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What Is It Like to Embark on an Adventurous African Safari?

Guest post written by Hills of Africa Travel founder, Sandy Salle

Africa Serengeti

Fortunately, there is no such thing as a typical safari experience. In fact, it’s impossible to determine, or predict what you will experience while out in the African bush. Although we can make assumptions on what we’ll see, based on previous years and safari experiences, we still can never tell what we’ll witness while on a safari adventure. This is what makes safari so exciting!

Depending on what country you’re visiting and what type of safari excursion you wish to embark on, you are sure to see a variety of different animals.

Below are just a few types of safaris to enjoy while visiting southern and eastern Africa:

Walking Safaris: Some of the best walking safaris take place in Zambia’s Luangwa National Park. Here, visitors can explore 9,050 kilometers of unspoiled wilderness, where 100 different species of mammals and 500 species of birds live. One of the best elements of a walking safari is that you are on ground level with all of the wildlife. You can peer beneath rocks, sit on a log as you watch a passing family of elephants, and even play detective as you try to decipher animal tracks in the dirt. The possibility for discovery is endless on a walking safari.

Pictures of Elephants while on Safari

Mokoro Safaris: Celebrated for exceptional mokoro (traditional canoe) safaris, Botswana is a must-visit destination if you’re looking to explore the wildlife-bustling waterways of southern Africa. The Chobe River is arguably the best place to enjoy a mokoro safari, not only for its variety of wildlife, but also for its breathtaking sunsets. During a mokoro safari down the Chobe River, you’ll come across an abundance of fascinating creatures, including crocodile, hippo, elephant, giraffe, lechwe, and some amazing water-dwelling bird species.

Game Drive: Whether you wish to explore the African savannah plains in early morning or at night, a game drive can take you deep within the African bush to witness exotic animals in their natural environments. Game drives typically depart at dawn and last anywhere from a full day to a half day—depending on your preferences. Some of the best places to enjoy game drives include Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, and Botswana—to name a very few.

Lions Sleeping while on Safari

Horseback Safari: One of the most exciting types of safari, a horseback safari brings you up close to elephants, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, and other large game species. Not only do you witness some of Africa’s most fascinating creatures on a horseback safari, but you also have the opportunity to explore the various terrain of Africa—some of the most gorgeous land on the planet. Kenya’s Amboseli National Park and Chyulu Hills are some of the best places in all of Africa to enjoy a horseback safari. Here, visitors can travel through wildlife clad eco-systems and photograph breathtaking landscapes.

Other exciting safaris include hot air balloon safaris, gorilla trekking safaris, birding safaris, photography safaris, and much more.

About Hills of Africa Travel:

Hills of Africa Travel specializes in customized African safari vacations to southern and eastern Africa. We offer spectacular adventures with personalized service, guaranteed to provide you with the experience of a lifetime. We are also proud to be the first US-based operator to offer Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) itineraries in our South Africa tours. These low-impact itineraries ensure when you travel, you’re helping communities, their people, and their economies thrive.