What Activities Make for a Truly Unique Safari?

A safari is one of the most interesting, exciting vacation choices in the entire world. If you’re like many travelers, however, it’s the activities, not the destination, that make or break a trip. Before you book your next African safari, you need to learn about a few of the unique activities that you could choose for a once in a lifetime trip. Here are some unique safari activities that you can choose for your holiday so that you have the most memorable, fun trip of your entire life.

Experience Africa on Foot

When you book your safari, you’ll be able to choose several ways to see Africa. For the most unforgettable experience possible, however, you should consider booking a walking safari. Seeing Africa on foot is a unique experience that you’re guaranteed to enjoy. On foot, you’ll be immerse yourself in the gorgeous African scenery, and you’ll feel like you’re on an actual adventure. If you don’t mind a little physical exertion, a walking safari is the perfect choice for your next holiday.

Spend Some Time on the Water

While there are several unique safari activities that you could choose, one of your best options is going on a canoe ride. Africa is well-known for its beautiful waterways, and regardless of which countries you visit, you should be able to spend some time enjoying the water. A canoe ride is a particularly great choice if you’re able to boat past a watering spot, as you may be able to see exotic animals up close and in person.

Hit the Skies in a Balloon

Because there is so much natural beauty in Africa, it can seem like there’s no way to enjoy it all. Fortunately, if you want a bird’s eye view of one of the most gorgeous locations in the entire world, you can take to the skies in a hot air balloon. A balloon ride is a thrilling safari activity that too many travelers overlook. From inside of the balloon, you’ll have a breathtaking view that stretches in every direction, allowing you to fully appreciate the scenery that can only be found in Africa.

If you decide to take a balloon ride, make sure you bring along your camera, as there will be plenty of opportunities for taking photographs.

Plan a Horse Ride

If riding horses is one of your favorite activities back home, then you should take part in your hobby in a new setting by booking a horseback ride for your safari. Going on a horseback ride in Africa is a one of a kind experience, both because of the scenery and the possibility that you’ll encounter other animals such as zebras. Even if you’re a novice rider, you should still have a great time viewing Africa from the back of a horse. Make sure, however, that you have an experienced guide with you so that your ride is as fun and safe as possible.

If you’re thinking about going on a safari, there are several excellent activities you could choose. Book one of these unique safari activities and you’re guaranteed the trip of your life.

Benefits of Going on a Guided Safari Tour

If you’ve never had the pleasure of going on an African safari, there are several factors that you should consider when booking your trip. In addition to deciding which countries you’ll visit, you must also choose whether you’ll drive yourself or reserve a guided tour. While self-drive safaris do provide more freedom, guided safaris provide a number of benefits that you should keep in mind. Check out these enticing benefits of going on a guided safari tour so that you can decide what type of safari is right for you.

A More Relaxing Trip

One of the primary benefits of going on a guided tour on your next safari is that it will be a lot easier for you to relax and enjoy your vacation. On one of these tours, you won’t have to do any driving, which means you can concentrate on the breathtaking landscape that makes Africa such a popular travel destination.

The safari vehicle that you ride in on your tour will also provide you a significantly better view of your surroundings than you would get in a rental car. In a safari vehicle, you’ll sit much higher than in a normal vehicle, which means you’ll have an unobstructed view of the scenery.

Learn Something New

If you’re like most people visiting Africa, you’re probably interested in learning something new, and accomplishing this goal is a lot easier when you book a guided safari tour. On your tour, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced tour guide who can tell you everything that you want to know about your surroundings. You can ask as many questions as you want, so there’s virtually no limit to what you can learn on your trip.

Traveling with a tour guide is also beneficial because they’ll have inside knowledge that will make your trip more enjoyable. For example, an experienced guide will know exactly where to take you to see certain animal species, such as lions and elephants.

Better Access to Activities

Another benefit of booking a guided tour instead of going on a self-drive safari is that you’ll have better access to the interesting sights and sounds in Africa. Many of the most popular game parks in Africa restrict where private vehicles can drive, so if you’re driving yourself in a rental car, you’ll only be able to visit certain areas. Guided tours generally have fuller access to these game parks, making it easier to see exotic animals.

If you’re interested in going on a night drive in a game park, for example, a guided tour is your only choice. No parks allow you to drive yourself at night because it would be a safety issue. On a safari tour, your guide is allowed to take you into some areas of game parks at night, meaning you may be able to see lions on a hunt and a variety of other events that only happen after the sun goes down.

As you can see, there are numerous benefits to reserving a guided safari tour instead of choosing a self-drive safari. On your tour, you’ll be able to enjoy Africa to a fuller extent than you’d be able to while driving yourself.

How to Stay Clean on an African Safari

If you’re thinking about going on an African safari, it’s likely that you have a few questions about what to expect on your trip, including how you can stay clean. After a long day of trekking through nature, you’re going to want to clean up so that you can feel fresh. As you might expect, however, staying clean on a safari is much different than with typical vacations, making it a good idea to examine this issue with a little closer detail.

Here are a few simple and effective tips for African safari hygiene that will help you to stay fresh and clean on your next holiday.

Dealing with Bucket Showers

While most safaris include modern amenities, some travelers prefer a more rustic vacation that includes camping in the bush. If you’re going to do a little camping on your next safari, then you should expect to take at least one bucket shower.

A bucket shower, as you might expect, involves heating water in a bucket and then hanging the bucket so that you can bathe. While it’s certainly different than a typical shower, you can easily get clean with a bucket shower by following a few tips. Basically, you need to make sure your bathing as quickly as possible. Your water will be limited, so you need to scrub yourself quickly. In particular, if you’re going to wash your hair, put in your shampoo on right away. If you wait to shampoo your hair, you may run out of water before you can rinse out the suds.

Packing Your Clothes

When it comes to African safari hygiene, one of the most important things to consider is your clothing. Although you will likely get the opportunity to bathe, you may not be able to wash your clothes until you return home. This means you need to be careful about what clothes you are packing and in what amount.

The best idea is to pack light, breathable clothing. Not only will this help you stay cool, it will allow you to pack more clothes so that you’ll always have a clean outfit at the ready. Packing multiple pairs of socks is also a good idea. You’re going to be doing a lot of walking on safari, and it’s likely that your socks will get wet and dirty. Having a few fresh pairs on hand will help you stay comfortable.

Other Items to Bring

If you want to stay clean on your safari, there are a few items you can bring on your trip that will help with this goal. First, make sure you have a travel toothbrush and some toothpaste. Simply being able to brush your teeth in the morning can help you feel much cleaner throughout the day. Second, if you want to be able to freshen up without going through the hassle of a bucket shower, you should consider investing in some wet wipes and dry shampoo. These items can help you quickly clean up in the morning so that you’re ready for a day of adventuring.

As long as you follow these easy tips for African safari hygiene, you should be able to stay clean and fully enjoy your dream vacation.

Reasons to Safari in Namibia

When you’re getting ready to go on safari, there are several important countries that you need to make, including choosing the countries that you will visit on your trip. While there are countless locations you could travel to on your African safari, none will provide you with the excitement that you’ll find in Namibia.

Namibia offers everything that you could want in a safari, including sights, sounds, and experience that you can’t find anywhere else in the entire world. Here are a few reasons that you should plan a Namibia safari, including some of the thrilling activities you can enjoy while visiting this country.

See Exotic Animals

Although people have differing reasons for going on a safari, the most common goal is being able to see interesting animals in the wild, and in this regard, there is no better destination in Africa than Namibia.

Namibia is home to several gorgeous wildlife preserves, including the ever-popular Etosha National Park. At Etosha, you can visit one of the many watering holes and see several exotic animal species, including giraffes and zebras. Plan your Namibia safari correctly and you’ll easily be able to see some of the most beautiful animals in the entire world.

Breathtaking Landscapes

Another reason that so many people choose to go on an African safari is being able to view gorgeous landscapes that are unmatched in any other vacation destinations, and in Namibia, you’ll find a variety of interesting sites.

For example, this country is home to the world’s second largest canyon: Fish River Canyon. You can also visit Deadvlei, which is a salt pan that stretches for miles and miles. Be sure to bring your camera along with you, because you’ll want to remember the beautiful Namibian landscape for the rest of your life.

Ocean Views

If you’re still looking for reasons to go on a safari in Namibia, consider the fact that you can split your vacation evenly between the land and the sea. In addition, to interesting geological features, Namibia also offers a scenic coastline where you can zone out while watching the waves or even interact with the Cape Fur seals in Walvis Bay. Depending the season you visit, you may be able to take a boat ride and see dolphins and whales.

Visiting Namibia is a great decision for anyone that wants to spend time on the water.

Towering Sand Dunes

While there are nearly unlimited ways to have fun while you’re on your safari in Namibia, one of the activities that you simply can’t miss is touring the tallest sand dunes in the world. Located in Sossusvlei, these dunes are a dark red color that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and the tallest, which is commonly referred to as Big Daddy, is over 1,000 feet tall. Scaling one of these enormous dunes is an experience that you’re guaranteed to always remember.

If you’ve been thinking about taking an African safari, then you need to choose your perfect destinations, and clearly, one of your best options is booking a Namibia safari. Whether you want to explore nature or relax on the waves, Namibia has everything you need for a great trip.

Why Walking Tours Exclude the Big Five

Going on an African safari is an outstanding choice for your next vacation, especially if you love seeing exotic animals in the wild. While it’s common to expect to see Africa’s Big Five on your safari, you may end up disappointed if you choose a walking safari.

The Big Five will always be excluded from a walking safari for some very good reasons, and examining these reasons is the best way to decide if a walking safari is the right choice for you. Here are a few of the reasons that you won’t see the Big Five on your walking safari and advice for booking a safari where you can see these animals.

More Scared of You

If you’re like most people, then you’ve likely heard the old adage that wild animals are more scared of you than you are of them, and this is the main reason that you usually won’t see the Big Five while on your walking safari.

Despite their size, the Big Give are intimidated by humans, and will almost always prefer running away to encountering you face to face. Most of the creatures in the Big Five have highly attuned senses, meaning they can detect people approaching from a good distance away. As soon as these animals catch your scent or hear you walking, they will flee. Although this might be disappointing for travelers dreaming of a close encounter with the Big Five on their safari, it’s actually for the best, as these animals can be dangerous when cornered.

Big Five on a Game Drive

If you’re desperate to see the Big Five on your African safari, then your best bet is booking a game drive. While this does mean you’ll be in the confines of a vehicle, it will also make it more likely that you’ll be able to see every member of the Big Five.

While on a game drive, you’ll be accompanied by a safari guide that will know when and where to find the Big Five. By approaching from a distance in the game vehicle, you’ll be able to see these animals without scaring them off. To get a good view, make sure to pack a pair of quality binoculars or a camera with a long-distance lens.

Staying Safe on a Walking Tour

Even if you may not be able to see the Big Five, going on a walking safari is still a great choice, particularly if you follow a few easy safety tips.

The first and most important tips for staying safe on a walking safari is to never venture out without a guide. Your guide will be able to steer you away from dangerous areas so that you have an enjoyable trip free from harm. Always walk in single file, and if you do encounter a wild animal, remain calm and never run. Make sure that your clothes aren’t brightly colored so that you can blend into your surroundings. Finally, refrain from eating, drinking or smoking while on your walking safari.

If you want to experience the beautiful natural beauty of Africa, a walking safari is an excellent choice, even if it means you may not see the Big Five.

Vehicles You May Ride in on African Safari

If you’re planning on taking an African safari, then you’re probably interested in learning everything that you can about your upcoming trip. While there are a lot of issues you need to be aware of before your safari, one of the most important is the different options for transportation that you can choose.

Modes of transportation on safari can include vehicles both large and small, as well as travel on foot. Learning about a few common African safari vehicles will help you plan your trip so that you have the best time possible. Here are a few of the most common African safari vehicles that you could choose and advice for planning convenient transportation for your safari holiday.

Trucks for Overlanding

The most common vehicle that you will encounter on safari is an overlanding truck. These are very large vehicles that have been specifically designed to handle the tough driving conditions that are common on African safari, including river crossings and poorly paved roads.

Overland trucks can range widely in size, with some vehicles capable of carrying 12 passengers and others able to accommodate as many as 44. Seats in these trucks will be raised and there are large windows on both sides of the vehicle so that you have a full view of the gorgeous scenery. If you want to fill your safari with as many sights and sounds as possible, then an overland truck is your top transportation option.

Benefits of Microbuses

If you’re going on a smaller group safari and don’t plan on traveling through tough terrain, then an adapted micro bus is the perfect safari vehicle. These buses can comfortably seat between six to ten passengers, and there are a variety of features that make for convenient, comfortable transportation.

Many of these budgets, for instance, have large windows that are perfect for sightseeing or picture taking. When a micro bus has been outfitted specifically for safari, it will include a variety of features, including a GPS system, a suspension that provides for a smooth ride, and an air conditioning system that will keep you cool in the African heat. There may also cooler boxes so that you can take food and safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher or first aid kit.

Game Viewing Vehicles

Travelers that are planning on visiting a game park during their African safari will usually ride in a game viewing vehicle. These vehicles have been designed to give safari goers the best game viewing experience possible, and will ensure that you are able to clearly see the exotic plant and animal life in the game park.

Many game viewing vehicles are completely open, meaning without windows, so that you will have an unobstructed view while driving through the game park. However, because they are open, these vehicles are meant only for short drives. If you go for a ride in a game viewing vehicle, make sure to protect yourself from the elements with the proper clothing and equipment, such as wide brimmed hat and sunscreen.

Before you book your African safari, think about the type of vehicle you may use for transportation and you’re sure to have a great trip.

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui

The Most Effective Safari Safety Tips

As most experienced travelers will tell you, there is no more exciting vacation than going on African safari. On a safari, you’ll be able to meet new friends, sample delicious cuisine, and experience some of the most exotic sights and sounds in the entire world.

While a safari is a once in a lifetime experience, it is also a much different vacation than any trip on which you’ve ever been, which is why it’s a good idea to get a few tips so that you can have the safest, most enjoyable holiday possible. Here are a few easy safari safety tips that you can use on your next holiday to make sure that you have an exciting trip free from harm.

Getting Ready Before Your Trip

If you want to make sure that you enjoy the safest African safari possible, then you need to start preparing before you even book your flight. With a little preparation, you can avoid many of the risks of safari before your trip even begins, giving you total peace of mind.

As many people know, malaria is a risk in many locations in Africa, so it’s important that you take malaria pills on your trip. While you’re on safari, you should be sure to sleep under mosquito nets to reduce your risk any further.

You will also need to make sure you are up to date on your vaccinations before you leave on your trip. In particular, you need to make sure you’re vaccinated for hepatitis and Yellow Fever, both of which are a threat on safari.

Finally, it’s a good idea to purchase medical travel insurance prior to your trip. Extra coverage will help you more quickly receive medical treatment if you’re injured on your vacation.

Safely Viewing Game

For most people, the biggest benefit of going on African safari is being able to see wild animals in their natural habitat. Because most people are accustomed to seeing these animals in a zoo, it’s common to forget that these creatures can be threatened by humans, sometimes resulting in attacks that can put your health in serious jeopardy. By following a few simple rules, you can safely enjoy exotic animal life while on Safari.

When you’re on a game drive, you should remain as quiet as possible, as human activity is likely to agitate the animals. You should also keep your arms and legs inside of your safari vehicle at all times. Although the animals are sometimes used to vehicles, they are not as accustomed to the presence of humans. Try to avoid eating on your game drive, and always make sure you’re properly attired. Bring along warm clothing, sunscreen, and hats so that you’re prepared for every weather situation.

If you plan on taking a walking safari, you should never go without a guide, as they are trained how to safely navigate the bush. Walk in single file, never run, and be sure to wear subdued clothing, as animals will be attracted to bright colors.

Follow these safari safety tips while you’re on your next African safari tour, and you’ll have a safe trip that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui

Game Reserves and National Parks: What’s the Difference?

When you’re planning to go on African safari, it’s likely that your main goal is to spend time in nature and see some of the most beautiful plant and animal life in the world. However, many people going on safari for the first time aren’t quite sure how to best accomplish this goal.

For instance, while researching your safari, you’ll probably see references to national parks, wilderness areas, game reserves, and conservancy, making it hard to know which you should visit for the most enjoyable safari experience possible. Here is some information to help you learn the difference between game reserves and national parks so you can easily plan an African safari.

Enjoy a National Park

If you want to enjoy nature in Africa in a more controlled environment, then your best bet is to visit a national park. As you might expect from their name, national parks are owned and operated by the government of the country where they are located, and are a great way for safari goers to safely experience wildlife in Africa.

Generally, national parks will offer a variety of activities such as guided tours and 4×4 trails, and the roads will be well-formed and easy to navigate. While there are a variety of small national parks throughout Africa, most travelers want to visit the larger, popular parks such as the Kruger National Park.

Game Reserves and Nature Reserves

Some people going on safari choose to skip the national parks and instead visit a game or nature reserve. These areas are a great place to view animals and plants in their natural environment, giving you a more authentic safari experience. However, there are some differences between the two types of reserves.

A nature reserve is designed specifically for the benefit of the animals and plants that it homes. They are intended for conservation purposes and will attempt to limit the impact that human activities have on the wildlife in the reserve. The Kogelberg Nature Reserve, which is located outside of Cape Town, is one of the most well-known nature reserves in Africa.

Game reserves, on the other hand, are focused on the preservation of animal life. In a game reserve, which is also called a game park, animals native to Africa such as giraffes and rhinoceros will be protected. Also, game parks generally allow for activities like hiking through the reserve and viewing the animals. If a game reserve specifically forbids hunting, it usually also qualifies as a nature reserve.

What About Wilderness Areas?

A wilderness area is an area that has not been tampered with by humans. In these areas, there are no roads or infrastructure of any kind, and the plants and animals are allowed to evolve without human involvement. While it is possible to visit a wilderness area while on safari, many travelers find these areas too extreme. However, if you want to experience African wildlife in its natural state, a wilderness area is the place to do so.

Now that you know the difference between national parks, game preserves, and wilderness areas, you can plan an African safari that you’ll be sure to enjoy.

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui

 

What You Can’t Miss on a Great African Safari

Going on an African safari is a fantastic choice if you’re thinking about taking a vacation. A safari is a one-of-a-kind experience, allowing you to see exotic animals and plantlife in one of the most interesting locations in the world. However, as with most vacations, getting the most out of your safari depends on planning your trip with the right activities.

Learn about what you can’t miss on a great African safari trip, and how you can book a trip that is tailored just for you and your family.

Safari Guide

The key to a rewarding, exciting safari is being able to see a wide range of sights that will allow you to immerse yourself in African culture. However, if you’re not familiar with Africa, then you might not know which locations you should visit and which should be skipped. It is for this reason that hiring an experienced, knowledgeable guide or ranger is something you can’t skip on if you want a great African safari.

The right safari guide will be both entertaining and informative, and will be able to take you on a tour of game reserves and national parks so that you can see the gorgeous scenery and exotic animals that are the hallmark of an African safari. Choosing the right guide means having a memorable safari.

The Big Five

Even if you’re not an experienced with going on safari, you may have heard of the Big Five, which are animals that a person typically sees when they’re on safari. These animals are the rhinoceros, the Cape buffalo, the African lion, the African leopard, and the African elephant. While there are several sights that you can see while on safari, the Big Five is definitely something you can’t miss.

Ensure that you make time to see these animals on your trip if you want the full safari experience. In fact, make seeing the Big Five the first item on your safari itinerary so that you don’t miss out.

Wilderness Dining

Africa is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire world. While Africa is gorgeous every time of day, the best views come at sundown, when the light gets low and you can see breathtaking colors on the horizon. During your safari vacation, an activity that you need to make sure to participate in is wilderness dining, or enjoying a meal while immersed in the bush.

Many safari lodges offer sunset meals that are the perfect opportunity to relax after a long day of adventuring.  While enjoying a refreshing drink and eating a delicious meal, you can take in the sites and reflect on your vacation.

Be Adventurous

If you’re a traveler that can’t fully enjoy your vacation until you get your blood pumping, then you need to be certain that your African safari includes a little bit of adventure. For example, you may want to plan an excursion to Victoria Falls, where you can enjoy thrilling activities like bungee jumping and helicopter rides. A memorable, fun safari is one that lets you go on an adventure you wouldn’t experience in your normal life.

Include these can’t miss activities in your African safari so that you can have the time of your life.

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui

2018 Safari Travel Trends

If you’re interested in a one of a kind vacation that will provide lifelong memories, there’s almost no better choice than going on an African safari. Going on a safari means being able to experience exotic wildlife in one of the most beautiful locations in the entire world. However, if you’re like most travelers, you want to be certain that your trip is as fun-filled as possible, which means you need to learn about a few of the hottest safari trends.

Here are a few African safari trends for 2018 that you need to know about so that you and your family can plan the most exciting holiday possible.

Immersion Travel

While on vacation, many travelers want a touristy experience where they can enjoy staying in a lush hotel and see all of the most popular sites. However, if you want your trip to be as memorable as possible, then the best safari trend for you is immersion travel.

Immersion travel, as you might expect from its name, is a type of vacation where you immerse yourself in a culture, learning about longheld traditions and connecting with the local people. Unlike typical vacations, immersion travel allows you to have a rich and rewarding trip that you’re sure to remember for the rest of your life.

Whole Family Safaris

A vacation is the perfect opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life so you can finally spend time with your family. If you’ve been thinking about taking an African safari as a family vacation, you should consider going on a multigenerational safari, one of the hottest trends for this year.

On a multi-generational safari, grandparents, parents and children/grandchildren can enjoy a unique vacationing experience. You can even choose a safari that is tailored to the exact needs of your family, whether you want an experience focused on your children or a trip that has something for all ages.

Adventure Safaris

If you’re like many people interested in going on a safari, then you want to be certain that your trip is as thrilling as possible. If so, then the ideal safari trend for you is going on an adventure safari. With an adventure safari, your trip will be filled with pulse pounding excitement, providing the getaway that you need and deserve.

When planning an adventure safari, you can match your activities to your skill level, ensuring that you have a great time while staying safe. Whether you choose a walking safari tour or a forest hike, an adventure safari is a great choice for thrill seekers everywhere.

Personalized Safaris

If you’re the type of traveler that marches to the beat of their own drum, then the top safari trend for you is going on a personalized safari. With a personalized safari, you’ll be able to pick the activities that interest you the most, ensuring a trip that you’ll remember fondly for the rest of your life. If you want a vacation that is tailor made for you, then a personalized safari is a great choice.

Think about the trends that best match your tastes, and you’ll be able to go on a thrilling African safari that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Meta: Here are a few African safari trends for 2017 that you need to know about so that you and your family can plan the most exciting holiday possible.

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui