It may only just seem like the festive season has been and gone but for many of us our attentions are now firmly fixed on the annual getaway.
Over recent years many Americans and other westerners have become more adventurous in their vacation choices with couples, solo travellers and families all now looking at trying out more exotic adventures abroad.
One of the holiday types that has witnessed a huge surge in popularity over recent years is the African Safari. There are now a plethora of family safari holidays available from specialist holiday providers like Africa Odyssey that cater for both parents and children, whilst a safari trip also provides the perfect romantic getaway for couples, with the African continent boasting some spectacular scenery and landscapes.
However, with such a vast space and so many destinations to choose from, selecting where to go, and what to do when you’re there, can become a bit of a challenge.
To give you a helping hand we’ve put together a brief overview of some of the most popular African safari activities you can undertake.
Game Drives
The majority of big-game viewing in Africa occurs by car, in either open or closed 4×4 vehicles (depending on the precise location that you’ve chosen to visit).
The conditions will also impact on the vehicle’s used for game drives, as open vehicles do not always have a shaded roof tops and therefore are entirely unsuitable during the hotter seasons.
Generally speaking, game drives take place either first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon, as this helps to avoid the days hottest periods when animals are at their least active.
Some packages will also offer night drives to safari-goers, and while this is not standard it certainly makes for an exciting and truly engaging experience.
As an aside, it’s important to remember that some regions will demand half or full-day game drives, so you’ll need to factor this into your itinerary. At the same time, you can also book a private vehicle, which will create a more intimate and less crowded experience for you and your travelling companions.
If you’re worried about safety, especially if you’re taking the children, then there’s plenty of safety tips you can follow to ensure you have a wonderful, care-free time.
Walking Safaris and Trekking
Whether you’re young or old and simply want to travel to experience Africa’s diverse range of wildlife and ecosystems at close range, there’s no doubt that booking a walking safari is ideal for you.
Walking safaris are also widely available throughout Africa, while they also enable you to experience the bush in a way that’s simply unavailable during game drives.
It has also been argued that game viewing is far easier without the disruptive sound of an engine, as this minimises the risk of animals being scared off while also heightening your own senses.
We’d also recommend walking safaris for anyone who wants to learn more about the smaller aspects of the bush, including plants, tracks, insects and birds. After all, hiking and mountain trekking exposes you to these incredible sights, while teaching you about they interact with one another in the African bush.
Exploring Species Specific Interests
Aside from these safari methods, tour operators are also offering activities that can be specifically focused on individual species and big game.
Elephant viewing is particularly popular in east and southern Africa, with some sites renowned for focusing solely on this magnificent creature. This is most commonplace at destinations that offer a safe haven or research facility for elephants, so it’s a must for anyone who wants to learn more about them.
Other packages will focus on big cats (lion, cheetah and leopards), black and white rhinos and the endangered wild African dog, with bespoke packages available to suit variable needs.
Ultimately, the key is to recognise the species of animal that you want to engage with, before speaking to an operator to see how they can accommodate you.