There is an array of activities to choose from while on a safari experiencing a trip of a life time around East Africa.
Game Drives
Superb game drives are led by an expert driver/guide in a 4×4 land cruiser style vehicle that has been specially adapted to maximize photographic opportunities. The vehicle will either be completely open with only a sunshade or the sides closed with a “pop-top” roof enabling you to stand and soak in the panoramic views.
Walking Safaris
A walking safari is the purest form to fully immerse yourself in the sublime beauty of Africa. Add this experience to your bucket list. Whilst it varies from camp to camp, walking safaris typically take place very early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the heat of the day and they last between 2-4 hours. A basic level of fitness is required and the pace is gentle with stops and starts to watch, learn and listen.
On foot allows you to understand the smaller things often missed on faster paced game drives. Learn about plant species, traditional medicines, spoor tracks, bird nests, termite mounds and the endless surprises of the African bush.
Night Drives
The African bush does not sleep at night, so when the sun goes down it is a thrilling time to be on safari. Guides will locate animals by shining a red-filtered spotlight (to not affect the animal’s night vision), that reflects light from their eyes. It is the time to see nocturnal animals, civets, genets, bush babies, owls, porcupines and possibly an aardvark.
Hot Air Ballooning
Up, up and away gives a unique perspective of the landscape and wildlife, a thrilling experience.
Typically, the balloon safari takes off at sunrise and lasts for approximately an hour. The exact flight path is determined by the weather conditions that day. It’s the perfect way to start the day.
Fly-camping
“Fly-camping” takes its name from sleeping in the wild under nothing more than a fly-sheet or a simple tent. It is a throwback before the introduction of luxury safari camps. A fabulous opportunity to sleep in the bush in a lightweight tent, with a surprising amount of comfort. The sounds and smells of magical Africa right on your door- step or we should say, close to your zipped up tent. Greeted in the morning with the smell of woodfire, hot water to wash and a mug of steaming tea or coffee brought to you by your camp guide is the perfect way to start the adventure of the day.
Horseback Safaris
Riding in the bush will take you into the heart of the game. Giraffe, zebra, oryx, eland and rhino are just a few of the animals that do not see horses as a threat.
On horseback you have the opportunity to explore areas that are otherwise inaccessible by vehicles. It is a great option to leave the beaten track. .
Boat Safaris
A boat safari is the opportunity to get close to a variety of aquatic life, hippos and crocodiles top of the list. Elephants love water and their escapades can keep you enthralled for hours. The water is a birder’s paradise.
Birdwatching
With binoculars and bird book you are set. East Africa is one of the best destinations in the world for birdwatching boasting of a huge number of endemic species. Identification can start as a hobby and become a passion in no time.
Culture
No visit to East Africa is complete without exploring the diverse cultures and traditions of its people. East Africa is the birthplace of mankind and has an extensive fossil record of human evolution allowing travellers to get a rare insight into our oldest ancestors. Today, East Africa is a rich tapestry of the constantly changing and mingling cultures that have lived here for millennia.
Remarkably, Kenya has 40 tribes while Tanzania has over 120, most with their own traditions, culture and language. While people in both countries embrace the 21st century, they also treasure the cultural heritage that defines their identity. Exploring these fascinating cultures will help you understand these precious places, as well as the challenges they face.
Activities in the Indian Ocean
Kenya and Tanzania are blessed with stunning white-sandy beaches that line their coasts and tropical islands, making for a perfect place to unwind after a busy safari. Whilst you can choose to simply lie back and enjoy the tranquility of the coast, there is also an array of activities on offer if you are more adventurous.
Underneath the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean lie rich and diverse coral reefs that teem with life. Kenya’s Diani beach, and Tanzania’s tropical islands of Pemba, Zanzibar and the Mafia archipelago, are the best places to visit for anyone keen on snorkeling and/or diving.
Other popular activities include deep sea fishing, kayaking, dhow (traditional sailing boat) cruises, kitesurfing and windsurfing.