10 Types of Safaris in Africa: Different Ways to Experience a Safari

Whether you are looking for a classic wildlife safari or an adrenaline-packed adventure tour, there is bound to be a safari that is perfect for you. Discovering the different types of safaris available will help you plan the ultimate African adventure to the right safari destination. Here are 12 of the most popular types of safaris:

Game Drives

This classic wildlife safari is a must-do for any adventure enthusiast and those interested in game viewing while visiting Africa. A game drive is an excursion, typically a guided or a self-drive safari in a 4-wheel open-sided safari vehicle, to see African wildlife and birdlife in their natural habitat. Game drives are one of the most common ways people choose to see animals while visiting national parks such as the Kruger National Park.

If you want to see Africa’s free-roaming wildlife, savannah plains, Baobab trees, and magical African sunsets and find the best places for an unforgettable safari vacation, then game drives are the way to go. You will come face to face with lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and more in some of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth.

Cycling Safaris

Another exciting way to explore Africa is to take a cycling safari. This unique adventure gives you the chance to go off the beaten path and get up close and personal with the stunning scenery and wildlife of Africa. Whether you choose to go on a self-guided or guided tour, cycling safaris are an adventurous way to see the natural beauty of Africa.

If you are looking for an active and exciting way to explore this beautiful continent, you should consider a cycling safari as one of your top options. From mountain biking through lush forests to off-road cycling through open plains, there are countless opportunities to experience the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Africa on two wheels.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Looking for a truly unique way to see the beautiful scenery and wildlife of Africa? A hot air balloon safari is the perfect choice for you. Floating peacefully over rolling green hills and open savannah plains, a hot air balloon ride offers breathtaking views of this incredible continent unlike any other.

Whether you are looking to enjoy a romantic sunrise or take in the amazing sights with family and friends, a hot air balloon safari is sure to be an unforgettable experience. It offers you a unique way to experience the spectacular landscapes of Africa from a higher altitude and with the thrilling gusts of the wind!

Walking Safaris

Enjoy an up-close and personal experience with the animals of the reserve on a walking or mobile safari. You’ll be led by an expert guide who will teach you about all of the different species that you encounter along the way. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast or simply interested in African bush walks, walking safaris are a perfect choice. You could also consider overnight walking safaris for a more immersive experience!

If you want to learn about African wildlife and enjoy an authentic safari adventure, then a walking safari is right for you. Led by expert guides and accompanied by armed rangers for safety, these mobile safaris offer an engaging and interactive way to experience Africa.

Horse Riding Safaris

Another exciting and unique way to explore Africa is on horseback safaris. Enjoy the beauty of the African wilderness while riding on horseback through rugged terrain. Whether you are an experienced rider or simply want to try it out for the first time, horse riding safaris offer an unforgettable experience perfect for any adventure seeker visiting this incredible continent. You can explore the African wilderness on a riding safari in South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, or Namibia.

Mountain Bike Safaris

Looking for a challenging but exhilarating way to explore the beautiful scenery of Africa? Explore rugged terrain and dense forests while getting up close and personal with the diverse wildlife of this incredible continent on a mountain bike. If you want to see all that Africa has to offer and push your limits at the same time, then a mountain biking safari is for you.

Hunting African Safari

Most hunting excursions in Africa are safari-style, meaning that participants drive around the designated area in open vehicles searching for either game or animal tracks. If or when a game is spotted, hunters will then stalk on foot. Alternatively, if fresh tracks are seen instead, huntsmen may disembark and follow them afoot for quite some time.

Camping Safari

Camping safaris are one of the most popular kinds of safari in Africa. Camping safaris generally follow the same format as traditional land-based safaris, with participants traveling on 4×4 vehicles and camping out in tents or under the stars at night. However, because camping safaris often cover a greater distance than other types of safaris, they are usually a more adventurous method.

Guided Safari

A guided safari is often seen as the next step up from traditional camping safaris. Guided safaris are great for those who want to learn more about the history, culture, and wildlife of Africa while still enjoying all of the benefits of a traditional land-based safari. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced adventurer, a guided safari is sure to be the perfect choice for your next African adventure.

Fly-In Safaris

Looking to see the beautiful African landscape from a different perspective? Then a fly-in safari is a must-do! Whether it’s taking in the breathtaking scenery of Victoria Falls, or embarking on an aerial tour of some of Africa’s most incredible landscapes and wildlife reserves, this unique and exciting way of seeing Africa is sure to leave you speechless.

Lodge Safari

If you are looking for a luxurious, high-end experience in Africa, then a lodge safari might just be the best-suited option. Whether it’s staying in one of the premier luxury lodges across South Africa or Kenya or venturing out to some of the most remote and exclusive camps on Earth, lodge safaris can suit anyone.

In addition, with the amazing array of food and drink options that these types of safaris usually offer, it’s no wonder why lodge safaris are becoming one of the most popular ways to explore the riches of Africa in comfort and bliss.

These examples of the types of safari give you a general idea of what to look forward to, regardless of your personal preference. From romantic hot air balloon rides and horseback adventures to guided excursions and mountain biking, there is no shortage of amazing ways to explore the flora and fauna of this incredible continent.