The different types of African Safaris

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by: M. Cusack
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Word Count: 669
Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2010 Time: 7:17 AM
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Early safari explorers like Frederick Selous, Theodore Roosevelt and Ernest Hemingway, did not have today's transportation luxuries, and often had to trek through the rugged terrain on foot, carrying their gun for protection. Despite the primitive camps and accommodations, these men enjoyed their excursions, as they experienced Africa's beauty and variety in its purest state.

Nowadays, the best way to experience an African safari is still on foot, but with transportation back-up in case the game-viewing or photographic pursuits do not work out. With a few trucks nearby, camps can quickly be moved to another remote location.
Modern-day African Safari organizers focus on a wide range of safari possibilities. Although ‘walking' safaris are still quite popular, today, the selection is extensive and includes, riding safaris, mobile expeditions, fly-ins, canoe trips, and privately guided tours.

Walking Safaris

This is a ‘loose' term used to describe safaris that emphasize guided walking expeditions in game rich areas. During these excursions, a qualified, experienced and armed guide will lead the tour.

These types of safaris are unquestionably the best way to experience the African wilderness, even if at times participants have to overnight in a temporary bush camps. Other times, permanent bases can be used to rest, or as a starting point for additional activities. Generally, during walking safaris, amenities are scaled back to basics.

African locations suited for walking safaris: Botswana, southern Tanzania, and Kenya's Mara, etc.

Horseback Safaris

It is a totally different experience to explore the vast unspoiled African wilderness riding a horse. Although the arrangements of riding safaris resemble those of traditional walking safaris, the experience itself is completely different. Horse and rider will become one with the environment, sharing the same sounds, scents, sights and excitement.

African locations suited for riding safaris: Botswana, Kenya Safari , Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, etc.

Mobile Safaris

If you like being chauffeured around through a variety of habitats in a 4x4 vehicle, you will probably love participating in a mobile safari. The use of an all-terrain vehicle is often necessary to cover the vast distances between prime destination spots. Most often, the driver is also a qualified guide, who knows many terrific wildlife scouting spots.

African locations suited for mobile safaris: Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania's Serengeti, etc.

Wing or Fly-in Safaris

Fly-in safaris are usually organized in order to cover a large territory in a short amount of time. The pilot typically also serves as guide during the trip, and will fly his guests to the most exclusive safari camps and lodges. Six, or seven night fly-in safaris are rather popular with travelers who have little time, yet want to experience lots.

African locations suited for fly-in safaris: Botswana, Amboseli in Kenya, Namibia, etc.

Canoe safaris

Explorers who want to totally submerge with Africa's wilderness should book a canoe safari. Several of the large African rivers are ideal for canoe excursions; they include tented camps on islands and river banks, or permanent lodges for overnight stops. Canoe safaris can also be combined with walking safaris.

African locations suited for canoe safaris: Tugela River in South Africa, the Kunene River in Namibia, the Zambezi River (runs through 6 countries from central Africa to the Indian Ocean), etc.

Privately Guided Safaris

Most established safari organizers offer tailor-made, privately guided safaris. These exclusive services typically include specialized guides, transportation, lodging and whatever else the guest requires to make this trip an ultimate, in-depth adventure. Privately guided tours are often limited to one or 2 participants; they can include expeditions to more remote country parts, or excursions that focus on well trodden trails.

African locations suited for privately guided safaris: Tanzania, or any other African country the hired African Safari Travel Company has contacts.

About the Author

Encompass Africa can create you a customised and incredibly memorable African Safari best suited to your tatses, needs and budget. One of the most renowned locations in Africa is to partake in a Kenya Safari . Contact Encompass Africa for the best tips from people who love Africa and want you to as well.