Types of safaris
One can basically attach the word “safari” to any special interest or activity that has some outdoor connection. Here are 7 of the most popular types of safari on offer by safari companies and travel agencies and used by CKS.
1- Game viewing Safaris
Game drives are the cornerstone of any safari and most safari lodges in Africa have open 4x4 jeeps that are used for the morning and afternoon/evening game drives operated by resident rangers.
It is by far the most popular type of safari to view and get real close to a wide range of large mammals and to search a big area.
In some areas the jeeps are allowed to go off-road in search of the big 5.
2 – Walking safaris
For the adventurous, bird-watchers and those interested in animal tracking, a walking safari is highly recommended. This can range from an hour long bush walk to a couple of days walking with an armed ranger through the bush, sleeping overnight in the bush at a remote but fully serviced base camp.
It is a relatively safe activity to experience Africa on foot although one can’t get as close to the big mammals as with a jeep.
A walking safari is about walking slowly to enjoy and discover the sights, sounds and smells of the African wilderness.
3- Mobile camping safaris
This is a good combination of a normal game viewing safari and a camping safari. Guests don't stay in lodges but in tents.The tents are basic but comfortable each with its own en-suite bathroom. Instead of staying at the same base camp each night all camping gear is transferred by a support vehicle and team to an exciting new overnight spot normally every second night. This type of safari (sometimes called bush-camping) is therefore very flexible and perfect for small groups or families. This safari includes full day game drives on a jeep combined with some walking sections. Camping in the wild is the ultimate bush experience.
4 – Fly-in / Wing safaris
On fly or wing safari packages you are flown to and between selected safari lodges and destinations in light aircraft. Normally necessary for remote locations or during a wet season when roads are impassable. This saves time and also cut down on long bumpy road transfers and optimize time for game viewing. Once at the lodge normal game viewing activities are on offer.
All aircraft used for Fly-in safaris are well maintained and flown by skilled professional pilots and you can be assured of high standards.
One can also choose to use a helicopter if money is no option!
5 – Overland Safaris
These are budget type camping safaris with set departure dates targeting the young adult market. Also referred to as cross-country safaris or participation safaris. Mostly medium to smalls groups and involves camping at selected campsites in game reserves or national parks. Traveling is normally by road in big specially converted trucks and accommodation is domes style safari tents. Some participation is required like cooking, washing of dishes and setting up camp. These safaris can range in length from 6 months to a week. The longest trips often start in London traveling across Africa to Cape Town. This can be the ultimate way to experience the African countries, wildlife and cultures with like-minded people.
Overland safaris are led by professional tour leaders and crew and is a great way to make friends and to share adventures.
6 - Photographic Safaris
Perfect for the serious photographer, small groups or individuals wanting to concentrate on photographing wildlife at their leisure. For this type of safari the 4x4 game viewing jeeps or private vehicles and guides are exclusively booked in advance at an extra cost. Sometimes a professional photographer accompanies and guides the group advising on technique, lenses and light conditions.
7 – Bird watching Safaris
Very similar to game viewing or photographic safaris but on these trips the focus is exclusively on finding, and observing birds in their natural habitat. Southern Africa is blessed with over 900 species of birds and it makes for great viewing and photographs. Some trips are guided by a keen bird specialist familiar with the region.
1- Game viewing Safaris
Game drives are the cornerstone of any safari and most safari lodges in Africa have open 4x4 jeeps that are used for the morning and afternoon/evening game drives operated by resident rangers.
It is by far the most popular type of safari to view and get real close to a wide range of large mammals and to search a big area.
In some areas the jeeps are allowed to go off-road in search of the big 5.
2 – Walking safaris
For the adventurous, bird-watchers and those interested in animal tracking, a walking safari is highly recommended. This can range from an hour long bush walk to a couple of days walking with an armed ranger through the bush, sleeping overnight in the bush at a remote but fully serviced base camp.
It is a relatively safe activity to experience Africa on foot although one can’t get as close to the big mammals as with a jeep.
A walking safari is about walking slowly to enjoy and discover the sights, sounds and smells of the African wilderness.
3- Mobile camping safaris
This is a good combination of a normal game viewing safari and a camping safari. Guests don't stay in lodges but in tents.The tents are basic but comfortable each with its own en-suite bathroom. Instead of staying at the same base camp each night all camping gear is transferred by a support vehicle and team to an exciting new overnight spot normally every second night. This type of safari (sometimes called bush-camping) is therefore very flexible and perfect for small groups or families. This safari includes full day game drives on a jeep combined with some walking sections. Camping in the wild is the ultimate bush experience.
4 – Fly-in / Wing safaris
On fly or wing safari packages you are flown to and between selected safari lodges and destinations in light aircraft. Normally necessary for remote locations or during a wet season when roads are impassable. This saves time and also cut down on long bumpy road transfers and optimize time for game viewing. Once at the lodge normal game viewing activities are on offer.
All aircraft used for Fly-in safaris are well maintained and flown by skilled professional pilots and you can be assured of high standards.
One can also choose to use a helicopter if money is no option!
5 – Overland Safaris
These are budget type camping safaris with set departure dates targeting the young adult market. Also referred to as cross-country safaris or participation safaris. Mostly medium to smalls groups and involves camping at selected campsites in game reserves or national parks. Traveling is normally by road in big specially converted trucks and accommodation is domes style safari tents. Some participation is required like cooking, washing of dishes and setting up camp. These safaris can range in length from 6 months to a week. The longest trips often start in London traveling across Africa to Cape Town. This can be the ultimate way to experience the African countries, wildlife and cultures with like-minded people.
Overland safaris are led by professional tour leaders and crew and is a great way to make friends and to share adventures.
6 - Photographic Safaris
Perfect for the serious photographer, small groups or individuals wanting to concentrate on photographing wildlife at their leisure. For this type of safari the 4x4 game viewing jeeps or private vehicles and guides are exclusively booked in advance at an extra cost. Sometimes a professional photographer accompanies and guides the group advising on technique, lenses and light conditions.
7 – Bird watching Safaris
Very similar to game viewing or photographic safaris but on these trips the focus is exclusively on finding, and observing birds in their natural habitat. Southern Africa is blessed with over 900 species of birds and it makes for great viewing and photographs. Some trips are guided by a keen bird specialist familiar with the region.
