What is an African Safari Vacation?

When many people think of an African safari, they only envision one type—an adventure in a rugged vehicle, bouncing about the rolling terrain of Africa. This is absolutely true, but there are also several other types of safaris that are just as exhilarating, and shouldn’t be overlooked when planning your trip to Africa. Although a vehicle safari is a must while on your African safari trip, there are plenty of other types of safaris you may not be aware of, that are unique and just as exciting.

Did you ever think there could be five different types of an African safari vacation?

• A game-drive safari or vehicle safari could be considered the most traditional. The thrill of the vehicle’s invigorating speed and ruggedness create a truly authentic safari. Vehicle safaris offer an exceptional view of wild game throughout the area, and allow you to sit back and enjoy the excitement of a lion attacking its prey unravel before your eyes. Most luxurious lodges and camps offer excellent vehicle safaris.
  
  
• A walking safari allows you to connect with nature on a whole new level. The movement and feel of this safari is completely opposite to a vehicle safari, as you can feel the ground beneath your feet, and are on a different height level than a vehicle. A walking safari offers the same fantastic game-viewing experience and adventure as a vehicle safari, while offering a different perspective on nature. Zambia’s Luangwa National Park is famous for its exceptional walking safaris.
  
  
  
• A canoe safari boasts a fresh perspective on animal behavior. The rivers and water holes provide a place for animals to bathe, play, and drink from. Watch a hippo charge into the water or a baby elephant play with his mother. In addition to observing animals behaving in a different environment, a canoe safari boasts a large variety of birds and water-dwelling animals, which cannot be seen on any other type of safari. The Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe is the ideal place to enjoy a canoe safari.
  
  
• A balloon safari is one of the most interesting safaris there is. This one-of-a-kind safari is truly a unique adventure since riders have a bird’s-eye-view of the land, and can observe nature from a whole new perspective. Game-viewing is spectacular as you glide above the treetops, and soak in the picturesque moments. Enjoy a hot-air balloon safari at Singita Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania, and experience an out-of-this-world escapade.
  
  
• A horseback safari is arguably one of the most adventurous safaris there is. Running with a herd of zebra on horseback is an experience that cannot be matched by any other. Feel the adrenaline rush through your veins as you ride along the sprawling hills and observe spectacular creatures and the Big Five at close proximity. Singita Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania now offers horseback safaris for experienced riders.

Don’t miss the bountiful opportunities that await you in Africa. Let Hills of Africa Travel plan the perfect, tailored itinerary for your next African family safari or honeymoon safari. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802, and experience an unforgettable journey.

An African Safari Different From The Rest

At the southern bank of the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe lies the Mana Pools National Park. Famous for its plentiful wildlife, majestic scenery, and unspoiled terrain, this Park is often referred to as Zimbabwe’s Wildlife Riviera. The river is an excellent magnet for a spectrum of wildlife, making a canoe safari a must.

These safaris are an outstanding way to enjoy game viewing from a new perspective. Instead of the traditional bumpy, off-road safari, a canoe safari quietly takes you down the Zambezi River. It’s so smooth you can even hold a cocktail while enjoying the surrounding wildlife and grandiose beauty.

The river is home to spectacular animals different from those observed in the dry arid plains of Africa. A canoe safari down the Zambezi River offers the amazing opportunity to observe wildlife not seen during off-road safaris. The combination of the quiet river, unspoiled nature, and canopying trees, can be matched by no other place on earth.

On your canoe safari in the Mana Pools National Park, you’ll be within feet of:

• Over 380 species of bird.

• An animal known as one of the Big Five—the buffalo.

• A sneaky crocodile lurking on the river bank.

• Elephants bathing with their young.

• Hippos charging in the water with magnificent power.

Build memories that will last a lifetime as you journey down the Zambezi River on a blissful canoe safari. Contact Hills of Africa Travel today at (877) 845-4802, and let us plan something special for you. The magic of Africa awaits you…

African Safari Vacation: Adventure Begins with the Big Five

African safari tours are the gateway to an incredible world of culture, spectacular game-viewing, stunning landscape, and thrilling adventures. Although safari travelers thoroughly enjoy the hundreds of exotic birds, peculiar reptiles, and cunning mammals, nothing is more exciting than the sight of one of the Big Five . . .

Once you recognize one of the Big Five stalking its prey or pounding the ground as it walks, your heart starts to pound and adrenaline rushes through your body. You know a creature of magnificent strength, size, and power is in the area. The grounds are quiet and the anticipation rises. Will there be a kill?

The Big Five are some of the largest and most fearsome game famous to Africa, and include the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo.

• Lions are an extremely social mammal, traveling in prides with an average of 15 individuals.

• Leopards lounge in trees to watch for prey and hide from predators. One of the greatest areas in Africa to spot Leopards is Sabi-Sands game reserve.

• Rhinos (Black and White) are among the most popular animals still being poached today. Poachers sell their horns for large sums of money.

• Elephants weigh around 12,000 lbs. and are the largest mammal on land. Large numbers of elephant can been seen in the Chobe Game Reserve in Botswana and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.

• Buffalo are usually observed traveling in large herds near water holes and can weigh over 1500 lbs. They have been known to attack and kill unfortunate hunters who moved to close.

The best African safaris to view the Big Five can be found in Kruger National Park, Sabi-Sands game reserve, North-West Province , Moremi National Park, and Mana Pools.

Adventure through the plains of Africa on an authentic family safari or honeymoon safari , and experience a world of true beauty and splendor. Hills of Africa Travel will take care of all your travel details and create a tailored itinerary around your preference. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802.