Off-The-Beaten-Track African Safaris
Africa is renowned for its iconic wildlife safaris, offering unforgettable encounters with wild animals and bird species in some of the continent's most famous national parks and game reserves. And there are many off-the-beaten-track safaris that give adventurous travellers the opportunity to explore Africa's wilderness in unique and unconventional ways.
For those looking for a more “unusual” African safari adventure, here are some of them:
For those looking for a more “unusual” African safari adventure, here are some of them:
Walking Safari in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park
Image: Siyabonga Africa
Instead of viewing wildlife from the comfort of a vehicle, you can go on a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park. Led by experienced guides, this safari lets you observe wildlife up close in the African bush. You will see elephants, giraffes, hippos, and a wide variety of bird species.
Mokoro (Canoe) Safari in Botswana's Okavango Delta
Image – Machaba Safari
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How about navigating the vast waterways of the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) on a canoe safari? Here. You will glide silently through the delta's labyrinthine channels, accompanied by your guide (who doubles as the oarsman). Read more about a mokoro safari in Botswana here. Surrounded by papyrus reeds and water lilies, you will look out for hippos, crocodiles, and amazing birdlife. Camping on remote islands adds a rustic, authentic African bush element of adventure to this unique safari. |
Desert Safari in Namibia's Skeleton Coast
Namib Desert, Namibia - Image: Pexels
A desert safari in Namibia is a fantastic and somewhat otherworldly experience where you will visit vast stretches of pristine desert (the Namib desert is the oldest in the world). You will also encounter desert-adapted wildlife such as oryx, springbok, and desert elephants and lions (read more about the desert lions of Namibia here).
The Skeleton Coast, Namibia
The Skeleton Coast – Image: Travel Butlers
Kolmanskop Ghost Town, Namibia |
You will see the remains of shipwrecks scattered along the Skeleton Coast where the towering dunes of the desert meet the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. There are also vast breeding colonies of African penguins to be seen along the coast near the town of Lüderitz. Other sightings off the coast include whales and dolphins.
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This ghost town, once a prosperous community built on the wealth of a booming diamond industry, has been abandoned since 1954 and has been steadily reclaimed by the Namib desert over the years, burying it under a sea of sand. |
Kolmanskop Ghost Town – Image: Much Better Adventures
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Horseback Safari in Kenya's Maasai Mara
Image: Equus Journeys
Horse lovers can enjoy the exhilarating experience of galloping across the savannahs of the Masai Mara on a horseback safari, an exciting alternative to traditional game drives. Led by knowledgeable guides, you will ride alongside herds of giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, and a variety of African antelope (read more about African antelope here).
As you explore the vast landscape of this world-renowned safari park, you will see a wide variety of wildlife, as well as the big cats and other predators. On this safari, you will get up close and personal with the wildlife, sights, sounds, and smells of the African bush.
As you explore the vast landscape of this world-renowned safari park, you will see a wide variety of wildlife, as well as the big cats and other predators. On this safari, you will get up close and personal with the wildlife, sights, sounds, and smells of the African bush.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda
Image: Pexels
A gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda is truly unforgettable (read more about a gorilla trekking safari here). Accompanied by experienced guides, you will hike through dense rainforests in search of mountain gorillas and spend an awe-inspiring hour in the presence of these magnificent creatures, observing their behaviour and social interactions in their natural habitat. This wildlife encounter is definitely a bucket-list experience.
Camel Safari in Kenya
Camel safari in Kenya – Image: Elewana – Art of Safari
Go on an exotic camel safari in Kenya's remote Northern Frontier. Here you will travel across rugged landscapes and semi-arid deserts on camels. You will journey through traditional Samburu and Turkana tribal lands, encountering nomadic herders and wildlife adapted to the arid environments - and camp under the stars in mobile tented camps.
Diving Safari in Mozambique's Quirimbas Archipelago
Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique – Image: Art of Safar
If you’re a scuba diver, this might be the African safari for you. On this diving safari, you will explore the underwater sea life in the Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Mozambique. Known for its pristine coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life, this remote and untouched marine wilderness offers incredible diving opportunities. You will swim amongst spectacular and colourful coral formations, encounter reef fish, turtles, and rays, and explore underwater caves and shipwrecks teeming with marine biodiversity.
Birdwatching Safari in Zambia's Bangweulu Wetlands
Bangweulu Wetlands, Zambia – Image: Kingsfar
If you’re a keen birder or bird photographer, a birdwatching safari in the remote Bangweulu Wetlands of northern Zambia is just the ticket. Home to an incredible amount of bird species, including the iconic shoebill stork, African skimmer, and wattled crane, this pristine wetland ecosystem offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. You will explore the vast floodplains, marshes, and lagoons by boat or on foot, accompanied by expert birding guides.
Cultural Safari in Ethiopia's Omo Valley
Omo Valley Woman, Ethiopia - Image: Piper & Health Travel
If you’re interested in the indigenous peoples of Africa, you will enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia's Omo Valley on this specifically designed cultural safari. You will travel to remote tribal communities, including the Hamar, Mursi, and Karo peoples, and experience their traditional way of life firsthand. See colourful tribal ceremonies, rituals, and festivals, and interact with local villagers to gain insight into their customs, traditions, and beliefs. You will also explore ancient rock-hewn churches, archaeological sites, and vibrant markets as you discover Ethiopia's fascinating cultural heritage and history.
Elephant Safari in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park
Elephants at Mana Pools National Park – Image: Wilderness Destinations
Undoubtedly, one of the exciting safari experience is encountering a herd of wild elephant up close while on foot. You can experience this firsthand on a walking safari in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park.
Mana Pools is known for its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife, including large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and predators such as lions and leopards, especially offering unique opportunities to observe and photograph elephants on foot.
Accompanied by experienced guides, you will explore the park's riverine forests, floodplains, and open plains, and marvel at the sight of elephants bathing, feeding, and interacting in their natural habitat. If you love elephants as much as we do, this is the safari for you.
Mana Pools is known for its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife, including large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and predators such as lions and leopards, especially offering unique opportunities to observe and photograph elephants on foot.
Accompanied by experienced guides, you will explore the park's riverine forests, floodplains, and open plains, and marvel at the sight of elephants bathing, feeding, and interacting in their natural habitat. If you love elephants as much as we do, this is the safari for you.
Hot Air Balloon Safari in Tanzania's Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania – Image: Tarangire National Park
This is an amazing safari where you will soar above the treetops and savannah plains of Tanzania's Tarangire National Park in a hot air balloon no less! You will drift silently over the landscape in the still air as the sun rises, giving you panoramic views of the park's diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Spot herds of elephant, giraffes, zebras, and antelope from the sky, and capture stunning aerial photographs of the African bush below. After your flight, you will be treated to a champagne breakfast served in the bush, surrounded by the African wilderness. See more about hot air balloon safaris here.