A safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which is not only exciting by wildlife experiences but also potentially a transformative journey to the core of being one with nature as you have never experienced it before. Safaris come with many options that suit all kinds of desired experiences, so whether you are an adrenaline fix, a photographer or just someone who likes to experience the wild, these safaris will fit any kind of traveler. From game drives to walking safaris, there is no shortage of activities to choose from. In this article, we will explore the 10 Top Activities While on Safari to help you make the most of your African safari experience.
1. Game Drives
The quintessential safari activity, game drives provide an opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. Most safaris will include several game drives in open-air vehicles, offering an unparalleled view of the African wilderness. The early morning and late afternoon are prime times for game drives, as animals are typically more active during these cooler parts of the day.
You might see the big five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes) and many other animals such as giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, wildebeests, among others, during a game drive. Using the tutelage of a professional safari guide, you will be in a position to trace animals, learn their ways, and know about the complexities of the ecosystems that you are visiting. Game drives often offer the best opportunities for wildlife photography, providing a front-row seat to breathtaking animal encounters.
2. Walking Safaris
For a more intimate and personal experience with the wild, walking safaris allow you to explore the bush on foot, often accompanied by an experienced guide and tracker. Walking safaris are typically done in smaller groups, which makes the experience feel more immersive. Although this is more physically challenging than a standard game drive, the perspective of the wilderness is uniquely different.
On a walking safari, you will learn to tell the animal tracks, identify other plants and trees that you would not be able to see in a vehicle and track smaller wildlife and insects. The sounds of the bush, the fresh smells of the environment, and the opportunity to get close to the land in a way you would never experience on a game drive make walking safaris an unforgettable adventure. In certain regions, the predators can even be trailed on foot, though the activity is very specialized and needs considerable caution.
3. Boat Safaris
If you’re visiting regions like the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, or the Zambezi River, boat safaris offer a unique way to observe wildlife along rivers and waterways. Such safaris are most often done in smaller, motorized boats at traditional dugouts canoes, and give an opportunity to visit the water edge and to see animals that visit the riverbanks.
Being on the rivers on a boat safari, you might see herds of elephants that come down to the water and drink, hippos resting on the beaches and sunbathing, crocodiles sunning themselves on beaches, or a variety of bird varieties hunting fish. Birdwatching is particularly popular on boat safaris, as many birds are drawn to the water for food and hydration. Slow-paced boat safari is the best option by those who wish to spend several hours in nature and be relaxed.
4. Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Hot airballooning over the plains of Serengeti or the Mara is one of the most breathtaking activities you can do on a safari. Hot air balloon safaris offer a bird’s eye view of the African wilderness and provide a perspective on the land that you simply can’t get from the ground. Its early morning departure time will allow you to enjoy the beautiful sunrise over the savanna, and even to see the wildlife down below.
The feeling of soaring across the landscape whilst the animals move underneath you is a wonderful feeling. You could watch wildebeest and zebra hearsts migrate across the plains, see elephants foraging on the horizon, or track with lions across through the tall grass. Many companies provide a champagne breakfast after the flight, which makes this a unique ending of the adventure.
5. Night Safaris
To have a totally different wildlife encounter, go on a night safari to explore the bush after dark. This gives an opportunity to observe nocturnal species at work, such as leopards, hyenas, or lions hunting. Night safaris usually take place in areas where off-road driving is permitted, giving you a greater chance of encountering elusive species.
During a night safari, you and your guide will ping powerful spotlights to find wildlife, and you may see animals that you never would see during the day. The advantage of being in the bush at night listening to the voices of the natural nocturnal visitors and experiencing the coolness of the night air, makes your safari experience adventurous. Be sure to bring a nice jacket or sweater, because the temperature goes down rather dramatically after the sun sets.
6. Cultural Experiences
Although wildlife is the main attraction of any safari, most safari destinations also destroy the chance to learn about the culture of the locals. In regions where indigenous peoples, including the Maasai, Himba, or Zulu, still reside, you can visit their villages to gain insights into their traditional lifeways, customs, and day to day activities.
You may engage in some cultural activities such as watching traditional dances, going to a nearby market, or making a visit to a village in order to learn how the people live and work. These cultural experiences are a great way to broaden your understanding of Africa beyond the wildlife and gain a deeper appreciation of its rich cultural heritage. Many safari lodges and camps provide these experiences, as part of a larger package that combines community outreach with conservation.
7. Birdwatching
When it comes to bird lovers, Africa is a heavenly place with a high population of species. Birdwatching is an incredibly rewarding activity while on safari, particularly in bird-rich areas like the Okavango Delta, Kruger National Park, or the Ngorongoro Crater. It is possible to see large, majestic birds such as ostriches and eagles as well as smaller birds like weaver birds, kingfishers, and hornbills, the bird diversity on safari is eye-opening.
Knowledgeable guides are on hand to help identify the myriad of species you will encounter, giving information about their behaviors and habitat. There are also special birdwatchers safaris, designed to track down rarest and most interesting species. Whether you’re a serious birdwatcher or a non-birding regular, you won’t believe the number and the beauty of the African birds.
8. Photography Safaris
A photography safari is a dream come true to people who are interested in photography as they are able to take the shots of the African wildlife and sceneries since their beauty is what dominates Africa. Safari guides are likely to be experienced photographers themselves who can give you good advice on how to compose, light and take the best images of wildlife in various settings.
Photography safaris are typically conducted in small groups, ensuring that everyone has a chance to get up close to the animals and capture breathtaking images. The animals are so varied that you can shoot anything: wide-angle landscape scenes, close-ups of the animals, and action shots, as the predator is on the hunt. In certain lodges and camps, they even have specific photography worshops where professional photographers give you tips and advice.
9. Conservation Activities and Volunteering
Many safari lodges and organizations now offer opportunities for travelers to get involved in conservation activities and volunteering. These activities enable you to engage in the protection and preservation of wildlife and natural habitats as you undertake your safari.
Some of the activities in conservation include trailing the rhinos or any other wild animal such as polo to collect information on their activities, searching waterholes to check on the movement of animals and also being part of anti-poaching patrols. There are other programs where you get to collaborate with local conservation initiatives to replenish ecosystems or wildlife census. To conservation enthusiasts, these activities act as a worthy input to give back and leave a mark on nature.
10. Star Gazing
If you’re a fan of astronomy, star gazing is a must-do activity while on safari. Some of the most remote safari destinations have such a beautiful night sky and you can enjoy the view of the stars because of the lack of light pollution. There are many constellations and astronomical anomalies visible in the African skies that are hardly visible in other more developed parts of the world.
Safari guides usually know where to find the constellations, and with some guides even some great stories and legends related to the stars. Some safari camps go extra miles to provide telescopes that visitors can use to have a closer view of stars and planets. The sensation of being out in the great African skies at night under the sounds of the bush is one to remember when you go on a safari adventure.
Conclusion
An African safari is not merely about animal viewing, it is about being a part of the environment, the culture and the country. The Safari also offers numerous activities that help make each traveler as well a memorable experience as there is a range of activities designed to match the interests of all kinds. Every experience, whether it is a pulse-pounding game drive, education about the local people or involvement in conservation, gives a fresh understanding of the wild beauty of Africa. Grab your luggage, gear up on excitement, and get ready to feel the magic of Africa with these marvelous activities on safari!
