Africa is a grand continent known for its unmistakable beauty and breath-taking landscapes. It's home to an amazing assortment of wild animals, colorful birds and interesting insects that most people only dream of laying eyes on in the wild.
One of the best ways to explore this magnificent continent is to experience the adventure of a safari. The following four safaris will change your life, touch your heart, and enlighten your soul. Every penny you spend on experiencing just one of these African countries is totally and completely worth it!
Camel Safari: Sahara Desert, Morocco
A camel safari through the Sahara Desert should be on everyone’s bucket list. It's an exceptional experience one will never forget. Camel safaris (or trekking as it’s sometimes called) are available from some hotels and luxury beach resorts located around Morocco, at reasonable prices (it's advisable to compare prices beforehand).
Most camel safaris include riding one of these humped animals across the Sahara’s sand dunes to a special spot where you will enjoy delicious and authentic Moroccan food, such as tagine, while chatting and learning more about magical Morocco. You can choose to go on a day trip if you are pushed for time, or you can indulge in a two-week trek where you sleep under the stars every night.
Throughout your camel safari you'll explore the beautiful desert landscape and climb some of the huge dunes to watch the sun rise or set. We will admit that traveling by camel isn't one of the comfiest modes of transport, but to experience the mode of transport the Berber nomads use every day is special and unforgettable. Note: the best time to go on a camel safari is from September to February.
Boat or 4x4 Safari: Chobe National Park, Botswana
This safari can be done by road in a game truck or by water in a boat, and each give you a beautiful insight to why Chobe is one of the most popular places to visit for game watching.
It's located in Botswana, a beautiful landlocked country in southern Africa within the Okavango Delta (above South Africa and surrounded by Namibia and Zimbabwe – meaning easy access to Victoria Falls, which is a bonus). If you choose to explore the game reserve by truck, you will enjoy a bumpy ride through the thick bush while you try to spot wild dog, cheetah, brown hyena and more.
If you decide to try the Chobe River by boat instead, expect to see an array of animals drinking along the banks and even crossing the waters if you’re lucky (think elephants, giraffe and an array of buck, as well as lots of crocodiles and hippos).
Walking Safari: Zambia
Offering the widest choice of reliably excellent walking safaris, Zambia is the place to visit. There are strict guiding exams that ensure consistently high standards of walking safaris in Zambia, which means you don't have to worry about paying for a disappointing experience.
There are a variety of well-run, high-quality camps that offer these bush walks, which makes Zambia the perfect place to go on holiday for bush enthusiasts. According to Expert Africa, "the South Luangwa National Park is said to be the birthplace of walking safaris and you’ll still find some of the continent’s best on-foot experiences there."
But virtually every camp has very experienced walking guides who make every walking safari an incredible experience. If you’re really into walking and are interesting in a solely walking-safari-vacation, you can find a few camps who are dedicated to walking safaris and are great little camps to stay in.
Elephant Safari: Zimbabwe
Keeping with the animal theme, next on our list are elephant safaris through Zimbabwe. I don’t know if you could ever imagine climbing aboard one of these gentle giants, but it really is a spectacular experience.
Not only do you ride on one of the largest animals in Africa, but you get to interact with them during your ride through the wilderness for a few hours. You can journey through some beautiful ancient game trails or silently explore the grasslands of Victoria Falls National Park if you chose to go on your elephant safari with Victoria Falls Safaris – which is just one a few who offer this amazing excursion.
These animals are intelligent and incredibly majestic, and are the perfect way to view game. You can expect to see other animals such as buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and an array of different buck, too.
Final Thoughts
Whether you do a camel safari in Morocco, a 4x4 safari in Chobe, or a walking safari in Zambia, you really must try one of these amazing adventures. There's a reason African safaris on so many people's bucket lists. They are magical and once in a lifetime experiences!
