with your friends and family back home is an amazing feeling that evokes all the emotions from your memorable safari experience.

 

 

 

This is obviously determined by your budget. Most people have a dream to visit a particular safari lodge (that you have heard about either through family or friends that may have visited it or through a television program you have watched at home). If you have no special requests, we will make recommendations based on your budget and interests.

A day in the life of most safari lodges:
Early morning (sunrise) game drives or bush walks returning to the lodge in time for breakfast.
Relaxation during the hottest part of the day, lazing at the pool if you wish.
Sundowner game drive.
Dinner

There are vast differences in prices of safari lodges and it is important to take into account the type of accommodation offered and what is included in the price. Many of the lower priced lodges don't include all your meals or game drives so there will be extra costs you will need to take into account. The luxury safari lodges usually include all your meals and game activities and some of them even include your drinks.

You can choose if you only want to stay at one safari lodge at one national game park or a combination of lodges and game parks. You can also choose if you would like to self-drive or go on a safari package (as a couple or family or with a group of other nationalities etc).

Just let us know what you want and we will make recommendations around your requests and budget. 

 

 

 

The independent tourist likes to travel on their own and stop when and where they want to. Let us help you to book your vehicle and advise you on fabulous places to visit.

There is so much to do and see that it is good to have someone who knows the country and can understand your needs to help you have an unforgettable customized Africa Self-Drive experience.

You tell us what you would like to see and do and we will make suggestions based on your time and budget available. We customize self-drive itineraries using any type of vehicle, even motorcycles or caravans.

It is always best to have a route planned with accommodation booked prior to your travel. This means if you do run into difficulties, someone will be expecting you and alert the relevant people to try to locate you between your departure point and destination.

In some African countries, it is better to do a guided self-drive which usually entails a small convoy with a number of independent travelers driving their vehicles with a professional guide leading the way. This is quite well established in Namibia.

South Africa is a perfect self-drive destination as the roads are good and there is extensive mobile phone coverage throughout the country. Car hire companies used are reputable and vehicles are all in good condition (usually 1-2 years old).

 

 

You will be accompanied by an armed and highly trained safari guide and safety is the main priority. These guides have incredible knowledge of the big and small wonders of the ecosystem and will enthusiastically share facts and interesting information along the way.

For many a Walking Safari is the ultimate safari experience. Your day is dictated by you and what interests you, so if you are fascinated by the small wonders of the ecosystem such as insects and plants, you focus on that. Or feel your heart pounding as you track a herd of elephants or a pride of lions!

 

There are different types of walking safaris depending on your level of fitness and the length of time you would like to spend on a walking safari. There is a wide range of Walking Safaris available from basic to luxury.

 

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