There is certainly more than one way to safari so we’ve included some of the lesser known options below and ten ways to see the wildlife without a 4X4. We’ve picked out places where you can expect the unexpected on Namibia’s desert plains and even locations where you can safari with a purpose.
- Hop on a Dhow sailing boat in Mozambique through the Bazarutu Archipelago to Magaruque Island. Teaming with over 260 species of birds flocking the lush vegetation, over 2000 species of colourful reef fish and elaborate coral gardens. This is a snorkellers and bird lovers haven.
- Take to the skies in the Okavango and enjoy a flight over the delta. View four of the Big Five from up above – one of the most memorable ways to safari!
- Flipper up in Zanzibar and feast your eyes on the underwater wildlife. This is one of the world’s most sought after dive haunts. The coral reefs are teeming with colorful fish, beginners and expert divers often spying dolphins and turtles in this underwater world.
- Take on a walking safari in Zambia – a more intimate way to appreciate Africa’s animal kingdom – South Luanwga where the walking safari is said to have originated. In Zimbabwe’s Matobo Hills National Park you can add rhino conservation to the mix and while the Namib Naukluft National Park is not a game rich area, desert walking safaris here still offer up some amazingly unique animals which have adapted themselves to the harsh environment.
- Go by Mokoro in the delta, Botswana’s last remaining wetland wilderness. You can expect to see hippo frolicking in the waters of the Okavango, and an added plus, lion, elephant and giraffe are often spotted on the banks of the delta’s many islands.
- For a birds eye view over the Serengeti book an optional hot air balloon flight! Whatever your currency, the adventure is worth its weight in gold as there are no 4X4 jams this highway to the skies and the wildlife rush has to be seen to be believed!
- Try a horse safari? Take a ride through Swaziland’s pioneer conservation area, The Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, alive with history and progress. A variety of antelope, zebra and hippo will be seen up close and personal.
- Safari with a purpose in Zimbabwe and go walking with lions in Gweru. More than just a simple safari on the savannah, these walks help the lions orient themselves to their natural environment. Out in the bush they learn to play, explore and get a feel for their final destination – the wilds of Africa.
- Cruise across the Chobe River and you’ll find a lot more watery wildlife – the hippo, elephant and crocodile making regular appearances on the adventure.
- Safari under the heavens in Etosha as we stay at a site offering round the clock wildlife viewing. When you’re back at camp, why not relax with a Windhoek beer and spy Namibia’s nocturnal animal kingdom, the black rhino a regular visitor at this floodlit watering hole.
Written by – Acacia Sales and Marketing department.