Wildlife viewing is so much more than sitting in a vehicle – there are myriad activities on offer, all of which allow interesting ways to view Africa’s landscapes and animal residents from a different perspective.

Riding safaris – one to add to the list if you want to really feel like part of the landscape.  Until you’ve ridden in the wilderness you simply don’t get the sense of what it’s like to be accepted by the wildlife as one of them.  Nothing else will get you closer, further off the beaten track or more immersed in your surroundings.  The view between your horse’s ears will be something to treasure.

Riding with giraffe in South Africa on a Wait a Little riding safari

Canoe safaris – many of the great African canoe safaris explore the Zambezi River as it carves the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe.  In Zambia, the focus is on short half-day trips, while Zimbabwe offers longer expeditions lasting several days or more.  Viewing the wildlife from the water adds a totally different perspective to landbased activities.

A perfect sunset on a canoe safari with Sapi Explorers in Zimbabwe

Balloon safaris – floating over the African plains at sunrise is a proper ‘pinch me’ moment.  It’s a fantastic way to see the landscape with endless photographic opportunities.

Floating high above the Mara River on a balloon safari from Little Governor’s Camp

Helicopter safaris – hopping into a helicopter on safari is a rare treat and offers an exhilarating way to access some of the  more out of the way wildlife viewing areas.  There’s plenty of choice, from flights up to Lake Turkana in northern Kenya and marvelling at a bird’s eye view of the Okavango Delta, to exploring Madagascar’s rugged coastline and islands.

Exploring Madagascar’s wonderous wildlife and landscapes from the luxurious Miavana

Walking safaris – offer a perfect way to explore Africa’s great wilderness regions, getting to know its rugged topography and plant life, spotting colourful birds and slowing down to the pace of the natural world.  Whether it’s coming face to face with a mountain gorilla, tracking rhino or simply walking through the plains admiring the view, being on foot adds a whole new dimension to a safari.

You might not get as close on foot as you would in a vehicle but spotting wildlife on foot is a safari ‘must do’. Kaingo Camp

Boating safaris – among water-based explorations are those on the channels of the Okavango Delta, dhow trips on lakes Malawi and Tanganyika, and sea-going trips to watch whales or dolphins. Wherever you are you’ll enjoy lively guides and super views.

So close you could almost touch them – whale watching from Grootbos Lodge in South Africa

What next?
There are so many different ways to enjoy viewing Africa’s wildlife this is our second blog on the topic.  If you are interested to see more ideas then have a look at Alternative ways to explore Africa’s wilderness. We would be delighted to help plan your perfect safari holiday including some of these varied activities which allow you to view the wildlife from a different perspective.  Our team of experts has travelled widely throughout Africa and the Indian Ocean and can offer expert advice.  Do get in touch – chatting to people by phone or email is what we do best. We listen, we explain, we answer all sorts of questions even those you didn’t know to ask, and finally we make suggestions. If this is your first time to Africa or your twenty first, we have a team standing by to help make the planning easy and the journey the best ever. Please get in touch whatever stage you’re at.

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