Welcome to Safari
To go on safari is to travel through the wild parts of the world, interacting with the landscapes, animals and peoples, undertaking a range of different activities and enjoying a huge range of different experiences. A safari should be rich, varied, intense and authentic.
Safari is a rather vague term which is generally used to describe the act of travelling into wildlife areas around the world with the specific intention of viewing animals.
The term is derived from the Swahili word for ‘journey’, but has come to mean so much more.
If you are planning to travel to Africa, the Indian Subcontinent or South America, then chances are that you will be keen to include some kind of safari experience in your trip.
When you get to chat with us about your trip, you will probably be able to tell us that you want to go on safari, you may even be able to suggest a few specific locations that you want to visit.
But we can fine-tune your trip much more precisely than that. As well as choosing lodges and camps to suit your style and budget, we can also include specific experiences and even specific animals. Or rather we can maximise your chances of interacting with certain animals in the hope that they will cooperate!
Here are some links to some of the kinds of details you might like to add to your trip. If you want to include anything else in your trip, then just let us know, this is by no means an exhaustive list …
Activities
Game Drives
When you are on safari, most of the time you will see animals from a vehicle. The animals do not recognize that there are humans inside the vehicle but think of it as a different kind of animal.
Nighttime is when the bush reveals its secrets. Decades ago, many African camps would go on safari for half the night and sleep during the day. Now, only a few places offer serious night safaris, where you can witness the thrilling action of predators.
Hides
If you want to have a close and intimate interaction with animals, a hide is a great option. A hide allows you to observe the animals in their natural behavior, without disturbing them or putting yourself in danger. You can also take amazing close up photos from a hide. However, hides are not very common and you need to plan your trip carefully to find one.
Historic Sites
History lovers will find many places to visit that will enrich their knowledge and inspire their imagination. You can explore the historical sites that are located in beautiful and atmospheric settings. This section will help you find the places that suit your interests and preferences.
Trekking and Hiking
Hiking and trekking lovers will find many amazing places to explore on their trips. You can experience the thrill of the East African volcanoes or the beauty of Table Mountain to name a few. Some safari areas offer easy walks through scenic landscapes, where you can enjoy nature and relax. But some safari areas have more adventurous walks, where you can get close to wild animals that might be dangerous. There are hikes for all levels of difficulty and adventure.
Village Visits
Many people who go on safari for the first time are attracted by the chance to see wild animals, but they also end up being charmed by the local people. The people who live in remote and rural areas are often very selfless, friendly, and hospitable. They welcome visitors with open arms and share their culture and traditions.
Canoe and Boat Cruise Safari
Cruising on the water is a fascinating way to see animals on the shore, such as leopards, elephants or lions, up close and safely, as they usually ignore your presence. But you have to be careful of hippos and crocodiles in the water.
White-water Rafting
When putting together a safari, it is remarkable the diversity of other experiences that can be included. White-water rafting might not have been your starting point when planning a trip, but it might well end up being one of the highlights.
Bunjee Jumping
If you happen to be one of those people who think that throwing yourself off very high bridges in Africa might be a good idea, then there are two superb locations, one at the Victoria Falls and the other in the Western Cape of South Africa. The rope hardly ever breaks and the crocodiles are only small.
Animals
Elephants
Elephants are amazing animals that have their own personality and intelligence. A great safari can let you have a personal and peaceful time with these gentle giants, an experience that you will never forget.
Lions
Wild lions are majestic creatures that can make you feel both awe and fear. Their power is incredible and they can be very dangerous. You never know what they might do next, and that makes safari very thrilling.
Gorrillas
There are nine million people on this planet for each mountain gorilla. So the population of the UK for example, equates to just 8 gorillas. Their future is completely dependent on sustainable tourism, the more people that go to see them, the more gorillas there will be, simple as that.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimpanzees are not as popular as Gorillas but have more impressive qualities once you get to know them. They are smarter, more active, and have quite a sense of humour. They never disappoint. Meeting a wild chimpanzee in its natural habitat is an amazing and unforgettable experience.
Leopards
One of the most frustrating things about safari is that, almost wherever you go, you know there’s loads of leopards out there looking at you, but getting to see them in another matter. If these beautiful cats are high on your list, then you need to get to the areas and camps where finding them is a particular speciality.
Rhinos
If ever you want to meet an animal that seems to date back to the age of dinosaurs, then we suggest you try a rhino. These prehistoric tanks are docile grazers by trade, but their poor senses often cause them to become confused and angry. It’s about that time that you need to leave.
