Safari is Swahili for journey. A journey in to the heart of Africa’s safari countries, where high concentrations of game congregate and untouched raw Africa awaits your presence. A sojourn to Africa is a fantastic idea, but everybody’s journey to Africa is different, as it is in life.
After narrowing down the country/countries to visit, the next step is work out the type of safari you’d like to go on. Will it be a mobile safari, luxury safari or walking safari in Africa? You might not know what’s involved in each type of safari, but we’re here to help.
Here’s the lowdown.
Mobile safaris are for the adventurous. It’s a great way of exploring a variety of different areas, which are normally inaccessible to those who aren’t camping. You pay a once off rate and select one of the set routes/itinerary. There are levels of mobile safaris – some are more luxurious than others, but there’s a similar thread running through all of them.
What to Expect: You spend a specific amount of time in one area before relocating to another pristine sect of land. For the duration of your trip you stay in a combination of fully-equipped tents and, on occasion, lodge accommodation. For the camping section of your safari, tents are set-up prior to your arrival.
One can expect a lounge, bar and relaxation area. Expect walking safaris, daily activities and an adventurous experience in a range of pristine areas.
Meals are prepared for you while you’re waited on hand and foot by the rest of the team! The best place to do a mobile safari in Africa is Botswana because of its rough terrain, untouched areas and diverse landscape.
A mobile safari? Well, that’s just glamping at its finest. Try Afrika Ecco Mobile Safaris for an authentic, affordable glamping experience that really takes you back to wild living at its finest.
Private charters, gourmet food, gyms, spa treatments and superb game viewing in the middle of Africa’s bushveld. That pretty much sums up an elite, luxury safari experience. There are a plethora of luxury lodges peppered throughout southern Africa, all offering something unique and their own twist on decor.
Lodges require you to remain in a confined area where daily game drives and walks form part of a set daily schedule. When you enjoy a luxury safari in a private reserve, the only thing you’re required to do is relax. Everything else is done for you!
What to Expect: Daily game drives, bush walks and sundowners are the standard activities for lodges in private reserves. The more luxurious lodges may have added value activities such as boat cruises, mokoro trips and even wine pairing in superbly crafted cellars beneath the ground.
Lodges that are understated and minimalist with few rooms offer a personalised, intimate experience. The more ostentatious of lodges may have a more resort-in-the-bush feel. Generally speaking, lodge rates include all activities, meals, sundowners and drinks.
For the pinnacle of luxury we recommend the Singita Lodges which are located throughout southern and East Africa. Singita is a brand that is synonymous with award winning quality.
There are numerous camps within Kruger that offer professional walking safaris throughout Kruger. The walks are led by qualified trails guides and there’s plenty of knowledge to be gained while “on the ground”.
While you’re traipsing through the bushveld, feeling the fresh crunch of grass beneath your feet, you’ll learn about the surrounding vegetation, observe wildlife from elevated areas and feel a lot closer to nature.
What to expect: You can expect the normal safari routine of three meals a day and an evening game drive. However, many safari walking outfitters will start the morning off with a power walk of 3 hours. It’s a great way to walk off all the food you eat while on safari.
A professional guide will teach you the proper techniques of walking in the bushveld. These types of safaris are best suited to those with a moderate level of fitness and who enjoy a bit of an adventurous outdoorsy twist to their safari.
Learn how to recognize tracks, the medicinal properties of plants and how to distinguish between male and female species and identify territorial markings. All these things you’d probably bypass while bumbling through the bush in a safari vehicle.
We recommend a walking safari with Rhino Post, which is housed on an exclusive property within the Kruger Concession.
