Traditionally, when one took an African safari, the only way
to view wildlife was on a game drive. Today there are more options for
game viewing, ensuring that there is a way for everyone to view wildlife
on safari, so check out these options before you book your African
safari
Game drive in vehicle
This entails driving slowly through the park or reserve, in the vehicle of your choice, looking for game. Once you spot something, you can stop for some time observing the animals.
The vehicles used for this type of activity are the 8 or 9 seater
minivan with roof hatches that pop open (cheapest option) , a 4WD
Landcruiser which has the roof panels opening up, and finally the 4WD
Landcruiser/Landrover from which the sides of the body have been removed
and replaced with either canvas or tarpaulin – which can be rolled down
in case of rain (this type of vehicle is normally based in the parks or
reserves).
Game walk
This is an activity which is best undertaken in the morning hours or
the late afternoon hours, before it gets too hot, and normally lasts
about 2 to 3 hours. The game walk, in addition to being more Eco-friendly than the game drive, allows you to get closer to nature.
Your guide will show you things that you cannot see from a vehicle, like
animal tracks and droppings – and you will learn about traditional
medicine as well.
Also viewing wildlife from this perspective is completely different
from when you are in a vehicle. It’s usual to have an armed ranger
accompanying you on the walk, together with your guide and/or
naturalist. Game walks cannot be done in national parks or reserves,
only in conservancies and sanctuaries.
Balloon safari
Flying high over the plains gives you a bird’s eye view of the
wildlife below and this is particularly interesting when there are big
movements of game happening, like the wildebeest migration. Getting a
closer look at game is difficult as you are high above them, but the
feeling of soaring above the plains and watching the game below is
fantastic.
Canoe safari
This is a unique way of viewing wildlife, gliding on the waters of
the river, watching the hippos and elephants crossing the river and
other wildlife coming down to drink. This activity is not so common in
East Africa except in Lake Manyara,– mostly you would see
hippos and crocodiles with occasional glimpses of elephants. However the
scenery is wonderful and it is a wonderful way to pass the time,
drifting along in the canoe. However this is a potentially dangerous
activity so do make sure you book with a reliable and professional
operator.
Horseback Safari
If you are an experienced rider, there is no better way to experience a safari than from the back of a horse – you get to ride up close to elephant, zebra and wildebeest. This is a specialized safari where the horses have to be trained to be near wildlife, and so it not on offer at all parks and reserves.
Remember you don’t have settle for the traditional game drives on
your safari, you can tailor make your safari and choose the type of
wildlife viewing that appeals to you.
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