Written by Lauren Maker
Africa’s sensational wildlife and adventure experiences are vast and varied; from gliding through the waterways of the Okavango Delta, to climbing the red dunes of Sossusvlei.
Whether you are looking for that action-packed family holiday or an fun-filled honeymoon, it can be difficult to pick the right experience. Luckily, we’ve pulled together our top 5 safari experiences for every adventurous traveller.
1. Pafuri Walking Safaris – Kruger National Park, South Africa
A walking safari in the Kruger is an untamed, wild experience that is suitable for individuals that want to enjoy changing landscapes: from bushveld to forests, mountains to floodplains, and pans that attract spectacular variety of animals and birds. Instead of driving around in a Landrover, you walk through the bush with a professional guide and tracker. Learn about spoor, how to track animals and experience nature up close and personal.
Pafuri Walking Safaris’ greatest advantage is you experience fewer people during high season and share terrain with only the animals and birds around you. Explore forests of fever trees, groves of baobab trees and the magnificent fever trees.
You will sleep and rest in canvas safari tents. The tents are well equipped, with comfortable beds, ensuite toilets and a little patio. Enjoy stories by fire at night and delicious meals cooked by the staff along the way. You will need comfortable shoes, a decent fitness level (walking 8-10km per day) and an adventurous side.
2. Mokoro Excursions – Okavango Delta, Botswana
Water is life in the Okavango Delta. As the floodwaters enter from the swollen Angolan highlands in the north, this vast extension of the Kalahari Basin fills and is a watery oasis for a wide variety of animals and birds. It also provides the setting for unforgettable adventures!
A mokoro excursion is an experience unique to the Delta. This traditional, dug-out canoe used by your guide (poler) to transport you through the water channels, offers a new perspective of the landscapes. Spot elephants, hippo, and antelope, as well as brightly coloured frogs and kingfishers catching their meal for the day. Take in the sights and sounds from the quiet comfort of your mokoro; life on the water is a completely different journey.
3. Climb the World’s Highest Sand Dunes – Sossusvlei, Namibia
Climb the 300 meter (about the height of the Empire State Building) high red dunes of Sossusvlei and gaze upon oceans of red sand. Explore the canyon carved by water over millions of years and float in a hot air balloon over the world’s oldest desert. Experience nature walks, game drives, or low-impact quad biking.
Spot well-known desert wildlife such as ostriches, springbok, gemsbok, brown hyenas, bat-eared foxes, an aardwolf, or even the endemic dune lark. As the sun sets, listen to the barking geckos; at night go on a guided infrared scorpion safari. And of course, stargaze in one of the darkest places on Earth where there is no light pollution, and experience some of the most spectacular night skies in Africa. Namibia offers incredible safari adventures and should be on your bucket list for travels in 2022.
4. Horse riding Desert Safari – Tswalu, Kalahari
Experience the beautiful expanse of the Kalahari on a horseback safari through the desert. Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve is situated in South Africa’s Northern Cape and is one of our most highly recommended destinations for an adventure safari.
A guided horse safari allows you to get up-close and personal with wildlife. Horse riding is a unique way of experiencing nature, regardless of your level of experience. Tswalu has exceptionally well-schooled horses to suit everyone, from beginner level to proficient rider. Follow the game trails through the grasslands, enjoy the dunes and top it off with a tasting menu at Klein Jan Restaurant, Tswalu’s exclusive eatery, hosted by chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, who has a Michelin-starred restaurant in France.
5. The Wildebeest Migration – Serengeti, Tanzania
Known as one of the most sought-after experiences for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, the annual Great Migration sees the moving of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest across the Serengeti and into the Masai Mara. This constant movement of so many animals is outstanding to watch and be a part of.
As you track the herd you will find drama along the way, with high likelihood of predator sightings. This incredible high paced safari adventure is done in 4×4 Landrovers. The landscapes offer spectacular settings for photography and the sunrises and sunsets will leave you speechless.
Our team has experienced them all and will happily help you to design the perfect safari to suit your needs. If you are looking for adventure in Africa, we’ll find it!
