When we talk about Safaris most people picture the fantastic workhorse 4×4’s that are associated with iconic traditional safaris, now, it is true that being in a vehicle is by far the most effective way to search out big game and to get close when you find it, this is because you can cover more ground looking in different habitats or places that certain species are often found, and this is therefore the best way to get the up-close experience and to snap those images to hang on the wall, however, there are arguably more exhilarating and interesting ways to create life long memories in the bush.

There is so much more to a safari than vehicles and in this blog we will take you through some of the other activities that are available in some of our favourite parts of Africa, this list is by no means exhausted so get in touch for some of the more unusual activities out there on the continent but hopefully we can inspire you to get out of the vehicle and try something new and exciting on your next awesome safari, organised by The Safari Specialists, of course.

Those that have read through some of our website, previous blogs or know me personally know that my two big passions in Africa are wildlife portraiture and walking safaris. The two don’t mix that well but all the same….

Getting out on foot in the wilderness has been something that I have loved forever, this started in the UK but translated to my African life seamlessly, there is something so special about being in a truly wild area, far from everyone. Getting out in the wilds is about more than searching for the big iconic species, it is about learning about the smaller wildlife and taking the time to appreciate everything that goes into these awe inspiring eco systems.

I could continue about walking safaris all day, but we’ll come back to it…

Where to: Zambia’s South Luangwa for the home of the walking safari or Kenya’s north for Rhino Trekking on foot, these are two of many, talk to us for where and what is best for you.

There are a few ways to experience a safari on the water and for the purpose of this blog we are going to talk briefly about boating, canoeing and mekoro’s.

Being out on a motor boat is a fantastic way to get out on the water and is the perfect way to watch the sun go down and enjoy a G&T, however, if you want to experience wildlife from a completely different perspective then you have to try a canoe safari. This is a wonderful activity that can be done as a single day or for the adventurous as a mobile camping trip. The Mekoro’s’ of Botswana’s Okavango are a great way to explore the narrow and shallow waterways, similar to a walking safari, this is a way to experience the smaller things that inhabit the delta.

Where to: we love the canoeing safaris in the Lower Zambezi, Zambia our favourite camp for this is Old Mondoro, alternatives in Botswana and Zimbabwe are awesome too…

This is one of the most amazing ways to experience wildlife viewing and something that depending on where you go is possible for riders of all levels. In parts of Kenya there are areas where even novices can get out and explore the African bush.

For those that ride regularly that want to experience the thrill of viewing big game from the saddle there are parts of Botswana that offer the most incredible opportunities to canter in the vicinity of giraffes, stopping to view elephant or lion and then head back to the lodge for a hearty meal or to a simple camp sleeping under the stars for those seeking a truly extraordinary memory.

Where to: Northern Kenya for those travelling with mixed riding abilities, Botswana for advanced riders. South Africa also has some good riding safaris as well.

The above are awesome activities that can all be done as a simple morning or afternoon activity as something to add variety do an itinerary, or… why not turn a walking safari into a mobile safari or canoe from camp to camp, you can even ride from lodge to a mobile camp and on to another lodge, the world really is your oyster, lets get planning!

Balloon safaris in Tanzania’s Serengeti, Helicopter Safaris in the Okavango Delta, Mountain Biking safari in Zambia just to name a few.